Information Processing Systems

Abstract

To suppress distribution of a moving image that is not permitted.SOLUTION: There is provided an information processing system. In an issuance step in the information processing system, permission information indicating permission of the distribution of a moving image including a predetermined game screen is issued. In a notification step, the issued permission information is notified to a user wanting the moving image to be distributed. In an imparting determination step, it is determined whether or not the permission information is imparted to the moving image when the moving image including the game screen is edited and uploaded or distributed. In a distribution step, a moving image to which the issued permission information is imparted is distributed out of moving images including the game screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a bonus to a live commentary user when a new player registers or the frequency of play increases in a game for which a live commentary video is distributed by the live commentary user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-162881 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When distributing videos that include gameplay footage, there is a risk that the videos may be distributed without the permission of the owners of the game rights. In consideration of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to curb unauthorized video distribution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. In the issuing step of this information processing system, license information indicating permission to distribute a video including a predetermined game screen is issued. In the notifying step, the issued license information is notified to a user who wishes to distribute. In the distributing step, a video including the game screen that is assigned the issued license information is distributed.

[0006] According to this aspect, unauthorized video distribution can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a game video distribution system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the game server 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a game terminal 30. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control unit of each device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of an issuing process. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a distribution condition table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing another example of the issuing process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed distribution rights screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of a distribution process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video editing screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a video editing screen for assigning a license ID. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of a condition determination process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of a payment request process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0009] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0010] In this embodiment, the term "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, this embodiment handles various types of information, which may be represented by, for example, physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltages and currents, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0011] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0012] 1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of the game video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a game video distribution system 1. The game video distribution system 1 is a system that executes processing for distributing videos including game screens (hereinafter referred to as "game videos"), and is an example of an "information processing system." The games referred to here are so-called computer games, which are played on game consoles, personal computers, smartphones, etc. Game screens include not only screens of the game being played by the player, but also screens called demos, effects, movies, etc. that are not being played. Game screens also include not only videos but also still images.

[0014] The game video distribution system 1 comprises a communication line 2, a BC system 3 (BC = Blockchain), a game server 10, a video distribution server 20, and a game terminal 30. The communication line 2 includes the Internet and the like, and mediates the exchange of data between devices connected to the line. The BC system 3 distributes and manages various information using a blockchain mechanism. The BC system 3 comprises multiple node devices connected to each other via a P2P network (P2P = Peer to Peer).

[0015] The BC system 3 divides transaction data, which indicates the history of past processing, into blocks of a certain capacity, and generates a blockchain by arranging and connecting these blocks in order. The BC system 3 assigns a hash value of the previous block to each block, and distributes and stores the generated blockchain among multiple node devices. In this way, the BC system 3 improves the tamper-resistance of the blockchain. The game server 10 is a device that provides game functions to players.

[0016] The video distribution server 20 is a device that accumulates and distributes game videos. The video distribution server 20 registers and manages transaction data that describes agreements such as permissions and compensation for video distribution in the BC system 3. The game terminal 30 is a device used by game players, and displays game screens provided by the game server 10. The game terminal 30 displays game videos distributed by the video distribution server 20. Furthermore, in the game video distribution system 1, players can operate the game terminal 30 to edit game videos that include game screens played by themselves or others, and upload them to the video distribution server 20.

[0017] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the game server 10. The game server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a bus 14. The bus 14 electrically connects the various units included in the game server 10. The video distribution server 20 may have different performance and detailed specifications, but has the same hardware configuration as the game server 10.

[0018] (Control unit 11) The control unit 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 11 realizes various functions related to the game video distribution system 1 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 12. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 12 is specifically realized by the control unit 11, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 11. These will be described in further detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 11 is not limited to being single, and multiple control units 11 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0019] (Storage unit 12) The memory unit 12 stores various pieces of information defined above. This may be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the game video distribution system 1 executed by the control unit 11, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 12 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the game video distribution system 1 executed by the control unit 11.

[0020] (Communications Department 13) The communication unit 13 is configured to be able to transmit various electrical signals from the game server 10 to external components. The communication unit 13 is also configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from the external components to the game server 10. More preferably, the communication unit 13 has a network communication function, which allows various information to be communicated between the game server 10 and external devices via the communication line 2.

[0021] 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of game terminal 30. Game terminal 30 includes control unit 31, storage unit 32, communication unit 33, input unit 34, display unit 35, and bus 36. Bus 36 electrically connects the various units included in game terminal 30. Control unit 31, storage unit 32, and communication unit 33 may differ in performance and detailed specifications, but are the same hardware as control unit 11, storage unit 12, and communication unit 13 described in FIG. 2.

[0022] (Input unit 34) The input unit 34 has buttons, a touch screen, etc., and accepts input from the user. In the case of the game terminal 30, a controller suitable for playing games is often used as the input unit 34.

[0023] (Display section 35) The display unit 35 has a display or the like and displays images on a display surface. Note that the display unit 35 displaying various images such as characters, items, and backgrounds that appear in the game is also referred to as "displaying a game screen."

[0024] 2. Functional configuration This section describes the functional configuration of this embodiment. As described above, information processing by software stored in the storage unit of each device is specifically realized by a control unit, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit included in the control unit can be executed.

[0025] 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of each device. The control unit of game server 10 includes a game processing unit 111, a game storage unit 112, and a recording unit 113. The control unit of video distribution server 20 includes a video storage unit 211, a list distribution unit 212, a video distribution unit 213, a permission information processing unit 214, a grant processing unit 215, a condition processing unit 216, an identification processing unit 217, and a BC processing unit 218. The control unit of game terminal 30 includes a game processing unit 311, a game storage unit 312, and a video processing unit 313.

[0026] The game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 performs processing related to the game. The game storage unit 112 stores data related to the game. The game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 executes processing related to the game. The game storage unit 312 stores data related to the game. The game server 10 and the game terminal 30 use these functions to provide the game to the player.

[0027] Games provided to players may be of any genre, including fighting games, action games, shooting games, role-playing games, simulation games, puzzle games, racing games, and music games. The recording unit 113 of the game server 10 performs processing related to recording game screens. The video processing unit 313 of the game terminal 30 performs processing related to game videos. For example, the video processing unit 313 accepts an operation to create game videos based on the recorded game screens, and performs editing processing of the game videos.

[0028] The video storage unit 211 of the video distribution server 20 stores the uploaded game videos. The list distribution unit 212 creates and distributes a list of the game videos stored in the video storage unit 211. The video distribution unit 213 distributes the game videos stored in the video storage unit 211. The video processing unit 313 of the game terminal 30 performs display processing to display the distributed videos. The license information processing unit 214 performs processing such as issuing and notifying license information related to the distribution of game videos.

[0029] The license information is information indicating that distribution of a game video is permitted, and in this embodiment, it is a license ID (Identification) expressed in letters and numbers, etc. Distribution permission means that the owner of the rights related to the game permits distribution of game videos including screens from that game. The rights related to the game include copyrights, design rights, patent rights, etc. for the game itself, characters appearing in the game, and music used in the game.

[0030] In the game video distribution system 1, the issued license information is assigned to the game video, thereby proving that distribution of the game video is permitted. The granting processing unit 215 performs processing related to the assignment of license information to the game video, such as determining whether or not license information has been assigned to the game video. Although distribution of game videos may be permitted without limit, some conditions are usually imposed. The condition processing unit 216 performs processing related to such distribution conditions for game videos.

[0031] The information assigned to the game video is not limited to license information. The identification processing unit 217, which identifies the screen video that records the game screen, processes the identification information assigned to the game video. The identification information here refers to identification information different from the license ID, such as a video ID that identifies the game video that has been licensed for distribution. The BC processing unit 218 performs BC-related processes, such as registering information related to the distribution of the game video in the BC system 3.

[0032] 3. Information Processing In this section, information processing of this embodiment will be described. The game video distribution system 1 performs distribution processing for distributing game videos. The distribution processing includes an issuance processing for issuing license information.

[0033] Fig. 5 is an activity diagram showing an example of the issuing process. The issuing process shown in Fig. 5 is an example in which a user records a game while playing it, and when the user has recorded a game screen that the user wants to use in the game video, the user permits distribution of the game video including the recorded game screen. First, in A101, the game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 and the game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 cooperate to execute game processing that provides the user with game functions.

[0034] Next, at A102, when the game terminal 30 receives a recording operation from the user, it transmits instruction data indicating a recording instruction to the game server 10. At A103, the game server 10 causes the recording unit 113 to record the game screen based on the instruction indicated in the transmitted instruction data, and generates temporary data indicating the recorded game screen. When the user performs an operation to end recording on the game terminal 30, at A104, the game server 10 causes the recording unit 113 to generate recorded data indicating the recorded game screen based on the generated temporary data.

[0035] The recorded data is data representing moving images and still images showing game screens, sounds emitted during the game, etc. In this embodiment, the recorded data is generated by the game server 10, but may also be generated by the game terminal 30. The game server 10 transmits the generated recorded data to the game terminal 30. Upon receiving the transmitted recorded data, the game terminal 30 performs a video editing process in A105 using the video processing unit 313 to edit the game video.

[0036] The transmission and reception of recorded data from the game server 10 to the game terminal 30 is managed by user ID. This may allow only the user of the game terminal 30 to receive the data, or allow anyone to receive it. The user or game administrator may also be able to arbitrarily set whether or not to receive such recorded data. The user can edit the video by cropping, zooming in and out, rearranging, looping, overlaying effect images and comment images, overlaying user video, adding user voice, adding subtitles to user voice, and arranging the user voice on the game video.

[0037] When game terminal 30 completes editing of the video, video processing unit 313 generates video data indicating the completed game video and video information, which is meta information of the game video, at step A106. The video information indicates, for example, a video ID that identifies the game video, the time length of the game video (playback time of the game video), and the name of the game included in the game video. When the user completes the game video, the user performs an inquiry operation to inquire about distribution conditions that must be met in order to distribute the game video.

[0038] When game terminal 30 accepts the inquiry operation, it transmits the generated video information to video distribution server 20. Video distribution server 20 stores various distribution conditions in advance. The distribution conditions are determined for each distributor of a video containing content (a game video in this embodiment). In this embodiment, it is assumed that distribution conditions are determined in more detail for each game video. Video distribution server 20 stores the distribution conditions thus determined.

[0039] Then, in A107, the video distribution server 20 reads the inquired distribution conditions for the game video using the condition processing unit 216 based on the transmitted video information. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the distribution conditions include a fee for distributing the game video. This fee is a license fee (also called a license fee) set based on the rights related to the content (game in this embodiment) included in the game video.

[0040] The rights related to the content include copyrights when the content is intellectual property such as games, and in some cases also design rights and patent rights. The compensation is determined for each game video distributor and is demanded by the owner of the rights related to the content from those who benefit from the distribution (the distributor, the distributor's agency, etc.). The compensation is paid in cash or virtual currency, for example.

[0041] Furthermore, if the content is a game, payment may be made in the form of purchasing an item within the game. The payment may be a fixed amount, but in this embodiment, a fee is set according to the number of times the video is played (so-called pay-as-you-go). In this embodiment, the video distribution server 20 uses a distribution condition table that associates the name of the game to be distributed, the range of the number of times the game video is played, and the payment required for distribution.

[0042] 6 is an example of a distribution condition table. In the example of FIG. 6, the name of a game, "Fighting Game C," is associated with the ranges of video playback counts, "less than B1," "B1 to B2," "B2 to B3," and "B3 or more," and the prices, "free," "P1," "P2," and "P3." Video distribution server 20 reads out, as the distribution conditions for the requested game video, a list of the relationship between the ranges of video playback counts and the prices associated with the name of the game indicated by the transmitted video information.

[0043] Video distribution server 20 transmits the read distribution conditions to game terminal 30. At A108, game terminal 30 displays the transmitted distribution conditions using video processing unit 313. In this way, license information processing unit 214 functions as a condition presenting unit that presents the conditions related to distribution permission (= distribution conditions) to the user. If the user decides to use one of the displayed distribution conditions for distribution, the user performs an operation to request permission for distribution by paying the fee for the adopted distribution condition.

[0044] In this embodiment, payment of the consideration is made using the same mechanism as the purchase of in-game items. Specifically, for example, a user purchases in-game virtual currency through electronic commerce and then uses the purchased virtual currency to purchase items equivalent to the consideration. Therefore, at A109, the game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 transmits to the game server 10 instruction data instructing the purchase of virtual currency equivalent to the consideration required for permission to distribute and the purchase of items indicating the adopted distribution conditions.

[0045] The game terminal 30 sends the instruction data together with video information, distribution conditions, and a user ID that identifies the user. The user ID is, for example, identification information assigned to a user registered as a game user. At A110, the game server 10, through the game processing unit 111, performs payment processing for the payment of the fee as indicated by the transmitted instruction data. After performing the payment processing, the game server 10 sends request data to the video distribution server 20 indicating the video information, distribution conditions, and user ID that were added to the instruction data, as well as a request for permission to distribute.

[0046] When the video distribution server 20 receives the request data, at A111, the license information processing unit 214 issues a license ID indicating that distribution of the game video indicated by the received request data is permitted. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 functions as an issuing unit that issues license information indicating permission to distribute a video including a predetermined game screen. License information can be issued to various targets, such as for each video to be distributed, for each distributor, or for each organization to which the distributor belongs, but in this embodiment, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information for each video to be distributed.

[0047] In either case, if distribution of a game video requires the approval of multiple rights related to the game, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information indicating that the multiple rights are approved. This configuration can prevent omissions in video distribution. Furthermore, if the distribution conditions presented in A108 are accepted, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information indicating approval under those distribution conditions. In this embodiment, the distribution conditions are conditions that limit the number of times a video can be played, as described with reference to FIG. 6. While these distribution conditions limit distribution to a predetermined number of plays or more, they may also be rephrased as conditions that permit distribution less than the predetermined number of plays.

[0048] Next, at A112, the video distribution server 20 stores the issued license ID by the license information processing unit 214 in association with the video ID, user ID, and distribution conditions indicated by the received request data. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a first registration unit that registers identification information associated with the license information. The identification information here is at least one of identification information of the game video whose distribution is permitted by the license information (video ID in this embodiment) or identification information of the distributor of that game video (user ID in this embodiment).

[0049] The video distribution server 20 transmits license-related information indicating the license ID, video ID, and user ID to the game terminal 30 via the license information processing unit 214. At A113, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted license-related information via the video processing unit 313 to notify the user that distribution of the game video has been permitted. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user who wishes to distribute of the issued license information (in this embodiment, the license ID).

[0050] Furthermore, at A114, the license information processing unit 214 and the BC processing unit 218 transmit the ID information (license ID, video ID, and user ID) and distribution conditions stored at A112 to the BC system 3 shown in Fig. 1 and register them in the blockchain. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 and the BC processing unit 218 function as a second registration unit that associates license information with the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information and registers them in the blockchain.

[0051] As described above, in the example of Fig. 5, the user created a game video using game screens that he or she recorded himself or herself, but the user may also create a game video using game screens that other users recorded. In this case, the game server 10 creates a list of the generated recorded data at A104 shown in Fig. 5 and displays it on the game terminal 30. The user then selects one of the recorded data from the list, and the game server 10 transmits the selected recorded data to the game terminal 30, after which the operations from A105 onwards in Fig. 5 are carried out.

[0052] In the above example, the recording data is generated before the license information is notified, but the license information may be notified before the recording data is generated. The issuing process in this case will be described below. Fig. 7 is an activity diagram showing another example of the issuing process. The issuing process shown in Fig. 7 is started when a user performs an operation to search for a game screen recorded by another user. First, at A121, the game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 and the game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 cooperate to execute game processing that provides the user with game functions.

[0053] Here, it is assumed that the user performs an operation to display the distribution rights screen. The distribution rights screen is a screen for purchasing distribution rights for game videos. Distribution rights are the rights to distribute game videos, and indicate that distribution that meets predetermined distribution conditions has been permitted. At A122, the game terminal 30, via the video processing unit 313, accepts the display operation for the distribution rights screen and transmits request data requesting the display of the distribution rights screen to the game server 10.

[0054] At A123, the game server 10 transfers the request data transmitted by the video distribution unit 213 to the video distribution server 20 and inquires about distribution rights information. Before receiving this inquiry, at A124, the video distribution server 20 registers distribution rights information indicating predetermined distribution conditions using the license information processing unit 214. The distribution rights information is registered, for example, by a business operator that provides a game video distribution service. Once registered, the distribution rights information may remain unchanged, or may be periodically updated and re-registered.

[0055] When the moving image distribution server 20 receives the request data transmitted from the game server 10, the license information processing unit 214 reads the registered distribution rights information at A125. The moving image distribution server 20 transmits the read distribution rights information to the game server 10. At A126, the game server 10 creates a distribution rights screen for notifying the user of the transmitted distribution rights information, and transmits it to the game terminal 30. At A127, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted distribution rights screen at the moving image processing unit 313.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed distribution rights screen. Game terminal 30 displays the distribution rights screen as part of an in-game item shop. On the distribution rights screen, distribution rights are sold in the same way as in-game items, such as a "B1 video play count pack" and a "B2 video play count pack." Note that "video play count" refers to the maximum number of times a game video can be played, as described above. The distribution rights screen displays the price of each distribution rights item and a purchase button.

[0057] 7, the license information processing unit 214 also functions as a condition presenting unit that presents the conditions related to licensed distribution (=distribution conditions) to the user. At A128, the game terminal 30 uses the video processing unit 313 to accept an operation of pressing a purchase button as a purchase operation. The game terminal 30 transmits data to the game server 10 as purchase data, in which a user ID is associated with distribution rights information (in this embodiment, the maximum number of video playbacks and the compensation) for the distribution rights for which the purchase operation was accepted.

[0058] At A129, the game server 10 performs payment processing for the price indicated by the transmitted purchase data using the game processing unit 111. When the game server 10 has performed the payment processing, it transmits request data indicating the distribution rights information and user ID indicated by the purchase data and a request for distribution permission to the video distribution server 20. Upon receiving the request data, the video distribution server 20 causes the permission information processing unit 214 to issue a license ID indicating permission to distribute the game video indicated by the received request data at A130.

[0059] 7, the license information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 also functions as an issuing unit that issues license information indicating permission to distribute a video including a predetermined game screen. Furthermore, if the distribution conditions presented in A127 are accepted, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information indicating permission under those distribution conditions. In the example of FIG. 7, the distribution conditions also limit the number of times the video can be played.

[0060] Next, at A131, the video distribution server 20 stores the issued license ID and the user ID indicated in the received request data, i.e., the ID information and the distribution conditions indicated by the distribution rights information, in association with each other, via the license information processing unit 214. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a first registration unit that registers identification information (user ID in the example of FIG. 7) associated with the license information.

[0061] The video distribution server 20 transmits license-related information indicating the license ID and user ID to the game terminal 30 via the license information processing unit 214. At A132, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted license-related information via the video processing unit 313 to notify the user that the distribution rights for the game video have been acquired. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user who wishes to distribute of the issued license information (in this embodiment, the license ID).

[0062] Furthermore, at A133, the video distribution server 20 registers the ID information (license ID and user ID) and distribution conditions stored at A131 in the blockchain using the license information processing unit 214 and the BC processing unit 218. Thus, in the example of Fig. 7, the license information processing unit 214 and the BC processing unit 218 function as a second registration unit that associates the license information with the relationship between the license and the consideration indicated by the license information and registers them in the blockchain. Next, the distribution process from notification of the license ID until the game video is distributed will be described.

[0063] FIG. 9 is an activity diagram showing an example of a distribution process. The distribution process shown in FIG. 9 is performed after the issuance processes of FIGS. 5 and 7. In each issuance process, a license ID is notified to the game terminal 30. In A141, the game terminal 30 assigns ID information to the game video using the video processing unit 313. The ID information here refers to the license ID, video ID, and user ID when the issuance process of FIG. 5 is performed, and the license ID and user ID when the issuance process of FIG. 7 is performed. The methods for assigning each ID information can be the same, but the license ID will be explained as an example.

[0064] The game terminal 30 assigns the license ID, for example, by superimposing text or code indicating the license ID on the game video using digital watermarking technology. Alternatively, the game terminal 30 may assign the license ID to the game video by writing the license ID into video information, which is meta information of the game video. Alternatively, the game terminal 30 may assign the license ID to the game video by superimposing an inaudible sound indicating the license ID on the sound emitted by the game video. The game terminal 30 displays a video editing screen that provides a function for assigning the license ID.

[0065] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a video editing screen. The video editing screen includes a main screen E1, a thumbnail image E2, sound information E3, text information E4, a digital watermark button D1, and a meta information button D2. The main screen E1 displays the edited video. The thumbnail image E2 displays thumbnail images of frames included in the video in chronological order. By arranging recorded data in the thumbnail image E2, a game video including the recorded data is created.

[0066] The sound information E3 indicates sound information to be superimposed on the game video. The text information E4 indicates text information to be superimposed on the game video. The digital watermark button D1 is an operation image for adding a license ID to the game video as a digital watermark. The meta information button D2 is an operation image for including the license ID in meta information and adding it to the game video. When the digital watermark button D1 is operated, the screen switches to a video editing screen for adding a digital watermark.

[0067] FIG. 11 shows an example of a video editing screen for assigning a license ID. FIG. 11(a) shows the entire video editing screen. The video editing screen includes a main screen E11, a thumbnail image E12, and digital watermark information E13. The main screen E11 displays the video after the digital watermark has been added. The thumbnail image E12 displays thumbnail images of frames included in the video in chronological order. The digital watermark information E13 indicates the method of adding a digital watermark for each playback time of the game video.

[0068] In this embodiment, there are four methods for adding a digital watermark: "Full surface," "Four corners," "One corner," and "Specified position." The method for adding a digital watermark is selected using the Full surface button D11, Four corners button D12, One corner button D13, and Position specification button D14. In the "Full surface" method, multiple permission IDs are added evenly to the entire screen, as shown in FIG. 11(b). In the "Four corners" method, four permission IDs are added to the four corners of the screen, as shown in FIG. 11(c). In the "One corner" method, one permission ID is added to one of the corners of the screen, as shown in FIG. 11(d).

[0069] In the case of "position specification," the permission ID can be placed and assigned at any position on the screen, as shown in FIG. 11(e). With position specification, the number, size, and orientation of the permission IDs can also be freely set. The game terminal 30 assigns the permission ID to the game video based on the user's operations on these video editing screens. The game terminal 30 also assigns the video ID and user ID to the game video in the same way as the permission ID. Note that the assignment method may differ for each piece of ID information (e.g., the permission ID is a digital watermark, and other IDs are meta information).

[0070] The game terminal 30 may add a digital watermark in the form of blinking characters or a digital watermark with continuously changing color shading. ID information may also be added to the game screen when the game screen is recorded. In this case, at A131 in FIG. 7, the video distribution server 20 transmits license-related information to the game terminal 30. When recording the game screen, the game terminal 30 requests the game server 10 to add ID information indicated in the license-related information to the game screen.

[0071] When recording a game screen, the game server 10 records the game while assigning the requested ID information. Since the game screen represented by the recorded data thus generated has ID information assigned to it in advance, the game video created using this recorded data will also have ID information assigned to it. Note that the game server 10 may have a function for assigning ID information to the game screen as one of the game functions. In this case, the game server 10 assigns ID information to the game screen regardless of whether it has been recorded, and records the game screen to record the game screen with the ID information assigned to it.

[0072] Furthermore, game terminal 30 may allow the player to select whether or not to add ID information through an operation. Furthermore, when ID information is added as an invisible digital watermark, game terminal 30 may allow the player to select whether or not to visibly display the ID information only during recording through an operation. By visibly displaying the ID information, the player can proceed with the game while knowing that the game screen being recorded may later be distributed as a game video.

[0073] On the other hand, the game terminal 30 may have a function of reading out the ID information assigned to the game video to confirm that the creator of the video has assigned the ID information. For example, the game terminal 30 first saves a log of the processing performed on the game video. Then, if there is a log of the processing of assigning ID information but there is no log of the processing of deleting the assigned ID information, the game terminal 30 determines that ID information has been assigned to the game video and reads out the ID information. Furthermore, instead of reading out the ID information, the game terminal 30 may notify the user by sounding an error or the like when ID information has not been assigned to the game video. These readings and notifications may be performed when the game video is uploaded.

[0074] After assigning ID information to the game video, the user performs an operation to upload the game video to the video distribution server 20. When game terminal 30 accepts the upload operation, video processing unit 313 transmits video data showing the edited game actions to video distribution server 20 in A142. When video distribution server 20 receives the transmitted video data, it determines in A143, using assignment processing unit 215 and identification processing unit 217, whether or not ID information has been assigned to the game video shown by the received video data. Although the same method can be used to determine whether each ID information has been assigned, the following description will be given taking a license ID as an example.

[0075] The video distribution server 20, for example, searches for each of the stored license IDs from the meta information of the video data using the assignment processing unit 215. If the search finds at least one license ID, the video distribution server 20 determines that the license ID has been assigned. If the video distribution server 20 cannot find a license ID from the meta information, or in parallel with this, the video distribution server 20 determines whether a digital watermark of the license ID has been assigned to the game video. For example, the video distribution server 20 selects multiple frames included in the game video and attempts to extract the license ID from the selected frames using image recognition technology.

[0076] The video distribution server 20 determines that a license ID has been assigned if at least one license ID is extracted, and determines that a license ID has not been assigned if no license ID is extracted. Note that, to increase the reliability of the determination, the video distribution server 20 may determine that a license ID has been assigned if the number of extracted license IDs is equal to or greater than a threshold. In either case, the assignment processing unit 215 functions as an assignment determination unit that determines whether or not license information has been assigned to a game video when the game video is uploaded.

[0077] More specifically, the assignment processing unit 215 determines that the license information has been assigned when the license information superimposed on the uploaded game video is recognized during image recognition of the game video. The video distribution server 20 also determines, using the identification processing unit 217, whether the video ID and user ID registered in association with the license ID determined to have been assigned to the game video in A143 have been assigned to the game video, in the same manner as the license ID. In this case, the video distribution server 20 also determines whether the video ID and user ID have been assigned to the game video, in the same manner as the license ID, by attempting to extract the corresponding video ID and user ID using image recognition technology.

[0078] This determines whether the correct combination of ID information has been assigned to the game video. Note that in this embodiment, a license ID is assigned to each video to be distributed, but if a license ID is assigned to each distributor, for example, the video distribution server 20 can determine whether a user ID registered in association with the license ID has been assigned to the game video. In either case, the video distribution server 20 determines whether the correct combination of ID information has been assigned to the game video.

[0079] In this way, the identification processing unit 217 functions as an identification determination unit that determines whether or not the uploaded game video is assigned with identification information corresponding to the permission information determined to be assigned by the assignment processing unit 215. If the video distribution server 20 determines that ID information is assigned to the game video, then in A144 the video distribution server 20 stores the received video data in the video storage unit 211. There are cases where the video distribution server 20 determines that ID information is not assigned to the game video.

[0080] For example, this may occur when the user simply forgets to assign ID information, when the ID information was assigned but was incorrect, when the correct ID information was assigned as a digital watermark but was difficult to read due to its compatibility with the video, etc. In these cases, video distribution server 20 determines that ID information has not been assigned to the game video, and transmits notification data to game terminal 30 informing the user that the game video cannot be distributed because ID information has not been assigned.

[0081] At A145, game terminal 30 displays, via video processing unit 313, a notification indicating that distribution is not possible, which is indicated by the transmitted notification data. When the user receives this notification, the user returns to A141 and performs an operation to assign ID information to the game video and then re-uploads it, thereby enabling distribution of the game video. After the game video is stored at A144, a user (viewer) who wishes to watch the game video performs an operation to display a list of game videos in order to distribute the game video on game terminal 30. The viewer is generally a different user from the distributor, but there are also cases where the distributor becomes a viewer in order to check the performance of his or her own game video.

[0082] When the game terminal 30 accepts a video list display operation at A151, the video processing unit 313 transmits request data requesting a list of game videos to the video distribution server 20. At A152, the video distribution server 20 creates a video list indicated by the received request data at the list distribution unit 212. The video list created at this time also includes the game videos stored at A144. The video distribution server 20 transmits the created video list to the game terminal 30.

[0083] At A153, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted video list via the video processing unit 313. The user performs an operation to select a game video to be distributed from the displayed video list. At A154, the game terminal 30 receives this selection via the video processing unit 313 and transmits request data requesting distribution of the selected game video to the video distribution server 20. At A155, the video distribution server 20 reads out the game video indicated in the received request data via the video distribution unit 213 as a video to be distributed and distributes it to the game terminal 30.

[0084] At A156, the video processing unit 313 of the gaming terminal 30 displays the distributed game video. The game video thus distributed is assigned ID information. In this way, the video distribution unit 213 functions as a distribution unit that distributes game videos to which issued license information (in this embodiment, a license ID) has been assigned. Furthermore, when it is determined that license information has been assigned to a game video, the video distribution unit 213 distributes the game video.

[0085] More specifically, the video distribution unit 213 distributes game videos that are determined by the granting processing unit 215 to have been granted license information and by the identification processing unit 217 to have been granted identification information. In this embodiment, as described above, the number of times a game video can be played is used as a distribution condition. Therefore, after distribution of a game video has started, repeated distribution may result in the distribution condition no longer being met. In order to identify and deal with such game videos, a condition determination process is performed.

[0086] FIG. 12 is an activity diagram showing an example of the condition determination process. The condition determination process shown in FIG. 12 is performed for each game video for which distribution conditions are defined. First, in A161, the video distribution server 20, using the condition processing unit 216, determines whether or not the time has come to determine the distribution conditions for the game video to be determined. In this embodiment, the number of times a game video can be played is used as the distribution condition, so the video distribution server 20 determines that the time has come to determine the determination each time the number of plays increases after the game video is distributed.

[0087] The video distribution server 20 repeats the operation of A161 until it determines that the time for determination has arrived. When it determines that the time for determination has arrived, the video distribution server 20 determines, in A162, by the condition processing unit 216, whether the game video to be determined satisfies the distribution conditions. The video distribution server 20 makes the determination using the distribution conditions stored in association with the license ID assigned to the game video to be determined.

[0088] If the video distribution server 20 determines that the distribution conditions are met, it returns to A161 and repeats the operation. Note that the determination of the distribution conditions is performed only on game videos that have been determined to have ID information including a license ID assigned. In this way, when the assignment processing unit 215 determines that license information has been assigned to a game video, the condition processing unit 216 functions as a condition determination unit that determines whether the game video meets the conditions indicated by the license information.

[0089] If the video distribution server 20 determines that the distribution conditions are not satisfied, the license information processing unit 214 transmits notification data to the game terminal 30 requesting that the distribution be stopped. At A163, the game terminal 30 displays the notification content indicated by the received notification data to notify the distributor of the request to stop distribution. Note that instead of requesting the distributor to stop distribution of the game video determined not to have license information granted, the video distribution server 20 may also perform processing to force the distributor to stop distribution of the game video regardless of the distributor's intention.

[0090] In this case, video distribution server 20 transmits notification data to game terminal 30 notifying that distribution of the game video has been stopped, and performs processing to stop distribution by making the game video unreadable from the video storage unit 211. In this way, permission information processing unit 214 functions as a first processing unit that, when there is a game video for which it is determined that the distribution conditions are not satisfied, enables processing to stop distribution of the game video.

[0091] If the distributor accepts the request to stop distribution, the distributor performs an operation to stop distribution. When game terminal 30 accepts the operation to stop distribution, video processing unit 313 transmits instruction data instructing video distribution server 20 to stop distribution. When video distribution server 20 receives the instruction data, video distribution unit 213 stops distribution of the game video to be determined at A164. If the distributor rejects the request to stop distribution, the distributor performs an operation to indicate that he or she wishes to continue distribution.

[0092] When game terminal 30 accepts the operation to continue distribution, video processing unit 313 transmits inquiry data inquiring about a method for continuing distribution to video distribution server 20. When video distribution server 20 receives the inquiry data, condition processing unit 216 reads out, at A171, the distribution conditions applicable to the game video to be determined. For example, when the distribution conditions shown in FIG. 6 are used, applicable distribution conditions are distribution conditions that allow the video to be played a number of times greater than the current number of times.

[0093] The video distribution server 20 transmits guidance data to the game terminal 30 informing the distributor of the update to the read distribution conditions. Upon receiving the guidance data, the game terminal 30, at A172, notifies the distributor of the update to the distribution conditions by displaying the distribution conditions indicated by the received guidance data via the video processing unit 313. If the distributor does not accept the new distribution conditions for reasons such as an increase in the fee, the distributor performs a refusal operation. Upon receiving the refusal operation, the game terminal 30 transmits refusal data to the video distribution server 20 indicating that the distribution conditions will not be updated.

[0094] When the video distribution server 20 receives the rejection data, in A173, the video distribution unit 213 stops distribution of the game video to be determined. If the distributor accepts the new distribution conditions, the distributor performs an operation to update the distribution conditions. An operation to update the distribution conditions is, for example, an operation to purchase the price for the new distribution conditions. When the game terminal 30 accepts the update operation, in A174, the video processing unit 313 transmits purchase data indicating the purchase of the new distribution conditions to the game server 10.

[0095] At A175, the game server 10 performs payment processing for the price indicated by the transmitted purchase data using the game processing unit 111. When the game server 10 has performed the payment processing, it transmits request data indicating a request to update the distribution conditions to the new distribution conditions indicated by the purchase data to the video distribution server 20. Upon receiving the request data, the video distribution server 20 performs processing at A176 using the license information processing unit 214 to update the distribution conditions of the game video to be determined to the distribution conditions indicated by the received request data.

[0096] When the video distribution server 20 updates the distribution conditions, it returns to A161 and repeats the operation of the condition determination process. In this way, when it is determined that the conditions are not satisfied for a game video, the condition processing unit 216 functions as a second processing unit that performs request processing to request the distributor of the game video to obtain a distribution license with new distribution conditions that the distribution of the game video satisfies.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, only game videos that are determined to have a license ID are distributed, which makes it possible to suppress unauthorized video distribution compared to when the determination of whether a license ID has been assigned is not performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by determining whether the distribution conditions are met, it is possible to find videos that violate the license conditions, and by requesting that the distribution be stopped at that time, it is possible to stop the distribution of the violating video. Furthermore, by requesting an update of the distribution conditions, it is possible to return the distribution of the violating video to proper distribution.

[0098] <Other embodiments> (1) How to purchase a license ID A license ID may be purchased in a manner different from that described in the embodiment. For example, the video distribution server 20 provides a web shop that sells license rights and issues a license ID to a user who purchases a license right from the web shop. The purchased license ID may be freely assignable to any game video, or may be assigned only to game videos that satisfy predetermined distribution conditions.

[0099] (2) Compensation processing A compensation may be set for the distribution of game videos according to the distribution results, such as an amount calculated by multiplying the number of video views by a predetermined coefficient, or an amount according to the number of video views each time the number of video views exceeds a predetermined number.

[0100] The relationship between distribution records and compensation corresponds to the relationship between permission and compensation, and is registered in the blockchain as described in the embodiment. When a game video determined to have permission information granted by the granting processing unit 215 is distributed, the condition processing unit 216 functions as a compensation unit that performs request processing to request compensation corresponding to the distribution record of the game video. The compensation request processing by the condition processing unit 216 will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0101] FIG. 13 is an activity diagram showing an example of a fee request process. The fee request process shown in FIG. 13 is performed for each game video for which distribution conditions are defined. First, in A181, the video distribution server 20, using the condition processing unit 216, determines whether the time for fee processing has arrived for the game video that is the subject of the fee processing. The video distribution server 20 determines that the time for fee processing has arrived, for example, when a predetermined time such as midnight arrives every day or when the number of times the game video has been distributed reaches a predetermined number of times.

[0102] The video distribution server 20 may also determine that the time for payment processing has come when the number of times a game video has been played reaches a predetermined number, or when a video distribution channel is set up for each distributor and the number of subscribers to that channel reaches a predetermined number, etc. The video distribution server 20 may also provide free service until the number of plays or subscribers reaches a predetermined number, and switch to a paid service when the number of plays or subscribers exceeds the predetermined number.

[0103] The video distribution server 20 repeats the operation of A181 until it determines that the time for payment processing has arrived. When the video distribution server 20 determines that the time for payment processing has arrived, in A182, the condition processing unit 216 and the BC processing unit 218 read the distribution conditions of the game video that is the subject of payment processing from the blockchain. Next, in A183, the video distribution server 20 uses the condition processing unit 216 to calculate the payment for the target game video based on the read distribution conditions, and transmits payment data indicating the calculated payment to the game terminal 30.

[0104] At A184, the game terminal 30 displays the payment indicated by the payment data transmitted by the video processing unit 313. If the distributor wishes to stop distribution of the game video without paying the displayed payment, the distributor performs a distribution stop operation. Upon receiving the distribution stop operation, the game terminal 30 transmits distribution stop data indicating that distribution will be stopped to the video distribution server 20. Upon receiving the distribution stop data, the video distribution server 20 stops distribution of the game video that is the subject of payment processing by the video distribution unit 213 at A185.

[0105] If the broadcaster wishes to continue the broadcast by paying the displayed fee, the broadcaster performs an operation to continue the broadcast. An operation to continue the broadcast is, for example, an operation to purchase an in-game item equivalent to the displayed fee. When the game terminal 30 accepts this operation, the video processing unit 313 transmits purchase data indicating the purchase of the item equivalent to the fee to the game server 10 at A186. Note that the game terminal 30 may automatically determine at A184 whether to continue the broadcast and transmit the purchase data at A186. At A187, the game server 10 performs processing to pay the fee indicated in the transmitted purchase data at A187 using the game processing unit 111.

[0106] When the game server 10 has performed the payment process, it transmits notification data to the video distribution server 20 notifying that payment of the consideration indicated in the purchase data has been made. Upon receiving the notification data, the video distribution server 20, in A188, updates the distribution conditions of the game video that is the subject of the payment process that have been stored up to that point, using the license information processing unit 214, to the distribution conditions that will be applied upon payment of the consideration indicated in the received notification data. After updating the distribution conditions, the video distribution server 20 returns to A181 and repeats the operation of the condition determination process.

[0107] In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a compensation unit that performs request processing to request compensation determined based on the relationship registered in association with the license information determined to be granted to the game video. The relationship here refers to the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information, and is information registered in the blockchain. According to this aspect, the owner of the rights to the game can receive compensation by allowing the use of game screens.

[0108] (3) Display mode of game video When distributing a list of game videos, the list distribution unit 212 of the video distribution server 20 may set priorities for the placement of game videos. For example, a priority is set for each game video according to the price. In this case, the list distribution unit 212 stores priority information indicating the relationship between the price and the priority. The priority information basically indicates that the higher the price, the higher the priority, but the opposite relationship may also be indicated.

[0109] The list distribution unit 212 functions as a display unit that displays a list of game videos that can be distributed. The list distribution unit 212 displays the game videos included in the list in a manner based on the priority of the game video. The video distribution unit 213 distributes a video selected from the displayed list. A manner based on priority is, for example, a manner in which a game video is placed in a position that is more likely to be selected the higher the priority. Generally, the closer to the top of the screen, the more likely the video is to be selected. If the text on the screen is written horizontally, the closer to the left side of the screen, the more likely the video is to be selected.

[0110] Furthermore, the priority-based mode may be such that the thumbnail image of the game video in the list is larger the higher the priority. Furthermore, the priority-based mode may be such that the frame of the thumbnail image is made a more conspicuous color or design. In this embodiment, the more the payment is made, the more likely the video is displayed in the list and the more likely it is to be selected and distributed. In other words, such a mode can be used to increase the number of views of the video.

[0111] (4) Game video material management When creating game videos, images, videos, sounds, and other materials may be used to enhance the video. Many of these materials are available on the Internet, but some are protected by copyright or other rights. Such materials must not be used without permission, and obtaining permission can be time-consuming. Therefore, the video distribution server 20 may provide materials that users can use without the need to go through the trouble of obtaining permission.

[0112] In this case, for example, the video storage unit 211 of the video distribution server 20 functions as a storage unit that stores materials. The materials referred to here are materials that any user of the game video distribution system 1 can include in a game video without obtaining special permission. These can also be said to be materials that are already permitted for use when the user becomes a user of the game video distribution system 1. The permission information processing unit 214 then functions as a provider that provides these materials to the user.

[0113] The user here is a user who has been notified of the license information issued by the license information processing unit 214. The license information processing unit 214 displays a selection image for selecting a material on a screen for editing a video, and transmits the selected material to the game terminal 30 when an operation is performed on the selection image. The game terminal 30 generates a game video including the transmitted material by the video processing unit 313. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the use of unauthorized material in a video, compared to when the material is not provided.

[0114] Furthermore, the video distribution server 20 may provide the recorded game screen itself as material for the game video. The game video here includes not only primary content such as the game and in-game music, but also secondary content such as video that includes such primary content. The following describes an example of secondary content in which video that can be displayed on a user terminal is used as content. Hereinafter, such content will be referred to as a "content video." Videos created using content videos are called "cut-out videos."

[0115] The recorded data of the game screen is data representing the content video. For example, when the video distribution server 20 records the game screen, a player who plays the game to be recorded performs an approval operation to consent to the use of the content video represented by the recorded data generated by the recording as material for the game video. The video distribution server 20 stores the recorded data representing the content video for which the approval operation has been performed by the permission information processing unit 214.

[0116] Then, video distribution server 20 uses license information processing unit 214 to create a list of content videos using thumbnails of the content videos and file names of the recorded data, and transmits the created list to game terminal 30. When the user selects a content video from the list, game terminal 30 transmits request data requesting the selected content video to video distribution server 20. When video distribution server 20 receives the request data, license information processing unit 214 issues a license ID for a game video that includes the requested content video.

[0117] This license ID is license information indicating permission to create a video using the content video and permission to distribute the created video. Video distribution server 20 transmits the issued license ID and recorded data indicating the requested content video to game terminal 30. Note that license information processing unit 214 may transmit a link to a site showing the content video for each page, rather than a list of the content videos.

[0118] In either case, the license information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 functions as a storage unit that stores the generated content videos, and also functions as a recording presentation unit that presents the stored content videos to the user. When a presented content video is selected, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information for a game video that uses the content video. According to this embodiment, a video can be created using an existing content video.

[0119] The license information processing unit 214 may previously assign license information to the content video used as material. In this case, the license information processing unit 214 functions as an assigning unit that assigns license information to the content video. If the recorded data includes images, the license information processing unit 214 assigns a license ID using a digital watermark or meta information, as described in the above embodiment. If the recorded data is data representing music or the like, the license information processing unit 214 assigns a license ID by superimposing an inaudible sound indicating the license ID.

[0120] The license information processing unit 214 then presents the user with a list of recorded data to which license IDs have been assigned, and transmits the recorded data selected by the user to the game terminal 30. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a provider that provides the recorded data to which license information has been assigned as described above as material for a game video. This aspect makes it possible to prevent license information from being omitted from videos that include game screens.

[0121] Note that the content video provided as material may itself be a video for which distribution is permitted. In this case, video distribution server 20 first issues license information (hereinafter referred to as "primary license information") indicating that distribution of the content video is permitted, and registers it in the blockchain in association with ID information including the issued primary license information. Then, video distribution server 20 issues license information (hereinafter referred to as "secondary license information") indicating permission to create a video using the content video and permission to distribute the created video, and registers it in association with ID information including the issued secondary license information in the blockchain.

[0122] Furthermore, the video distribution server 20 assigns the issued secondary license information to the content video before providing it as video material. This prevents a game video including the content video from not being assigned license information. The video distribution server 20 may also assign primary license information to the content video in addition to the secondary license information. In this case, it can be indicated that the content video included in the game video has also been licensed for distribution.

[0123] The fact that the content video has obtained primary permission for distribution means that the distributor of the content video has paid compensation to the owner of the rights related to the content. The video distribution server 20 may also perform a payment process to have distributors who distribute game videos created using the content video pay compensation for the content video. This allows the requester of compensation, i.e., the owner of the rights related to the content, to receive more compensation the more secondary distribution of videos containing the content increases.

[0124] The video distribution server 20 may also display a list of registered primary license information and secondary license information. For example, when a game video creator or the like performs an operation to specify a game video, the video distribution server 20 reads out the primary license information and secondary license information registered in association with the video ID of the specified game video. The video distribution server 20 displays the read license information, for example, in a hierarchical format. The hierarchical format may, for example, display primary license information in the first layer, and both primary and secondary license information in the next layer. By listing the license information in this way, it is possible to easily grasp the license information that must be considered when distributing a game video.

[0125] When a content video is presented, guidelines regarding the use of the content video may also be presented. The guidelines are distribution conditions that a distributor must observe, such as not violating public order and morals and not revealing spoilers about the game content. In this case, when the permission information processing unit 214 presents the content video to a user, the condition processing unit 216 of the video distribution server 20 presents the distribution conditions of the content video to the user.

[0126] When the presented content video is selected and the distribution conditions of the content video are accepted, the license information processing unit 214 issues the license information of the content video. According to this aspect, since the distribution conditions have already been accepted, it is easy to obtain consent to stop distribution when the distribution conditions are no longer met.

[0127] However, the distribution conditions for which consent is obtained are not limited to these. For example, the video distribution server 20 may obtain consent under a distribution condition that the owner of the game rights may delete the game video at his / her discretion if he / she determines that the game video being distributed contains inappropriate content. Furthermore, the video distribution server 20 may obtain consent under a distribution condition that the deletion of the game video will not result in a refund if the guidelines presented as described above are violated.

[0128] (5) Timing of grant decision In the above embodiment, the granting processing unit 215 determines whether or not license information is granted to a game video when the game video including a game screen is uploaded, but the timing of the granting determination is not limited to this. The granting processing unit 215 may also determine whether or not license information is granted to a game video when the game video is edited.

[0129] In this case, the granting processing unit 215 cooperates with the video processing unit 313 of the game terminal 30 to, for example, forcibly upload the game video being edited at regular time intervals after starting editing of the game video, and determines whether or not the license information has been granted. The granting processing unit 215 transmits the determination result to the game terminal 30. The game terminal 30 disables the upload function while the determination result indicating that the license information has not been granted is received, and enables the upload function when the determination result indicating that the license information has been granted is received.

[0130] In cases where the determination of whether to assign the license information at the time of uploading or editing is not performed as described above, and even in cases where such determination is performed, unless the determination is performed for all game videos to be uploaded, there is a possibility that a violating video that has not been granted permission for distribution and has not been assigned the license information may be uploaded. For such cases, the assignment processing unit 215 may determine whether the license information has been assigned to the game video when it is distributed.

[0131] In this case, the video storage unit 211 temporarily stores all uploaded game videos. Then, when a game video to be distributed is selected, the granting processing unit 215 determines whether or not license information is granted to the game video. If it is determined that license information is granted, the video distribution unit 213 distributes the game video, and if it is determined that license information is not granted, the video distribution unit 213 does not distribute the game video.

[0132] Note that the video distribution unit 213 may delete the game video as necessary after distribution of the game video has begun. For example, the video distribution unit 213 continues to acquire the number of views of the video even after distribution of the game video has begun, and when the acquired number of views of the video reaches a threshold value or more, it determines that the impact of the violating video is significant and that deletion is necessary, and deletes the game video. Regardless of when the granting determination is made, unauthorized video distribution can be suppressed compared to when the granting determination is not made.

[0133] (6) Distribution conditions In the above embodiment, the condition processing unit 216 uses a condition that limits distribution depending on the number of times the game video has been played as the distribution condition, but this is not limited to this. The distribution condition may also be a condition that limits distribution depending on the time length of the game video. In this case, the video distribution server 20 permits distribution free of charge and without restrictions if the length of the game video is less than a predetermined time, for example.

[0134] If the length of the game video exceeds a predetermined time, the video distribution server 20 will limit distribution unless a fee corresponding to the length of the game video is paid. The distribution conditions may also be, for example, a condition limiting the distribution period of the game video. If the distribution period is limited to, for example, one year, the distributor must stop distributing the game video before one year has elapsed since the start of distribution. However, the distribution period may be extended by paying a new fee when the distribution period has elapsed.

[0135] Additionally, the distribution conditions may be conditions that restrict the time periods during which game videos can be distributed. The distribution time periods may be restricted not only by time of day, but also by day of the week, date, month, and year. By using distribution conditions as described above, it is possible to make it more difficult for distribution to go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information, compared to when distribution is allowed unconditionally. The issuer of the license information is the owner of the rights to the content, or a party entrusted by the owner with the enforcement and management of the rights.

[0136] Note that the distribution conditions are not limited to conditions restricting distribution, and may also be conditions restricting game videos to be distributed. For example, the distribution conditions may be conditions restricting the playback time of the game video, the size on the screen of the game video, the file size or resolution of the game video. The temporal length of the game video refers to the playback time of the entire game video, including parts where the game screen is not displayed. The size on the screen and resolution of the game video essentially mean the same thing and are expressed by the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the game video (e.g., 1920*1080). The file size of the game video tends to increase as the playback time, the size on the screen, and the resolution increase.

[0137] By using distribution conditions related to game videos in this way, it is possible to make it more difficult for game actions that go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information to be distributed, compared to when distribution is allowed unconditionally. Furthermore, the distribution conditions may be conditions related to game screens to be included in the game videos. For example, the distribution conditions may be conditions that limit the range of game screens that can be included in the game videos, the playback time of those game screens, or the size or resolution of those game screens on the screen.

[0138] The range of the game screen is indicated by, for example, the name of the game and the names of the scenes in the recorded game. Regardless of the genre of the game, the game usually progresses by changing the scenes to keep the player from getting bored. For example, in a fighting game, the scenes in the game are indicated by the names of the characters competing (e.g., Character A vs. Character B) or the name of the round in the tournament. In addition, in role-playing games and action games, the scenes in the game are indicated by the names of the locations in the game (e.g., castles, towns, plains), the names of the quests and events in which the player is participating, etc.

[0139] Furthermore, in the case of a puzzle game or music game, a scene within a game is indicated by the stage (also called a stage or level) currently being played or the name of a song. The playback time of a game screen is the time that the game screen is displayed in the game video. Here, the time when the game screen is still may or may not be included in the playback time. If still time is included, for example, even if the recorded game screen is only for one minute, the playback time may become long if the screen is frozen while being explained.

[0140] On the other hand, if still periods are not included, the playback time can be limited to one minute if the game video uses only one minute of recorded game screen. The on-screen size or resolution of the game screen essentially means the same thing and is expressed by the number of vertical and horizontal pixels (e.g., 1920 x 1080) of the game screen included in the game video. The condition processing unit 216 may use image recognition technology to identify the range of the game screen from the game video, but to reduce the processing load, the range of the game screen may be included in the recording information generated as meta information that indicates an overview of the recorded data.

[0141] This recording information is generated by the recording unit 113 of the game server 10. The game server 10 creates recording information that indicates all of the game screen ranges included in the recording data and the playback start and end times for those ranges. The game server 10 transmits the created recording data and recording information to the game terminal 30. When editing the game video, the video processing unit 313 of the game terminal 30 creates video information that indicates the range of the game screen included in the edited game video.

[0142] The condition processing unit 216 of the video distribution server 20 stores in advance the range of the game screen permitted for the game video as a distribution condition in association with the license ID of the game video. Then, when, for example, a game video is uploaded together with video information, the condition processing unit 216 determines whether the range of the game screen indicated by the video information satisfies the distribution condition stored in association with the license ID of the game video.

[0143] While both distribution conditions have been expressed in a form indicating the range of restrictions on game video distribution, they may also be expressed in a form indicating the range of permission for game video distribution. For example, a distribution condition that restricts the length of a game video to not exceed a predetermined time can be rephrased as a distribution condition that permits game video distribution as long as the length is within the predetermined time. Regardless of how the distribution conditions are expressed, this aspect makes it more difficult for distribution to exceed the intentions of the issuer of the permission information, compared to when distribution is permitted unconditionally.

[0144] (7) Unit of License In the above examples, the license information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 issues license information permitting distribution for each video including content, but this is not limited to this. For example, the license information processing unit 214 may issue license information for a predetermined number of videos, or may issue license information for each user or organization that creates a video.

[0145] Users include those who can earn revenue (e.g., advertising revenue) by distributing game videos and those who cannot. In this case, the distribution conditions may be conditions that restrict distribution according to the user ID that identifies those users. For example, a first distribution condition is used for users who can monetize, requiring payment according to the number of plays, and a second distribution condition is used for users who cannot monetize, allowing distribution unconditionally.

[0146] Furthermore, a video distributor on a certain video distribution site is eligible for monetization if the number of his / her channel subscribers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this case, the video distribution server 20, for example, refers to the number of channel subscribers of the game video distributor on the video distribution site when determining whether the distribution condition is satisfied at A162 of FIG. 12. If the referenced number of channel subscribers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the video distribution server 20 determines that the user is eligible for monetization and determines whether the first distribution condition is satisfied.

[0147] Furthermore, if the referenced number of channel subscriptions is less than a predetermined number, the video distribution server 20 determines that the user is not eligible for monetization and determines whether the user satisfies the second distribution condition. The video distribution server 20 may store a user ID list of monetizable users in advance, and determine whether the user is eligible for monetization based on the user ID associated with the license ID, and then determine the distribution condition. Furthermore, without being limited to the above example, different distribution conditions may be used depending on whether the distributor is an individual or an organization, or depending on the organization to which the distributor belongs. According to this aspect, the content of distribution restrictions can be determined for each video distributor. (8) License transactions License rights for the distribution of game videos, etc. may be tradable. These license rights are managed by registering license information in a blockchain, and therefore may be traded, for example, through an exchange used in the blockchain. In this case, the video distribution server 20, for example, executes transaction processing through the exchange using the license information processing unit 214. This allows, for example, compensation for part or all of the paid fees when license rights are purchased but not used.

[0148] (9) Usage of license rights The video distribution server 20 may register information indicating the usage status of the license right indicated by the issued license ID in the blockchain via the license information processing unit 214. For example, if a game video to which the issued license ID is assigned is uploaded, the video distribution server 20 registers a used flag in the blockchain indicating that the license right indicated by the license ID has been used.

[0149] Furthermore, if a game video with the issued license ID has not been uploaded, the video distribution server 20 registers an unused flag in the blockchain, indicating that the license right is not being used. This information indicating the usage status may be used, for example, as a condition for determining whether or not the license right can be traded. For example, the video distribution server 20 executes trading processing via an exchange for license rights for which a used flag has been registered, and does not execute trading processing via an exchange for license rights for which an unused flag has been registered.

[0150] (10) Variations in configuration The overall configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limiting. For example, game server 10 and video distribution server 20 may be integrated into a single device or may be distributed across three or more devices. These servers may also be replaced by a cloud computing system. Video editing and game play may also be performed by a user terminal other than game terminal 40.

[0151] 4 is also an example and is not limited to this. For example, the functions of game server 10 and video distribution server 20 may be realized by a single device, or conversely, the functions of video distribution server 20 may be distributed and realized by two or more devices. In short, as long as the functions shown in FIG. 4 are realized by the entire game video distribution system 1, the devices that realize those functions may have any configuration.

[0152] (11) Categories of disclosure The above-described embodiments may be implemented as an information processing method. The information processing method includes the components of an information processing system such as the game video distribution system 1. The above-described embodiments may also be implemented as a program. The program causes a computer to execute the steps of a similar information processing system.

[0153] <Additional Notes> Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0154] (2) In the information processing system, in the grant determination step, when a video including the game screen is edited, uploaded, or distributed, it is determined whether the video has been granted the license information, and in the distribution step, the video is distributed if it is determined that the license information has been granted to the video.

[0155] According to this embodiment, unauthorized video distribution can be easily detected.

[0156] (3) In the information processing system, in the condition presentation step, conditions regarding permission for the distribution are presented to the user, and in the issuance step, the permission information indicating permission under those conditions is issued if the presented conditions are accepted.

[0157] According to this aspect, distribution permission can be obtained before the video is generated.

[0158] (4) In the information processing system, the conditions limit the playback time, size on the screen, or resolution of the video.

[0159] According to this aspect, it is possible to make it difficult for videos to be distributed that go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information.

[0160] (5) In the information processing system, the conditions limit the distribution period, distribution time zone, or number of distributions of the video.

[0161] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent distribution of the license information beyond the intention of the issuer of the license information.

[0162] (6) In the information processing system, the conditions limit the range of the game screen that can be included in the video, the playback time, the size on the screen, or the resolution.

[0163] According to this aspect, it is possible to make it difficult for a game screen that goes beyond the intention of the issuer of the license information to be distributed.

[0164] (7) In the information processing system, in the condition determination step, if it is determined in the grant determination step that the permission information has been granted to the video, it is determined whether the video satisfies the conditions indicated by the permission information.

[0165] According to this embodiment, videos that violate the license conditions can be found.

[0166] (8) In the information processing system, in the first processing step, if there is a video determined not to satisfy the condition, a process for stopping distribution of the video can be executed.

[0167] According to this aspect, distribution of the violating video can be stopped.

[0168] (9) In the information processing system, in the second processing step, if there is a video that is determined not to satisfy the conditions, a request process is performed to request the distributor of the video to obtain a distribution license with new conditions that the distribution of the video satisfies.

[0169] According to this embodiment, the distribution of the violating video can be returned to proper distribution.

[0170] (10) In the information processing system, in a first registration step, identification information associated with the permission information is registered, and the identification information is at least one of identification information of a video whose distribution is permitted by the permission information or identification information of a distributor of the video; in an identification determination step, it is determined whether or not the uploaded video is assigned identification information corresponding to the permission information determined to be assigned in the assignment determination step; and in the distribution step, the video determined to be assigned the permission information and to be assigned the identification information is distributed.

[0171] According to this aspect, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not permission has been granted.

[0172] (11) In the information processing system, in the grant determination step, it is determined that the permission information has been granted if the permission information superimposed on the uploaded video is recognized by image recognition of the video.

[0173] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to determine whether or not permission is given.

[0174] (12) In the information processing system, a fee is set for the distribution according to the actual distribution record, and in the fee step, when a video that is determined to have the permission information granted is distributed, a request process is performed to request a fee corresponding to the actual distribution record of the video.

[0175] According to this aspect, it is possible to receive compensation for using the game screen.

[0176] (13) In the information processing system, in the second registration step, the license information and the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information are associated and registered in a blockchain, and in the compensation step, a request process is performed to request compensation determined based on the relationship registered in association with the license information determined to be granted to the video.

[0177] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the provision of incorrect compensation due to tampering.

[0178] (14) In the information processing system, a priority is set for the video according to the consideration, and in the display step, a list of videos that can be distributed is displayed, and the videos included in the list are displayed in a manner based on the priority of the video, and in the distribution step, a video selected from the list is distributed.

[0179] According to this embodiment, the payment of the fee can be used to increase the number of views of the video.

[0180] (15) In the information processing system, the storage step stores materials that can be included in the video, and the provision step provides the materials to a user who has been notified of the permission information.

[0181] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent unauthorized materials from being used in videos. Of course, this is not the case. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in any desired manner.

[0182] Finally, although various embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1: Game video distribution system 2: Communication line 3:BC system 10: Game Server 20: Video distribution server 30: Game terminal 111: Game processing section 112: Game Memory Section 113: Recording Department 211: Video storage unit 212: List Distribution Department 213: Video Distribution Department 214: Permission information processing unit 215: Assignment processing unit 216: Condition processing section 217: Identification processing unit 218:BC Processing Section 311: Game processing section 312: Game Memory 313: Video processing section

Claims

1. An information processing system, In the issuing step, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including a predetermined game screen is issued; In the notification step, the issued permission information is notified to the user who desires the distribution; In the distribution step, a video including the game screen is distributed, the video to which the issued license information is attached; In the grant determination step, when a video including the game screen is edited, uploaded, or distributed, it is determined whether or not the license information is granted to the video; In the distributing step, when it is determined that the license information is assigned to the video, the video is distributed; In the condition presentation step, conditions regarding permission for the distribution are presented to the user; In the issuing step, when the presented conditions are accepted, the license information indicating permission under those conditions is issued; The conditions limit the distribution period of the video, the distribution time period of the video, or the number of times the video is distributed.

2. An information processing system, In the issuing step, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including a predetermined game screen is issued; In the notification step, the issued permission information is notified to the user who desires the distribution; In the distribution step, a video including the game screen is distributed, the video to which the issued license information is attached; In the grant determination step, when a video including the game screen is edited, uploaded, or distributed, it is determined whether or not the license information is granted to the video; In the distributing step, when it is determined that the license information is assigned to the video, the video is distributed; In the condition presentation step, conditions regarding permission for the distribution are presented to the user; In the issuing step, when the presented conditions are accepted, the license information indicating permission under those conditions is issued; The conditions limit the range of the game screen that can be included in the video, the playback time of the game screen, the size of the game screen on the screen, or the resolution of the game screen.

3. An information processing system, In the issuing step, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including a predetermined game screen is issued; In the notification step, the issued permission information is notified to the user who desires the distribution; In the distribution step, a video including the game screen is distributed, the video to which the issued license information is attached; A fee is set for the distribution according to the performance of the distribution, In the compensation step, when a video determined to have been granted the permission information is distributed, a request process is performed to request compensation from the user corresponding to the distribution record of the video.

4. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, A priority is set for the video according to the consideration; In the display step, a list of videos that can be distributed is displayed, and the videos included in the list are displayed in a manner based on the priority of the videos; In the distributing step, the video selected from the list is distributed.

5. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the condition determination step, if it is determined in the grant determination step that the license information is granted to the video, it is determined whether the video satisfies a condition indicated by the license information; In the first processing step, if there is a video for which it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, processing to stop distribution of the video can be executed.

6. 6. The information processing system according to claim 5, In the second processing step, if there is a video that is determined not to satisfy the conditions, a request process is performed to request the distributor of the video to obtain a distribution license with new conditions that the distribution of the video satisfies.

7. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the first registration step, identification information associated with the license information is registered, and the identification information is at least one of identification information of a video whose distribution is permitted by the license information or identification information of a distributor of the video; In the identification determination step, it is determined whether or not the uploaded video is provided with identification information corresponding to the permission information determined to be provided in the provision determination step; In the distributing step, a moving image determined to have the license information and the identification information is distributed.

Images