Content providing system and content viewing system

Abstract

To provide a technique for transmitting communication information for content being viewed while being conscious of the transmission by another viewing user.SOLUTION: A server system 1100 includes: a reception control unit 243 that receives communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on a content screen of a user terminal and an input execution operation after the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; a reflection control unit 245 that performs control for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen; a detection unit 247 that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal; and a prediction control unit 249 that calculates, on the basis of the detection result of the detection unit 247, a predicted business condition index representing the degree of business conditions in a future reflection control performed by the reflection control unit 245, and controls prediction notification to the user terminal based on the predicted business condition index.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content providing system that provides content to a user terminal of a viewing user. [Background technology]

[0002] Known technologies for live streaming of content such as videos allow viewers (viewing users) to send communication information, such as by commenting on the content to praise the content or support the poster (posting user) or by providing monetary rewards to the poster (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, the provision of rewards from viewers to posters is called "tipping," or "gifts," after the donations from spectators to street performers. Hereinafter, this term will be used to refer to both types of rewards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-71957 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The tipping system allows posters to earn income according to the amount of their tip, which encourages them to post more. It also brings joy to viewers, who can express their opinions and views publicly to other viewers through praise and support, and is expected to have the effect of livening up the atmosphere by inviting more tips.

[0005] However, as the atmosphere becomes more lively and the number of tips and other communication information sent increases, the problem of individual posts becoming less noticeable can arise. In other words, even if a person sends a tip, if it is buried under the posts of other viewers sent at the same time, the viewer's desire to show their support to the poster will not be fulfilled, and they may feel that they have lost out.

[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a technology that allows a user to send communication information, including tips, to content that is being viewed while being aware of such information being sent by other viewing users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first invention for solving the above problem is a content provision system that connects to a user terminal of a viewing user and provides given content to the user terminal, the content provision system comprising: a reception control means (e.g., a reception control unit 243 in FIG. 13) that receives communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on a content screen of the user terminal and an input execution operation following the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; a reflection control means (e.g., a reflection control unit 245 in FIG. 13) that controls the reflection of the received communication information on the content screen in accordance with reception by the reception control means; a detection means (e.g., a detection unit 247 in FIG. 13) that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal; and a prediction control means (e.g., a prediction control unit 249 in FIG. 13) that calculates a forecast business climate index that indicates the degree of business climate of the reflection when future reflection control is performed by the reflection control means based on the detection result of the detection means, and controls the sending of a forecast notification to the user terminal based on the forecast business climate index.

[0008] According to the first invention, the degree of business climate of the communication information reflected can be predicted by detecting an input preparation operation of the communication information performed by a viewing user on a user terminal when the viewing user transmits the communication information and calculating a predicted business climate index assuming that the communication information is reflected on a content screen in response to a subsequent input execution operation. Then, a prediction notification based on the predicted business climate index can be sent to the user terminal. This allows the viewing user to transmit communication information at a time when it will be noticeable, while determining whether the reflection of the communication information will be buried under the transmissions of other communication information if the viewing user transmits the communication information now. Therefore, a technology can be provided that allows the viewing user to transmit communication information for content being viewed while being aware of the transmissions of communication information by other viewing users.

[0009] A second invention is a content provision system of the first invention, wherein the input preparation operation includes an operation for setting a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input, and when the monetary value has been added to the received communication information, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of visibility different from when the monetary value has not been added, and the detection means detects the operation for setting the monetary value, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the operation for setting the monetary value detected by the detection means.

[0010] According to the second invention, when communication information is reflected on a content screen, communication information to which a monetary value is added and communication information to which no monetary value is added can be reflected in a form with different visibility. Then, an operation for setting the monetary value is detected, and the detection result can be used in calculating a forecast business climate index.

[0011] A third invention is a content provision system of the second invention, wherein, when the received communication information has a monetary value attached thereto, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of varying visibility depending on the amount of the monetary value, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the communication information is reflected on the content screen, it can be reflected in a form according to the amount of monetary value added to the communication information. Then, when an operation for setting the monetary value is detected, a predicted business climate index can be calculated based on the amount.

[0013] In addition, a fourth invention is a content provision system of the third invention, further comprising a second detection means (e.g., detection unit 247 in Figure 13) that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal of the destination user of the predictive notification, and a destination notification variable control means (e.g., prediction control unit 249 in Figure 13) that variably controls the predictive notification on the user terminal of the destination user based on the detection result of the second detection means.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, the input preparation operation of the destination user who is the target of the predicted notification can be detected, and the predicted notification can be variably controlled.

[0015] Further, a fifth invention is a content provision system of any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the input preparation operation includes a setting operation for including a comment in the communication information, the reflection control means controls the display of the comment on the content screen, the detection means detects the setting operation for the comment, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a comment can be included in the communication information and set. When a comment setting operation is detected, a forecast business index can be calculated based on the content of the comment.

[0017] Furthermore, a sixth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a viewing history data management means (e.g., user management unit 210 in FIG. 13, viewing data 550 in FIG. 14) for managing viewing history data for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably controls the prediction notification addressed to each viewing user based on the viewing history data of that viewing user.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the predictive notification can be variably controlled in accordance with the viewing history of the destination user who is the target of the predictive notification.

[0019] Further, a seventh invention is a content provision system of any of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the detection means detects the input preparation operation related to the destination user of the predicted notification and the input preparation operation related to a non-destination user who is a viewing user other than the destination user, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted economic climate index by relatively comparing the detection result of the detection means related to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means related to the non-destination user.

[0020] According to the seventh invention, the input preparation operation of the destination user who is the target of the forecast notification and the input preparation operation of the non-destination user other than the destination user are detected, and the detection results are compared relative to each other to calculate the forecast business climate index.

[0021] In addition, an eighth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the prediction control means has a calculation standard setting means for setting a calculation standard for the forecasted business climate index, and calculates the forecasted business climate index using the calculation standard.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the content providing system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the calculation standard setting means sets the calculation standard based on past detection results by the detection means.

[0023] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a calculation standard can be set and used to calculate a forecast business climate index. And, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the calculation standard can be set from the detection result of past input preparation operations.

[0024] A tenth invention is a content provision system of any of the first to ninth inventions, further comprising a user data management means (e.g., user management unit 210 in FIG. 13, user management data 540 in FIG. 14) for managing user data for each viewing user, wherein the detection means detects the input preparation operation for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably calculates the predicted business climate index based on whether or not the viewing users whose input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means include a viewing user whose user data satisfies a specific condition.

[0025] According to the tenth invention, the predicted business climate index can be variably calculated depending on whether or not the viewing users performing the input preparation operation include viewing users who satisfy specific conditions.

[0026] An eleventh invention is a content provision system of any one of the first to tenth inventions, wherein the reflection control means has a reflection delay time control means that variably controls the delay time for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen.

[0027] In addition, a 12th invention is a content provision system of the 11th invention, further comprising a delay time acceptance control means for accepting a setting operation of the delay time by a specific user among the viewing users who satisfies given specific user conditions, and the reflection delay time control means variably controls the delay time for reflecting the communication information of the specific user based on the delay time accepted by the delay time acceptance control means.

[0028] According to the eleventh invention, it is possible to variably control the delay time from when communication information is received until the communication information is reflected on a content screen. And according to the twelfth invention, a viewing user can set the delay time by satisfying a specific user condition, and it becomes possible to delay the reflection of communication information that the viewing user has sent.

[0029] In addition, a 13th invention is a content provision system of any of the 1st to 12th inventions, wherein the reception control means, when the forecasted business index satisfies a given confirmation request condition, makes a confirmation request to the user terminal on which the input execution operation was performed to determine whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation.

[0030] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, for example, a confirmation request can be made for an input execution operation performed when the forecast business climate index is high, and cancellation of the input execution operation can be accepted.

[0031] In addition, a 14th invention is a content provision system of any of the 1st to 13th inventions, further comprising a recording means (e.g., forecast index time series data 605 in Figure 15) that records provided content in association with time series data of the forecasted business index calculated at the time of provision, and an archive content provision control means (e.g., archive content provision control unit 251 in Figure 13) that determines, for the provided content recorded by the recording means, the timing at which the forecasted business index satisfies a given high index condition based on the time series data associated with the content, and provides the provided content to the user terminal based on that timing.

[0032] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to record the provided content together with the forecasted business climate index calculated at the time of providing the content. Then, it is possible to extract, for example, a part of the content with a high forecasted business climate index from the content and distribute it to a user terminal as an archive.

[0033] In addition, a 15th invention is a content providing system according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions, further comprising an input candidate management means (e.g., the user management unit 210 in FIG. 13) that manages input candidates for the communication information for each of the viewing users, and a recommended candidate presentation means (e.g., the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 13) that selects and presents, for each of the viewing users, the communication information that is recommended for input from the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means based on the forecasted business climate index.

[0034] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an input candidate according to a forecasted business climate index can be selected from among input candidates for communication information and presented to each viewing user as communication information recommended for input. The input candidate may be set by the viewing user, for example, or may be set automatically.

[0035] In addition, a 16th invention is a content viewing system (e.g., content viewing system 1000 in FIG. 1) in which a server system (e.g., server system 1100 in FIG. 1) which is a content providing system of any one of the first to fifteenth inventions) and the user terminal (e.g., user terminal 1500 in FIG. 1) are communicatively connected.

[0036] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a content viewing system that has the same effect as any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content viewing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating distribution of gameplay videos. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating distribution of gameplay videos. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of a content screen. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the calculation of the forecast business climate index. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram for explaining calculation of an individual forecast business climate index related to the currently input communication information dB shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is another diagram for explaining the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index related to the currently input communication information dB shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first coefficient. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second coefficient. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third coefficient. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of user management data. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of distribution management data. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the server system. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a predictive control process. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a delay time setting screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0039] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content viewing system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the content viewing system 1000 includes a server system 1100, which is a content providing system, and a user terminal 1500 owned by a user 2, which are connected via a network N so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0040] The network N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. That is, the network N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0041] The server system 1100 includes, for example, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140, and the main device 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

[0042] The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0043] The server system 1100 realizes (1) a user management function for registering users 2 and managing information about registered users 2, (2) a game provision function for enabling online games to be played on the user terminal 1500, (3) a live distribution function for live-streaming and providing given distribution content to the user terminal 1500, and (4) an archive distribution function for archive-streaming and providing distribution content that has been live-streamed (provided) to the user terminal 1500, by the control board 1150 performing calculations based on predetermined programs and data.

[0044] In this embodiment, the distribution content is a gameplay video of game play. An example is shown in which a poster, user 2 (posting user 2a), distributes a gameplay video of an online game being played on a user terminal 1500 (1500a). That is, in this embodiment, a live distribution function is used to live-stream the gameplay video of posting user 2a to a user terminal 1500 (1500b) of a viewer, user 2 (viewing user 2b). Furthermore, an archive distribution function is used to archive and distribute the gameplay video already provided by the live distribution function to the user terminal 1500b of viewing user 2b.

[0045] The server system 1100 manages a publishing site for distribution content (here, gameplay videos) to realize each distribution function. However, the management of the publishing site may be configured to use an external video publishing management server 1200. The video publishing management server 1200 is an external server for operating and managing an existing video publishing site (a website that accepts video submissions from an unspecified number of contributors via the Internet, etc., and provides the submitted videos to an unspecified number of viewers in a streaming playback format). In this case, the server system 1100 communicates with the video publishing management server 1200 to automatically submit gameplay videos, thereby realizing the publication of distribution content.

[0046] In addition, the server system 1100 realizes, through calculation processing based on predetermined programs and data, (5) a communication function that enables viewing users 2b of live-streamed content to send communication information, and (6) a payment function that enables users 2b to add "tips" to the communication information.

[0047] The communication function accepts communication information during live streaming of content (gameplay videos) and reflects the communication information on the content screen (see Figure 5). The communication information can include, for example, text (letters, numbers, and symbols) as well as images such as illustrations and photographs (also called stamps). Furthermore, virtual currency points (hereinafter simply referred to as "currency points"), which have monetary value, can be added to the communication information as tips. Using this communication function, viewing user 2b can post various comments, such as comments about the content or comments of support for posting user 2a, at any time while watching the live streaming. Comments can also be posted with tips in exchange for spending currency points.

[0048] The settlement function is a function that allows user 2 to purchase currency points, and performs the currency point purchase procedure (billing process) in cooperation with an external electronic settlement server 1300 operated by an electronic settlement service provider or the like in response to a request from the user terminal 1500. During the billing process, the electronic settlement server 1300 performs a process of settling the purchase amount of the currency points with user 2's credit card, prepaid card, or the like in response to an inquiry from the server system 1100. Then, the server system 1100 grants user 2 currency points equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic settlement server 1300.

[0049] 1, the server system 1100 is depicted as a single server device, but multiple online-connected server devices may share one or more of the following functions: user management function, game provision function, live streaming function, archive streaming function, communication function, and payment function. The server system 1100 may also be configured to include multiple blade servers each sharing a function and connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Multiple independent server devices installed in remote locations may be configured to communicate data via a network N, functioning as the server system 1100 as a whole.

[0050] 1 shows one user terminal 1500 (1500a) of posting user 2 (2a) and one user terminal 1500 (1500b) of viewing user 2 (2b), but in actual operation, there will be multiple posting users 2, each of whom will operate a user terminal 1500 to access server system 1100. Similarly, in actual operation, there will be multiple viewing users 2, each of whom will use a user terminal 1500 to access server system 1100.

[0051] Here, the user terminal 1500 is a computer system that is used individually by the user 2 to play online games and watch gameplay videos, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1100 via the network N. The user terminal 1500 in this embodiment is a device known as a smartphone, but may also be a portable game device, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or the like.

[0052] 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal 1500 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 1500 includes a directional input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as both an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from and to a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. Additionally, a power button, a volume control button, and the like (not shown) are also provided. An IC card reader or the like that can contactlessly read and write data from an IC card-type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for game play, etc., may also be provided.

[0053] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, and a DSP; various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM; a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless communication base station connected to the network N; and an interface circuit 1557. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input keys 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520, and a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542. These elements equipped on the control board 1550 are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, an FPGA, or an SoC.

[0054] In this control board 1550, IC memory 1552 stores a game client program and various setting data required to execute this game client program. The game client program and the like are downloaded from server system 1100 at appropriate times. Alternatively, the program may be read from a separately obtained storage medium such as memory card 1540. Then, CPU 1551 and the like execute the game client program to perform arithmetic processing, and control each section of user terminal 1500 in response to operational inputs made to touch panel 1506, directional input keys 1502, and home key 1504, thereby enabling user 2 to play the game.

[0055] [About streaming gameplay videos] 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the distribution of gameplay videos. In this embodiment, gameplay videos of posting users are distributed to viewing users as distribution content. As described above, the game played by user 2 on user terminal 1500 is an online game executed in a client-server system with server system 1100 as the game server.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, information related to the progress of the game and information related to the display of the game screen W1 is generated by the server system 1100 and provided to the user terminal 1500 as appropriate. The user terminal 1500 functions as a terminal for operation input and game screen display. That is, the user terminal 1500 displays the game screen W1 based on information provided by the server system 1100, and transmits operation input information to the server system 1100 one by one. The server system 1100 progresses the game based on the operation input information transmitted from the user terminal 1500. Note that the content of the game is not particularly limited. FIG. 3 and other figures show an example of the display of the game screen W1 as a competitive game.

[0057] The server system 1100 also generates and stores play data 520 while controlling the progress of the game. The play data 520 is generated for each game play and is constantly updated during play, describing the latest status of the game. For example, one piece of play data 520 stores time-series data 525 of operation input information transmitted from the user terminal 1500 during the game (operation input time-series data) and time-series data 526 of progress status information indicating the progress status of the game at each point in time (progress time-series data) together with a game play ID 521, a play date and time 522, a user account 523 of the user playing the game, etc.

[0058] The operation input time series data 525 stores operation input information from the user terminal 1500 (for example, various information describing the input, such as the type, position, direction, amount of operation, force of operation, and input time) in association with time information indicating the time when the operation input was made (for example, date and time, elapsed time from the start of game play, number of frames drawn on the game screen, etc.). The progress status time series data 526 stores game progress information at each stage during the game (for example, the stage number being played, the battle round, the win / loss results for each round, the position and posture of the player character, parameter values ​​indicating the state, etc.) in association with time information.

[0059] The server system 1100 also generates and stores play-play replay data 530 based on the play data 520. The play-play replay data 530 is also generated for each game play. The play-play replay data 530 is a data group that stores various data constituting the play data 520 in chronological order. Therefore, by reading out the data stored in the play-play replay data 530 in chronological order, the original game play can be reproduced. In this sense, the play-play replay data 530 may also be called "replay data."

[0060] When user 2 live-streams a gameplay video as a poster (posting user), the server system 1100 generates a gameplay video 10 recreating the gameplay as a distribution gameplay video 597 (see FIG. 15) based on gameplay reproduction data 530 related to the gameplay of user 2, as shown in FIG. 4. The server system 1100 then live-streams the generated gameplay video 10 to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user (viewing user) 2. After the live stream, the server system 1100 also archives and distributes the gameplay video 10 to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user.

[0061] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of a content screen for viewing gameplay videos (distribution content) distributed as described above. The content screen is displayed when a viewing user accesses the public site on the user terminal 1500 and selects a gameplay video to view. As shown in FIG. 5, the content screen includes a content display unit 20, a predicted business climate index gauge 21, a communication information input operation unit 22, and a communication information display unit 26.

[0062] The content display section 20 displays the play video that the viewing user is currently viewing.

[0063] The forecast business index gauge 21 displays the forecast business index, which will be described later, as a meter. The display color of this forecast business index gauge 21 changes depending on the forecast business index so that the level of the forecast business index indicated by the gauge value can be easily visually recognized. For example, when the forecast business index is low (the value is small), it is displayed in blue; when the forecast business index is in the middle range, it is displayed in yellow; and when the forecast business index is high (the value is large) and the gauge value is close to full, it is displayed in red.

[0064] The communication information input operation unit 22 is provided with an input field 221 for the viewing user to input a comment to be sent as communication information, an input field 223 for inputting the amount of tipping, an execute button 225 for confirming the input contents in each input field 221, 223 and sending the communication information, a purchase button 227 for purchasing currency points, etc.

[0065] Therefore, the viewing user can send communication information at any time while viewing the distribution content displayed on the content display unit 20. Specifically, the comment can be sent by inputting a comment in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225. Furthermore, by inputting a tip amount (amount of currency points to be consumed) in the input field 223 together with inputting a comment in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225, the comment can be sent with the tip amount added.

[0066] Then, when the execute button 225 is selected, the transmitted communication information is reflected on the content screen. In this embodiment, the display content of the communication information display unit 26 scrolls upward, and the content of the transmitted comment and the tip amount are added to the bottom row of the communication information display unit 26 together with the user names of the viewing users, etc., to reflect the transmitted communication information. That is, the communication information display unit 26 displays the communication information transmitted by each viewing user who is watching the live broadcast of the same gameplay video in the order in which it was transmitted.

[0067] It is also possible to set an upper limit on the tip amount. In that case, the amount that can be input in the input field 223 is limited by the upper limit.

[0068] [detail] 5, on the content screen, communication information sent by viewing users is displayed in the order of sending in the communication information display section 26. Therefore, if there are other messages sent at the same time as one sent by a user, the message sent will be buried among the other messages in the communication information display section 26, making it difficult to stand out.

[0069] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the communication information sent by viewing users includes two types: comments without tips (hereinafter also referred to as "normal comments") and comments with tips (hereinafter referred to as "comments with tips"). Normal comments and comments with tips are displayed in the communication information display unit 26 in forms with different visibility.

[0070] The display format of each is not particularly limited as long as the two are distinguishable, but it is preferable to use a format in which the tip comment 263 stands out more than the normal comment 261 in the communication information display section 26, as shown in Fig. 5. For example, the normal comment 261 is displayed with the same background color as the communication information display section 26, and the tip comment 263 is displayed with a different background color. The display format is controlled by a reflection control process, which will be described later.

[0071] According to this, the tip-attached comment 263 is displayed in a more prominent form than the normal comment 261 in the communication information display unit 26. However, if multiple tip-attached comments are sent at the same time, the same problem as above occurs. Moreover, since currency points are consumed to send the comment, the sender's disappointment may be greater.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, during live distribution, a predicted business climate index that indicates the business climate degree of future reflection of communication information on the content screen (future additional display of communication information on the communication information display unit 26) is calculated as needed, and the predicted business climate index is displayed as a meter on the predicted business climate index gauge 21, thereby controlling prediction notification to the user terminal 1500 based on the predicted business climate index. In this embodiment, a predicted business climate index is calculated for each viewing user, and a prediction of the predicted business climate index for that viewing user is notified to the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user.

[0073] Specifically, the server system 1100 performs, for each distribution content being live distributed, an acceptance control process for accepting communication information, a reflection control process for controlling the reflection of the communication information on the content screen, and a prediction control process for calculating and using a predicted business climate index for each viewing user and controlling a prediction notification to each viewing user's user terminal 1500. Each process will be explained below, focusing on one distribution content (hereinafter referred to as "content of interest").

[0074] 1. Admission control process When starting live distribution of a content of interest, the server system 1100 starts an admission control process for the content of interest and accepts communication information from the viewing user. Specifically, when an input preparation operation for inputting communication information is performed on the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user who is viewing the live distribution of the content of interest, and an input execution operation is performed after the input preparation operation, the server system 1100 controls acceptance of the communication information.

[0075] The input preparation operation includes a setting operation performed by inputting a comment in the input field 221 in the communication information input operation unit 22 on the content screen, and a setting operation performed by inputting an amount in the input field 223. Then, the selection operation of the execute button 225 is detected as an input execution operation, and communication information is accepted. That is, when the server system 1100 detects the selection operation of the execute button 225 performed on the user terminal 1500 of any viewing user, it accepts the comment that has been input in the input field 221 as communication information. Furthermore, when a tip amount has been input in the input field 223, the tip amount is added to the accepted comment.

[0076] More specifically, in this embodiment, when a tip amount is input in the input field 223, the execute button 225 is selectable only if the viewing user has currency points equivalent to that amount. Even if the balance is insufficient, the execute button 225 becomes selectable if the viewing user purchases currency points using the purchase button 227. Note that while the execute button 225 is always selectable, a configuration may be adopted in which, when the execute button 225 is selected, the balance is checked and, if insufficient, the user is prompted to purchase currency points. In this case, the server system 1100 accepts communication information by confirming the input execute operation not when the select operation of the execute button 225 is detected, but when the payment for the shortfall is subsequently completed.

[0077] 2. Reflection control process In the reflection control process, the server system 1100 reflects the communication information received in the reception control process on the content screen by controlling the display of the communication information received in the reception control process by adding it to the bottom row of the communication information display unit 26. In this case, as described above, if the communication information is a comment with a tip, the server system 1100 controls the display of the comment in a form with different visibility from that of a normal comment.

[0078] For example, the server system 1100 performs this control by setting the background color of comments with tips to a color that is different from the background color of the communication information display unit 26 and that corresponds to the amount of the tip. This allows comments with tips to be displayed in different colors depending on the amount of the tip. For example, this can be achieved by dividing the amount that can be input as a tip into multiple price ranges, setting a different color for each range, and displaying the background color of comments with tips in the color of the price range for that amount of tip. In addition to color, effects may be added to comments with tips.

[0079] 3.Detection process In the detection process, the server system 1100 detects an input preparation operation on the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 detects a comment setting operation, which is an operation of inputting a comment in the input field 221, and a tip amount setting operation, which is an operation of inputting an amount in the input field 223. That is, for each user terminal 1500 of a viewing user, the server system 1100 detects a state in which communication information is being input in progress, where some input has been made in the input field 221 and / or the input field 223 but the execute button 225 has not yet been selected.

[0080] As described above, in a configuration in which the remaining amount is paid appropriately after the execution button 225 is selected, the input execution operation is confirmed when the payment is completed after the execution button 225 is selected. Therefore, in this case, the server system 1100 detects the state in which communication information is still being input, even after the execution button 225 is selected, until the payment is completed and the input execution operation is confirmed.

[0081] 4. Predictive control processing In the predictive control process, the server system 1100 calculates a predicted business climate index for each viewing user based on the detection results of the detection process, and controls the sending of predictive notifications to each user terminal 1500 based on the predicted business climate index calculated for that viewing user.

[0082] The predicted business climate index represents the degree of business climate to be reflected when future reflection control is performed by the reflection control process on the communication information in the middle of input detected by the detection process. Therefore, according to the prediction control process here, it is assumed that the communication information in the middle of input is subsequently transmitted and reflected on the content screen of each viewing user, and the degree of business climate can be predicted for each viewing user and notified to each user terminal 1500.

[0083] The reason why the forecasted economic climate index is calculated for each viewing user is that the degree of economic climate reflected in communication information on the content screen is not necessarily the same for all viewing users. For example, if another viewing user is in the middle of entering communication information and you are also in the middle of entering communication information, the impact of the other viewing user's comment (reflection) in terms of making your comment stand out will be different depending on whether you enter a higher or lower tip amount. In other words, even if another viewing user posts a comment at the same time, if it is a comment with a smaller tip amount than yours, your comment will be less affected and will stand out, but if it is a larger amount than yours, the other viewing user's comment will stand out, and there is a risk that your comment with a tip will be overlooked.

[0084] 6 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the forecast business climate index. In FIG. 6, five users A to E are viewing the content of interest as viewing users, and the communication information d A ~d E Specifically, in Fig. 6, three users B, C, and E input communication information d B ,d C ,d E In the middle of inputting (preparing to input), users A and D receive communication information d A ,d D Therefore, in this example, an input preparation operation is detected at each of the user terminals 1500 of users B, C, and E in the preceding detection process. Hereinafter, the user terminal 1500 at which the viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information is also referred to as the "inputting terminal."

[0085] As a processing procedure of the prediction control process, first, communication information being input in the input terminal (hereinafter also referred to as "input communication information") d B ,d C ,d E Then, the communication information d B,d C ,d E The forecasted business climate index relating to the reflection of the above is calculated as an individual forecasted business climate index for each viewing user (destination user) to be notified. For example, the communication information d B In this case, the notification targets (destination users) of the forecasted business climate index related to the reflection are four users A, C to E other than the non-destination user B who is the person himself. Therefore, for each of the destination users A, C to E, the currently input communication information d B Similarly, the individual forecasted business index for the communication information d C Regarding the above, users A, B, D, and E are the destination users, and the communication information d C This will result in calculating individual forecast economic conditions indexes for each item.

[0086] Next, the calculated individual forecasted business climate indexes are summed for each user to obtain a forecasted business climate index for each user. For example, user B sums up the communication information d C Since the user B is the destination user (notification target), the individual forecast business climate index D21 is calculated. E Since the user B is also the destination user for user B, the individual forecast business climate index D23 is calculated, and the sum of the individual forecast business climate indexes D21 and D23 is calculated as the forecast business climate index D25 for user B.

[0087] Next, the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index will be described. B 7 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index for destination user A, and FIG. 7 shows the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index D4 for destination user A, and FIG. 8 shows the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index D5 for destination user E. The situations are different in that destination user E is in the middle of an input preparation operation in FIG. 8, whereas destination user A is not in the middle of an input preparation operation in FIG.

[0088] Here, the individual forecast business index is calculated using a calculation function (1) based on the first to third coefficients K1, K2, and K3. Individual forecast business index = f{K1,K2,K3} (1)

[0089] 4-1. First coefficient K1 The first coefficient K1 is a coefficient based on the tip amount. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 calculates the currently input communication information of interest (the currently input communication information d in FIGS. 7 and 8). B If there is communication information currently being input by the destination user, the amount of that tip is subtracted from the input amount of tipping in the previous step to obtain the difference, and the first coefficient K1 is determined from the obtained difference. This makes it possible to compare the input amounts of both inputs and calculate the forecast business climate index.

[0090] For example, in the example of FIG. 7, destination user A has not performed any input preparation operation, so the currently input communication information d B On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 8, the input amount of the destination user E is determined based on the input communication information d B The first coefficient K1 is determined from the difference, "-5,000 (yen)."

[0091] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first coefficient K1. As shown in Fig. 9, the first coefficient K1 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 0 and less than an upper limit value T61 (T61>1). More specifically, the first coefficient K1 is determined so that when the difference is "0 (yen)", it is set to "1", and the larger the difference is in the positive direction, the closer it approaches T61, and the larger the difference is in the negative direction, the closer it approaches 0. The first coefficient K1 can be calculated by preparing a calculation formula for the first coefficient K1 shown in Fig. 9.

[0092] 4-2. Second coefficient K2 The second coefficient K2 is a coefficient based on the number of characters in the comment. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 calculates the currently input communication information of interest (the currently input communication information d in FIGS. 7 and 8). B ) and determine the second coefficient K2 from the number of characters of the input comment.

[0093] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second coefficient K2. As shown in Fig. 10, the second coefficient K2 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 1 and equal to or less than T63, and is basically determined so that the greater the number of characters, the larger the coefficient K2 (the closer it is to T63). The second coefficient K2 can be calculated by preparing a calculation formula shown in Fig. 10.

[0094] While the example shown here is one in which the second coefficient K2 is determined based on the number of characters in the input comment, a calculation function may be prepared in which another coefficient (fourth coefficient) K4 based on the content of the input comment is added to the variables, and the individual forecast business climate index may be calculated by determining the fourth coefficient K4. Alternatively, a calculation function including the fourth coefficient K4 instead of the second coefficient K2 may be prepared. Specifically, keywords to be counted are determined in advance, and the number of keywords included in the input comment is counted. Examples of keywords include "I love it," "I hate it," and "The best in the world." Meanwhile, the relationship between the number of keywords and the fourth coefficient K4 is also set in advance. The fourth coefficient K4 is then determined from the number of counted keywords.

[0095] Similarly to the first coefficient K1, the second coefficient K2 can be determined by subtracting the number of characters in the comment currently being input by the destination user from the communication information currently being input by the destination user to find the difference in the number of characters, and then determining the second coefficient K2 from the difference in the number of characters. This makes it possible to calculate the forecast business climate index by comparing the number of characters in both comments.

[0096] 4-3.About the third coefficient K3 The third coefficient K3 is a coefficient based on the viewing level 571 (see FIG. 14). In this embodiment, the server system 1100 receives the currently input communication information of interest (the currently input communication information d B The third coefficient K3 is determined from the viewing level 571 of the viewing user (non-destination user) who inputs the above.

[0097] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the third coefficient K3. As shown in Fig. 11, the third coefficient K3 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 1 and equal to or less than T65, and is basically determined so as to increase (approach T65) as the viewing level 571 increases. The third coefficient K3 can be calculated by preparing a calculation formula for the third coefficient K3 shown in Fig. 11.

[0098] Here, as shown in Fig. 11, the third coefficient K3 is determined to be "1" for viewing users whose viewing level 571 does not exceed the predetermined level L6. On the other hand, for viewing users whose viewing level exceeds the predetermined level L6, the third coefficient K3 is determined to be a value greater than "1" and equal to or less than T65. Therefore, for example, if "the viewing level exceeds the predetermined level" is set as a specific condition, control can be realized to calculate a high predicted business climate index when the corresponding viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information.

[0099] The third coefficient K3 can also be determined by calculating the difference in the listening level of the destination user in the same manner as the first coefficient K1, and then determining the third coefficient K3 from the difference in level. This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business climate index by comparing the listening levels of both users.

[0100] 9 to 11 are merely examples and may be determined as appropriate. The calculation function (1) may also be set as appropriate. Basically, the calculation function is prepared such that the larger the values ​​of the first to third coefficients K1, K2, K3, the higher the individual forecast business conditions index obtained, and the smaller the values, the lower the individual forecast business conditions index obtained.

[0101] 5. Verification Requests In this embodiment, when the server system 1100 detects an input execution operation performed on the user terminal 1500 of any of the viewing users, that is, when any of the viewing users selects the execute button 225 on the communication information input operation unit 22, the server system 1100 determines the forecasted business climate index for that viewing user at that time. Then, when the forecasted business climate index satisfies a given confirmation request condition, the server system 1100 makes a confirmation request to the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user to decide whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation.

[0102] The confirmation request condition can be set in advance as, for example, "the forecast business index exceeds a predetermined value." Specifically, for example, when the forecast business index is high and the forecast business index gauge 21 is displayed in red, it is determined that the confirmation request condition is met. In this case, for example, a control is performed to pop up a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 12 on the content screen, and a confirmation request is made by accepting a selection operation of the OK button B71 or the Cancel button B73. When the OK button B73 is selected, the input execution operation is canceled. On the other hand, when the OK button B71 is selected, a reception control process is performed and the communication information is accepted. This makes it possible to draw attention to the fact that, when the forecast business index is high, the input execution operation is in a situation where the transmission of the communication information is less noticeable.

[0103] In addition, the communication information transmitted by selecting the decision button B71 in response to this confirmation request may be considered to be communication information transmitted under circumstances that are less noticeable, and may be notified separately to the poster user along with information about the viewing user, etc., at the end of the live broadcast, etc.

[0104] 6. About archived distribution When the live distribution of the above-mentioned distribution content (gameplay video) ends, the server system 1100 generates and stores a highlight video in preparation for archive distribution of the provided gameplay video. For example, the server system 1100 generates the highlight video based on the timing when the predicted business climate index calculated during the live distribution satisfies a given high index condition. The high index condition can be set in advance, for example, as "the predicted business climate index exceeds a predetermined value."

[0105] In this embodiment, since the predicted business climate index is calculated for each viewing user, the sum of the predicted business climate indexes for each viewing user is used to determine whether the high-index condition is met. Specifically, the sum is calculated for each elapsed time from the start of the distributed play video 597 (hereinafter referred to as "distributed play video time"). Then, a timing when the sum exceeds a predetermined value is deemed to satisfy the high-index condition, and a video portion of a time period including that timing is extracted. The extracted video portions are then connected to generate a highlight video 607 (see FIG. 15) of the distributed play video 597.

[0106] This makes it possible to efficiently view video portions from time periods when the forecast economic index was high during the live broadcast, including times when many viewing users were simultaneously performing input preparation operations, when comments with many characters or large tip amounts were being performed, and when viewing users with high viewing levels were performing input preparation operations.

[0107] [Function Configuration] 1. Server system Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 13, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0108] The operation input unit 100s is used to input various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108.

[0109] The server processing unit 200s can be realized by electronic components such as a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between the operation input unit 100s and each unit of the device, including the server storage unit 500s. The server processing unit 200s performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and controls the overall operation of the server system 1100. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

[0110] This server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a content provision control unit 241, a reception control unit 243, a reflection control unit 245, a detection unit 247, a prediction control unit 249, an archive content provision control unit 251, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

[0111] The user management unit 210 performs processes related to user registration and manages data for each registered user (player) linked to a user account. For example, it can perform processes such as assigning a unique user account to a registered user, managing registration information for registering and managing personal information for each user account, and managing usage history for managing login and logout history. Of course, it can also appropriately include management processes for other data linked to user accounts.

[0112] The billing processing unit 220 performs billing processing in response to a user's purchase operation of currency points, and grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount.

[0113] The game management unit 230 performs various controls for executing the online game on the user terminal 1500. Because the multiplayer game of this embodiment is a client-server online game, the game management unit 230 controls the provision of data necessary for game play while communicating with the user terminal 1500. The game management unit 230 also generates and manages the storage of play data 700, and generates and manages the storage of play replay data 530 based on the play data 520.

[0114] The content provision control unit 241 performs various processes to realize live distribution of distribution content. In this embodiment, the content provision control unit 241 generates a gameplay video from play-play replay data 530 generated and stored as needed by the game management unit 230, creates a distribution gameplay video 597, and controls live distribution of the video to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user. In addition, the content provision control unit 241 also manages distribution schedules and viewers.

[0115] The reception control unit 243 is a functional unit that performs reception control processing, and receives an input preparation operation for communication information at the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user and a subsequent input execution operation, and controls the reception of the communication information.

[0116] The reflection control unit 245 is a functional unit that performs reflection control processing, and controls the reflection of the communication information received by the reception control unit 243 on the content screen.

[0117] The detection unit 247 is a functional unit that performs detection processing, and detects an input preparation operation of the viewing user on the user terminal 1500. Specifically, it detects a comment setting operation and a tipping amount setting operation.

[0118] The prediction control unit 249 is a functional unit that performs prediction control processing, calculates a predicted business climate index for each viewing user, and controls the sending of a prediction notification based on the predicted business climate index to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user.

[0119] The archive content provision control unit 251 controls the archive delivery and provision of the delivered play video 597 (see FIG. 15) that has been provided after the content provision control unit 241 has completed live delivery to the user terminal 1500. In this embodiment, at the end of the live delivery, predicted index time-series data 605 (see FIG. 15) for each viewing user is added up for each delivery play video time, and a highlight video 607 (see FIG. 15) is generated from the delivery play video 597. Then, the archive delivery is performed by providing the highlight video 607 to the user terminal 1500 in a playable state. Of course, the archive delivery may be performed by providing the delivery play video 597 in a playable state.

[0120] The timekeeping unit 280s uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time, the time limit, and the like.

[0121] The image generating unit 290s generates images relating to system management of the server system 1100 and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

[0122] The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and background music related to system management and video distribution of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

[0123] The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, thereby realizing data exchange with the external device.

[0124] The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management and the like based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

[0125] The sound output unit 392s outputs the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108.

[0126] The communication unit 394s establishes communication by connecting to the network N. For example, this can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

[0127] The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the server system 1100 and implementing various functions of the server system 1100, as well as data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented by an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1152 and storage 1140.

[0128] The server storage unit 500s also stores a server program 501, a distribution game client program 503, game setting data 510, play data for each game play 520, play reproduction data for each game play 530, user management data 540, and distribution management data 580. In addition, necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags is also stored as appropriate.

[0129] The server program 501 is a program that causes the server processing unit 200s to function as a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a content provision control unit 241, a reception control unit 243, a reflection control unit 245, a detection unit 247, a prediction control unit 249, and an archive content provision control unit 251. Note that the server program 501 may also include programs that cause the server processing unit 200s to function as an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s, as appropriate.

[0130] The distribution game client program 503 is the original of the game client program 502 (see FIG. 16) downloaded to the user terminal 1500.

[0131] Game setting data 510 stores various setting data necessary for executing the online game of this embodiment, such as character setting data that defines the type of each character appearing in the game, various ability parameter values, model data, motion data used for movement control, object definition data related to various game objects such as items that the player can obtain during the game, and stage setting data related to the settings of the game stage.

[0132] User management data 540 is prepared for each user who has completed user registration and stores various management data related to the user. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, one user management data 540 includes the user's user account (player ID) 541, payment medium ledger data 543, play history data 545, posting data 547, and viewing data 550. In addition, the data includes save data related to the online game play status, personal information such as age, gender, and birthday.

[0133] The payment medium ledger data 543 stores information on the income and expenditure of the electronic payment medium (currency points in this embodiment) linked to the user, such as the history of the purchase date and time of currency points and the number of purchases (charged amount), and the history of the consumption date and time of currency points and the number of consumptions.

[0134] The play history data 545 stores the date and time when the user played the online game, the play time, the play level indicating the user's experience as a player, and the like.

[0135] The posting data 547 stores posting history data that sets a broadcast ID and the like for each broadcast content (in this embodiment, a gameplay video) posted by the user, as well as a posting level, etc. The posting level indicates the user's experience as a poster, and is updated as needed depending on the number of live broadcasts that the user has posted.

[0136] The viewing data 550 stores, for example, viewing history data 560, viewing level 571, total number of comments with tips 573, total tip amount 575, average tip amount 577, and the like.

[0137] The viewing history data 560 is generated each time the user views a piece of distributed content as a viewing user. Specifically, one piece of viewing history data 560 includes a distribution ID 561 of the distributed content, a distribution type 562 indicating whether the content is a live distribution or an archive distribution, a viewing date and time 563, a viewing duration 564, a number of normal comments posted while viewing the distributed content (number of normal comments within the distribution) 565, a number of comments with tips posted while viewing the distributed content (number of comments with tips within the distribution) 566, a total amount of tips for each comment with tips (total amount of tips within the distribution) 567, and an average amount of tips for each comment with tips (average amount of tips within the distribution) 568.

[0138] The viewing level 571 indicates the experience level of the user as a viewer, and is updated as needed according to the number of times the user has viewed the distribution content as a viewer, the total viewing time, and the like.

[0139] The total number of comments with tips 573 is the total number of comments with tips 566 within a stream for each viewing history data 560. The total tip amount 575 is the total of the total tip amount 567 within a stream for each viewing history data 560. The average tip amount 577 is the average amount of the average tip amount 568 within a stream for each viewing history data 560.

[0140] 15 , one piece of distribution management data 580 includes a distribution ID 581, a distribution schedule 585, a distribution in progress flag 587 (ON: live distribution in progress / OFF: provided) indicating whether the live distribution is in progress, a posting user account 589, a viewing user account list 591, a viewer count 593, a play ID (distribution play ID) 595 of the online game related to the live distribution, a distribution play video 597 which is the distribution content of the live distribution, a list of devices currently inputting data 599, currently inputting communication information 600, normal comment submission record data 601, tip-comment submission record data 603, predicted index time-series data 605, and a highlight video 607.

[0141] The inputting terminal list 599 stores a list of user terminals 1500 for which an input preparation operation has been detected during live streaming. When the detection unit 247 detects an input preparation operation on a user terminal 1500 during live streaming, the user terminal 1500 is registered as an inputting terminal in this inputting terminal list 599. Furthermore, when an input execution operation following the input preparation operation is detected, the registration of the inputting terminal is deleted and the list is updated as needed.

[0142] The communication information during input 600 is prepared for each terminal during input and stores communication information that is currently being input at that terminal during input. Specifically, the input comment entered in the input field 221 and the input amount entered in the input field 223 are updated and stored as needed.

[0143] The normal comment transmission record data 601 is generated each time a viewing user transmits a normal comment as communication information during the live broadcast. One normal comment transmission record data 601 stores the user account of the viewing user who transmitted the normal comment, comment content data of the normal comment (comment text, etc.), the timing of the input execution operation, a confirmation request flag indicating whether or not a confirmation request is required for the input execution operation (ON: confirmation request present / OFF: confirmation request absent), etc. The timing of the input execution operation is determined, for example, by the broadcast play video time.

[0144] The tipping comment sending history data 603 is generated each time a viewing user sends a tipping comment as communication information during the live broadcast. One tipping comment sending history data 603 stores the user account of the viewing user who sent the tipping comment, comment content data of the tipping comment (comment text, etc.), the timing of the input execution operation (the broadcast play video time when the input execution operation was performed), the tip amount, a confirmation request flag, etc.

[0145] The predicted index time series data 605 is prepared for each viewing user of the live broadcast, and stores the predicted business index calculated for the viewing user during the live broadcast in association with time information (e.g., broadcast play video time). As a result, the broadcast play video 597, which is the provided content, is associated with the predicted index time series data 605.

[0146] 2. User Device 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. As shown in FIG. 16, the user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

[0147] The operation input unit 100 is used by the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, a button switch, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD module, etc. In Fig. 2, this corresponds to the direction input keys 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506.

[0148] The device processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or by electronic components such as an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between the device and each unit including the operation input unit 100 and the device storage unit 500. The device processing unit 200 performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, and the like, and controls the operation of the user terminal 1500. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551. The device processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a user terminal arithmetic unit 270, a video viewing control unit 275, a timing unit 280, an image generation unit 290, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0149] The user terminal calculation unit 270 executes various calculation processes to cause the user terminal 1500 to function as a terminal for the user to play games. For example, the user terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 271 and an image display control unit 273.

[0150] The operation signal transmission control unit 271 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100 .

[0151] The image display control unit 273 performs control for displaying game screens, content screens, etc. based on various data received from the server system 1100. In this embodiment, images of various screens such as game screens and content screens are generated by the server system 1100, but it is also possible to generate them by the user terminal 1500. In this case, the image display control unit 273 controls, for example, objects arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space for generating 3DCG, and the image generation unit 290 renders the 3DCG and executes various controls for generating the game screen. Regarding the display on the content display unit 20 showing the game play details, operation input time-series data 525 and play reproduction data 530 are received from the server system 1100, and a game program (game client program 502) is executed based on these data to generate a gameplay video.

[0152] The video viewing control unit 275 performs control for accessing a public site and viewing and browsing distributed content, that is, control for realizing a function as a so-called web browser.

[0153] The image generation unit 290 cooperates with the image display control unit 273 to generate various image data and control the generation and output of image signals for displaying those images on the image display unit 390. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the GPU mounted on the control board 1550.

[0154] The sound generation unit 292 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec for playing audio files, etc., and generates audio signals such as sound effects, operation sounds, background music, etc. and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0155] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the server system 1100) via the communication unit 394, thereby realizing data exchange with the external device.

[0156] The image display unit 390 displays various screens such as a game screen and a content screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

[0157] The sound output unit 392 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In FIG.

[0158] The communication unit 394 connects to the network N to realize communication. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0159] The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the user terminal 1500 and implementing the functions of the user terminal 1500, as well as data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented using IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 or memory card 1540. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

[0160] The device storage unit 500 also stores a game client program 502 for causing the device processing unit 200 to function as the user device computing unit 270, a web browser program 504 for causing the device processing unit 200 to function as the video viewing control unit 275, and operation input data 506. The game client program 502 may be a dedicated client program in accordance with the technical method for realizing the online game, or may be configured from a web browser program and a plug-in for realizing interactive image display. In this embodiment, the game client program 502 is a copy of the distribution game client program 503 (see FIG. 13) provided by the server system 1100.

[0161] [Processing flow] 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to live distribution of distribution content (gameplay video) performed by the server system 1100, focusing on one live distribution. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501. Prior to this processing, a distribution schedule 585 is set. Then, in accordance with the set distribution schedule 585, the game management unit 230 begins controlling the game progress related to the poster's gameplay, saving and rewriting necessary data in the play data 520, and starting to accumulate the data as play-through replay data 530.

[0162] 17, the content provision control unit 241 starts generating the distribution play video 597 based on the play reproduction data 530 and starts live distribution (step S1). Also, the prediction control unit 249 starts prediction control processing (step S3).

[0163] During live distribution, the detection unit 247 performs detection processing and monitors input preparation operations on the user terminal 1500. If the detection unit 247 detects an input preparation operation (step S5: YES), and if the input preparation operation is on a user terminal 1500 that is not registered as an active input terminal, the detection unit 247 registers the user terminal 1500 as an active input terminal in the active input terminal list 599 (step S7).

[0164] During live streaming, the reception control unit 243 performs reception control processing and monitors the input execution operation at the user terminal 1500 (input terminal). If the reception control unit 243 detects an input execution operation (step S9: YES), it refers to the forecast index time-series data 605 and determines whether the confirmation request condition is met based on the latest forecast business climate index calculated for the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 in the forecast control processing started in step S3. If the confirmation request condition is met (step S11: YES), the reception control unit 243 requests the user terminal 1500 to confirm whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation detected in step S9 (step S13). If the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 selects to cancel the input execution operation (selects the cancel button B73 on the confirmation screen of FIG. 12) (step S15: YES), the reception control unit 243 cancels the input execution operation (step S16) and proceeds to step S23.

[0165] On the other hand, if a selection is made to confirm the input execution operation (the Confirm button B71 is selected on the confirmation screen in FIG. 12) (step S15: NO), the reception control unit 243 deletes the registration of the user terminal 1500 as the input terminal and updates the input terminal list 599 (step S17). Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0166] Then, in step S19, the reception control unit 243 receives the input comment related to the input preparation operation as communication information. If there is an input amount related to the input preparation operation, the reception control unit 243 adds a tip of that amount to the communication information.

[0167] Next, the reflection control unit 245 reflects the communication information received in step S19 on the content screen (step S21). In this embodiment, the control unit 245 performs control to add the received communication information, that is, a normal comment or a comment with a tip, to the communication information input operation unit 22 and display it.

[0168] Thereafter, the process returns to step S5 and repeats the above-described process until the live distribution ends (step S23: NO). Then, when the live distribution ends (step S23: YES), the archive content provision control unit 251 generates a highlight video 607 from the distributed play video 597 that has finished being live distributed using the predicted index time-series data 605 (step S25), and ends this process.

[0169] Next, the flow of the prediction control process that starts in step S3 in Fig. 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. As shown in Fig. 18, in the prediction control process, the prediction control unit 249 repeatedly executes the process of loop A at a predetermined cycle until the live distribution ends (steps S301 to S329).

[0170] That is, in loop A, the prediction control unit 249 sequentially sets all inputting terminals registered in the inputting terminal list 599 as processing input terminals and executes the processing of loop B (steps S303 to S325). Then, in loop B, the prediction control unit 249 first refers to the inputting communication information 600 of the processing input terminal, and acquires the number of characters in the input comment and the input amount of tips (step S305).

[0171] Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines the second coefficient K2 from the number of characters of the input comment acquired in step S305 (step S307).

[0172] Furthermore, the prediction control unit 249 reads and uses the viewing level 571 (see FIG. 14) of the viewing user of the terminal currently inputting processing, to determine the third coefficient K3 (step S309).

[0173] Next, the prediction control unit 249 sets the viewing user of the terminal currently receiving processing input as a non-destination user, and sets the viewing users other than the non-destination users as destination users (step S311), and then executes the processing of loop C with all destination users as processing destination users in sequence (steps S313 to S323).

[0174] That is, in Loop C, if the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is registered as an input terminal, the prediction control unit 249 acquires the input amount of tipping from the input communication information 600 (step S315). Next, the prediction control unit 249 subtracts the input amount of the processing destination user acquired in step S315 from the input amount of the non-destination user acquired in step S305 to calculate the difference (step S317). If the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is not registered as an input terminal, or if it is registered but no tipping amount has been input, the input amount related to the non-destination user can be used as the difference.

[0175] Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines the first coefficient K1 from the difference calculated in step S317 (step S319).

[0176] Then, the prediction control unit 249 calculates an individual predicted business climate index for the processing destination user relating to the communication information 600 being input at the terminal being processed by substituting the first coefficient K1 determined in step S319, the second coefficient K2 determined in step S307, and the third coefficient K3 determined in step S309 into the calculation function (1) (step S321).

[0177] Then, the process of Loop C is executed with all the destination users set in step S311 as the processing destination users, and once the process of Loop B has been executed for all the input terminals, the individual forecasted business climate indexes calculated in step S321 are summed for each viewing user to obtain the forecasted business climate index for the processing cycle for each viewing user (step S327). After that, the process of Loop A for the current cycle is terminated.

[0178] As described above, according to this embodiment, a viewing user who is watching a live broadcast of distribution content can send communication information while determining the timing when their own message (reflection of the sent communication information) will be noticeable from the display of the forecasted business climate index gauge 21. Therefore, a technology can be provided that allows a user to send communication information, including tips for the content being viewed, while being aware of the messages sent by other viewing users.

[0179] The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0180] [Variation 1] For example, when issuing a predicted notification, the predicted notification may be variably controlled based on the viewing data 550 of the destination user (see FIG. 14). That is, in the above embodiment, when calculating the individual predicted business climate index, the first coefficient K1 is determined by relatively comparing the tipping amounts of non-destination users and the destination user. However, instead of the destination user's tipping amount to be relatively compared, the first coefficient K1 may be determined by comparing the destination user's average tipping amount 577 with the tipping amount of non-destination users. In this way, even if there is a viewing user performing an input preparation operation, including an operation to set a tipping amount that is generally considered to be high, control can be performed such that the predicted business climate index is calculated to be low for viewing users whose average tipping amount is equal to or greater than that.

[0181] In addition, by preparing a calculation function that includes as variables another coefficient based on the total number of comments with tips 573 or the total amount of tips 575, and determining the coefficient to calculate an individual forecast economic index, it is possible to calculate a lower forecast economic index for viewing users who have sent out a large amount of communication information in the past or viewing users who have donated large amounts of tips.

[0182] [Variation 2] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the individual forecast business climate index was calculated using the third coefficient K3 based on the viewing level 571. However, another coefficient based on the viewing history data 560 of the corresponding viewing user or the distribution management data 580 for the viewing user included in the viewing user account list 591 may be determined and used to calculate the individual forecast business climate index. For example, a calculation function is prepared that includes, as variables, other coefficients based on the total viewing time of past distributed content, the number of times the same poster user's distributed content was viewed in the past, the number of times communication information was sent during that viewing (the number of times communication information was sent to that poster user), the total amount of tipping during that viewing (the total amount of tipping to that poster user), etc. Then, a coefficient based on each value may be determined to calculate the individual forecast business climate index.

[0183] This makes it possible to variably calculate the predicted business climate index in accordance with the viewing history of the viewing user who is performing the input preparation operation.

[0184] Furthermore, in addition to the viewing history of the viewing user, if the friend setting or the number of followers is separately set, the predicted business climate index may be calculated according to the number of followers. This makes it possible to calculate a high predicted business climate index when a popular viewing user with a large number of followers is preparing to input communication information.

[0185] [Variation 3] Alternatively, a calculation standard may be set and used to calculate the individual forecast business index. For example, this can be achieved by calculating a fifth coefficient K5, which will be described below, instead of the first coefficient K1.

[0186] That is, the prediction control unit 249, as a calculation standard setting means, first refers to the distribution management data 580, calculates the average amount of tipping amounts added to comments with tips that have already been accepted for the content of interest, and sets the calculated average amount as the calculation standard. Then, it compares the average amount with the input amount of tipping in the currently input communication information of interest, and selects the higher amount as the applicable amount. If the calculation standard is higher than the input amount, it selects the calculation standard as the applicable amount. On the other hand, if the input amount is higher, it sets the input amount as the applicable amount.

[0187] Thereafter, in the same manner as in determining the first coefficient K1, if there is communication information currently being input by the destination user, the amount of the tip input is subtracted from the applicable amount to obtain the difference, and the fifth coefficient K5 is determined from the obtained difference. This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business climate index based on the average amount of tipping related to the featured content.

[0188] Alternatively, for example, the distribution management data 580 for the provided distribution content in which the user account of the poster of the featured content is set as the poster user account 589 can be referenced to calculate the average amount of all the tip amounts of comments with tips received during the live distribution of each relevant distribution content, and this can be used as the calculation standard. In this way, the predicted business climate index can be calculated based on the average amount of tip amounts for the poster of the featured content.

[0189] [Variation 4] Alternatively, the communication information may be reflected on the content screen after a predetermined time has elapsed, rather than immediately upon reception. In this case, the reflection control unit 245 serves as a reflection delay time control unit, and variably controls the delay time from reception of the communication information until reflection. During the delay time, the prediction control unit 249 treats the communication information as communication information being input (assuming that an input execution operation has not yet been performed) and calculates the predicted business climate index.

[0190] The delay time may be a fixed length of time, or may be configured to accept a setting operation by the viewing user. In the latter case, the server processing unit 200s controls the delay time for each viewing user by accepting a delay time setting operation in advance as delay time acceptance control means. For example, when an input execution operation is detected (when a selection operation of the Execute button 225 is detected in the communication information input operation unit 22), control is performed to display a delay time setting screen as shown in FIG. 19 as a pop-up on the content screen to accept the delay time setting operation. In this modification, the viewing user selects a desired delay time from a pull-down menu M8 presenting a list of selectable delay times and performs the setting operation by touching the Enter button B8. A setting field may be provided in the communication information input operation unit 22 to accept the delay time setting operation.

[0191] Alternatively, instead of allowing all viewing users to freely set the delay time, only specific users may be able to do so. In this case, the delay time setting operation by specific users who satisfy given specific user conditions is accepted. For example, when an input execution operation is detected, it is determined whether the viewing user satisfies the specific user conditions, and if so, control is performed to display the delay time setting screen of FIG. 19, and the delay time setting operation by the viewing user is accepted. The specific user condition can be set in advance, such as "the viewing level exceeds a predetermined level."

[0192] According to this modification, when the display of the forecasted business climate index gauge 21 on the content screen of another viewing user is high due to the influence of the user's input of communication information, the forecasted business climate index can be maintained in a high state for the delay time even after the user performs the input execution operation. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the input of communication information by other viewing users is obtained for an extended period of time corresponding to the delay time, making it possible to make one's own message more noticeable.

[0193] The specific user condition is not limited to a condition based on the viewing level, but may be, for example, "using a predetermined item." Alternatively, it may be, for example, "sending communication information in which the tipping amount exceeds a predetermined amount." In this case, when an input execution operation is detected and the tipping amount exceeds a predetermined amount, a predetermined delay time is set, or the delay time is set by accepting a setting operation by the viewing user who performed the input execution operation. In addition, it is preferable to vary the range of the delay time that can be set depending on the tipping amount (for example, the larger the tipping amount, the wider the range of the delay time that can be set).

[0194] [Variation 5] Furthermore, the coefficients used in calculating the individual forecast business climate index (e.g., first to third coefficients K1, K2, K3) may be modified as needed using machine learning. To achieve this, for example, after a live broadcast, a survey is conducted among viewing users to assess their satisfaction with the display of the forecast business climate index gauge. The calculation formulas for each coefficient and the collected survey results are then stored together with the number of characters entered, the amount entered, and the viewing level used to determine each coefficient, as well as the number of viewers of the live broadcast, the time period of the broadcast, the game genre of the gameplay video broadcast, and the like. Then, machine learning processing may be performed based on the stored data to modify each coefficient.

[0195] [Variation 6] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a tipping comment was sent by inputting a tipping amount in the input field 223 of the communication information input operation unit 22 (see FIG. 5) on the content screen, but a configuration is also possible in which a tip of the tipping amount is sent without adding a comment. For example, multiple types of tipping items with different prices may be prepared so that the viewing user can obtain them by purchasing them and use them to send a tip. For example, this can be achieved by providing an item selection menu on the communication information input operation unit 22 and allowing the viewing user to select or purchase a tipping item from the menu.

[0196] Tipping items can include those that, when sent, are controlled to apply effects to the content screen according to their type. There are no particular restrictions on the content of the effect control, but it is advisable to associate more flashy effect control (more conspicuous on the content screen) with more expensive items. For example, effect control such as "paper streamers flying" or "crackers popping" can be set for each tipping item.

[0197] Furthermore, tipping items do not necessarily have to be purchased each time, but may be purchased in advance and stocked. In this case, the user management unit 210 performs a process of managing the types and number of tipping items owned by each user as input candidates for communication information related to that user. Meanwhile, on the content screen, the aforementioned item selection menu allows each viewing user to select a tipping item to use for sending from their own tipping items.

[0198] Furthermore, in a configuration in which tipping items owned by each user are managed, as in this modified example, a configuration can be adopted in which a recommended tipping item (hereinafter referred to as a "recommended item") for each viewing user is selected and presented by calculating a predicted economic index for each stocked tipping item at any time when it is sent.

[0199] In this case, the server processing unit 200s calculates, as needed, a predicted business climate index for each viewing user for each tipping item owned by that viewing user when that viewing user transmits that tipping item. The calculation can be performed by replacing the tipping amount input by the destination user in the communication information currently being input with the selling price of that tipping item. The timing of the calculation can be set as appropriate, but for example, when a selection operation is performed on an item selection menu, the calculation is performed for the viewing user who performed that operation. Then, the calculated predicted business climate index for each tipping item is compared with a threshold value, and, for example, a tipping item whose predicted business climate index is below a preset threshold is selected and determined as a recommended item for that viewing user. The determined tipping items are then displayed as a list and presented to the viewing user.

[0200] [Other variations] Although the above embodiment has exemplified gameplay videos as distribution content, the content of the distribution content is not particularly limited. For example, the content may be a live broadcast of a performance or show by a poster, or a video work filmed and edited by a poster. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1000...Game System 1100...Server system 100s...Operation input section 200s...Server processing section 210...User Management Department 220...Charging processing unit 230...Game Management Department 241...Content provision control unit 243...Reception control unit 245...Reflection control section 247…Detection unit 249...Prediction control unit 251...Archive content provision control unit 290s...Image generation section 292s…sound generation section 294s…Communication control unit 390s...Image display section 392s...Sound output section 394s…Communication Department 500s...Server storage section 501...Server program 503...Streaming game client program 510...Game setting data 520...Play data 525...Operation input time series data 526...Progress time series data 530...Play reproduction data 540...User management data 543...Payment medium ledger data 545...Play history data 547...Posted data 550...viewing data 560...Viewing history data 566…Number of comments with tips during the stream 567…Total amount of donations during the stream 568…Average amount of tips within a stream 571...Viewing level 573...Total number of comments with tips 575...total amount of donations 577...Average tip amount 580...Distribution management data 597...Streaming gameplay video 599...Current device list 600...Communication information being input 601...Normal comment transmission data 603... Data on comments with tips 605...Prediction index time series data 607...Highlight video 1500...User terminal 100...Operation input section 200...Terminal processing section 270...User terminal calculation unit 271...Operation signal transmission control unit 273...Image display control unit 275...Video viewing control unit 290...Image generation unit 292...Sound generation section 294...Communication control unit 390...Image display unit 392...Sound output unit 394…Communications Department 500...Device memory section 502...Game client program 504...Web browser program 506...Operation input data N...Network 1200: Video publishing management server 1300: Electronic payment server 2...User

Claims

1. A content providing system that provides given content to a user terminal of a viewing user by connecting to the user terminal, comprising: a reflection control means for controlling the reflection of communication information on the content screen of the user terminal when an input execution operation for executing input of given communication information to be reflected on the content screen of the user terminal is performed on the user terminal; a detection means for detecting an input preparation operation performed on the user terminal before the input execution operation is performed; a prediction control means for calculating a parameter value indicating the business climate of a future reflection control to be performed by the reflection control means based on the detection result of the input preparation operation by the detection means, and for controlling a prediction notification to be sent to the user terminal based on the parameter value; A content providing system comprising:

2. the input preparation operation includes an operation for setting a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input, when the monetary value is added to the communication information input and executed by the input execution operation, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of visibility different from that when the monetary value is not added; the detection means detects an operation for setting the monetary value; the predictive control means calculates the parameter value based on the monetary value setting operation detected by the detection means; The content providing system according to claim 1 .

3. when the monetary value is added to the communication information inputted by the input execution operation, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of visibility that varies depending on the amount of the monetary value; the predictive control means calculates the parameter value based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means; The content providing system according to claim 2 .

4. a second detection means for detecting the input preparation operation on a user terminal of a destination user of the predicted notification; a destination notification variable control means for variably controlling the predicted notification at the user terminal of the destination user based on the detection result of the second detection means; The content providing system according to claim 3 , further comprising:

5. the input preparation operation includes a setting operation for including a comment in the communication information, the reflection control means controls display of the comment on the content screen; the detection means detects the comment setting operation, the prediction control means calculates the parameter value based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means; 5. The content providing system according to claim 1.

6. a viewing history data management means for managing viewing history data for each viewing user; Further provided with the prediction control means variably controls the prediction notification addressed to each of the viewing users based on the viewing history data of the viewing users, 6. A content providing system according to claim 1.

7. the detection means detects the input preparation operation related to a destination user of the prediction notification and the input preparation operation related to a non-destination user who is a viewing user other than the destination user; the prediction control means calculates the parameter value by relatively comparing the detection result of the detection means related to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means related to the non-destination users; 7. The content providing system according to claim 1.

8. a user data management means for managing user data for each of the viewing users; Further provided with the detection means detects the input preparation operation for each of the viewing users; the prediction control means calculates the parameter value based on whether or not a viewing user whose user data satisfies a specific condition is included among the viewing users for whom the input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means. The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the reflection control means includes a reflection delay time control means for variably controlling a delay time for reflecting the communication information input and executed by the input execution operation on the content screen, 9. A content providing system according to claim 1.

10. a delay time acceptance control means for accepting a setting operation of the delay time from a specific user who satisfies a given specific user condition among the viewing users; Further provided with the reflection delay time control means variably controls the delay time for reflecting the communication information of the specific user based on the delay time accepted by the delay time acceptance control means. The content providing system according to claim 9 .

11. an input candidate management means for managing input candidates of the communication information for each of the viewing users; a recommendation candidate presentation means for selecting and presenting the communication information recommended for input from among the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means for each of the viewing users based on the parameter value; The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. A server system that is the content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11; the user terminal; and a content viewing system in which the content is communicatively connected.

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