Video distribution system, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

We provide a more realistic and entertaining video streaming service. [Solution] A video distribution system includes a video distribution unit that distributes video generated by a distributor to a viewer terminal used by a viewer via a network, a display control unit that displays a masking layer that at least partially masks the video by superimposing it on the video, and a game providing unit that provides a game in which the masking layer can be removed in response to operation input by the viewer on the viewer terminal. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, the display control unit removes all or part of the masking layer to visualize the video.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a video distribution system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems for distributing video have been developed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-170788 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In interactive video distribution, where broadcasters and viewers interact with each other, there is a demand for services that offer a greater sense of realism and interest.

[0005] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a video distribution service that is more realistic and entertaining. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a video distribution system includes a video distribution unit that distributes video generated by a distributor to a viewer terminal used by a viewer via a network, a display control unit that displays a shielding layer that at least partially shields the video by superimposing it on the video, and a game providing unit that provides a game in which the shielding layer can be removed in response to an operation input by the viewer on the viewer terminal. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, the display control unit removes all or a part of the shielding layer to visualize the video. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 200. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen 50 displayed on a viewer terminal 300. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen 50 displayed on a viewer terminal 300. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the video distribution system 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the video distribution system 1. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the display screen 50 displayed on the viewer terminal 300. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the display screen 50 displayed on the viewer terminal 300. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <1. Embodiment> A video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and drawings, elements similar to those already described are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will not be repeated. In the present disclosure, users include distributors who distribute videos using the video distribution system 1 and viewers who watch the distributed videos.

[0009] (1.1. Overview of the video distribution system) An overview of a video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The video distribution system 1 includes a distributor terminal 100, a server 200, and a viewer terminal 300. These elements are configured with information processing devices (described later) and are capable of communicating with each other via a network N.

[0010] The distributor terminal 100 allows the distributor to capture or generate video and transmit it to the server 200. As an example, the distributor terminal 100 is equipped with input means such as a camera function or a microphone, and can generate video content in real time. The distributor terminal 100 may include a mobile terminal, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc.

[0011] The server 200 relays and manages the video data from the distributor terminal 100. The server 200 controls the video distribution and executes various processes required for the progress of the game that is played during the video distribution. The functions of the server 200 will be described in detail later.

[0012] The viewer terminal 300 is an information processing device that receives video via the server 200 and allows viewers to view the video. The distributor terminal 100 includes a mobile terminal, tablet terminal, personal computer, etc., and can accept operations from users viewing the video broadcast, such as participating in a game or purchasing a product during the video broadcast (live commerce), through touch operations or button operations. As an example, if the viewer terminal 300 is a smartphone or tablet terminal, the display functions as an input means and an output means, and accepts game operations and purchasing operations through touch operations by the viewer.

[0013] (1.2. Functional Configuration of Server 200) The functional configuration of the server 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The server 200 includes a control unit 210 and a storage unit 250.

[0014] The control unit 210 functions as a video distribution unit 220, a display control unit 230, and a game providing unit 240. The video distribution unit 220 receives video data transmitted from the distributor terminal 100 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 300 via the network. As an example, the video distribution unit 220 may be configured to support high-resolution video data and low-latency streaming distribution.

[0015] The display control unit 230 has a function of superimposing a shielding layer on the video and controlling the visibility of the video. Specifically, in a game played during video distribution, the display control unit 230 executes a process of removing all or part of the shielding layer and visualizing part of the video in accordance with the progress of the game and the viewer's operation input. In addition, if necessary, the display control unit 230 performs a visibility restriction process such as a masking process on the visualized area.

[0016] The game providing unit 240 has a function of receiving operation inputs sent from the viewer terminal 300 and providing game content based on the contents of the operation inputs. As an example, the game providing unit 240 determines whether the received operation inputs satisfy predetermined conditions and notifies the display control unit 230 of the determination result, thereby removing the occlusion layer. Furthermore, the game providing unit 240 manages information related to the score and progress status related to the progress of the game.

[0017] The memory unit 250 has a function of storing various information such as video data, game data, user information, operation history information, etc. The memory unit 250 functions as a storage area for storing data (including programs) required by the control unit 210.

[0018] (1.3. Screen example) 3 and 4, a description will be given of the screen displayed on the viewer terminal 300. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 50 displayed on the viewer terminal 300.

[0019] Display screen 50 is designed to allow viewers to operate the game while watching streamed video 51. Specifically, display screen 50 includes streamed video 51, a comment area 52, a shielding layer 53, a removal element 54, and a removal ratio meter 54a.

[0020] The distributed video 51 is a video (including a video or a still image) distributed from the broadcaster terminal 100, on which a shielding layer 53 is superimposed. The shielding layer 53 is an image element for limiting visibility so that at least a portion of the distributed video 51 is not visible to the viewer, and is superimposed and displayed on the distributed video 51 by the display control unit 230. The shielding layer 53 may be configured in the form of a monochromatic semi-transparent layer, a patterned figure, or any mask image, and its shape, density, and arrangement are variable depending on the video content. As will be described in detail below, the shielding layer 53 is not only displayed statically, but is also removed or reconstructed in part or in whole in conjunction with the game providing unit 240 based on operational inputs from the viewer or broadcaster, thereby realizing dynamic visibility control.

[0021] The comment area 52 is a display area for chat-style communication between the broadcaster and one or more viewers watching the video, and is located next to the broadcast video 51. As an example, the comment area 52 is configured to display text messages sent in real time in chronological order, and may also display usernames and icons to identify each user. By doing so, viewers can post comments during the video broadcast, which can stimulate communication with the broadcaster and also enhance the value of the live broadcast experience, such as by sharing opinions with other viewers or inviting them to participate in games.

[0022] The removal element 54 is generated by the viewer's game operation and indicates a portion of the occlusion layer 53 that has been removed. The removal element 54 is displayed, for example, in the form of ink, and is formed by the viewer projecting ink onto the screen (specifically, by button input, swipe operation, etc.). The occlusion layer corresponding to the area hit by the projected ink is removed, and the broadcast video 51 of that area is visualized. This allows the viewer to actively participate in the visualization of the video, providing an enjoyment that goes beyond simply watching a video. Note that the game in which the occlusion layer 53 is removed may be provided as a cooperative game in which multiple viewers cooperate to play. In this case, the areas removed by each viewer's operation are added up and reflected as overall progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment and unity among viewers through collaborative work.

[0023] The removal ratio meter 54a is an area that visually displays the ratio of the area removed by the removal element 54 to the area of ​​the occluding layer 53. This allows viewers to instantly grasp the progress of the game, and increases their motivation for the next operation while checking the progress toward the goal of removing the occluding layer 53. Furthermore, when multiple people play the game cooperatively, each viewer can easily share the removal progress, which contributes to fostering a sense of unity and accomplishment in the collaborative work.

[0024] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 50 when video distribution is in progress. On the display screen 50, a covering element 55 is further displayed.

[0025] The covering elements 55 are generated by the viewer's game operations and are elements that re-occlude areas that have already been removed. The covering elements 55 are displayed in ink form, for example, and are formed by the streamer projecting ink onto the screen. The covering elements 55 are set as game elements that allow the streamer to participate in the game against the viewer based on predetermined game rules. Part of the occlusion layer 53 is removed by the removing elements 54, and another part is re-occluded by the covering elements 55. The removal ratio meter 54a is displayed to reflect the progress of this removal and covering. This allows for game content in which the viewer and streamer interfere with each other, stimulating two-way communication and providing a sense of realism and immersion that was not possible with conventional one-way distribution formats.

[0026] (1.4. Processing Procedure) The flow of processing in the system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are sequence diagrams showing an example of processing executed in a video distribution system. The distributor terminal 100, server 200, and viewer terminal 300 communicate with each other at predetermined times, and realize video distribution and game provision, for example, in the following procedure.

[0027] First, the distributor terminal 100 transmits a request to the server 200 to request the start of distribution (step S110). In response, the server 200 receives the request (step S210), and the video distribution unit 220 starts the video distribution process (step S215).

[0028] Next, the distributor terminal 100 starts distributing the video that the distributor shot or generated (step S120). The server 200 receives the video data transmitted from the distributor terminal 100 (step S220), and the server 200 becomes ready to transmit the video data to the viewer terminal 300.

[0029] Meanwhile, when the user operates the viewer terminal 300 to view the video, a request to view the video is sent to the server 200 (step S310). The server 200 receives this request (step S225) and sends the video being distributed to the viewer terminal 300 (step S230). The viewer terminal 300 receives and displays the video sent from the server 200 (step S315).

[0030] Next, the server 200 starts the game provision process at a predetermined timing (step S235). Accordingly, a request to participate in the game is transmitted from the viewer terminal 300 to the server 200 (step S320), and the server 200 receives this request (step S240). This starts provision of the game linked to the video distribution.

[0031] The timing of the game provision process may be based on a time preset by the broadcaster or conditions according to the broadcasting situation. Alternatively, the game provision process may be started at any timing by a predetermined operation by the broadcaster, such as pressing a predetermined button or sending a command. This makes it possible to flexibly control the timing of the game start according to the broadcaster's intentions and the video content, thereby enabling more effective interaction with viewers.

[0032] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the viewer terminal 300 performs a game-related operation input and transmits the content of the input to the server 200 (step S330). The server 200 receives the game operation (step S250) and controls the game progress and the display of the shielding layer based on the received operation content (step S255). This reflects the video display according to the game progress. For example, a removal element 54 is generated based on the viewer's operation input, and a portion of the shielding layer 53 is removed, thereby visualizing the distributed video 51 of that area.

[0033] Next, the broadcaster terminal 100 performs an operation based on the progress of the game and transmits the operation content to the server 200 (step S135). The server 200 receives the operation (step S260) and executes a process to reflect the operation content (step S265). The viewer terminal 300 and the broadcaster terminal 100 each receive the reflection results transmitted from the server 200 (steps S335, S130). For example, a covering element 55 is generated based on the operation input by the broadcaster, and a part of the shielding layer 53 that has already been removed is re-covered, thereby restricting viewing of the area.

[0034] Thereafter, the server 200 executes the end of the game provision process (step S270). The distributor terminal 100 transmits a request to end the distribution (step S140), and the server 200 receives the end request (step S275). Based on this, the server 200 terminates the video distribution and transmits a notification (step S280). The viewer terminal 300 receives the notification of the end of the distribution (step S340), and the process ends.

[0035] (1.5. Variations) A modified example of the game provided by the system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 shows an example of a display screen 50 displayed on the viewer terminal 300, which is a modified example that combines a so-called live commerce function, in which products are sold in real time during video streaming, with a game function. The display screen 50 includes a streaming video 51 and a product purchase section 56. In the streaming video 51, product images 57 introduced by the streamer are displayed within the video.

[0036] Product image 57 is superimposed on distributed video 51 with at least a portion of it covered by a shielding layer 53 that limits visibility. Shielding layer 53 is linked to the game function described above, and is gradually removed by removal elements 54 formed in response to operational inputs by the viewer. As one example, removal elements 54 are displayed as ink-like image elements, and are generated by the viewer performing a game operation such as projecting ink onto the screen.

[0037] When the shielding layer 53 of the product image 57 is removed in accordance with a predetermined condition, the product is visualized, and the product icon 56a and purchase button 56b displayed in the product purchase section 56 are enabled. By selecting the purchase button 56b, the viewer can perform a purchase operation for the product using a purchase processing unit (not shown) included in the control unit 210. In this manner, in this embodiment, thumbnail images showing the products for sale are displayed within the distributed video, and the visualization of the products and the acceptance of purchases are linked by the removal of the shielding layer.

[0038] In this modified example, each product may be assigned a "removal point" in advance, which may be set as a condition value required for removing the occlusion layer. Operation points may be accumulated according to the viewer's game operations, and a purchase operation may be performed when the accumulated value reaches the removal point for each product. The game providing unit may accept and add up the viewer's operation input for each product, and the purchase processing unit may determine whether or not to accept the purchase operation. In this case, removal points from multiple viewers may be added up.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example of the progress of the live commerce screen shown in Figure 7, in which the obscuring layers for multiple products have been removed as the game progresses, making them available for purchase. Multiple product images 57 are superimposed on the streamed video 51, and each product had an obscuring layer 53, which is sequentially removed by the viewer's operation.

[0040] Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 8, the product images of the headphones as well as the USB microphone are shown with the corresponding shielding layers completely removed. Product icon 56a for the product is displayed in product purchase section 56, and purchase button 56b is activated. This allows the viewer to perform a purchase operation.

[0041] By combining live commerce and game functions in this way, viewers can go beyond simply watching videos and purchasing products to actively participate in the disclosure of product information through gameplay, giving them a sense of game-like accomplishment and increasing product interest. Furthermore, by linking the availability of products to the game's progress, viewers' desire to participate can be stimulated, increasing immersion in the video content while encouraging purchasing behavior. In this way, unlike traditional one-way live commerce broadcasts, it is possible to provide a new broadcasting experience that combines high levels of viewer participation and purchasing opportunities.

[0042] (1.6. Hardware configuration of information processing device) 9, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of an information processing device used as the distributor terminal 100, the server 200, and the viewer terminal 300. The information processing device is realized, as an example, by a computer 90 shown in FIG. 9. The computer 90 may include a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, a storage 94, an input interface 95, an output interface 96, and a communication interface 97.

[0043] The CPU 91 functions as a processor that executes processing. Specifically, the CPU 91 uses the RAM 93 as a work memory and executes a program stored in at least one of the ROM 92 and the storage 94. During program execution, the CPU 91 controls each component via a system bus 98 and executes various processes. As an example, the CPU 91 functions as a control unit 210.

[0044] The ROM 92 stores a program that controls the operation of the computer 90. The ROM 92 stores a program necessary for causing the computer 90 to perform each of the above-described processes. The RAM 93 functions as a storage area in which the programs stored in the ROM 92 are expanded.

[0045] The storage 94 stores data necessary for executing the program and data obtained by executing the program. The storage 94 includes one or more selected from a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD). As an example, the storage 94 functions as a memory unit 250.

[0046] The input interface (I / F) 95 can connect the computer 90 to an input device 95a. The input interface 95 is, for example, a serial bus interface such as USB. The CPU 91 can read various data from the input device 95a via the input interface 95.

[0047] The output interface (I / F) 96 can connect the computer 90 and an output device 96a. The output interface 96 is, for example, a video output interface such as a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)). The CPU 91 can transmit data to the output device 96a via the output interface 96 and cause the output device 96a to output the data.

[0048] The input device 95a is an example of an input means and includes one or more selected from a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone (voice input), and a touchpad. The output device 96a is an example of an output means and includes one or more selected from a display, a projector, a printer, and a speaker. A device having the functions of both the input device 95a and the output device 96a, such as a touch panel, may also be used.

[0049] The communication interface (I / F) 97 can connect the computer 90 to an external server 97a located outside the computer 90. The communication interface 97 is, for example, a network card such as a LAN card. The CPU 91 can read various data from the external server 97a via the communication interface 97.

[0050] Each process executed by the server 200 may be realized by one computer 90 or by a plurality of computers 90 working together.

[0051] The various data processing operations described above may be recorded as a computer-executable program on a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk or hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, or DVD±RW), a semiconductor memory, or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0052] For example, information recorded on a recording medium can be read by a computer (or an embedded system). The recording medium may have any recording format (storage format). For example, the computer reads a program from the recording medium and causes a processor to execute instructions written in the program based on the program. The computer may acquire (or read) the program via a network.

[0053] (1.7.Summary) As described above, video distribution system 1 includes video distribution unit 220 that distributes video generated by a distributor to viewer terminal 300, display control unit 230 that displays shielding layer 53 superimposed on the video, and game providing unit 240 that provides a game in which the shielding layer can be removed in response to operation input from the viewer terminal. By incorporating game elements into the video viewing experience, this system encourages active participation by viewers and can provide a video distribution service that is more immersive and engaging than simply passive video viewing.

[0054] Furthermore, the game providing unit 240 may provide a game that restricts viewing by covering the area where the shielding layer 53 has been removed in response to an operation input by the broadcaster on the broadcaster terminal 100. Specifically, the game develops by overlaying the covering element 55 in response to an operation by the broadcaster on the area where the shielding layer 53 has been removed by a viewer's operation, thereby covering the area again and restricting viewing. This type of specification creates a gaming experience in which the broadcaster and the viewer interfere with each other, realizing more interactive content provision.

[0055] Furthermore, the display control unit 230 may display a thumbnail of a product image 57 indicating the product for sale on the distribution video 51, and present the product image in a state where it is not visible due to the blocking layer 53. Then, when the viewer removes the blocking layer 53 in the game provided by the game providing unit 240 and the product image 57 becomes visible, the purchase processing unit may accept a purchase operation for the product from the viewer terminal 300. With this configuration, it is possible to realize live commerce that combines entertainment value and purchasing behavior.

[0056] Furthermore, each product may be assigned a number of removal points required to remove the occlusion layer, and the game providing unit 240 may be configured to accept operation points for each product in response to operation input from the viewer. The purchase processing unit accepts an operation to purchase the product when the cumulative number of operation points reaches the removal point for the product. This configuration allows the game content to be used as an incentive leading up to the purchase function, making it possible to actively participate in the game and effectively stimulate viewer interest in the product.

[0057] <2. Other embodiments> Although the system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above, application of the technical ideas of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the game providing unit 240 may be configured to provide a competitive game in which viewers are divided into two or more teams and the teams compete to see who can remove the shielding layer 53. In this case, the visualization range changes depending on the total operation points and progress of each team, enabling a highly competitive gaming experience similar to a team battle.

[0058] In another embodiment, when combining live commerce with a game as in the modified example, the game providing unit 240 may be configured to provide a competitive game in which a plurality of viewers are divided into teams and the teams compete to remove the most occlusion layer 53. In this case, the purchase processing unit 260 may be configured to accept purchase operations for the product image 57 only from viewers belonging to a team whose percentage of occlusion layer 53 removed as a result of the game reaches a predetermined threshold. This configuration promotes participation through team cooperation and competition rather than mere individual operations, and enhances the gameplay by awarding purchase rights as a reward for winning.

[0059] Furthermore, in a case where live commerce and a game are combined as in the modified example, the display control unit 230 may be configured to hide the product image 57 when a predetermined sales volume of the product corresponding to the product image 57 is reached. This allows sold-out products to be removed from the screen, making it possible to clearly show the sales status to viewers. In addition, it is possible to provide an incentive to encourage early discovery and early purchase of products with limited stock as the game progresses.

[0060] Furthermore, if the area from which the shielding layer 53 has been removed satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, if the area corresponds to a modification area in an adult video), the display control unit 230 may be configured to perform a masking process to limit visibility of the area and display the area. This configuration ensures the safety and consideration of the content. For example, the display control unit 230 may train a machine learning model (e.g., a classifier using a convolutional neural network (CNN)) based on image data of adult content collected in advance, and determine whether a group of pixels corresponding to the removed video area corresponds to a modification area. If the area is determined to be a modification area, the display control unit 230 may automatically apply blurring or mosaic processing to the area to prevent unintended inappropriate display. This allows for safe and appropriate display control even for content with high immediacy, such as user-generated content or live streaming.

[0061] Furthermore, while the functional units (e.g., video distribution unit, display control unit, game providing unit, purchase processing unit, etc.) described in the above embodiment are configured to be executed by the server 200, some or all of these functional units may be provided on the terminal device side, such as the viewer terminal 300 or the broadcaster terminal 100. Such a configuration makes it possible to distribute the processing load and improve responsiveness, thereby increasing the flexibility and scalability of the entire system. For example, by providing a display control unit on the viewer terminal 300, the rendering process of the shielding layer can be efficiently executed on the terminal side.

[0062] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be applied independently or may be implemented in combination as appropriate. For example, the video streaming and game configuration described in the embodiment and the live commerce and game configuration described in the modified example may be combined to provide a shielding layer on the streamed video during live commerce, allowing products to be visualized and purchased by removing the shielding layer, while simultaneously providing other game elements within the same video. This configuration can provide a video streaming service that enhances viewer interest and participation while enhancing entertainment value.

[0063] Furthermore, the storage unit 250 of the server 200 does not necessarily need to be built into the server 200 itself, but may be provided in another terminal device capable of communicating with the server 200, such as the viewer terminal 300 or the distributor terminal 100. This allows temporary caching and distribution of processing on the terminal side, thereby improving the load distribution and responsiveness of the entire system. The storage unit may also be configured as an external storage medium such as an external hard disk or network-attached storage (NAS). This allows for flexible operation, such as adding storage capacity as needed, and maintenance and / or backup.

[0064] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1: video distribution system, 50: display screen, 51: distributed video, 52: comment area, 53: shielding layer, 54: removal element, 54a: removal ratio meter, 55: covering element, 56: product purchase column, 56a: product icon, 56b: purchase button, 57: product image, 90: computer, 91: CPU, 92: ROM, 93: RAM, 94: storage, 95: input interface, 95a: input device, 96: output interface, 96a: output device, 97: communication interface, 97a: external server, 98: system bus, 100: distributor terminal, 200: server, 210: control unit, 220: video distribution unit, 230: display control unit, 240: game providing unit, 250: memory unit, 300: viewer terminal

Claims

1. a video distribution unit that distributes the video generated by the distributor to a viewer terminal used by a viewer via a network; a display control unit that displays a shielding layer that at least partially blocks the view of the video by superimposing it on the video; a game providing unit that provides a game in which the shielding layer can be removed in response to an operation input on the viewer terminal by the viewer, the display control unit, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, removes all or a part of the shielding layer to visualize the image; the display control unit displays thumbnail images of products for sale within the video; the thumbnail image is displayed in a state where it is not visible due to the shielding layer; The video distribution system further comprises a purchase processing unit that accepts an operation to purchase the product from the viewer terminal when the shielding layer is removed and the thumbnail image is made visible.

2. The game providing unit: Accepting an operation input on a distributor terminal by the distributor; The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein a game is provided in which the removed portion of the shielding layer is covered to restrict viewing in response to an operation input by the distributor on the distributor terminal.

3. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the game providing unit accepts operation inputs from the viewer terminals of a plurality of viewers.

4. The video distribution system according to claim 3 , wherein the game providing unit provides a game in which the plurality of viewers cooperate to remove the blocking layer.

5. The video distribution system according to claim 3 , wherein the game providing unit provides a game in which the viewers are divided into teams and the teams compete against each other to remove the blocking layer.

6. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein, when the area from which the shielding layer has been removed satisfies a predetermined condition, the display control unit applies a masking process to the area to limit visibility and displays the area.

7. The product is assigned a removal point required to remove the shielding layer corresponding to the product, the game providing unit receives operation points corresponding to operation inputs from a viewer for each of the products; The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the purchase processing unit accepts, from the viewer terminal, a purchase operation for a product whose cumulative total of operation points has reached the removal point.

8. the game providing unit divides a plurality of viewers into teams and provides a game in which the teams compete against each other to remove the blocking layer; The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the purchase processing unit accepts a purchase operation for the product from a viewer who belongs to a team whose percentage of removed blocking layers has reached a predetermined threshold.

9. The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit hides thumbnail images corresponding to the products when a predetermined number of the products have been purchased.

10. An information processing device including a processor, The processor: a video distribution step of distributing the video generated by the distributor to a viewer terminal used by a viewer via a network; a display control step of superimposing a shielding layer on the image, the shielding layer at least partially shielding the image; a game providing step of providing a game in which the shielding layer can be removed in response to an operation input by the viewer on the viewer terminal; In the display control step, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, all or part of the shielding layer is removed to visualize the image; In the display control step, thumbnail images showing products for sale are displayed within the video; the thumbnail image is displayed in a state where it is not visible due to the shielding layer; The information processing device further executes a purchase processing step of accepting an operation to purchase the product from the viewer terminal at the time when the shielding layer is removed and the thumbnail image is visualized.

11. An information processing method for causing an information processing device having a processor to function, the processor, a video distribution step of distributing the video generated by the distributor to a viewer terminal used by a viewer via a network; a display control step of superimposing a shielding layer on the image, the shielding layer at least partially shielding the image; a game providing step of providing a game in which the shielding layer can be removed in response to an operation input by the viewer on the viewer terminal; In the display control step, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, all or part of the shielding layer is removed to visualize the image; In the display control step, thumbnail images showing products for sale are displayed within the video; the thumbnail image is displayed in a state where it is not visible due to the shielding layer; The information processing method further causes the processor to execute a purchase processing step of accepting an operation to purchase the product from the viewer terminal when the shielding layer is removed and the thumbnail image is made visible.

12. A program for causing an information processing device having a processor to function, the processor, a video distribution step of distributing the video generated by the distributor to a viewer terminal used by a viewer via a network; a display control step of superimposing a shielding layer on the image, the shielding layer at least partially shielding the image; a game providing step of providing a game in which the shielding layer can be removed in response to an operation input by the viewer on the viewer terminal; In the display control step, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, all or part of the shielding layer is removed to visualize the image; In the display control step, thumbnail images showing products for sale are displayed within the video; the thumbnail image is displayed in a state where it is not visible due to the shielding layer; the program further causes the processor to execute a purchase processing step of accepting an operation to purchase the product from the viewer terminal when the shielding layer is removed and the thumbnail image is made visible.

Images