A system, method, and program for live video streaming.

Abstract

To provide a system, method, and program for promoting live video distribution by various distributors including novices.SOLUTION: A video distribution server 10 communicatively connected to user terminals 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to users via the user terminals 30. The server 10 determines rank of a distributor based on the distribution performance of live videos, sets a standard remuneration amount for the distributor based on the determined rank, and grants the distributor a remuneration amount based on the distribution time of the live videos and the standard remuneration amount, so that even a novice distributor can earn a remuneration amount based on the distribution time and the standard remuneration amount by continuing to distribute the live videos.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a method, and a program for distributing live videos.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in video distribution services, rewards are given to video posters / distributors. For example, rewards are given to posters and the like according to the number of times an advertisement incorporated in the video is played. Also, in a system for distributing live videos, during the distribution of a live video, viewers input items to the distributor, and a part of the sales of the items may be distributed to the distributor (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional reward mechanism as described above, well-known distributors having a large number of enthusiastic fans can obtain a lot of rewards, but beginners who have just started distributing videos cannot expect to obtain a lot of rewards. Therefore, such rewards are unlikely to be a motivation for beginners to continue distributing videos. Thus, it is considered that video distribution can be promoted by realizing a mechanism that allows beginners and other distributors to obtain appropriate rewards.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiments of the present invention is to promote the distribution of live videos by various distributors including beginners. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become clear by referring to the entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for distributing live video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the following processes in response to the execution of a readable instruction: distributing live video provided by each of a plurality of broadcasters to each of a plurality of viewers; determining each of the plurality of broadcasters' ranks from a predetermined plurality of ranks based at least on the live video distribution record of each of the plurality of broadcasters; setting each of the plurality of broadcasters' standard reward quantities based at least on the ranks of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting each of the plurality of broadcasters a reward quantity based at least on the live video distribution time and the standard reward quantity.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for distributing live video, performed by one or more computers, comprising the steps of: distributing live video provided by each of a plurality of broadcasters to each of a plurality of viewers; determining each of the plurality of broadcasters' ranks from a predetermined plurality of ranks, at least based on the live video distribution record of each of the plurality of broadcasters; setting each of the plurality of broadcasters' standard reward quantities, at least based on the rank of each of the plurality of broadcasters; and granting each of the plurality of broadcasters a reward quantity at least based on the live video distribution time and the standard reward quantity.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing live video, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to perform the following processes: a process for distributing live video provided by each of a plurality of distributors to each of a plurality of viewers; a process for determining each of the plurality of distributors' ranks from a predetermined plurality of ranks, at least based on the live video distribution record of each of the plurality of distributors; a process for setting each of the plurality of distributors' standard reward quantities, at least based on the rank of each of the plurality of distributors; and a process for granting each of the plurality of distributors a reward quantity at least based on the live video distribution time and the standard reward quantity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate live video streaming by various broadcasters, including beginners. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the functions of video streaming server 10. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the information managed in user information table 411. [Figure 4] A diagram to explain the ranking system. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the information managed in the distribution information table 412. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the top screen 60. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the broadcaster's screen 70. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating viewer screen 80. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the item selection screen 90. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the process that server 10 executes each time an individual live video stream ends. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the process executed by server 10 when updating the rank. [Figure 12] A diagram for explaining the update rule of the rank meter value. [Figure 13] A diagram for explaining the correspondence between the updated content of the rank and the necessary rank meter values. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the rank meter object 100. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the process executed by server 10 when awarding a diamond.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the video distribution server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, only one user terminal 30 is shown, but the server 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides a live video distribution service for distributing and viewing live videos to users via the user terminal 30. In the present embodiment, the user of the user terminal 30 can distribute a live video as a distributor and can also view a live video provided by another user as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

[0013] The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer and includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like not shown in the figure.

[0014] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, GPU, etc., reads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc. into the main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is constituted by, for example, DRAM, etc.

[0015] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with users, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard, pointing devices (e.g., mouse, touch panel, etc.), voice input devices such as a microphone, and image input devices such as a camera. Further, the input / output I / F 13 includes image output devices such as a display, and voice output devices such as a speaker.

[0016] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and combinations thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20, etc.

[0017] The storage 15 is constituted by, for example, a magnetic disk, flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, and various data, etc.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the video distribution server 10 can be configured using a plurality of computers each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the video distribution server 10 can be constituted by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0019] The video distribution server 10 configured in this way can be configured to function as both a web server and an application server. In this case, it performs various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (for example, an application for a live video distribution service) installed on the user terminal 30, and sends screen data (for example, HTML data) and control data, etc., to the user terminal 30 according to the results of those processes. The user terminal 30 may then display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0020] The user terminal 30 is configured as a general-purpose computer and, as shown in Figure 1, includes a computer processor 31, main memory 32, input / output interface 33, communication interface 34, and storage (memory device) 35, with each of these components electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0021] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32 and executes various instructions contained in those programs. The main memory 32 is configured as, for example, DRAM.

[0022] The Input / Output Interface 33 comprises various input / output devices for exchanging information with users and other users. The Input / Output Interface 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (e.g., mice, touch panels, etc.), audio input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. Furthermore, the Input / Output Interface 33 includes image output devices such as displays and audio output devices such as speakers.

[0023] The communication interface 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

[0024] The storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like.

[0025] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable device, personal computer, or game terminal, etc.

[0026] Users of the user terminal 30 configured in this way can use the live video streaming service provided by the video streaming server 10 by communicating with the video streaming server 10 via a web browser or other application installed on the storage 35, etc.

[0027] Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 includes an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the live video distribution service, a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of live video, and a reward management unit 47 that manages rewards for distributors. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in storage 15, etc. For example, they are realized by the computer processor 11 executing instructions contained in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in Figure 2 are realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or can be realized by the user terminal 30.

[0028] The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15, etc. The information storage management unit 41 may be configured to have, for example, a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and a distribution information table 412 that manages information about the distribution of individual live videos, as shown in Figure 2.

[0029] The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 performs various processes related to controlling the basic functions of the live video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 sends screen data or control data for various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, performs various processes in response to user input via the screens displayed on the user terminal 30, and sends screen data or control data to the user terminal 30 according to the results of those processes. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, user management (e.g., updating the user information table 411), and management of individual live video distributions (e.g., updating the distribution information table 412).

[0030] The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 performs various processes related to the control of live video distribution. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute live video provided by each of several distributors to each of several viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive live video transmitted from a distributor's user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live video to each of the user terminals 30 of several viewers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "viewer terminal 30"). The live video consists of, for example, images input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone. Such live video distribution can be carried out using a streaming method that uses a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

[0031] The reward management unit 47 of the video distribution server 10 performs various processes related to the management of rewards for distributors. In this embodiment, the reward management unit 47 is configured to determine each distributor's rank from a predetermined number of ranks, at least based on each distributor's live video distribution performance. The reward management unit 47 is also configured to set a standard reward amount for each distributor, at least based on the determined rank. The standard reward amount is configured, for example, as the reward amount per unit time (for example, per hour). Furthermore, the standard reward amount is set so that, for example, it increases as the rank increases.

[0032] Furthermore, the reward management unit 47 is configured to award each broadcaster a reward amount based at least on the live video streaming time and the standard reward amount. For example, the reward management unit 47 is configured to award broadcasters a reward amount obtained by multiplying the live video streaming time over a predetermined period by the standard reward amount. Rewards awarded to users are not limited to these, but include, for example, virtual and electronic items (including virtual currency) and real currency.

[0033] In this embodiment, the video distribution server 10 determines the rank of a broadcaster based on their live video distribution performance, sets a standard reward amount for the broadcaster based on the determined rank, and grants the broadcaster a reward amount based on the live video distribution time and the standard reward amount. Therefore, even novice broadcasters can earn a reward amount based on the distribution time and the standard reward amount by continuing to broadcast live videos. In this way, the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment promotes live video distribution by various broadcasters, including novice broadcasters.

[0034] In this embodiment, the live video streaming performance used to determine the streamer's rank may include various types of information. For example, the streaming performance may include, but is not limited to, the input performance of information entered by viewers during the live video stream. This input performance may include, for example, comments, likes, and virtual and electronic items, and in this case, the input performance may include the number of comments, the number of likes, the number of items, etc. For example, the reward management unit 47 is configured to determine the streamer's rank such that the more information entered by viewers, the higher the rank. This configuration helps streamers encourage viewers to enter information, as the streamer's rank is determined based on the input performance of information entered by viewers, thereby promoting the activation of communication in live videos.

[0035] Furthermore, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to award predetermined points to broadcasters based at least on their live video streaming performance, and to determine each broadcaster's rank based at least on the predetermined points awarded to each broadcaster over a predetermined period. In other words, the broadcaster's rank may be configured to be determined through predetermined points awarded based on their live video streaming performance. Since the rank is determined through predetermined points, this configuration may provide broadcasters with an incentive to earn those predetermined points.

[0036] Furthermore, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine each broadcaster's rank based on predetermined points awarded over a predetermined period for each rank group consisting of one or more consecutive ranks, and to rank up as the assigned rank is higher, while rank down as the assigned rank is lower. This configuration allows broadcasters to enjoy the process of acquiring predetermined points even more, as rank ups and downs occur according to the rank based on the predetermined points they have earned.

[0037] Furthermore, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine each broadcaster's rank based at least on the value of a predetermined parameter for each broadcaster, which is configured to increase as the broadcaster's rank increases based on predetermined points, and decrease as the rank decreases. In other words, a broadcaster's rank may be configured to be determined through the value of a predetermined parameter that fluctuates based on the rank based on predetermined points. Such a configuration may provide broadcasters with the enjoyment of the fluctuations in the value of the predetermined parameter.

[0038] Furthermore, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to rank up broadcasters whose predetermined parameter values ​​are equal to or greater than a rank-up threshold, while downgrading broadcasters whose predetermined parameter values ​​are equal to or less than a rank-down threshold. In this case, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to rank up broadcasters to the rank immediately above their current rank if the rank immediately above their current rank is in the same rank group as their current rank, while ranking up to the rank immediately above if the predetermined parameter value is equal to or greater than a second rank-up threshold which is greater than the first rank-up threshold, if the rank immediately above their current rank is in a different rank group than their current rank. Similarly, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to downgrade a broadcaster to the rank immediately below their current rank if the rank immediately below their current rank belongs to the same rank group as the current rank group, when the value of a predetermined parameter falls below a first rank-down threshold. On the other hand, if the rank immediately below belongs to a different rank group than the current rank group, the unit may be configured to downgrade the broadcaster to the rank immediately below if the value of the predetermined parameter falls below a second rank-down threshold that is smaller than the first rank-down threshold. Such a configuration makes rank-ups / downs across rank groups less likely to occur compared to rank-ups / downs within the same rank group, and as a result, rapid rank fluctuations can be suppressed.

[0039] Furthermore, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine whether each live video stream is valid and to award a reward based at least on the streaming time of the live video streams that have been excluded from the streaming time of streams that have been determined not to be valid, and the standard reward quantity. In other words, when determining the amount of reward to be awarded, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to exclude the streaming time of streams that have been determined not to be valid. For example, the reward management unit 47 may be configured to determine whether each live video stream is valid based on at least one of the streaming time, the number of viewers, the number of input information entered by viewers, and the image analysis results of the live video. For example, a stream may be determined not to be valid if the streaming time, the number of viewers, or the number of input information from viewers is below a predetermined threshold, or if, as a result of the image analysis of the live video, for example, no moving people are detected in the image. Such a configuration helps to exclude invalid streams and award appropriately set rewards.

[0040] Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. Figure 3 illustrates the information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service and, as shown in the figure, associates with a "user account" that identifies individual users, and manages information such as "basic information," which is basic user information such as account name, age, and gender; "distribution history information," which is information about the live video distribution history; "viewing history information," which is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users; "followed user information," which is information about other users that the user follows; "follower information," which is information about other users (followers) that follow the user; "rank," which indicates the user's rank as a distributor; "rank meter value" (value of a predetermined parameter), which is a parameter value for determining rank up / down; "coin holdings," which indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service; and "diamond holdings," which similarly indicates the number of virtual diamonds held.

[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the "ranks" in this example. As shown in the diagram, in this example there are six rank bands (rank groups) "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". Each of the five rank bands "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D" consists of three ranks (for example, "S+", "S", "S-", etc., a rank with a "+" added to the letter indicating the rank band, a rank with only the letter, and a rank with a "-" added to the letter). The rank band "E" consists of one rank "E". In other words, in this example there are 16 ranks (3 × 5 + 1 = 16).

[0042] Furthermore, within the rank tiers, "S" is the highest rank and "E" is the lowest. Also, within the same rank tier, "+" is the highest rank and "-" is the lowest. In this example, the user's rank is initially set to "D-".

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates the information managed in the distribution information table 412 in this example. The distribution information table 412 manages information related to individual live video distributions, and as shown in the figure, it manages information such as the "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of the live video, the "distribution date and time", the "distribution time" that indicates the duration of the distribution, the "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", the "number of comments" that are entered by viewers, the "number of likes" that are entered by viewers, the "number of items" that are entered by viewers, the "distribution points" (predetermined points) that are assigned to this distribution, and the "valid / invalid status" that indicates whether this distribution is valid or invalid.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates the top screen 60 of a live video streaming service. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a filter area 62 labeled "Follow," "Popular," and "All," a list display area 64 that displays a list of live videos currently being streamed, and a start streaming button 66 labeled "Stream."

[0045] The filter area 62 is an area for setting filtering for live videos being streamed and displayed in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos from users that the user follows. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the filter area 62, the live videos displayed in the list display area 64 are narrowed down to live videos extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with a number of viewers (current value) of a predetermined value or more). Also, when "All" is selected in the filter area 62, all live videos being streamed are included in the list display without any filtering.

[0046] The list display area 64 has multiple individual display areas 641 arranged in two columns, each displaying information about an individual live video. The individual display areas 641 display, for example, a still image pre-set by the live video broadcaster, the broadcaster's account name, and the number of viewers (current value). The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 switch depending on whether you flick or slide up or down.

[0047] The broadcast start button 66 is an object that allows a user to start broadcasting live video as a broadcaster. When the broadcast start button 66 is selected by the user, live video broadcasting begins, and specifically, the transmission of video consisting of images input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 begins. In addition, a new record is created in the broadcast information table 412 in response to the start of live video broadcasting.

[0048] Figure 7 illustrates a broadcaster screen 70 displayed on the broadcaster terminal 30 in response to the selection of the broadcast start button 66 (i.e., the start of live video broadcasting). The screen 70 has a video display area 71 that covers the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located at the top of the screen, an action information display area 73 located near the bottom left of the screen, and a broadcast stop button 75 located in the center of the bottom of the screen.

[0049] The video display area 71 displays the live video being streamed, that is, the image input via the camera of the streamer terminal 30. Since the streamer usually films themselves via the front camera of the streamer terminal 30, the streamed live video includes the streamer themselves.

[0050] The basic information display area 72 displays the basic information of this broadcast, specifically the broadcaster's information (profile picture, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" given by viewers for this broadcast.

[0051] The action information display area 73 displays information about actions performed by the viewer. Specifically, multiple action object AOs, each corresponding to an individual action performed by the viewer, are arranged vertically within the area 73. The action information display area 73 is configured such that when a new action is performed by the viewer, a corresponding action object AO is added to the bottom, and the existing action object AOs move upwards in sequence. The action information display area 73 is configured so that the displayed action object AOs can be switched by flicking or sliding up and down. Actions performed by the viewer displayed in the action information display area 73 include entering a room (starting to watch), entering a "like," entering a comment, and entering an item.

[0052] The stop streaming button 75 is an object used by the streamer to stop streaming live video. When the stop streaming button 75 is selected by the streamer, the live video streaming (sending of live video from the streamer's terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

[0053] Figure 8 illustrates a viewer screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects a live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewer screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80, like the broadcaster screen 70 described above, has a video display area 81 that covers the entire screen, a basic information display area 82 located at the top of the screen, and an action information display area 83 located near the bottom left of the screen. The viewer screen 80 also has a comment input area 84, a "Like" button 85 with a heart mark, and an item input button 86 with a gift design at the bottom of the screen.

[0054] The comment input area 84 is an area for viewers to enter comments. When a viewer enters a comment via this area 84, an action object AO corresponding to the entered comment is added to the action information display areas 73 and 83 of the broadcaster's screen 70 on the broadcaster's terminal 30 and the viewer's screen 80 on each viewer's terminal 30. The action object AO corresponding to the comment displays the account name of the viewer who entered the comment and the comment itself (text). Also, when a comment is entered, the comment count in the broadcast information table 412 is updated (incremented by 1).

[0055] The "Like" button 85 is an object that allows viewers to input a "Like" for the broadcaster. When the button 85 is selected by a viewer, a "Like" is input, and an action object AO corresponding to "Like" is added to the action information display areas 73 and 83. The action object AO corresponding to "Like" displays the account name of the viewer who input the "Like," along with text indicating that a "Like" has been given. In addition, when a "Like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which heart-shaped objects appear to flow from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display areas 71 and 81 of the broadcaster's screen 70 and the viewer's screen 80. Furthermore, when a "Like" is input, the "Number of Likes" in the broadcast information table 412 is updated (increased by 1).

[0056] The item input button 86 is a button for viewers to input items. When this button 86 is selected by a viewer, the item selection screen 90, as illustrated in Figure 9, is displayed overlaid on the viewer screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 90 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 92, each displaying information about an item. The individual display areas 92 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input that item.

[0057] In this example, several items that viewers can input are predetermined. When a viewer selects an item via the item selection screen 90, input for the selected item is performed. When an item is input, an action object AO corresponding to the item input is added to the action information display areas 73 and 83. The action object AO corresponding to the item input displays the account name of the viewer who input the item and the name of the input item. Also, when an item is input, a predetermined visual effect corresponding to that item is added to the video display areas 71 and 81. Furthermore, when an item is input, the number of items in the distribution information table 412 is updated (incremented by 1). Also, when an item is input, the number of coins required for inputting that item is consumed, and specifically, the number of coins for the corresponding viewer in the user information table 411 decreases. Thus, in this example, coins are used for acquiring / inputting items.

[0058] As described above, when the broadcaster selects the stop broadcast button 75 on the broadcaster screen 70, the live video broadcast ends. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process that the server 10 executes each time an individual live video broadcast ends. When a live video broadcast ends, the server 10 first sets the valid / invalid status of the broadcast as shown in the figure (step S100). Specifically, if the broadcast time, the number of viewers (maximum), and the number of comments are all above a predetermined lower limit, the broadcast is determined to be a valid broadcast. On the other hand, if any of the broadcast time, the number of viewers (maximum), or the number of comments is below a predetermined lower limit, the broadcast is determined to be an invalid broadcast. For example, broadcasts with an excessively short broadcast time (e.g., less than 5 minutes), broadcasts with an excessively small number of viewers (e.g., less than 10), and broadcasts with an excessively small number of comments (e.g., less than 100) are determined to be invalid broadcasts. The value corresponding to the determination result is then set in the valid / invalid status of the broadcast information table 412. Alternatively, instead of the number of comments, you may use the viewer comment rate (the percentage of viewers who submitted comments relative to the total number of viewers).

[0059] Next, if it is determined that the broadcast is valid (YES in step S110), broadcast points are set for the broadcast (step S120). In this example, broadcast points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items, and are registered in the broadcast information table 412. The broadcast points are set so that they increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items increases.

[0060] On the other hand, if the broadcast is determined to be an invalid broadcast (NO in step S110), no broadcast points will be set. Thus, in this example, broadcasts where any of the broadcast time, number of viewers (maximum), or number of comments are excessively small will be determined to be invalid broadcasts and will not be subject to broadcast point setting.

[0061] In this example, the user's rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points earned the previous day. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes when updating each user's rank. These processes are executed every night (for example, at 3 a.m. every day).

[0062] Server 10 first updates the rank meter value for each user, as shown in the figure (step S200). Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the rules for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value changes based on the user's ranking within the rank tier to which they belong, based on the distribution points earned by the user the previous day. The distribution points earned by a particular user the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution information table 412. If a user has made multiple distributions in a day, the distribution points earned from each distribution are added together.

[0063] The rules for updating the rank meter value are as follows, as shown in Figure 12: First, if the ranking of the distribution points within the rank range falls within the top 10%, the rank meter value changes by "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking falls within the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% ​​after subtracting the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1". If the ranking falls within the middle 30% (top 31-60%), the change is "±0" (no change). If the ranking falls within the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution took place the previous day, the rank meter value changes by "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank range.

[0064] In step S200, each user's rank meter value is updated according to the update rule illustrated in Figure 12. Note that for users with a negative rank meter value, if the current change in rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be reset to 0 before being increased. That is, for example, if a user's current rank meter value is "-1" and the current change is "+2", the rank meter value is reset to 0 and then increased by 2, resulting in a new rank meter value of "+2" (not "+1"). This allows even users with negative rank meter values ​​(e.g., users with low streaming frequency) to see a significant increase in their rank meter value, thereby promoting live video streaming.

[0065] After updating each user's rank meter value, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S210). Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the rank update content and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank tiers (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank within each rank tier), the required rank meter value is +4. That is, a user belonging to the highest rank within each rank tier (e.g., A+) will rank up to the lowest rank within the rank tier immediately above (e.g., S-) when their rank meter value becomes +4. Also, when ranking up within the same rank tier (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank within each rank tier), the required rank meter value is +2. That is, a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank within each rank tier (e.g., B or B-) will rank up to the highest rank within the same rank tier (e.g., B+ or B) when their rank meter value becomes +2.

[0066] Similarly, as illustrated in Figure 13, the required rank meter value for a rank down within the same rank tier (in other words, a rank down from the highest or middle rank within each rank tier) is -2. That is, a user belonging to the highest or middle rank within each rank tier (e.g., B+ or B) will be downgraded to the next lowest rank within the same rank tier (e.g., B or B-) when their rank meter value drops to -2. Also, the required rank meter value for a rank down across rank tiers is -6. That is, a user belonging to the lowest rank within each rank tier (e.g., A-) will be downgraded to the highest rank in the next lowest rank tier (e.g., B+) when their rank meter value drops to -6. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the required rank meter is larger for rank up / down across rank tiers compared to rank up / down within the same rank tier. As a result, rapid rank up / down in a short period of time is suppressed.

[0067] In step S210, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence shown in Figure 13. The rank meter value of users whose rank has been updated (users who have experienced a rank up / down) is reset to 0.

[0068] Figure 14 illustrates a rank meter object 100 that displays the user's rank meter value. This object 100 is placed, for example, on a profile screen that displays the user's basic information. As shown in the figure, the rank meter object 100 has a needle object 102 with a needle shape and a scale object 104 with a C-shaped opening that faces downwards. Below the needle object 102, the user's current rank (in the example in Figure 14, "Rank A") is displayed. The needle object 102 is configured to swing (rotate) to the right when the rank meter value increases and swing to the left when the rank meter value decreases. In Figure 14, the needle object 102 is upright (pointing to the 12 o'clock position), which corresponds to a rank meter value of 0. The needle object 102 also tilts to the right as the rank meter value increases in the positive direction, and tilts to the left as it decreases in the negative direction. Furthermore, a rank-up area 1041 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank-up is set on the lower right side of the scale object 104, and similarly, a rank-down area 1042 corresponding to the rank meter value required for rank-down is set on the lower left side of the scale object 104. The user can understand the current status of the rank meter value for rank-up / down through the rank meter object 100.

[0069] In this example, diamonds, which are rewards for users as broadcasters, are awarded based on the broadcast time and rank (rank on the previous day) of the previous day. Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes when awarding diamonds to each broadcaster. These processes are executed every night, for example, at an earlier time (for example, at midnight every day) than the processes that are executed when updating each user's rank as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0070] Server 10 first calculates the delivery time of each user's valid deliveries from the previous day, as shown in the diagram (step S300). Specifically, the delivery time of a particular user's valid deliveries from the previous day is identified by referring to the deliverer user account, delivery date and time, and valid / invalid status in the delivery information table 412. If a user has made multiple valid deliveries in a day, the delivery times of each of those deliveries are added together.

[0071] Next, server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated delivery time and the base number of diamonds (step S310). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds equal to the calculated delivery time multiplied by the base number of diamonds. The base number of diamonds is predetermined for each rank, with higher ranks receiving more diamonds, and the base number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. Once diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

[0072] Here, an upper limit may be set on the delivery time for which diamonds are awarded (for example, up to 5 hours per day). In this case, if the actual delivery time exceeds the upper limit, the upper limit will be applied to the delivery time when determining the number of diamonds to be awarded in step S310. Furthermore, if the delivery time exceeds a predetermined threshold, a reduced number of standard diamonds (for example, 50%) may be applied to the portion exceeding that threshold.

[0073] In the example above, rank-up / down was performed based on the rank meter value, but this rank update based on the rank meter value is merely an example, and ranks may be updated based on the values ​​of other parameters. For example, rank-up / down could be performed directly based on the ranking of distribution points within a rank range, without using the rank meter value. Also, the distribution points mentioned above are merely examples, and various types of parameters based on live video distribution performance could be applied instead.

[0074] In the example described above, the determination of whether or not a broadcast is valid was made based on the broadcast time, the number of viewers (maximum), and the number of comments. However, this determination can be made by other methods. For example, in another example of this embodiment, the image of the live video being broadcast is analyzed as appropriate, and the system may be configured to determine that the broadcast is not valid (invalid) if, for example, no moving person is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0075] The video distribution server 10 of this embodiment, as described above, determines the rank of a broadcaster based on their live video distribution performance (for example, the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the number of items), sets a standard reward amount for the broadcaster (for example, a standard number of diamonds) based on the determined rank, and grants a reward (for example, diamonds) based on the live video distribution time and the standard reward amount. Therefore, even beginner broadcasters can obtain a reward based on the distribution time and the standard reward amount by continuing to broadcast live videos. In this way, the video distribution server 10 promotes live video distribution by various broadcasters, including beginners.

[0076] The processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, in addition to those explicitly described herein. For example, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by implementing the logic corresponding to those processes and procedures on a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented as computer programs corresponding to those processes and procedures and executed by various types of computers.

[0077] Even if a process or procedure described herein is described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such process or procedure may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software programs, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Furthermore, the software and hardware elements described herein can also be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components.

[0078] In this specification, where a component of the invention is described as either one or more, or without limitation to either one or more, such component may be either one or more, unless the context should be otherwise interpreted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 10 Video streaming servers 11 Computer Processors 15. Storage (mechanisms) 20 Communication Networks 30 User terminals 41 Information storage management department 43 Basic Function Control Unit 45 Video Distribution Control Unit 47 Compensation Management Department 60 Top screen 70 Streamer screen 80 Viewer screen 90 Item Selection Screen

Claims

1. A system for distributing video, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors are A process for managing at least the user's rank as a broadcaster and the values ​​of parameters for determining whether the rank is increased or decreased. A process that grants predetermined points to the distributor of the video in response to input from a user watching the video, and changes the value of the distributor's parameters based on the predetermined points granted during a specific period, The process of displaying an object indicating the value of the parameter of the broadcaster on a predetermined screen is executed. The aforementioned predetermined screen includes a display corresponding to the broadcaster's current rank, the rank they would achieve if they were to rank up from their current rank, and the values ​​of the parameters required to rank up from their current rank. system.

2. The object moves in a predetermined direction as the value of the parameter of the distributor increases. The system according to claim 1.

3. The process of changing the value of the parameter is to change the value of the parameter such that the amount of change differs according to the rank of the predetermined points within the rank band to which the distributor belongs, which consists of one or more ranks. The system according to claim 1.

4. The value of the parameter is initialized according to the rank-up of the rank, The system according to claim 1.

5. The process of changing the value of the parameter is to change the value of the parameter based on the sum of the predetermined points assigned to a plurality of videos distributed during the specific period. The system according to claim 1.

6. The predetermined screen includes a display corresponding to the rank when the rank is downgraded from the current rank, and the values ​​of the parameters required to downgrade from the current rank. The system according to claim 1.

7. A program for distributing video, comprising one or more computers, A process for managing at least the user's rank as a broadcaster and the values ​​of parameters for determining whether the rank is increased or decreased. A process that grants predetermined points to the distributor of the video in response to input from a user watching the video, and changes the value of the distributor's parameters based on the predetermined points granted during a specific period, The process of displaying an object indicating the value of the parameter of the broadcaster on a predetermined screen is executed. The aforementioned predetermined screen includes a display corresponding to the broadcaster's current rank, the rank they would achieve if they were to rank up from their current rank, and the values ​​of the parameters required to rank up from their current rank. program.

8. A method for distributing video, which is performed by one or more computers, The process includes at least managing the user's rank as a broadcaster and the values ​​of parameters for determining whether the rank is increased or decreased. The steps include: granting predetermined points to the distributor of the video in response to input from a user watching the video, and changing the value of the distributor's parameters based on the predetermined points granted during a specific period; The process includes the step of displaying an object on a predetermined screen that shows the value of the parameter of the distributor, The aforementioned predetermined screen includes a display corresponding to the broadcaster's current rank, the rank they would achieve if they were to rank up from their current rank, and the values ​​of the parameters required to rank up from their current rank. method.

9. A device for distributing video, A means for managing at least the user's rank as a broadcaster and the value of a parameter for determining whether the rank is increased or decreased. A means for awarding predetermined points to the distributor of the video in response to input from a user watching the video, and for changing the value of the distributor's parameters based on the predetermined points awarded during a specific period, The system includes means for displaying an object on a predetermined screen that indicates the value of the parameter of the broadcaster, The aforementioned predetermined screen includes a display corresponding to the broadcaster's current rank, the rank they would achieve if they were to rank up from their current rank, and the values ​​of the parameters required to rank up from their current rank. Device.

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