Content distribution system and server equipment

Abstract

To provide a content distribution system or the like capable of preventing a viewer from becoming an object of ill feeling from another viewer.SOLUTION: A content distribution system includes: a parameter changing part for changing viewer parameters correlated to respective viewers on the basis of reaction behavior to a viewer designated by a performer; and a performance control part for providing a viewer correlated with at least viewer parameters with a performance corresponding to the changed viewer parameters. The performance control part determines whether a performance corresponding to changed viewer parameters is provided to another viewer other than a viewer correlated with the changed viewer parameters on the basis of the viewer information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system and a server device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system is known in which a viewer can post donations or the like by operating a terminal to support an actor appearing in the content being viewed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a system, there are cases where an actor reacts to a post made by a viewer, which also serves as a motivation for making the post. However, if only certain viewers receive a good reaction from the actor, or conversely, if there are viewers who receive a bad reaction from the actor, those viewers may become targets of ill feelings such as jealousy and resentment from other viewers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a content distribution system and a server device capable of preventing a viewer from becoming a target of ill feelings from other viewers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The present invention relates to a content distribution system for distributing content that progresses based on the actions of a performer to the terminals of multiple viewers, comprising: a parameter modification unit that modifies viewer parameters associated with each viewer based on the reaction actions of the viewer specified by the performer; and a performance control unit that provides performances corresponding to the modified viewer parameters to at least the viewers associated with those viewer parameters, wherein the performance control unit determines, based on viewer information, whether or not to provide the performances to other viewers other than the viewers associated with the modified viewer parameters. The present invention also relates to a server device including the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a program for causing a computer to function as the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the above-mentioned program.

[0007] According to the present invention, by changing the viewer parameters of a viewer based on the performer's reaction behavior towards the audience, and by deciding whether or not to provide the same performance to other viewers based on the viewer's information when providing the performance to at least that viewer according to the viewer parameters, it becomes possible to prevent a viewer from becoming the target of negative feelings from other viewers.

[0008] (2) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the response behavior may be a response behavior to the operation of a terminal by the viewer.

[0009] (3) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter changing unit is at least the viewing that is the target of the reaction behavior. The viewer parameters associated with the user may be changed.

[0010] (4) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the performance control unit may provide the performance when the viewer operates the terminal.

[0011] (5) The content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention may further include an information receiving unit that accepts submissions of content or submission information to performers based on the operation of a terminal by the viewer (a computer may further function as the information receiving unit).

[0012] According to the present invention, when a performer reacts to information posted by a viewer, the viewer's viewer parameters are changed, and the viewer is provided with a performance tailored to those parameters. At that time, it is decided whether or not to provide the same performance to other viewers based on the viewer's information, thus preventing the viewer from becoming the target of negative feelings from other viewers while motivating the viewer to post information.

[0013] (6) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the information receiving unit may accept the posting of the posted information when the viewer has consumed the consideration that the viewer owns.

[0014] (7) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the performance may be a performance related to the posted information.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to motivate viewers to post information.

[0016] (8) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the performance control unit may perform performances that are easier for the viewer to recognize as the viewer parameter is higher.

[0017] (9) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the viewer information is the viewer information associated with the changed viewer parameters and other viewer information, and the production control unit, The performance may be provided to other viewers who have a predetermined relationship with the viewer and the viewer information associated with the modified viewer parameters, but not to other viewers who do not have the predetermined relationship.

[0018] According to the present invention, by not providing content tailored to a viewer's viewer parameters to other viewers whose viewer information does not have a predetermined relationship with that viewer, it is possible to prevent a viewer from becoming the target of negative feelings from other viewers.

[0019] (10) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the viewer information is the viewer parameter, and the performance control unit provides the performance to the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameter and to other viewers whose viewer parameter is substantially the same, and does not have to provide the performance to other viewers whose viewer parameter is not substantially the same.

[0020] According to the present invention, by not providing content tailored to a viewer's viewer parameters to other viewers whose viewer parameters are not substantially the same as those of the same viewer, it is possible to prevent a viewer from becoming the target of negative feelings from other viewers.

[0021] (11) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the viewer information is information relating to whether or not the viewers are in a relationship with each other, and the performance control unit provides the performance to other viewers who are in a relationship with the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters, and does not have to provide the performance to other viewers who are not in a relationship with each other.

[0022] According to the present invention, by not providing the production according to the viewer parameters of the viewer to other viewers who are not in a friendship relationship with the viewer, it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of ill feelings from other viewers.

[0023] (12) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the content may be content related to a character operated by the performer.

[0024] (13) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the change of the viewer parameters depending on whether the performer operates the character to perform the reaction action or the performer performs the reaction action without operating the character.

[0025] (14) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the change of the viewer parameters according to the character selected by the viewer.

[0026] (15) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may vary the content of the change of the viewer parameters according to the combination of the character selected by the viewer and the character used by the performer for the reaction action.

[0027] (16) Also, in the content distribution system, server device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter change unit may further include an information reception unit that receives an operation by the viewer on the character selected by the viewer (or may further function a computer as the information reception unit).

[0028] (17) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter changing unit may change the content of the viewer parameters differently depending on what kind of reaction action the performer takes using the character selected by the viewer.

[0029] (18) In addition, in the content distribution system, server device, program and information storage medium according to the present invention, the parameter changing unit may change the content of the viewer parameters differently depending on the combination of the character selected by the viewer or performer and the action to be performed by the character. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the content distribution system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a functional block diagram of the server in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of a streaming screen displayed on the terminal's display. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of a streaming screen displayed on the terminal's display. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of table information for managing viewer parameters. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of a streaming screen displayed on the terminal's display. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a streaming screen displayed on the terminal's display. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the content distribution system of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The following describes this embodiment. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily required components of the present invention.

[0032] 1. Structure Figure 1 shows the content distribution system of this embodiment. In this embodiment, it is composed of multiple terminals 10 and a server 20 (server device). In other words, as shown in Figure 1, the content distribution system of this embodiment is configured such that the server 20 that provides the service and the terminals 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, etc.) can connect to a network.

[0033] Server 20 is an information processing device that delivers content to the viewer's terminal 10 in response to a request from the viewer's terminal 10, content that progresses based on the actions of the performer (distributor). Server 20 can be composed of one or more servers (distribution server, relay server, game processing server, authentication server, billing server, database server, etc.).

[0034] Content that progresses based on the performer's actions may include live videos of the performer's own actions, live videos of characters moving in a virtual space in response to the performer's actions, or live commentary videos (game content) of games the performer is playing.

[0035] Server 20 performs processes such as distributing content data to the viewer's terminal 10, receiving information from the viewer's terminal 10 (such as posting information) and information from the performer's terminal 10 (information regarding reaction behavior), and providing the audience's terminal 10 with the effects associated with the content. Server 20 also manages information such as performer and viewer account information, performer and viewer parameters, and in-game currency and items that performers and viewers can use.

[0036] Terminal 10 is an information processing device such as a mobile device (smartphone, PC, game console, etc.), personal computer (PC), game console, or image generation device, and is capable of connecting to Server 20 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN. The communication line between Terminal 10 and Server 20 may be wired or wireless.

[0037] Figure 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the server 20 of this embodiment. Note that the server of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) shown in Figure 2 are omitted.

[0038] The memory unit 270 stores programs and various data necessary for the computer to function as parts of the processing unit 200, and also functions as a work area for the processing unit 200, the functionality of which can be realized by a hard disk, RAM, etc. The memory unit 270 includes a storage unit 272 (for example, a database).

[0039] The storage unit 272 stores information about performers (distributors) and viewers registered in the content distribution system of this embodiment. For example, the storage unit 272 stores viewer information such as viewer name (viewer account), password, and destination information of terminal 10 (IP address, etc.), associated with the viewer identification information (viewer ID, terminal ID used by the viewer, etc.) of each of multiple viewers. The storage unit 272 also stores the relationship (friendship) between viewers. The storage unit 272 stores information to identify other viewers (information regarding whether viewers are in a friendly relationship with each other) as viewer information. The storage unit 272 also stores information regarding items and virtual currency owned by viewers, associated with viewer identification information, as viewer information. The storage unit 272 also stores viewer parameters (viewer parameters), associated with viewer identification information, as viewer information.

[0040] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communication with the terminal 10 and other servers, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, or by programs.

[0041] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs various processes such as managing viewer information, processing related to login / logout, and communication control processing based on data and programs transmitted from the terminal 10 and received via the communication unit 296. The processing unit 200 uses the storage unit 270 as a work area for various processes. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs. The processing unit 200 includes a content distribution unit 210, an information reception unit 212, a parameter change unit 214, and a performance control unit 216.

[0042] The content distribution unit 210 processes the distribution of content that progresses based on the performer's actions to multiple viewer terminals 10. For example, if the content is a live video of the performer's actions, the content distribution unit 210 sequentially receives the image and audio data captured by the performer's terminal 10 and transmits it sequentially to the viewer terminals 10 as distribution data. Also, if the content is a live video of a character operated by the performer, the content distribution unit 210 sequentially receives the image (an image as seen from a virtual camera in a virtual space where a character that operates in response to or synchronized with the performer's actions) and audio data generated by the performer's terminal 10 and transmits it sequentially to the viewer terminals 10 as distribution data. Furthermore, if the content is a live video of a game being played by a performer (player), the content distribution unit 210 sequentially receives game image and game sound data generated by the game server based on the operation data from the performer's terminal 10 (or generates game image and game sound data based on the operation data from the performer's terminal 10) and sequentially transmits it as distribution data to the viewer's terminal 10. Alternatively, instead of directly distributing the distribution data to the viewer's terminal 10, it may be distributed to the viewer's terminal 10 via a distribution server.

[0043] The information receiving unit 212 processes the submission of posting information to the content or performer based on the viewer's operation of terminal 10. Posting information includes, for example, virtual currency (donations), items (stamps, etc.) owned by the viewer, and comments entered by the viewer. The information receiving unit 212 may also accept posting information when the viewer spends the consideration (virtual currency, etc.) owned by that viewer. Furthermore, if the distributed content is a live video of a character operated by a performer, the information receiving unit 212 may accept the viewer's operation on the character selected by the viewer (submission of posting information to the character, operation such as touching the character, etc.).

[0044] The parameter modification unit 214 modifies the viewer parameters associated with each viewer based on the reaction actions to the viewer specified by the performer. Reaction actions to a viewer may include simply selecting a viewer (for example, pressing one of the buttons assigned to each viewer, selecting the viewer's name displayed on the performer's terminal 10, selecting the viewer's icon or avatar, or selecting an item indicating posted information (such as donations) posted by the viewer), or selecting and evaluating a viewer (for example, specifying "like" or "dislike," or assigning a score). It may also be an operation. Furthermore, a reaction to a viewer may be reading the viewer's name or the posted information (comments) posted by the viewer. In this case, the viewer targeted for the reaction may be identified by recognizing the performer's voice recorded on the performer's terminal 10. Furthermore, the voice reading of viewer names and posted information may be performed by button operation. Furthermore, a reaction to a viewer may also be a gesture directed at the viewer (for example, making eye contact with the viewer, pointing at the viewer, or waving at the viewer). In this case, the viewer targeted for the reaction may be identified by recognizing the performer's image taken on the performer's terminal 10. Furthermore, a reaction to a viewer may also be a gesture directed at the viewer's avatar. Furthermore, a reaction to a viewer may be a reaction to the viewer's operation on terminal 10 (such as posting information), or it may be a reaction unrelated to the viewer's operation.

[0045] Furthermore, the parameter modification unit 214 may modify (for example, increase) the viewer parameters associated with the viewer who was the target of the reaction action, or modify (for example, decrease) the viewer parameters associated with other viewers other than the viewer who was the target of the reaction action, or it may do both. The modification of viewer parameters may be based on an additive method from a baseline or a subtractive method from a baseline. It may also be determined whether to increase or decrease the viewer parameters, or the amount of change to the viewer parameters, depending on the reaction action. For example, if the performer selects a viewer as a reaction action and specifies "Like," the viewer parameters of that viewer may be increased (or the viewer parameters of other viewers may be decreased), and if the performer selects a viewer and specifies "Dislike," the viewer parameters of that viewer may be decreased (or the viewer parameters of other viewers may be increased). Also, if the performer selects a viewer as a reaction action and gives a score (evaluation), the amount of increase in the viewer's parameters may be greater the higher the score (higher evaluation). Furthermore, the viewer parameter may be a parameter that changes each time a reaction behavior occurs, or it may be a parameter (level) that changes each time that parameter reaches a predetermined value (threshold).

[0046] The performance control unit 216 controls the provision of performances corresponding to the viewer parameters changed by the parameter change unit 214 to at least the viewers associated with those viewer parameters (by sending instruction data to the viewer's terminal 10 to instruct the performance to be carried out). Performances corresponding to viewer parameters may include changing the appearance of the viewer's name, viewer's icon, viewer's avatar, etc., displayed on the display unit of the viewer's terminal 10 (display size, display color, presence or absence of added effect images, etc.) according to the viewer parameters. Furthermore, the performance may also be related to posted information submitted by the viewer. For example, the performance may change the appearance of the display items indicating posted information (donations, comments, etc.) displayed on the display unit of the viewer's terminal 10, or it may change the sound effect played on the terminal 10 when the viewer submits posted information. In addition, the performance control unit 216 may perform performances that are easier for the viewer to recognize the higher the viewer's viewer parameters are. For example, the higher the viewer's viewer parameters are, the more flashy (luxurious) the appearance of the display items indicating the viewer's viewer name (or icon or avatar) and posted information (donations, comments, etc.) may be. Furthermore, if a viewer's viewer parameters are above a predetermined value, a sound effect may be played when the viewer posts information. The performance control unit 216 may also provide the performance when the viewer operates the terminal 10, or it may provide the performance automatically regardless of the viewer's operation (for example, providing the performance for a predetermined period when the viewer parameters are changed), or it may provide the performance at all times.

[0047] Furthermore, the performance control unit 216 changes the viewer parameters that have been modified by the parameter change unit 214. Based on each viewer's viewer information, the performance control unit 216 decides whether or not to provide the performance corresponding to the viewer parameters to other viewers other than the viewer associated with those viewer parameters. For example, the performance control unit 216 may provide the performance to other viewers whose viewer information has a predetermined relationship with the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters (for example, the viewer and the viewer parameters are substantially the same, the viewer and the viewer are friends, or the viewer and the viewer have the same attributes (age, gender, etc.)), and may not provide the performance to other viewers who do not have such a predetermined relationship. In addition, if the performance corresponding to a viewer's viewer parameters is not provided to other viewers, the performance control unit 216 may provide a default performance other than the performance in question or another performance to those other viewers.

[0048] 2. The method of this embodiment Next, the method of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the content distribution system is configured such that content that progresses based on the actions of the performer is distributed to multiple viewer terminals 10, and when the performer takes a reaction action toward a viewer, the viewer parameters of that viewer are changed, and the viewer is provided with a performance corresponding to the changed viewer parameters.

[0049] Figure 3 shows an example of a streaming screen displayed on the display units of the viewer and performer terminals 10. The streaming screen DS displays the content image CI of the content being streamed. In this case, a live video of the performer PF is displayed as the content image CI. The streaming screen DS also displays the icons IC of viewers who are currently watching the content. In this case, the icons IC of four viewers "A" through "D" are displayed.

[0050] Each viewer can post comments to the performer (content). Here, one way to post comments is to make a donation, and the streaming screen DS displays an input area IA for specifying the donation amount. When a viewer enters the donation amount in the input area IA and operates the execute button RB, the virtual currency held by that viewer is consumed (decreased) by the entered amount (in the example shown in Figure 3, "100"), and the virtual currency held by the performer increases by the entered amount. When a viewer makes a donation, as shown in Figure 4, a donation object MO indicating the donation by that viewer is displayed on the streaming screen DS, associated with the icon IC of the viewer who made the donation. In this case, since viewer "A" made a donation, the donation object MO is displayed above viewer "A"'s icon IC.

[0051] Here, the performer may take a reaction action towards a viewer in response to a donation made by that viewer. For example, the performer may take a reaction action towards a viewer by selecting the viewer's icon IC displayed on the streaming screen DS on the performer's terminal 10. Alternatively, the performer may take a reaction action towards a viewer by making a gesture to specify that viewer. When the performer takes a reaction action towards a viewer, the points (parameters) associated with that viewer increase by a predetermined value. When the viewer's points reach a threshold, the viewer's level (an example of a viewer parameter) increases. The point threshold is set for each level, and the higher the level, the higher the threshold. The performer may also take a reaction action towards a viewer regardless of whether the viewer has donated. Therefore, if a reaction action is taken towards a viewer who has donated (the viewer donated within a predetermined time period prior to the time the reaction action was taken), the increase in that viewer's points may be greater than if a reaction action was taken towards a viewer who has not donated (the viewer did not donate within a predetermined time period prior to the time the reaction action was taken).

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example of table information for managing viewer parameters (levels) of viewers. This table information is stored in the storage unit 272 as viewer information. The cable information 300 stores the viewer name 320, points 330, and level 340, corresponding to the viewer ID 310. In this example, the levels of viewers "A" and "C" are "2", and the levels of viewers "B" and "D" are "1".

[0053] In this embodiment, the audience is provided with effects that correspond to their level. For example, if the performer's reaction action raises audience "A" to level "2", audience "A" is provided with effects corresponding to level "2". In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the distribution screen DS displayed on audience "A"'s terminal 10 is enhanced (made more recognizable) in the appearance of the donation object MO associated with audience "A" according to level "2". Here, an effect image EI is superimposed on the donation object MO. The appearance of the audience's donation object MO becomes more elaborate the higher the audience's level. Alternatively, instead of enhancing the appearance of the audience's donation object MO, the appearance of the audience's icon IC may be enhanced, or the sound effect played when the audience makes a donation (operates the execution button RB) may be made more elaborate (or a sound effect may be played when a donation is made). Such effects can motivate audiences to make donations. The performance may be provided to the viewer when they perform a predetermined operation on their terminal 10, or it may be provided at all times.

[0054] In this embodiment, the decision of whether or not to provide the performance (performance according to the viewer's level) to other viewers other than the viewer in question is made based on each viewer's viewer information. For example, the performance provided to a viewer may be provided to other viewers at the same level as that viewer, but not to other viewers at a different level. In the example shown in Figure 5, viewer "C" is at the same level as viewer "A", so viewer "C"'s terminal 10 will display the distribution screen DS shown in Figure 6 (a distribution screen in which performance related to viewer "A"'s tipping object MO is being performed), while viewer "B" and viewer "D"'s terminals 10 will display the distribution screen DS shown in Figure 4 (a distribution screen in which performance related to viewer "A"'s tipping object MO is not being performed). The distribution screen DS displayed on the performer's terminal 10 may or may not reflect the performance.

[0055] Furthermore, the content provided to a viewer may be provided to other viewers who are in a friendly relationship with that viewer (or whose attributes match), but not to other viewers who are not in a friendly relationship with that viewer (or whose attributes do not match). For example, if viewer "A" and viewer "B" are in a friendly relationship, the distribution screen DS shown in Figure 6 may be displayed on viewer "B"'s terminal 10, while the distribution screen DS shown in Figure 4 may be displayed on the terminals 10 of viewers "C" and "D". Also, when deciding whether or not to provide the content provided to a viewer to other viewers based on each viewer's level, the criteria for judgment may be changed depending on whether or not the viewer and the other viewers are in a friendly relationship. For example, if the viewer and the other viewers are not in a friendly relationship, the content provided to the viewer may be provided to the other viewers only if the viewer's level and the other viewers' levels are the same, while if the viewer and the other viewers are in a friendly relationship, the content provided to the viewer may be provided to the other viewers if the difference between the viewer's level and the other viewers' levels is within a predetermined value. Furthermore, viewer information such as each viewer's viewing history (cumulative number of past views, total viewing time, etc.) may be managed, and the content provided to a viewer may be provided to other viewers with a shorter viewing history than the viewer in question, but not to other viewers with a viewing history equal to or longer than the viewer in question.

[0056] Thus, according to this embodiment, the viewer parameters of the viewer are changed based on the performer's reaction behavior towards the viewer, and the performance is tailored to the viewer parameters of the viewer. By providing such content to viewers who do not have a specific relationship with the viewer in question (i.e., viewers who are not at the same level as the viewer, or who are not part of the same group), it is possible to prevent the viewer from becoming the target of negative feelings from other viewers while also motivating viewers to donate.

[0057] In the above example, we described the case of streaming live video of a performer's actions as an example of content that progresses based on the performer's actions. However, the content may also be content related to a character that acts in a virtual space based on the performer's operations (for example, a character that acts in sync with the performer's actions, or a character that appears in a game that the performer is playing). In this case, the performer may make the character perform a reaction action to the viewer (a reaction action using the character) by making the character perform a gesture such as pointing to the viewer, or the performer may make an operation to specify the viewer themselves without manipulating the character to perform a reaction action to the viewer (a reaction action without using the character), or both may be possible. Here, the changes to the viewer's viewer parameters (points, level) may be different depending on whether the performer performs a reaction action to the viewer by manipulating the character or by performing a reaction action to the viewer without manipulating the character. For example, the amount of increase in the viewer parameters may be different depending on whether the former reaction action is performed or the latter reaction action is performed, or the viewer parameters may be increased or decreased depending on the case.

[0058] Furthermore, there may be multiple characters appearing in the content. Each of the multiple characters may operate based on the actions of a different performer, or they may operate based on the actions of a single performer. In this case, viewers may be able to tip a character of their choice from among the multiple characters. In the example shown in Figure 7, two characters CR (CRa, CRb) are displayed on the content image CI. After entering the tip amount in the input area IA, viewers can tip character CRa by operating the execution button RBa corresponding to character CRa, and tip character CRb by operating the execution button RBb corresponding to character CRb. In this case, the changes to the viewer's viewer parameters (points, level) may be made different depending on whether the performer reacts to the viewer using character CRa in response to the viewer tipping CRa, or reacts to the viewer using character CRb in response to the viewer tipping CRb. For example, the amount of increase in the viewer parameters may be changed, or whether the viewer parameters are increased or decreased, depending on the parameters (attributes, etc.) of the character CR selected as the target of the donation. Also, if viewers are allowed to donate to the content itself in addition to donating to the character CR, the changes to the viewer parameters of that viewer may be made differently depending on whether the performer reacts to the viewer in response to the viewer donating to the character CR or to the content.

[0059] Furthermore, the changes to the viewer's viewer parameters (points, level) may be varied depending on the combination of the character CR selected by the viewer as the target of the tip and the character CR used by the performer for the reaction action towards that viewer. For example, if the character CR selected by the viewer as the target of the tip matches the character CR used by the performer for the reaction action, or if the combination of the two matches a predetermined combination, the increase in the viewer parameters may be increased significantly. If the two do not match or the combination of the two does not match a predetermined combination, the increase in the viewer parameters may be decreased or the viewer parameters may be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, the changes to a viewer's viewer parameters (points, level) may be varied depending on the performer's reaction to the character CR selected by the viewer as the target of their donation. For example, the amount of increase in the viewer parameters, or whether the viewer parameters are increased or decreased, may be changed depending on the type of gesture the character CR makes in that reaction (winking, pointing, waving, etc.).

[0061] Furthermore, the changes to the viewer parameters may be varied depending on the combination of character CR selected by the viewer or performer and the action (gesture) that character CR is instructed to perform. For example, the amount of increase in the viewer parameters may be set for each combination of character CR and gesture, so that in a reaction action to a donation, the increase in the viewer parameters is greater when character CRa winks than when it waves, and greater when character CRb waves than when it winks.

[0062] Furthermore, the above method for content featuring multiple characters can also be applied to content featuring multiple performers (for example, live video footage of multiple performers is displayed in the content image CI). For instance, the changes in a viewer's viewer parameters may differ depending on whether the first performer responds to a viewer's donation, or whether the second performer responds to a viewer's donation. Additionally, the changes in a viewer's viewer parameters may differ depending on the combination of the performer selected by the viewer for the donation and the performer's response to that viewer (e.g., actions, gestures).

[0063] 3. Processing Next, an example of the processing of the content distribution system (server 20) of this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8. First, the content distribution unit 210 starts distributing content that progresses based on the performer's actions to multiple viewer terminals 10 (step S10). For example, it acquires video data captured by the performer's terminal 10 and distributes it as distribution data to multiple viewer terminals 10.

[0064] Next, the information receiving unit 212 determines whether or not it has received posting information (for example, information regarding donations or comments) from the viewer's terminal 10 (step S11). If it has received posting information (Y in step S11), it processes the received posting information (step S12). For example, if it receives a donation as posting information, it decreases the amount of virtual currency held by the viewer who made the donation and increases the amount of virtual currency held by the performer.

[0065] Next, the parameter modification unit 214 determines whether or not it has detected a response action directed at a viewer specified by the performer (step S13). For example, it determines that a response action has been taken toward a viewer when it receives operation information specifying a viewer from the performer's terminal 10. If a response action toward a viewer is detected (Y in step S13), the parameter modification unit 214 changes the viewer parameters associated with that viewer (step S14). Here, the parameter modification unit 214 may determine the amount of increase in the viewer parameters of a viewer depending on whether or not the detected response action is toward the viewer who posted the posting information.

[0066] Next, the performance control unit 216 determines, based on each viewer's viewer information (viewer parameters, information identifying peer relationships, etc.), whether or not to provide performances corresponding to the viewer's viewer parameters to other viewers other than that viewer, and if so, which other viewers will receive them (S Step S15) The content is then provided to the viewer and other viewers determined to be the same viewer (Step S16). Next, the content distribution unit 210 decides whether or not to terminate the distribution of the content (Step S17), and if it decides to continue the distribution (N in Step S17), it proceeds to Step S11.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited as broad or synonymous in the specification or drawings may be replaced with broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0068] For example, a content distribution system may consist of a user terminal (the viewer's terminal), a content distribution server (video distribution server, game server, etc.) that processes content distribution, and a posting server that processes content submitted by viewers. In this case, the user terminal communicates with the content distribution server to send and receive information about the content (such as information about the game), and communicates with the posting server to process submissions. The posting server and the content distribution server communicate with each other, with the posting server obtaining information about the content from the content distribution server, and the content distribution server obtaining information about submissions from the posting server. Even without performing content distribution, the posting server can communicate with the content distribution server to reflect effects on the content according to the submitted content, or to change the submitted content according to the results of the content (such as game results). Regarding the distribution screen displayed on the user terminal (a screen in which information about submissions (such as tipping objects) is superimposed on the content image), the user terminal may perform display processing to superimpose the information about submissions onto the content image based on information obtained from the content distribution server and the posting server, respectively, or the content distribution server or posting server may perform the superimposition and then display it on the user terminal. Furthermore, the content distribution system may consist only of user terminals and a server for posting content. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10...Terminal, 20...Server, 200...Processing Unit, 210...Content Distribution Unit, 212...Information Reception Unit, 214...Parameter Change Unit, 216...Performance Control Unit, 270...Storage Unit, 272...Storage Unit, 296...Communication Unit

Claims

1. A content distribution system that delivers content that progresses based on the actions of performers to the devices of multiple viewers, An information receiving unit that accepts submissions of information regarding the content or the performer based on the operation of the terminal by the viewer, A parameter modification unit that modifies viewer parameters associated with each viewer based on the reaction actions taken by the performer in response to the posting of the aforementioned information, Includes a performance control unit that provides performances corresponding to the changed viewer parameters to the viewer associated with at least the changed viewer parameters, The aforementioned performance control unit, A content distribution system characterized by determining, based on information about the viewer, whether or not to provide the aforementioned presentation to other viewers other than the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters.

2. In claim 1, The parameter changing unit is, A content distribution system characterized by changing the viewer parameters associated with the viewer who has been the target of at least the aforementioned reaction behavior.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned performance control unit, A content distribution system characterized by providing the aforementioned effects when the viewer operates their device.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned information receiving unit is A content distribution system characterized by accepting the submission of the posted information when the viewer consumes the consideration that the viewer possesses.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, A content distribution system characterized in that the aforementioned performance is a performance related to the posted information.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned performance control unit, A content distribution system characterized in that the higher the aforementioned viewer parameter, the more easily the aforementioned viewer recognizes the aforementioned effects.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The viewer information includes the viewer information associated with the changed viewer parameters and information on other viewers. The aforementioned performance control unit, A content distribution system characterized in that it provides the performance to other viewers who have a predetermined relationship with the viewer and the viewer information associated with the changed viewer parameters, and does not provide the performance to other viewers who do not have the predetermined relationship.

8. In claim 7, The aforementioned viewer information is the aforementioned viewer parameters, The aforementioned performance control unit, A content distribution system characterized in that it provides the performance to the viewer associated with the modified viewer parameters and to other viewers whose viewer parameters are substantially the same, and does not provide the performance to other viewers whose viewer parameters are not substantially the same.

9. In claim 7, The aforementioned viewer information is information regarding whether or not the viewers are in a friendly relationship with each other. The aforementioned performance control unit, A content distribution system characterized by providing the performance to other viewers who are in a peer relationship with the viewer associated with the modified viewer parameters, and not providing the performance to other viewers who are not in a peer relationship.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, A content distribution system characterized in that the content is content relating to a character operated by the performer.

11. In claim 10, The parameter changing unit is, A content distribution system characterized in that the changes to the viewer parameters differ depending on whether the performer manipulates the character to perform the reaction action or whether the performer performs the reaction action without manipulating the character.

12. In claim 10 or 11, The parameter changing unit is, A content distribution system characterized by varying the changes made to the viewer parameters according to the character selected by the viewer.

13. In any one of claims 10 to 12, The parameter changing unit is, A content distribution system characterized in that the changes to the viewer parameters differ depending on the combination of the character selected by the viewer and the character used by the performer for the reaction action.

14. In any one of claims 10 to 13, The aforementioned information receiving unit is A content distribution system characterized by accepting operations performed by the viewer on the character selected by the viewer.

15. In any one of claims 10 to 14, The parameter changing unit is, A content distribution system characterized in that the changes to the viewer parameters differ depending on what kind of reaction behavior the performer takes using the character selected by the viewer.

16. In any one of claims 10 to 15, The parameter changing unit is, A content distribution system characterized in that the changes to the viewer parameters differ depending on the combination of the character selected by the viewer or performer and the actions to be performed by the character.

17. A server device that delivers content, which progresses based on the actions of performers, to the devices of multiple viewers. And, An information receiving unit that accepts submissions of information regarding the content or the performer based on the operation of the terminal by the viewer, A parameter modification unit that modifies viewer parameters associated with each viewer based on the reaction actions taken by the performer in response to the posting of the aforementioned information, Includes a performance control unit that provides performances corresponding to the changed viewer parameters to the viewer associated with at least the changed viewer parameters, The aforementioned performance control unit, A server device characterized by determining, based on information about the viewer, whether or not to provide the aforementioned presentation to other viewers other than the viewer associated with the changed viewer parameters.

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