Programs and Systems

Abstract

To provide a program which can give a special feeling to a viewing user who has given a gift.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit 54 that acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing a viewing user, in response to a gifting request from the viewing user, and a display unit 56 that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in a video on the basis of the acquired gift presentation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a video distribution system in which a video distribution user distributes a video in real time to viewing users has been known.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique is disclosed in which a character object based on the movement of a video distribution user (actor) is changed to another character object when a predetermined condition (for example, the total number of comments and giftings by viewing users) is satisfied.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, even a viewing user who has not performed gifting can view the changed other character object. For this reason, there is a problem that a special feeling cannot be given to the viewing user who has performed gifting.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a program and a system that can give a special feeling to a viewing user who has performed gifting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program for providing a service in which a video distribution user distributes a video to one or more viewers, wherein the computer functions as an acquisition unit that acquires gift performance information including a viewer object which is image data representing the viewer in response to a gifting request from the viewer, and a display unit that displays at least the gift object including the viewer object in the video based on the acquired gift performance information.

[0008] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present invention, the gift presentation information includes gift template information which is an element for operating the gift object in the video.

[0009] Furthermore, a program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a program for generating gift performance information which is an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video distributed by a video distribution user to one or more viewers, wherein the computer functions as an acquisition unit that acquires a viewer object which is image data representing the viewer and gift template information for operating a gift object including the viewer object in the video, and a generation unit that generates gift performance information for each viewer based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information.

[0010] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation of the gift object is modified according to the gift amount specified by the viewing user.

[0011] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation of the gift object can be selected from a wider variety of options as the amount of the gift given by the viewing user increases.

[0012] Furthermore, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the gift template information includes motion information of the viewer object, and the gift performance information includes performance information in which the viewer object acts in accordance with the motion information.

[0013] Furthermore, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, the gift template information includes orientation information of the viewer object, and the gift performance information includes performance information that changes the orientation of the viewer object according to the orientation information.

[0014] Furthermore, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, the gift template information includes effect information for the viewer object, and the gift performance information includes performance information for applying the effect to the viewer object according to the effect information.

[0015] Furthermore, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the viewer object is the avatar image of the viewer user.

[0016] Furthermore, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the generation unit generates the gift presentation information in response to a gifting request from the viewing user during video distribution.

[0017] Furthermore, in an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the generation unit generates the gift presentation information in advance according to the viewer object before video distribution.

[0018] Furthermore, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user.

[0019] Furthermore, a system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a system for providing a service in which a video distribution user distributes a video to one or more viewers, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires gift performance information including a viewer object which is image data representing the viewer in response to a gifting request from the viewer; and a display unit that displays a gift object including at least the viewer object in the video based on the acquired gift performance information.

[0020] Moreover, the system according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a system for generating gift production information that becomes an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video distributed by a video distribution user to one or more viewing users, the viewing object being image data indicating the viewing user, and a gift template for operating a gift object including the viewing object in the video. An acquisition unit that acquires information, and a generation unit that generates gift production information for each viewing user based on the acquired viewing object and gift template information.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a program and a system capable of giving a special feeling to a viewing user who has given a gift.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the video distribution system according to the present embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the video distribution system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] In the video distribution system according to the present embodiment, it is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each functional unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the distribution screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the designation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the first half of the gift production screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the second half of the gift production screen in the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and steps in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0024] <Overall Structure> (Specific example 1) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the video distribution system 1 comprises a server device 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. These devices are configured to communicate with each other via a communication network NT, such as the Internet or a telephone network.

[0026] Server device 10 is an information processing device (computer) for providing a service that allows a video streaming user to distribute videos to one or more viewers. Examples of such videos include live streams in which a video streaming user communicates or performs in real time with one or more viewers. For example, the video streaming user communicates with viewers through facial expressions, actions, voice (verbally), text comments, stamps, etc. in the video. On the other hand, viewers communicate with the video streaming user and other viewers through text comments, stamps, gifting, etc. This gifting is sometimes called tipping, super chat, or donation. Examples of performances include game commentary, singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, etc.

[0027] Terminal device 12 is an information processing device used by viewers and video streaming users. Examples of terminal device 12 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers equipped with input devices and display devices. Examples of input devices include keyboards, touch panels, cameras, and microphones. Examples of display devices include monitors and touch panels.

[0028] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the server device 10 comprises a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and memory 24.

[0030] In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or storage device 28, etc., thereby functioning as various functional units (functional means). Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0031] The communication device 26 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. The communication device 26, for example, sends and receives various types of information with the terminal device 12.

[0032] The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk or the like. The storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 20, as well as information on the processing results.

[0033] The server device 10 can be implemented using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Furthermore, the server device 10 may consist of a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed across the communication network NT. Also, Figure 2 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10; the server device 10 may have other configurations that are generally found in servers. Similarly, the hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may be similar to that of the server device 10, except for, for example, the inclusion of an operating unit (operating means) and a display device.

[0034] <Overview> In this embodiment, when a viewer sends a gift to a video streamer, a gift object containing a viewer object (e.g., an avatar image representing the viewer) is displayed (appears) within the video. This gift object is a general term for objects related to the gift and includes the viewer object and common objects. The viewer object is, for example, image data representing the viewer (e.g., an avatar image). Common objects are objects other than the viewer object included in the gift object. These common objects are objects common to each viewer.

[0035] In this embodiment, when a gift is made by a viewer, a gift object containing a viewer object (image data representing a particular viewer) associated with that viewer is displayed in the video. Therefore, the video distributor and all viewers can recognize that a particular viewer has made a gift.

[0036] <Functional configuration> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, for example, the server device 10 in the video distribution system 1 includes, as a functional configuration, a storage unit 50, a generation unit 52, an acquisition unit 54, a display unit 56, and a control unit 58.

[0038] The memory unit 50 stores viewer user information 50A and gift template information 50B.

[0039] Viewer user information 50A includes password, viewer username, payment information, viewer object, gifting history, etc., associated with each viewer's user ID (login ID).

[0040] Payment information includes the payment method and details associated with the viewer. This payment is executed, for example, when a viewer makes a gift (for example, when a gift amount of 1 yen or more is specified and the "Send" button is clicked). Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and carrier billing. Details include, for example, individual information about the payment method (such as credit card numbers and phone numbers). A viewer object includes image data (image information) that represents the viewer user. For example, a viewer object is the viewer user's avatar image. Examples of such avatar images include the viewer user's face image, a stylized version of that face image, an image created by the viewer user by selecting various parts (face, hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, eyes, nose, mouth, clothing, their size and color, etc.), and an image selected by the viewer user from a large number of avatar images pre-prepared in the video distribution system 1. Note that the avatar image may include not only the face, but also the upper body or the entire body. In this embodiment, the viewer object does not include the viewer's username (e.g., text information).

[0041] The gifting history includes the date and time of gifting to video streaming users, as well as the gift amount (money).

[0042] Gift template information 50B is auxiliary information that serves as an element for making gift objects work in a video. For example, gift template information 50B includes viewer object template information and common object template information.

[0043] The viewer object template information includes pre-prepared viewer object behaviors (motion information, orientation information, effect information, etc.) associated with the gift amount specified by the viewer user. This gift amount is, for example, the amount selected when sending a gift object to the video streamer user (e.g., the tip amount). In other words, the gift amount is the amount paid by the viewer user to the video streamer user.

[0044] For example, viewer object template information includes motion information, orientation information, and effect information for each range of gift amounts. Motion information includes the direction of movement, distance traveled, and speed of movement of the viewer object. Orientation information includes the angle that defines the orientation of the viewer object (for example, whether to use an avatar image facing right or left). Effect information includes the effects to be applied to the viewer object. Examples of these effects include playback time, adjustment information to adjust size, motion blur, fade in / out, light ray effects, and motion replay. In this embodiment, as the gift amount increases, the size of the viewer object increases, the viewer object moves more, and the playback time (e.g., operation time) increases.

[0045] Specifically, the viewer object template information includes motion pattern A, orientation pattern A, and effect pattern A, associated with the first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion pattern B, orientation pattern B, and effect pattern B, associated with the second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Also, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion pattern C, orientation pattern C, and effect pattern C, associated with the third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion pattern D, orientation pattern D, and effect pattern D, associated with the fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion pattern E, orientation pattern E, and effect pattern E, associated with the fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen). Furthermore, viewer object template information may include specific motion patterns, orientation patterns, and effect patterns, regardless of the gift amount.

[0046] Furthermore, the actions of the viewer object (gift object) may be given more options to choose from as the gift amount increases (the degree of freedom may be increased). This selection may be made by the viewer user or randomly (randomly selected). This selection may be made, for example, by the control unit 58. Specifically, the viewer object template information includes motion pattern A, orientation pattern A, and effect pattern A, corresponding to the first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A and B, orientation patterns A and B, and effect patterns A and B, corresponding to the second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Also, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A to C, orientation patterns A to C, and effect patterns A to C, corresponding to the third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A to D, orientation patterns A to D, and effect patterns A to D, corresponding to the fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the viewer object template information includes motion patterns A to E, orientation patterns A to E, and effect patterns A to E, corresponding to the fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0047] The common object template information includes the behavior and common object information of pre-prepared common objects, associated with the gift amount given by the viewer user. This behavior of the common object includes, for example, motion information, orientation information, effect information, etc., similar to the viewer object template information. In this embodiment, as the gift amount increases, the size of the common object increases, the common object moves more, and the playback time (e.g., operation time) increases. Furthermore, the common object template information may include specific motion patterns, orientation patterns, and effect patterns, regardless of the gift amount.

[0048] Specifically, the common object template information includes motion pattern F, orientation pattern F, and effect pattern F, corresponding to the first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes motion pattern G, orientation pattern G, and effect pattern G, corresponding to the second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Also, for example, the common object template information includes motion pattern H, orientation pattern H, and effect pattern H, corresponding to the third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object template information includes motion pattern I, orientation pattern I, and effect pattern I, corresponding to the fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Also, for example, the common object template information includes motion pattern J, orientation pattern J, and effect pattern J, corresponding to the fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0049] Furthermore, the behavior of the common object (gift object) may be such that the higher the gift amount, the more types of options are available (the degree of freedom may be increased). This selection may be made by the viewer user or randomly (randomly selected). This selection may be made, for example, by the control unit 58. For example, the common object template information includes motion pattern F, orientation pattern F, and effect pattern F, corresponding to the first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Also, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F and G, orientation patterns F and G, and effect patterns F and G, corresponding to the second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Also, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F to H, orientation patterns F to H, and effect patterns F to H, corresponding to the third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Also, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F to I, orientation patterns F to I, and effect patterns F to I, corresponding to the fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Also, for example, the common object template information includes motion patterns F to J, orientation patterns F to J, and effect patterns F to J, corresponding to the fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image data (image information) that represents common objects (e.g., gift boxes, bouquets, fireworks, confetti, shooting stars, "I LOVE YOU" speech bubbles, etc.) for each range of gift amounts. Note that the common object information may include specific objects regardless of the gift amount.

[0051] For example, the common object information includes image information for common object K, associated with the first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information for common object L, associated with the second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information for common object M, associated with the third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information for common object N, associated with the fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information for common object O, associated with the fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0052] Furthermore, the number of common objects available may increase as the gift amount increases (the degree of freedom may be increased). This selection may be made by the viewer user or randomly (random drawing). This selection may be made, for example, by the control unit 58. Specifically, the common object information includes image information for common object K, associated with the first range of gift amounts (1 to 100 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image information for common objects K and L, associated with the second range of gift amounts (101 to 200 yen). Also, for example, the common object information includes image information for common objects K to M, associated with the third range of gift amounts (201 to 300 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image information for common objects K to N, associated with the fourth range of gift amounts (301 to 400 yen). Furthermore, for example, the common object information includes image information for common objects K to O, associated with the fifth range of gift amounts (401 to 500 yen).

[0053] The generation unit 52 is a functional unit that generates gift presentation information for each viewing user.

[0054] In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates gift performance information, which includes viewer object performance information and common object performance information, by referring to viewer object objects in viewer user information 50A and gift template information 50B. In other words, the gift performance information includes gift template information 50B, which are elements for operating gift objects in the video.

[0055] Viewer object performance information includes image information of the viewer object in viewer user information 50A, as well as motion information, orientation information, and effect information in viewer object template information. For example, gift performance information includes performance information that causes the viewer object to move in accordance with the viewer object's motion information. Also, for example, gift performance information includes performance information that changes the orientation of the viewer object in accordance with the viewer object's orientation information. Also, for example, gift performance information includes performance information that applies effects to the viewer object in accordance with the viewer object's effect information.

[0056] Common object presentation information includes image information, motion information, orientation information, and effect information for common objects in the common object template information. For example, gift performance information includes performance information that causes the common object to move according to the common object's motion information. Also, for example, gift performance information includes performance information that changes the orientation of the common object according to the common object's orientation information. Also, for example, gift performance information includes performance information that applies an effect to the common object according to the common object's effect information.

[0057] For example, the generation unit 52 generates gift performance information (viewer object performance information and common object performance information) in response to gifting requests from viewers during video streaming. Examples of such gifting requests include when a viewer selects a gift amount or when a common object with a predetermined gift amount is selected.

[0058] Specifically, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object in the viewer user information 50A to identify the viewer object (e.g., avatar image). Next, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify the motion information (e.g., motion pattern A), orientation information (e.g., orientation pattern A), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern A) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 100 yen) specified by the viewer user, and generates viewer object performance information. Furthermore, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object information in the gift template information 50B to identify the common object (e.g., common object L) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewer user. Subsequently, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify the motion information (e.g., motion pattern G), orientation information (e.g., orientation pattern G), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern G) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewer user, and generates the common object performance information.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, the generation unit 52 pre-generates gift performance information (viewer object performance information and common object performance information) according to the viewer object before video distribution. Examples of pre-video distribution timings include when an avatar image is stored in the viewer object of the viewer user information 50A, when the avatar image is changed, a predetermined date and time (for example, 0:00 on the 1st of each month), or a predetermined time before the video distribution user starts video distribution (for example, one hour before).

[0060] Specifically, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object in the viewer user information 50A to identify the viewer object. Next, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify motion information (e.g., motion patterns A to E), orientation information (e.g., orientation patterns A to E), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns A to E) for each range of gift amounts, and generates viewer object performance information accordingly. Furthermore, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object information in the gift template information 50B and identifies common objects (e.g., common objects K to O) for each range of gift amounts. Subsequently, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object template information in the gift template information 50B and identifies motion information (e.g., motion patterns F to J), orientation information (e.g., orientation patterns F to J), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns F to J) for each range of gift amounts, and generates common object performance information for each.

[0061] The acquisition unit 54 is a functional unit that acquires various types of information. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 54 acquires gift performance information, including a viewer object which is image data representing the viewer, in response to a gifting request from the viewer. For example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires the gift presentation information generated by the generation unit 52 according to the gift amount specified by the viewing user. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 54 refers to the gift performance information (viewer object performance information and common object performance information) that has been pre-generated by the generation unit 52 for each range of gift amounts, and acquires gift performance information corresponding to the gift amount specified by the viewing user.

[0062] The display unit 56 is a functional unit that displays a screen on the display device of each terminal device 12.

[0063] In this embodiment, the display unit 56 displays a gift object in the video that includes at least a viewer object, based on the acquired gift performance information. For example, if the image information of a common object included in the common object performance information is a gift box, the display unit 56 operates the gift box in the video according to the motion information, orientation information, and effect information included in the common object performance information (for example, moving it toward the center portion which is the display position of the video streaming user). Subsequently, the display unit 56 displays the action of a viewer object included in the viewer object performance information appearing from the gift box (for example, popping out), according to the motion information, orientation information, and effect information included in the viewer object performance information. Furthermore, for example, if the control unit 58 selects actions for two or more viewer objects, the display unit 56 will sequentially perform each selected action on the viewer objects as time progresses. Also, for example, if the control unit 58 selects two or more common objects, the display unit 56 will sequentially display each selected common object as time progresses. Also, for example, if the control unit 58 selects actions for two or more common objects, the display means 54 will sequentially perform each selected action on the common objects as time progresses.

[0064] The control unit 58 is a functional unit that controls the entire video distribution system 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control unit 58 selects at least one of several types of actions for the viewer object, the common object, and the common object, depending on the amount of gifted by the viewer user.

[0066] For example, if the gift presentation information includes actions of multiple types of viewer objects (motion patterns, orientation patterns, effect patterns), the control unit 58 selects one action from the multiple types of viewer object actions either by user input (e.g., operation instructions) or randomly (e.g., random drawing). Specifically, the control unit 58 selects one action (for example, motion pattern C, orientation pattern E, and effect pattern D) from among the multiple types of viewer object actions (motion patterns A to E, orientation patterns A to E, effect patterns A to E) by random drawing.

[0067] Furthermore, if the gift presentation information includes multiple types of common objects, the control unit 58 selects one common object from the multiple types of common objects either by action by the viewing user (e.g., operation instructions) or randomly (e.g., random drawing). Specifically, the control unit 58 selects one common object (e.g., common object L) from among multiple types of common objects (common objects K to O) based on operation instructions from the viewing user who made the gifting request.

[0068] Furthermore, if the gift presentation information includes the actions of multiple types of common objects (motion patterns, orientation patterns, effect patterns), the control unit 58 selects one action from the multiple types of common objects either by user input (e.g., operation instructions) or randomly (e.g., random drawing). Specifically, the control unit 58 randomly selects one action (for example, motion pattern G, orientation pattern G, and effect pattern H) from among the multiple types of common object actions (motion patterns F to J, orientation patterns F to J, effect patterns F to J).

[0069] <Processing flow> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each functional unit shown in Figure 3 in the video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the processing in the following steps begins, for example, when a viewing user (e.g., user E) specifies a video distribution user (video distribution channel) and starts watching a video. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0070] (Step SP10) The display unit 56 displays the streaming screen, which is being streamed by the video streaming user, on the viewing user's terminal device 12.

[0071] Figure 5 shows an example of the distribution screen 60 in this embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5, the distribution screen 60 is provided with a video distribution user information area 62, an action history information area 64, a comment input field 66, and a gift button 68. The video streaming user information area 62 displays an avatar image and other elements representing the video streaming user. This avatar image changes, for example, in response to the actual actions of the video streaming user. The action history information area 64 displays the comment history and gifting history of each viewing user. For example, in the action history information area 64, the comment history and gifting history are displayed in different ways. Comment input field 66 is an input field for viewers to enter comments for the video streamer or other video streamers. The gift button 68 is a button (instruction area) that provides instructions to display a selection screen for the viewer to choose the gift amount.

[0073] Returning to Figure 4, the process moves on to step SP12.

[0074] (Step SP12) The control unit 58 determines whether or not the gift button for specifying the gift amount has been pressed by the viewer on the distribution screen. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP14. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0075] (Step SP14) The display unit 56 displays a screen for the viewer to specify the gift amount.

[0076] Figure 6 shows an example of the designated screen 70 in this embodiment.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, the selection screen 70 is provided with a video streaming user information area 62, an action history information area 64, a gift amount input field 76, a gift button 78, and a back button 79. The gift amount input field 76 is an input field for viewers to enter (specify) the amount of the gift they want to send to the video streaming user. The "Send" button 78 is a button (instruction area) used to confirm the gift amount entered in the gift amount input field 66 and to send an instruction (gifting request) to the video streaming user to send that gift amount. The back button 79 is a button (instruction area) used to instruct the user to return to the streaming screen.

[0078] Returning to Figure 4, the process moves on to step SP16.

[0079] (Step SP16) The control unit 58 determines whether the viewer has selected the "Send Gift" button. For example, the control unit 58 determines this to be true if, on the selection screen, a gift amount of 1 yen or more is specified in the gift amount input field and the "Send Gift" button is selected. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP18. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, for example, if the back button is pressed, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0080] (Step SP18) The generation unit 52 generates gift animation information corresponding to the gift amount. For example, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object of viewer user information 50A corresponding to the viewer user who selected the "Send" button in step SP16, and the gift template information 50B, and generates gift animation information including viewer object animation information and common object animation information corresponding to the gift amount specified in the gift amount input field.

[0081] Specifically, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object in the viewer user information 50A to identify the image information of the viewer object. Next, the generation unit 52 refers to the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify the motion information (e.g., motion patterns A to E), orientation information (e.g., orientation patterns A to E), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns A to E) associated with the specified gift amount (e.g., 500 yen), and generates the viewer object performance information. Furthermore, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object information in the gift template information 50B to identify the image information (e.g., common object O) of the common object associated with the specified gift amount (e.g., 500 yen). Subsequently, the generation unit 52 refers to the common object template information in the gift template information 50B to identify the motion information (e.g., motion pattern J), orientation information (e.g., orientation pattern J), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern J) associated with the specified gift amount (e.g., 500 yen), and generates the common object performance information. Then, the process moves on to step SP20.

[0082] (Step SP20) The acquisition unit 54 acquires the gift presentation information generated in step SP18. Then, the process moves on to step SP22.

[0083] (Step SP22) The control unit 58 determines whether there are multiple types of actions for the viewer object included in the gift performance information acquired in step SP20. For example, the control unit 58 makes a positive determination if the motion information, orientation information, and effect information included in the viewer object performance information include multiple types of patterns. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP24. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0084] (Step SP24) The control unit 58 selects one action from among several types of viewer object actions by random selection. For example, the control unit 58 selects one action (for example, motion pattern E, direction pattern E, and effect pattern D) from among several types of viewer object actions (motion patterns A to E, direction patterns A to E, effect patterns A to E) by random selection. Then, the process moves on to step SP26.

[0085] (Step SP26) The display unit 56 displays a gift effect screen that makes gift objects appear in the streamed video according to the gift effect information. For example, the display unit 56 displays viewer objects and common objects in the video based on the playback time of the effect information included in the viewer object effect information and common object effect information. The display unit 56 then removes the viewer object and common object from the video when their respective playback times have elapsed.

[0086] Figure 7 shows an example of the first half of the gift presentation screen 80 in this embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, the gift presentation screen 80 displays a common object CO, which is a gift object, in the vicinity of the video streaming user information area 62. This common object CO is, for example, a gift box.

[0088] Figure 8 shows an example of the latter half of the gift presentation screen 80 in this embodiment.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, the gift presentation screen 80 shows the moment when the viewer object AO emerges from the common object CO near the video streaming user information area 62.

[0090] Then, the process completes the series of steps shown in Figure 4.

[0091] (Specific example 2) In the specific example 1 described above, the video distribution system 1 is used to provide a service of distributing videos to viewers, but it may also be used to generate gift effect information that will be elements of the gift object to be displayed in the video. In addition, the acquisition unit 54 may acquire the viewer object and gift template information.

[0092] The acquisition unit 54 acquires viewer objects, which are image data representing the viewing user, and gift template information 50B for operating gift objects in the video. For example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires viewer objects from viewer user information 50A. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires viewer object template information and common object template information from gift template information 50B.

[0093] For example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires the viewer object of viewer user information 50A and gift template information 50B in response to a gifting request from a viewer user during video streaming.

[0094] Specifically, the acquisition unit 54 acquires motion information (e.g., motion pattern A), orientation information (e.g., orientation pattern A), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern A) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 100 yen) specified by the viewing user from the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B, as the actions of the viewer object. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 54 acquires a common object (e.g., common object L) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewing user from the common object information in the gift template information 50B. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 54 acquires motion information (e.g., motion pattern G), orientation information (e.g., orientation pattern G), and effect information (e.g., effect pattern G) associated with the gift amount (e.g., 200 yen) specified by the viewing user from the common object template information in the gift template information 50B as the operation of the common object.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 54 acquires viewer objects and gift template information 50B before video distribution.

[0096] Specifically, the acquisition unit 54 acquires viewer objects from viewer user information 50A. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 54 acquires motion information (e.g., motion patterns A to E), orientation information (e.g., orientation patterns A to E), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns A to E) as the actions of the viewer object from the viewer object template information in the gift template information 50B, for each range of gift amounts. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 54 acquires common objects (e.g., common objects K to O) from the common object information in the gift template information 50B for each range of gift amounts. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 54 acquires motion information (e.g., motion patterns F to J), orientation information (e.g., orientation patterns F to J), and effect information (e.g., effect patterns F to J) as the actions of the common objects from the common object template information in the gift template information 50B for each range of gift amounts.

[0097] The generation unit 52 generates gift presentation information for each viewer user based on the viewer object and gift template information acquired by the acquisition unit 54.

[0098] For example, the generation unit 52 generates viewer object performance information based on the acquired viewer object and the viewer object's actions.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, the generation unit 52 generates common object performance information according to the acquired common objects and the actions of the common objects. For example, if there are multiple acquired common objects, the generation unit 52 generates multiple common object performance information for each of the actions of the common objects. Similarly, if there are multiple actions of the acquired common objects, the generation unit 52 generates multiple common object performance information for each of the actions of the common objects.

[0100] <Effects> In this embodiment, the program provides a service for a video distribution user to distribute a video to one or more viewers, and the computer functions as an acquisition unit 54 that acquires gift performance information, including a viewer object which is image data representing the viewer, in response to a gifting request from the viewer, and a display unit 56 that displays the gift object, including at least the viewer object, in the video based on the acquired gift performance information.

[0101] This configuration allows a gift object containing a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewer, to be displayed in the video in response to a gifting request. This makes it possible to impress the video streamer and other viewers with the viewer who has gifted, thereby giving the gifting viewer a sense of specialness.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gift presentation information includes gift template information, which is an element for making the gift object move in the video.

[0103] With this configuration, gift template information is used as an element to make the gift object work, so even if many viewers make gifting requests, the processing load required to display the gift object's behavior can be reduced.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a program for generating gift performance information which will be an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video distributed by a video distribution user to one or more viewers is provided, and the computer is configured to function as an acquisition unit 54 that acquires viewer objects which are image data representing viewers and gift template information for operating a gift object including the viewer object in the video, and a generation unit 52 that generates gift performance information for each viewer based on the acquired viewer objects and gift template information.

[0105] This configuration allows for the creation of a gift object that includes a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewer. This makes it possible to impress the video streamer and other viewers with the viewer who sent the gift, thereby giving the viewer who sent the gift a sense of specialness.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the behavior of the gift object is modified according to the gift amount specified by the viewer user.

[0107] With this configuration, the behavior of the gift object changes depending on the gift amount, which can give viewers who have gifted a special feeling.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the behavior of the gift object can be selected from a wider variety of options as the amount of the gift given by the viewing user increases.

[0109] With this configuration, the higher the gift amount, the more types of gift object behaviors are available to choose from, thus giving the gifting user a sense of exclusivity.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gift template information includes motion information of the viewer object, and the gift performance information includes performance information that causes the viewer object to act in accordance with the motion information.

[0111] With this configuration, the gift template information includes motion information of the viewer object, which reduces the processing load for generating gift animation information even when many viewer users make gifting requests.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gift template information includes orientation information for the viewer object, and the gift performance information includes performance information that changes the orientation of the viewer object according to the orientation information.

[0113] This configuration includes orientation information for viewer objects in the gift template information, which reduces the processing load on video streaming even when many viewers make gifting requests.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gift template information includes effect information for the viewer object, and the gift performance information includes performance information that applies the effect to the viewer object according to the effect information.

[0115] With this configuration, the gift template information includes effect information for the viewer object, which reduces the processing load during video streaming even when many viewers make gifting requests.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the viewer object is the avatar image of the viewer user.

[0117] This configuration allows gift objects, including the viewer's avatar image, to be displayed in the video. This makes it possible to impress the video streamer and other viewers with the viewer who sent the gift, thereby giving the viewer a sense of specialness.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates gift presentation information in response to a gifting request from a viewer user during video distribution.

[0119] This configuration allows for the generation of gift animation information in response to gifting requests during video streaming, thereby reducing the processing load required to generate such gift animation information.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates gift presentation information in advance according to the viewer object before video distribution.

[0121] With this configuration, gift information is generated in advance before video streaming, which reduces the processing load during video streaming even if many viewers make gifting requests.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gift object includes a common object that is shared by each viewing user.

[0123] With this configuration, the gift object includes a common object shared by each viewer, thus reducing the processing load required to display the gift object even when many viewers make gifting requests.

[0124] <Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any design modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0125] For example, in the above embodiment, the display unit 56 was shown in step SP14 to display a designated screen with a gift amount input field where the viewer can input the gift amount. However, it may also display a designated screen showing multiple types of common objects and the amount (gift amount) associated with each of the common objects. Then, in step SP16, the control unit 58 determines whether or not a common object has been specified by the user. The amount associated with the common object may be points that can be exchanged for money. For example, the viewer may exchange money for points beforehand and then specify a common object, or they may specify a common object and then exchange money for points.

[0126] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case where the viewer object template information of the gift template information 50B includes pre-prepared motion information, it may also include motion information created by the viewer user. For example, the control unit 58 may create motion information (motion patterns) based on operation input or voice input from the viewer user to operate the viewer object (e.g., avatar image). Specifically, if the viewer user inputs the text "jump", the control unit 58 stores motion information in the viewer object template information that makes the viewer object "jump". Furthermore, the control unit 58 may create motion information from videos recorded by the viewer. Similarly, the motion information for the common object template information may be created by the viewer. In addition, this creation may require payment from the viewer. Furthermore, viewers may create motion information and other data during or before the video is streamed.

[0127] Furthermore, the viewer object template information of gift template information 50B may include location information for viewer objects. Similarly, the common object template information of gift template information 50B may include location information for common objects. This location information may include, for example, the initial position (appearance position) where the object is displayed in the video (on screen), the position where it stops (stopping position), the position where it is removed (removal position), etc. Furthermore, placement information may be customizable by the viewer. Also, for example, the more gifts a viewer gives, the more placement options they may have to choose from.

[0128] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case where the common object template information of the gift template information 50B includes pre-prepared common object information (image data of common objects), it may also include common objects created by the viewer. For example, the control unit 58 may create image data of a common object based on operation input or voice input from the viewer to create a common object. Specifically, if the control unit 58 receives voice input from the viewer saying "blue bouquet," it stores image data of "blue bouquet" in the common object template information. In addition, this creation may require payment from the viewer. Furthermore, viewers may create the common object information during or before the video is streamed.

[0129] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case where the viewer object does not include the viewer's username, it may also include the viewer's username (text information).

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display unit 56 was described as displaying a gift animation screen in which a viewer object (avatar image) appears (pops out) from a gift box (common object). However, it is also possible to display a gift animation screen in which the common object appears after the viewer object, or to display a gift animation screen in which the viewer object and the common object appear simultaneously. For example, the display unit 56 may display a gift animation screen in which the viewer object moves toward the vicinity of the video streaming user's avatar image, and after the viewer object has moved toward that vicinity, the common object "I LOVE YOU" text appears from the viewer object's face.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the generation unit 52 was described as generating viewer object performance information by identifying image information and orientation information of viewer objects in step SP18. However, for example, if image information of viewer objects with different orientations is stored in advance in the viewer user information 50A, the generation unit 52 may identify the viewer object corresponding to the orientation information. For example, if the identified orientation information is facing forward, the generation unit 52 may identify image information of a viewer object facing forward, and if the identified orientation information is facing right, it may identify image information of a viewer object tilted to the right by about 45 to 90 degrees.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the generation unit 52 was described as generating gift performance information in step SP18, which includes viewer object performance information and common object performance information corresponding to the gift amount specified in the gift amount input field. However, gift performance information may also be generated in advance for each viewer user or for each gift amount. The timing for generating this gift performance information could be when a viewer user logs into the video distribution system 1, when a viewer user changes their viewer object, or when they start watching a video (participate in video distribution). For example, the generation unit 52 may determine whether it is necessary to generate the gift performance information at the time of generation. Specifically, the generation unit 52 will reject this determination if gift performance information for the viewer object has already been created. Furthermore, if the generation unit 52 has already generated gift presentation information, in step SP18, it only needs to select from the pre-generated gift presentation information corresponding to the gift amount specified in the gifting request in step SP16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10…Server device (computer) 12…Terminal device 50...Storage section 52...Generation section 54…Acquisition part 56...Display section

Claims

1. A program for providing a service in which a video streaming user distributes videos to one or more viewers, Computers, In response to a gifting request from the aforementioned viewing user, the acquisition unit acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user. Based on the acquired gift presentation information, a display unit displays a gift object in the video that includes at least the viewer object. To make it function as, The gift presentation information includes gift template information which is an element for making the gift object move in the video. The aforementioned gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user, The gift template information includes viewer object template information including motion information of the viewer object, and common object template information including motion information of the common object. program.

2. A program for generating gift animation information that will be an element of a gift object displayed in a video streamed by a video streaming user to one or more viewers, Computers, An acquisition unit that acquires a viewer object which is image data representing the aforementioned viewer user, and gift template information for operating a gift object which includes the viewer object in the video. A generation unit generates gift presentation information for each viewer user based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information. To make it function as, The aforementioned gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user, The gift template information includes viewer object template information including motion information of the viewer object, and common object template information including motion information of the common object. program.

3. The behavior of the gift object is modified according to the gift amount specified by the viewing user. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The behavior of the aforementioned gift object is such that the higher the gift amount given by the viewing user, the more types of gift objects can be selected from. The program according to claim 3.

5. The gift template information includes the orientation information of the viewer object, The aforementioned gift presentation information includes presentation information that changes the orientation of the viewer object according to the orientation information, The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The gift template information includes the effect information of the viewer object, The gift presentation information includes presentation information that applies an effect to the viewer object according to the effect information, The program according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned viewer object is the avatar image of the viewer user. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The generation unit generates the gift presentation information in response to a gifting request from the viewing user during video distribution. The program according to claim 2.

9. The generation unit generates the gift presentation information in advance according to the viewer object before video distribution. The program according to claim 2.

10. A system for providing a service in which a video streaming user distributes videos to one or more viewers, In response to a gifting request from the aforementioned viewing user, the acquisition unit acquires gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user. Based on the acquired gift presentation information, a display unit displays a gift object in the video that includes at least the viewer object. Equipped with, The gift presentation information includes gift template information which is an element for making the gift object move in the video. The aforementioned gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user, The gift template information includes viewer object template information including motion information of the viewer object, and common object template information including motion information of the common object. system.

11. A system for generating gift presentation information that will be an element of a gift object displayed in a video distributed by a video streaming user to one or more viewers, An acquisition unit that acquires a viewer object which is image data representing the aforementioned viewer user, and gift template information for operating a gift object which includes the viewer object in the video. A generation unit generates gift presentation information for each viewer user based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information. Equipped with, The aforementioned gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user, The gift template information includes viewer object template information including motion information of the viewer object, and common object template information including motion information of the common object. system.

12. A method for providing a video distribution service to one or more viewers, In response to a gifting request from the aforementioned viewing user, the step is to obtain gift presentation information including a viewer object, which is image data representing the viewing user. Based on the acquired gift presentation information, the video is configured to display a gift object that includes at least the viewer object. Equipped with, The gift presentation information includes gift template information which is an element for making the gift object move in the video. The aforementioned gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user, The gift template information includes viewer object template information including motion information of the viewer object, and common object template information including motion information of the common object. method.

13. A method for generating gift presentation information which will be an element of a gift object to be displayed in a video distributed by a video streaming user to one or more viewers, The steps include obtaining a viewer object which is image data representing the viewer user, and gift template information for operating a gift object which includes the viewer object in the video, A step of generating gift presentation information for each viewer user based on the acquired viewer object and gift template information. Equipped with, The aforementioned gift object includes a common object that is common to each viewing user, The gift template information includes viewer object template information including motion information of the viewer object, and common object template information including motion information of the common object. method.

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