server

Abstract

To provide a live distribution technology capable of enriching connections between people.SOLUTION: A server includes the means of: receiving a start request including information of a first gift designated in a terminal and information of a target distributor from the terminal through a network; starting a period for enabling the use of a second gift different from the first gift in live distribution of the target distributor in response to the reception of the start request; holding a parameter to be updated each time the second gift is used; and enabling distribution to viewers of an electronic value associated with the first gift when a distribution condition including a time condition to be viewed related to a viewed time for which the live distribution of the target distributor is viewed by the viewers, and a parameter condition related to the parameter is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a method.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of IT technology, the ways of information exchange have changed. In the Showa era, one-way information transmission such as newspapers and televisions was dominant. In the Heisei era, mobile phones and personal computers became popular, and the communication speed of the Internet was greatly improved, so instant two-way communication services such as chat services emerged, and on-demand video distribution services were accepted with the reduction of storage costs. And now, in the Reiwa era, with the high functionality of smartphones and the further improvement of network speed represented by 5G, services that realize real-time communication by video, especially live streaming services, are rapidly increasing in popularity. Live streaming services, as services that allow people to share the same enjoyable time even when they are in different locations, are expanding their users mainly among young people.

[0003] As one of the mechanisms to boost live streaming, rewards may be given to viewers who meet certain conditions. For example, Non-Patent Document 2 discloses that in live streaming, as viewers throw lucky gifts, the bar gauge increases, and when it exceeds a certain amount, rewards are given to the viewers. Also, Non-Patent Document 2 discloses a gambling gift where viewers can obtain lottery tickets by throwing, and one person wins a diamond every hour by lottery among them.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0005] According to the mechanism described in Non-Patent Document 2, viewers are motivated to send gifts, and therefore an increase in gift usage can be expected. However, such a mechanism does not motivate viewers to enjoy and watch the streamer's live broadcast for a longer period of time. Simply appealing to people's desire for quick richness makes it difficult to enrich a healthy connection between streamers and viewers. A new mechanism for live streaming that enriches human connections is needed.

[0006] This disclosure was made in light of these challenges, and its purpose is to provide live streaming technology that can enrich connections between people. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A certain aspect of this disclosure relates to a server. The server includes means for receiving a start request from a terminal via a network, which includes information of a first gift specified at the terminal and information of a target broadcaster; means for initiating a period in response to the receipt of the start request during which a second gift, different from the first gift, can be used in the target broadcaster's live stream; means for maintaining parameters that are updated each time the second gift is used; and means for enabling the distribution of electronic value associated with the first gift to viewers when distribution conditions are met, which include viewing time conditions relating to the viewing time of the target broadcaster's live stream by viewers and parameter conditions relating to the parameters.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is also a server. This server includes means for receiving a start request from a terminal via a network, which includes information on a first gift specified at the terminal and information on a target broadcaster; means for starting a period in response to receiving a start request; and means for distributing the electronic value associated with the first gift to viewers when distribution conditions, including viewing time conditions relating to the viewing time of the target broadcaster's live stream viewed by viewers during the period, are met.

[0009] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, or any substitution of components or expressions of the present invention between devices, methods, systems, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide live streaming technology that can enrich connections between people. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a live streaming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the user terminal. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the server in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the stream DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the army DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the user DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the gift DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the reduced gift DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the distribution condition DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the reception condition DB in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes in the live distribution system of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes when starting live distribution in the live distribution system of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a representative screen diagram of the live distribution room screen displayed on the display of the viewer's user terminal. [Figure 14] It is a representative screen diagram of the live distribution room screen displayed on the display of another viewer's user terminal. [Figure 15] It is a representative screen diagram of the input gift selection screen displayed on the display of another viewer's user terminal. [Figure 16] It is a representative screen diagram of the live distribution room screen displayed on the display of another viewer's user terminal. [[ID=4l]] [Figure 17] It is a representative screen diagram of the live distribution room screen displayed on the display of another viewer's user terminal. [Figure 18] It is a representative screen diagram of the live distribution room screen displayed on the display of the distributor's user terminal. [Figure 19]It is a representative screen diagram of a live distribution room screen displayed on the display of the user terminal of another viewer. [Figure 20] It is a representative screen diagram of a live distribution selection screen displayed on the display of the user terminal of a viewer. [Figure 21] It is a representative screen diagram of a genre-based live distribution selection screen displayed on the display of the user terminal of a viewer. [Figure 22] It is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the gift DB in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the restored gift DB in FIG. 22. [Figure 25] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the winning probability DB in FIG. 22. [Figure 26] It is a data structure diagram showing an example of the lottery history DB in FIG. 22. [Figure 27] It is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes in the live distribution system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 28] It is a representative screen diagram of a live distribution room screen displayed on the display of the user terminal of a viewer. [Figure 29] It is a representative screen diagram of a lottery gift selection screen displayed on the display of the user terminal of a viewer. [Figure 30] It is a representative screen diagram of a losing notice screen displayed on the display of the user terminal of a viewer. [Figure 31] It is a representative screen diagram of a winning notice screen displayed on the display of the user terminal of a viewer. [Figure 32] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] In the following drawings, identical or equivalent components, members, processes, and signals will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, some components that are not explanatoryly important will be omitted from the drawings.

[0013] (First Embodiment) The live streaming system according to the first embodiment introduces a new type of gift called a reward gift. When a streamer or viewer uses a reward gift during a live stream, the reward gift period begins, and a target object is placed on the room screen of the live stream. Viewers can use a special reward gift to deposit points into the target object (or "accumulate" points). When the viewing time, which is the time that viewers have watched the streamer's live stream on which the target object is placed, exceeds a certain threshold, and the accumulated points reach the threshold, the accumulated points are distributed or refunded to viewers who meet the predetermined receiving conditions.

[0014] The accumulated points include points corresponding to the value of the reward gifts, so the points returned to viewers are usually more than the points they contributed. Therefore, live streams with the reward object installed attract more viewers. Also, since the viewer's viewing time is a condition for opening the reward object, viewers are motivated to watch the streamer's live stream for longer. This creates opportunities for streamers to promote themselves, or for viewers to promote streamers, and promotes the discovery of new streamers. As a result, it can provide opportunities for new streamers and mid-career streamers to become more popular.

[0015] Furthermore, by using these reward gifts during live streams of their favorite streamers, viewers can attract more viewers to those streamers' broadcasts in exchange for paying for the gifts themselves, and gain a sense of accomplishment in supporting their favorite streamers.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a live streaming system 1 according to a first embodiment. The live streaming system 1 provides a two-way live streaming service that allows broadcasters (also called Livers or Streamers) LV and viewers (also called audiences) AU (AU1, AU2, ...) to communicate in real time. As shown in Figure 1, the live streaming system 1 comprises a server 10, a user terminal 20 on the broadcaster's side, and user terminals 30 (30a, 30b, ...) on the viewer's side. Broadcasters and viewers are sometimes collectively referred to as users. The server 10 may be composed of one or more information processing devices connected to a network NW. User terminals 20 and 30 may be mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, laptop PCs, recorders, portable game consoles, or wearable devices, or they may be stationary devices such as desktop PCs. The server 10, user terminals 20 and 30 are connected to each other via various wired or wireless networks NW so that they can communicate with one another.

[0017] The live streaming system 1 involves a streamer (LV), a viewer (AU), and an administrator (not shown) who manages the server 10. A streamer (LV) is a person who broadcasts content in real time by recording or videotaping their own songs, talks, performances, fortune-telling, game commentary, etc., on their user terminal 20 and uploading it directly to the server 10. The administrator provides a platform for live streaming of content on the server 10 and mediates or manages real-time interactions between the streamer (LV) and the viewer (AU). Viewer (AU) accesses the platform on their user terminal 30 to select and watch desired content. During the live streaming of this content, viewer (AU) can comment or show support via their user terminal 30, and the streamer (LV) providing the content responds to such comments and support. This response is transmitted to the viewer (AU) via video and / or audio, thus establishing two-way communication.

[0018] In this specification, "live streaming" may mean a data transmission method that enables content recorded on the broadcaster LV's user terminal 20 to be played back and viewed on the viewer AU's user terminal 30 in substantially real time, or it may mean the streaming itself realized by such a transmission method. Live streaming may be realized using existing live streaming technologies such as HTTP Live Streaming, Common Media Application Format, Web Real-Time Communications, Real-Time Messaging Protocol, or MPEG DASH. Live streaming includes a transmission method that enables the viewer AU to view the content with a predetermined delay while the broadcaster LV is recording the content. Regarding the magnitude of the delay, at least a delay large enough for communication between the broadcaster LV and the viewer AU to take place is permitted. However, live streaming is distinguished from so-called on-demand streaming, where the entire data of the recorded content is temporarily stored on a server, and then the data is provided to the user from the server at any time requested by the user.

[0019] In this specification, "video data" refers to data that includes image data (also called video data) generated by the imaging function of user terminals 20 and 30, and audio data (also called audio data) generated by the audio input function of user terminals 20 and 30. The video data is played back on user terminals 20 and 30, enabling users to view the content. In this embodiment, it is assumed that between the time the video data is generated on the distributor's user terminal and the time it is played back on the viewer's user terminal, processing is performed to change the format, size, and specifications of the data, such as compression, decompression, encoding, decoding, and transcoding. Since the content represented by the video data (e.g., moving images and sound) does not substantially change before and after such processing, in this embodiment, the video data after such processing is described as being the same as the video data before such processing. That is, when video data is generated on the distributor's user terminal and then played back on the viewer's user terminal via the server 10, the video data generated on the distributor's user terminal, the video data passing through the server 10, and the video data received and played back on the viewer's user terminal are all the same video data.

[0020] In the example shown in Figure 1, the broadcaster LV is live-streaming a talk. The broadcaster LV's user terminal 20 generates video data by recording the image and sound of the broadcaster LV during the talk, and sends it to the server 10 via the network NW. In addition, the user terminal 20 displays the recorded video VD of the broadcaster LV on its display, allowing the broadcaster LV to confirm the content of the broadcast.

[0021] The user terminals 30a and 30b of viewers AU1 and AU2, who requested the platform to view the live stream of broadcaster LV, respectively receive video data related to the live stream via the network NW. By playing the received video data, they display video images VD1 and VD2 on their displays and output sound from their speakers. The video images VD1 and VD2 displayed on each user terminal 30a and 30b are substantially identical to the video image VD captured by broadcaster LV's user terminal 20, and the sound output by each user terminal 30a and 30b is substantially identical to the sound recorded by broadcaster LV's user terminal 20.

[0022] The recording and video recording on the broadcaster LV's user terminal 20 and the playback of video data on the viewer AU1 and AU2's user terminals 30a and 30b are performed substantially simultaneously. When one viewer AU1 inputs a comment on the content of the broadcaster LV's talk into user terminal 30a, the server 10 displays the comment in real time on the broadcaster LV's user terminal 20, as well as on the user terminals 30a and 30b of each viewer AU1 and AU2. When the broadcaster LV reads the comment and adds a comment over it, the video and audio of that conversation are output to the user terminals 30a and 30b of each viewer AU1 and AU2, and it is recognized that a conversation has taken place between the broadcaster LV and viewer AU1. In this way, the live streaming system 1 realizes live streaming that enables two-way communication rather than one-way communication.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of user terminal 20 in Figure 1. User terminal 30 has the same functions and configuration as user terminal 20. Each block shown in Figure 3 and subsequent block diagrams can be realized in hardware terms by elements and mechanical devices such as the CPU of a computer, and in software terms by computer programs, etc., but here we are depicting functional blocks that are realized through the cooperation of these. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art who have read this specification that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0024] The broadcaster (LV) and viewer (AU) download and install the live streaming application program according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the live streaming app) from a download site via the network (NW) to the user terminals 20 and 30. Alternatively, the live streaming app may be pre-installed on the user terminals 20 and 30. When the live streaming app is executed by the user terminals 20 and 30, the user terminals 20 and 30 communicate with the server 10 via the network (NW) and realize various functions. Hereinafter, the functions realized by the execution of the live streaming app by the user terminals 20 and 30 (their CPUs or other processors) will be described as functions of the user terminals 20 and 30. These functions are actually functions that the live streaming app enables on the user terminals 20 and 30. In other embodiments, these functions may be realized by a computer program written in a programming language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), which is transmitted from the server 10 to the web browser of the user terminals 20 and 30 via the network (NW) and executed by that web browser.

[0025] The user terminal 20 includes a distribution unit 100 that generates video data recording the user's image and voice and provides it to the server 10, and a viewing unit 200 that retrieves the video data from the server 10 and plays it back. The user activates the distribution unit 100 when distributing data, and the viewing unit 200 when viewing data. The user terminal with the distribution unit 100 active is the distributor side, i.e., the user terminal that generates the video data, and the user terminal with the viewing unit 200 active is the viewer side, i.e., the user terminal that plays back the video data.

[0026] The distribution unit 100 includes an image capture control unit 102, an audio control unit 104, a video transmission unit 106, and a distribution-side UI control unit 108. The image capture control unit 102 is connected to a camera (not shown in Figure 2) and controls image capture by the camera. The image capture control unit 102 acquires image data from the camera. The audio control unit 104 is connected to a microphone (not shown in Figure 2) and controls audio input from the microphone. The audio control unit 104 acquires audio data from the microphone. The video transmission unit 106 transmits video data, including image data acquired by the image capture control unit 102 and audio data acquired by the audio control unit 104, to the server 10 via the network NW. The transmission of video data by the video transmission unit 106 is performed in real time. That is, the generation of video data by the image capture control unit 102 and the audio control unit 104, and the transmission of the generated video data by the video transmission unit 106 are performed substantially simultaneously. The distribution-side UI control unit 108 controls the UI for the distributor. The distribution-side UI control unit 108 is connected to a display (not shown in Figure 2) and displays moving images on the display by playing the video data that is to be transmitted by the video transmission unit 106. The distribution-side UI control unit 108 displays operation objects and instruction receiving objects on the display and accepts tap input from the broadcaster.

[0027] The viewing unit 200 includes a viewing-side UI control unit 202, a superimposed information generation unit 204, and an input information transmission unit 206. The viewing unit 200 receives video data related to live streaming from the server 10 via a network NW. The viewing-side UI control unit 202 controls the UI for viewers. The viewing-side UI control unit 202 is connected to a display and speaker (not shown in Figure 2) and plays the received video data to display the video on the display and output sound from the speaker. The simultaneous output of an image on the display and sound from the speaker can be described as "video data being played." The viewing-side UI control unit 202 is connected to input means such as a touch panel, keyboard, and display (not shown in Figure 2) and acquires user input through these input means. The superimposed information generation unit 204 superimposes a predetermined frame image onto the video data image acquired from the server 10. The frame image includes various user interface objects (simply referred to as "objects" in this specification) for receiving input from the user, comments entered by the viewer, and information obtained from the server 10. The input information transmission unit 206 transmits the user input obtained by the viewer-side UI control unit 202 to the server 10 via the network NW.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the server 10 in Figure 1. The server 10 comprises a distribution information provision unit 302, a relay unit 304, an army management unit 306, a normal gift processing unit 308, a payment processing unit 310, a rebate gift processing unit 312, a stream DB 314, a user DB 316, a gift DB 318, a rebate gift DB 320, an army DB 322, a distribution condition DB 324, and a receipt condition DB 326.

[0029] Figure 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the Stream DB 314 in Figure 3. The Stream DB 314 holds information about live streaming that is currently taking place. The Stream DB 314 stores, in association with a Stream ID that identifies a live stream on the live streaming platform provided by the Live Streaming System 1, a Streamer ID which is a User ID that identifies the streamer of the live stream, and a Viewer ID which is a User ID that identifies the viewers of the live stream. In the live streaming platform provided by the Live Streaming System 1 according to this embodiment, when a user conducts a live stream, that user becomes a streamer, and when the same user watches a live stream conducted by another user, they become a viewer. Therefore, the distinction between streamer and viewer is not fixed, and a User ID that was registered as a Streamer ID at one time may be registered as a Viewer ID at another time.

[0030] Figure 5 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the Army DB322 in Figure 3. The Army DB322 holds information about each streamer's Army. The Army DB322 associates a user's User ID with the Army ID of users who are members of that user's Army. An Army member of a user (hereinafter referred to as a Marshal user) is a user who has subscribed to a subscription service for the Marshal user, and can also be said to be a member of the Marshal user's fan club. If a user is a member of the Army, they are required to pay a predetermined registration fee to the administrator on a regular basis, such as monthly or quarterly. The administrator grants at least a portion of that registration fee to the Marshal user. If a viewer is a member of a Marshal user's Army, they can receive special gifts and special entrance animations while watching a live stream where the Marshal user is the streamer. The Army may be implemented using the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0031] Figure 6 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the user DB316 in Figure 3. The user DB316 holds information about users. The user DB316 associates a user ID that identifies a user, the points that the user has, follower IDs which are the user IDs of other users that the user follows, and followed-by IDs which are the user IDs of other users that the user follows. Points are electronic value that circulates within the live streaming platform. When a streamer receives a gift from a viewer during a live stream, the streamer's points increase by the value corresponding to that gift. Points may also be used, for example, to determine the amount of compensation or money that a streamer receives from the administrator of the live streaming platform.

[0032] Figure 7 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the gift DB318 in Figure 3. The gift DB318 holds information about gifts that viewers can use during live streaming. Gifts are electronic data with the following characteristics: • Can be purchased with points or money, or given away for free. • Something that viewers can send to streamers. Sending a gift to a streamer is also called using a gift or throwing a gift. Some gifts require both purchase and use to occur simultaneously, while others allow viewers to use them at their own discretion after purchase. Normally, when a viewer sends a gift to a streamer, the streamer is awarded points corresponding to that gift. However, there are also types of gifts, such as the return gifts and contribution gifts in this embodiment, where points are awarded to the viewer rather than the streamer. • When a gift is used, effects associated with the gift may occur. For example, an effect corresponding to the gift may appear on the live stream screen.

[0033] Gift DB318 stores a gift ID that identifies a gift, the points awarded to the streamer when the gift is sent to the streamer, the consideration points that must be paid when using the gift, and the type of gift, all associated with each other. Viewers can send a gift to the streamer during a live stream by paying the consideration points for the desired gift. This payment of consideration points may be made by an appropriate electronic payment method, for example, by the viewer paying the consideration points to the administrator. Alternatively, payment may be made by bank transfer or credit card. The relationship between awarded points and consideration points can be arbitrarily set by the administrator. For example, awarded points may be set to equal consideration points. Alternatively, points obtained by multiplying awarded points by a predetermined coefficient such as 1.2 may be set as consideration points, or points obtained by adding a predetermined fee point to awarded points may be set as consideration points.

[0034] Gift types include regular, reward, and contribution. A regular gift, when used, deducts the reward points from the giver's viewer's points and adds the awarded points to the recipient's streamer's points. A reward gift, when used, deducts the reward points from the points of the user (viewer or streamer) who used it and starts a reward gift period for the target streamer. A contribution gift is a gift that can only be used during the reward gift period of the corresponding reward gift, and when used, deducts the reward points from the giver's viewer's points and adds the reward points to the cumulative points for the corresponding reward gift period. In the example in Figure 7, the reward gift "SPA" is associated with the three contribution gifts "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3". The reward gift "SPB" is associated with the three contribution gifts "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3". The reward gift "SPC" is associated with the three contribution gifts "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3".

[0035] Figure 8 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the Reward Gift DB320 in Figure 3. The Reward Gift DB320 holds information about the reward gifts that have been used. While a streamer is registered in the Reward Gift DB320, that streamer is considered to be in the Reward Gift period. Therefore, the registration of a reward gift used for a streamer in the Reward Gift DB320 initiates the Reward Gift period for that streamer. The Reward Gift DB320 associates the following with each other: the target streamer ID, which is the user ID of the target streamer; the reward gift ID of the reward gift used; the start time of the Reward Gift period; the total viewing time for all viewers who watched the target streamer's live stream during the Reward Gift period; the viewing time for each viewer during the Reward Gift period; the cumulative points that are updated or increased each time a gift is used in the target streamer's live stream; the contributor ID, which is the user ID of the viewer who used a gift in the target streamer's live stream; the number of contributors, which is the number of viewers who used a gift in the target streamer's live stream; and the number of broadcasts, which is the number of live broadcasts the target streamer conducted during the Reward Gift period. The reward gift DB320 may also retain the number of consecutive views for each viewer during the reward gift period, and the number of comments for each viewer during the reward gift period.

[0036] In this specification, "view duration" is a parameter associated with a viewer-broadcaster pair, and refers to the amount of time the viewer watched the broadcaster's live stream. In this specification, "viewed duration" is a parameter associated with a broadcaster, referring to the time that a broadcaster's live stream is viewed by viewers. In this case, the viewers may be a randomly selected individual, a randomly selected subset of viewers, or all viewers. Alternatively, the viewed duration may be an average value calculated across all viewers. Viewed duration is an indicator of how much of a broadcaster's live stream is being viewed by viewers. In this specification, "total viewing time" is a form of viewing time, obtained by summing up the viewing times of all viewers who watched the live stream of the target broadcaster during the gift reward period.

[0037] For example, if streamer A receives a reward gift during a live stream, and streamer A enters the reward gift period, and during that period, viewer B watches streamer A's live stream for 2 hours, viewer C for 3 hours, and viewer D for 4 hours, the following will happen. Viewer B's viewing time = 2 hours Viewer C's viewing time = 3 hours Viewer D's viewing time = 4 hours Total viewing time for streamer A's live stream = 2 + 3 + 4 = 9 hours Streamer A's average viewing time for live streams = 9 / 3 = 3 hours Viewing time for streamer A's live stream: This can be either total viewing time or average viewing time.

[0038] Figure 9 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the distribution conditions DB324 in Figure 3. The distribution conditions DB324 holds distribution conditions that must be met in order to enable the return or distribution of points, indicated by the cumulative points accumulated during the reward gift period, to viewers. The distribution conditions include at least one of the following: conditions related to viewing time, conditions related to cumulative points, conditions related to the number of contributors, and conditions related to the number of deliveries. The distribution conditions DB324 associates the reward gift ID of the reward gift to which the distribution conditions apply with the threshold value for total viewing time, the threshold value for cumulative points, the threshold value for the number of contributors, and the threshold value for the number of deliveries. Each threshold value is a lower limit or threshold that the corresponding parameter must reach or exceed in order for the distribution conditions to be met. The distribution conditions DB324 is configured so that the administrator can set its contents as appropriate.

[0039] In the example in Figure 9, it is shown that in order to distribute a reward gift identified by the reward gift ID "SPA" to viewers, all of the following conditions must be met: (1) total viewing time exceeds 10 hours, and (2) cumulative points reach 200 points. In order to distribute a reward gift identified by the reward gift ID "SPC" to viewers, all of the following conditions must be met: (1) total viewing time exceeds 100 hours, (2) cumulative points reach 5000 points, (3) the number of contributors exceeds 30, and (4) the number of broadcasts during the reward gift period is 3 or more. For the reward gift ID "SPC," since the corresponding reward points are large, the required total viewing time and cumulative points are also large, so it is not assumed that these conditions will be met in a single broadcast, and it is assumed that broadcasters will make multiple broadcasts during the reward gift period. In other words, the viewer attraction effect of this reward gift will persist across multiple broadcasts.

[0040] Figure 10 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the Receipt Conditions DB326 in Figure 3. The Receipt Conditions DB326 holds the receipt conditions that viewers must meet in order to receive a refund or distribution of points, which are shown as the total points accumulated during the reward gift period. The receipt conditions include at least one of the following: conditions related to viewing time, conditions related to whether or not a gift was used, conditions related to the number of consecutive views, and conditions related to the number of comments. The Receipt Conditions DB326 associates the reward gift ID of the reward gift to which the receipt conditions apply with the reference value of viewing time, whether or not a gift item was used, the reference value of the number of consecutive views, and the reference value of the number of comments. Each reference value is a lower limit or threshold that the corresponding parameter must reach or exceed in order for the receipt conditions to be met. The Receipt Conditions DB326 is configured so that the administrator can set its contents as appropriate. The number of consecutive views is the number of times a viewer watched multiple live streams consecutively when the target broadcaster conducts multiple live streams during the reward gift period. The number of comments is the number of comments entered by viewers during the target broadcaster's live streams during the reward gift period. For example, if a streamer conducts three live streams during the gift reward period, and viewer A watches the first and second live streams and comments three and five times respectively, viewer A's consecutive viewing count will be 2, and their comment count will be 8. Alternatively, if a streamer conducts three live streams during the gift reward period, and viewer A watches the first and third live streams, viewer A's consecutive viewing count will be 1. In this example, the comment count is calculated by summing the values ​​across all live streams, but in other embodiments, the average or representative value may be used.

[0041] In the example in Figure 10, it is shown that in order to receive a distribution for a reward gift identified by the reward gift ID "SPA", all of the following conditions must be met: (1) viewing time exceeds 15 minutes, and (2) the gift must be used. In order to receive a distribution for a reward gift identified by the reward gift ID "SPC", all of the following conditions must be met: (1) viewing time exceeds 1 hour, (2) the gift must be used, (3) the number of consecutive views during the gift period must be 3 or more, and (4) the number of comments must be 10 or more.

[0042] Returning to Figure 3, the Army Management Unit 306 performs processes related to Army management, such as registering and unregistering members, paying periodic points as compensation for being an Army member, and granting special effects to Army members. For example, when the Army Management Unit 306 receives an application from a viewer's user terminal 30 to become an Army member of a specific broadcaster, it updates the Army DB 322 so that the viewer's user ID is added to the Army ID corresponding to the specific broadcaster's user ID.

[0043] When the distribution information provision unit 302 receives notification from the broadcaster's user terminal 20 via the network NW that a live broadcast will be started, it registers the stream ID that identifies the live broadcast and the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster of the live broadcast in the stream DB 314. When the distribution information provision unit 302 receives a request for information about live broadcasts from the viewing unit 200 of the viewer's user terminal 30 via the network NW, it refers to the stream DB 314 and generates a list of live broadcasts that are currently viewable. For each live broadcast included in the generated list, the distribution information provision unit 302 refers to the reward gift DB 320 and determines whether the live broadcast is a live broadcast by a broadcaster during the reward gift period. The distribution information provision unit 302 adds a flag to the list indicating the result of the determination, i.e., whether each live broadcast is a live broadcast by a broadcaster during the reward gift period. The distribution information provision unit 302 sends the generated list to the requesting user terminal 30 via the network NW. The viewing-side UI control unit 202 of the requesting user terminal 30 generates a live streaming selection screen based on the received list and displays it on the user terminal 30's display.

[0044] When the input information transmission unit 206 of the user terminal 30 receives a live stream selection from a viewer on the live stream selection screen, it generates a distribution request including the stream ID of the selected live stream and sends it to the server 10 via the network NW. The distribution information provision unit 302 starts providing the live stream identified by the stream ID included in the received distribution request to the requesting user terminal 30. The distribution information provision unit 302 updates the stream DB 314 so that the viewer ID of the stream ID includes the user ID of the viewer on the requesting user terminal 30.

[0045] The relay unit 304 relays the transmission of video data from the broadcaster's user terminal 20 to the viewer's user terminal 30 in a live broadcast initiated by the distribution information provision unit 302. The relay unit 304 receives a signal from the input information transmission unit 206 indicating user input by the viewer during video data playback. The signal indicating user input may be a gift specification signal indicating the specification of a gift object displayed on the user terminal 30's display. The gift specification signal includes the viewer ID of the viewer who sent the gift, the broadcaster ID of the recipient broadcaster (= the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster conducting the live broadcast that the viewer who sent the gift is watching), and the gift ID of the gift corresponding to the specified gift object. Similarly, the relay unit 304 receives a signal indicating user input by the broadcaster during video data playback, such as a gift specification signal, from the distribution unit 100 of the user terminal 20. In this case, the gift specification signal includes the broadcaster's broadcaster ID and the gift ID of the gift corresponding to the specified gift object.

[0046] The relay unit 304 refers to the gift DB 318 and identifies the gift type of the gift specified by the gift ID included in the received gift designation signal. If the gift type identified in the gift designation signal received from the viewer's user terminal 30 is a rebate gift, the relay unit 304 receives that gift designation signal as a rebate gift period start request including the gift ID of the rebate gift specified in the user terminal 30 and the broadcaster ID of the target broadcaster. If the gift type identified in the gift designation signal received from the broadcaster's user terminal 20 is a rebate gift, the relay unit 304 receives that gift designation signal as a rebate gift period start request including the gift ID of the rebate gift specified in the user terminal 20 and the broadcaster ID of the target broadcaster.

[0047] Normally, the gift processing unit 308 updates the user DB 316 to increase the sender's points according to the points awarded for the gift specified in the gift designation signal, if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a normal gift. Normally, the gift processing unit 308 refers to the gift DB 318 and identifies the points awarded corresponding to the gift ID included in the received gift designation signal. Normally, the gift processing unit 308 updates the user DB 316 to add the identified points awarded to the points corresponding to the user ID included in the gift designation signal.

[0048] The payment processing unit 310 processes payment for gifts from viewers or broadcasters in response to the receipt of a gift designation signal. The same payment processing is performed in the payment processing unit 310 for regular gifts, rebate gifts, and contribution gifts. The payment processing unit 310 refers to the gift DB 318 and identifies the value points of the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal. If the gift designation signal is sent from a viewer's user terminal 30, the payment processing unit 310 updates the user DB 316 to subtract the identified value points from the viewer's points identified by the viewer ID included in the gift designation signal. If the gift designation signal is sent from a broadcaster's user terminal 20, the payment processing unit 310 updates the user DB 316 to subtract the identified value points from the broadcaster's points identified by the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal.

[0049] The gift redemption processing unit 312 updates the gift redemption DB 320 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a gift redemption gift or a gift to be contributed. In response to receiving a request to start a gift redemption period, the gift redemption processing unit 312 starts a gift redemption period in which the use of a gift to be contributed (different from a gift redemption gift) is permitted in the live stream of the target broadcaster. When the distribution conditions held in the distribution conditions DB 324 are met, the gift redemption processing unit 312 enables the distribution of the accumulated points associated with the gift redemption to the viewers. The gift redemption processing unit 312 includes a period start unit 328, a DB update unit 330, a condition determination unit 332, a distribution instruction reception unit 334, a distribution destination identification unit 336, and a distribution execution unit 338.

[0050] The Period Start Unit 328 starts the reward gift period by registering a new entry in the Reward Gift DB 320 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a reward gift. The Period Start Unit 328 registers the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal, the gift ID of the reward gift, the time the reward gift was used on the user terminal, and the initial value of the accumulated points in the target distributor ID, reward gift ID, start time, and accumulated points of the Reward Gift DB 320, respectively. The Period Start Unit 328 calculates the initial value of the accumulated points based on the reward points of the reward gift. The initial value of the accumulated points may be derived by a calculation formula that can be arbitrarily set by the administrator. For example, the initial value may be the value obtained by multiplying the reward points of the reward gift by a constant multiple less than 1, for example, 0.8. Alternatively, the initial value may be the reward points of the reward gift itself.

[0051] The DB update unit 330 updates the corresponding entry in the return gift DB 320 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a gift that has been sent. In the return gift DB 320, the DB update unit 330 adds the reward points of the gift that has been sent identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal to the cumulative points of the entry whose target distributor ID is the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal. If the viewer ID included in the gift designation signal is not registered as the sender ID of the entry, the DB update unit 330 registers the viewer ID as the sender ID and also increases the number of senders of the entry by 1.

[0052] The DB update unit 330 periodically or at predetermined time intervals refers to the reward gift DB 320 and the stream DB 314 to identify live streams being broadcast by broadcasters identified by the target broadcaster ID registered in the reward gift DB 320. The DB update unit 330 measures the viewing time of each identified live stream and updates the viewing time of each viewer in the corresponding entry of the reward gift DB 320. Based on the updated viewing time of each viewer, the DB update unit 330 updates the total viewing time of the corresponding entry. The DB update unit 330 updates the broadcast count of the corresponding entry of the reward gift DB 320.

[0053] For example, suppose a certain streamer has completed their first live stream during the gift reward period, with a total viewing time of 2 hours, viewer A's viewing time of 1 hour, and viewer B's viewing time of 1 hour. Suppose the streamer starts a second live stream during the gift reward period, with viewer B watching for 0.5 hours and viewer C watching for 0.3 hours. In this case, the DB update unit 330 monitors the second live stream and measures the viewing times of viewers B and C as 0.5 hours and 0.3 hours, respectively. The DB update unit 330 updates the viewing time for each viewer in the corresponding entry of the gift reward DB 320, which was previously recorded as "Viewer A: 1 hour, Viewer B: 1 hour," to "Viewer A: 1 hour, Viewer B: 1.5 hours, Viewer C: 0.3 hours," updates the total viewing time for the entry from "2 hours" to "2.8 hours," and updates the number of streams for the entry from "1" to "2."

[0054] The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the corresponding distribution conditions registered in the distribution conditions DB 324 have been met for each entry in the reward gift DB 320. The condition determination unit 332 refers to the distribution conditions DB 324 and obtains the reference value for total viewing time, the reference value for cumulative points, the reference value for the number of contributors (if any), and the reference value for the number of deliveries (if any) corresponding to the reward gift ID of the entry in the reward gift DB 320. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the viewing time condition has been met by comparing the total viewing time of the entry in the reward gift DB 320 with the reference value for total viewing time obtained. If the total viewing time exceeds the reference value, it is determined that the viewing time condition has been met. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the cumulative points condition has been met by comparing the cumulative points of the entry in the reward gift DB 320 with the reference value for cumulative points obtained. If the cumulative points have reached the reference value, it is determined that the cumulative points condition has been met. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the number of contributors condition is met by comparing the number of contributors for the entry in the redemption gift DB 320 with the acquired baseline value for the number of contributors. If the number of contributors exceeds the baseline value, the condition of the number of contributors condition is determined to be met. The condition determination unit 332 determines whether the number of deliveries condition is met by comparing the number of deliveries for the entry in the redemption gift DB 320 with the acquired baseline value for the number of deliveries. If the number of deliveries is equal to or greater than the baseline value, the condition of the number of deliveries condition is determined to be met. The condition determination unit 332 determines that the distribution condition is met for an entry in the redemption gift DB 320 if both the viewing time condition and the cumulative points condition are met, and the baseline value for the number of contributors has been acquired, and the number of deliveries condition is met if the baseline value for the number of deliveries has been acquired.

[0055] If the distribution instruction receiving unit 334 determines that the distribution conditions have been met, it begins waiting for an instruction to start distribution. The distribution instruction receiving unit 334 sends a request for an instruction to start distribution to the target distributor's user terminal 20 via the network. The distribution instruction receiving unit 334 receives an instruction to start distribution from the user terminal 20 via the network.

[0056] When the distribution instruction receiving unit 334 receives an instruction to start distribution for a reward gift that has met the distribution conditions, the distribution recipient identification unit 336 identifies viewers of the target broadcaster's live stream who meet the corresponding receiving conditions registered in the receiving conditions DB 326 as recipients of the accumulated points associated with the reward gift. The distribution recipient identification unit 336 refers to the receiving conditions DB 326 and obtains the reference value of viewing time corresponding to the reward gift ID of the entry in the reward gift DB 320 that has been determined to meet the distribution conditions, whether or not the gift has been used, the reference value of the number of consecutive views (if any), and the reference value of the number of comments (if any). The distribution recipient identification unit 336 makes the following determination for each viewer registered in "Viewing time of each viewer" of the entry in the reward gift DB 320. (1) The distribution recipient identification unit 336 determines whether the viewing time condition is met by comparing the viewing time of the viewer recorded in the relevant entry of the redemption gift DB 320 with the acquired viewing time standard value. If the viewing time exceeds the standard value, it is determined that the viewing time condition is met. (2) The distribution recipient identification unit 336 determines whether the conditions for use are met by checking whether the viewer's viewer ID is registered with the donor ID, if the condition for use is required. If it is registered, it is determined that the conditions for use of the donated gift are met. These conditions are met when the viewer uses the donated gift in the target streamer's live stream during the gift redemption period. (3) The distribution recipient identification unit 336 determines whether the consecutive viewing condition is met by comparing the number of consecutive views of the viewer recorded in the entry in the redemption gift DB 320 with the acquired standard value for consecutive viewings. If the number of consecutive views is equal to or greater than the standard value, it is determined that the consecutive viewing condition is met. (4) The distribution destination identification unit 336 determines whether the comment count condition is met by comparing the number of viewer comments recorded in the relevant entry in the return gift DB 320 with the threshold value for the number of comments obtained. If the number of comments is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the comment count condition is met. The distribution recipient identification unit 336 identifies each viewer as a recipient viewer if the viewing time condition is met, the usage condition is met if it is necessary to determine whether or not to use the gift that has been sent, the consecutive viewing count condition is met if a standard value for the number of consecutive views has been obtained, and the comment count condition is met if a standard value for the number of comments has been obtained.

[0057] The distribution execution unit 338, upon receiving a distribution instruction from the distribution instruction reception unit 334 for a reward gift that has met the distribution conditions, and after the distribution recipient identification unit 336 identifies the viewer to whom the reward is distributed, performs processing to distribute the accumulated points associated with the reward gift to the identified viewer. The distribution execution unit 338 determines the points to be distributed. For example, the distribution execution unit 338 determines the accumulated points at the time the distribution conditions are met as the points to be distributed. The points to be distributed determined in this way include the initial value, which is the contribution from the consideration for the reward gift, and the points added by using the input gift. For example, suppose a reward gift with consideration points of 10,000 points is used, and the initial value of the accumulated points corresponding to this reward gift is 8,000 points. If the base value of the accumulated points is 10,000 points, when the distribution conditions are met, the accumulated points will increase from the initial value of 8,000 points to 10,000 points due to the use of the input gift, by 2,000 points. In this example, the points to be distributed are 10,000 points, of which 8,000 points are contributed by the value of the reward gift and 2,000 points are contributed by the use of the gift that was invested.

[0058] The distribution execution unit 338 determines the amount of points to distribute to each recipient viewer. The distribution execution unit 338 may determine the amount of points to distribute to each viewer by dividing the points to be distributed equally among the total number of recipient viewers. Alternatively, the distribution execution unit 338 may set a gradient for the amount of points to distribute according to viewing time. That is, the distribution execution unit 338 may distribute more points to recipient viewers the longer their viewing time is. The distribution execution unit 338 may also determine the amount of points to distribute to recipient viewers so that the amount of points distributed to each viewer is greater than the total value of the gifts they have used.

[0059] In addition to the distribution criteria described above, the distribution execution unit 338 may distribute more points to a viewer than it would if the viewer did not meet any of the following three conditions, provided that the viewer meets at least one of the following three conditions. (Condition 1) You watched the live stream of the eligible streamer for the first time during the gift redemption period. (Condition 2) You followed the eligible streamer during the gift redemption period. (Condition 3) You joined the Army of the target streamer during the gift redemption period. For example, if one of conditions 1, 2, or 3 is met, the distribution rate could be increased by 1%, if two are met, by 2%, and if all three are met, by 5%. In another example, the viewers to whom the points are distributed could be divided into groups based on the number of conditions they meet, and the group that meets more conditions would receive more points.

[0060] The distribution execution unit 338 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points to be distributed, as determined above, is added to the points of the viewers who are the recipients of the distribution, as identified by the distribution recipient identification unit 336. The distribution execution unit 338 deletes the entry for the completed reward gift from the reward gift DB 320. As a result, the reward gift period corresponding to the deleted entry ends.

[0061] The operation of the live streaming system 1 with the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the sequence of processes in the live streaming system 1. Server 10 receives a request to start the reward gift period from a viewer's user terminal 30 or a streamer's user terminal 30 (S202). Server 10 processes the payment for the reward gift specified in the request to start the reward gift period (S204). Server 10 registers the reward gift specified in the request to start the reward gift period in the reward gift DB 320 (S206). Specifically, a new entry corresponding to the reward gift is added to the reward gift DB 320. This starts the reward gift period. Server 10 notifies the user terminals 20 and 30 participating in the live stream of the target streamer of the start of the reward gift period (S208). When the reward gift is registered in the reward gift DB 320, the period start unit 328 sends a start notification via the network to the target streamer's user terminal 20 and the viewer's user terminal 30 of the streamer's live stream, including the gift ID of the reward gift and the initial value of the accumulated points.

[0062] Server 10 updates the total viewing time and the viewing time of each viewer for the entries added to the Refund Gift DB320 in step S206 (S210). Server 10 determines whether the distribution conditions have been met for the entries added to the Refund Gift DB320 in step S206 by referring to the Distribution Condition DB324 (S212). If it is determined that the conditions have not been met (N in S212), Server 10 determines whether the invested gift was used in the live stream of the target broadcaster (S214). If it has not been used (N in S214), the process returns to step S210. If it has been used (Y in S214), Server 10 processes the payment for the invested gift (S216) and updates the cumulative points, investor ID, and number of investors for the entries added to the Refund Gift DB320 in step S206 (S218). The process then returns to step S210.

[0063] If it is determined in step S212 that the distribution conditions have been met (Y in S212), the server 10 begins waiting for a distribution start instruction from the target broadcaster's user terminal 20 (S220). When a distribution start instruction is received (Y in S222), the server 10 refers to the receiving conditions held in the receiving conditions DB 326 and identifies the viewers to whom the distribution will be made (S224). The server 10 calculates the amount of points to be distributed to each recipient (S226). The server 10 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points calculated in step S226 is distributed to the viewers to whom the distribution was made, as identified in step S224 (S228). The server 10 notifies each recipient's user terminal 30 of the distributed points (S230). Once the distribution is complete, the distribution execution unit 338 sends a distribution completion notification, including the amount of points distributed, to each recipient viewer's user terminal 30 via the network.

[0064] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the sequence of processes when starting a live stream in the live streaming system 1. As mentioned above, depending on the type of reward gift, it is expected that the target streamer will conduct multiple live streams during the reward gift period. The processing flow in Figure 12 determines whether the live stream will be within the reward gift period or a normal live stream, depending on whether the streamer is within the reward gift period and whether the start of the reward gift period was requested at the time of starting the live stream.

[0065] When the distribution information provision unit 302 receives a notification from a broadcaster's user terminal 20 via the network NW that they will start a live broadcast, it determines whether the broadcaster is a broadcaster during the reward gift period (S240). The distribution information provision unit 302 refers to the reward gift DB 320 and determines that the broadcaster is a broadcaster during the reward gift period if the user ID included in the received notification is registered as a target broadcaster ID in the reward gift DB 320, and determines that the broadcaster is not a broadcaster during the reward gift period if it is not registered. If it is determined that the broadcaster is a broadcaster during the reward gift period (Y in S240), the distribution information provision unit 302 starts the live broadcast as a live broadcast within the reward gift period (S250). The distribution information provision unit 302 obtains the reward gift ID, total viewing time, cumulative points, and number of contributors from the reward gift DB 320 for the entry with the user ID included in the received notification as the target broadcaster ID. The distribution information provision unit 302, in conjunction with the start of the live stream, sends a notification via the network NW to the streamer's user terminal 20 and the viewer's user terminal 30 that the gift redemption period is continuing, including the acquired gift redemption ID, total viewing time, cumulative points, and number of contributors. Upon receiving the notification that the gift redemption period is continuing, the user terminals 20 and 30 display the live stream room screen shown in Figure 14 (described later) on their displays from the beginning of the live stream. Therefore, it becomes possible to specify or use gifts from the very beginning of this live stream.

[0066] If it is determined in step S240 that the broadcaster is not in the rebate gift period (N in S240), the broadcast information provision unit 302 determines whether or not it has received a request to start the rebate gift period from the broadcaster's user terminal 20 along with the notification to start (S242). The live broadcast start setting screen displayed on the user terminal 20's display when the broadcaster starts a live broadcast includes an area where the broadcaster can select whether or not to set up a rebate gift. If the broadcaster selects to set it up in this area and inputs the instruction to start a live broadcast, the notification sent from the user terminal 20 to the server 10 in step S240 includes a request to start the rebate gift period. If this request to start the rebate gift period has not been received (N in S242), the broadcast information provision unit 302 starts a normal live broadcast, i.e., a live broadcast outside the rebate gift period (S244). In this case, the user terminals 20 and 30 display a live broadcast room screen on their displays, as shown in Figure 13 described later. In this state, viewers cannot specify gifts to send.

[0067] In step S242, if a request to start the reward gift period is received (Y in S242), the payment processing unit 310 processes the payment for the reward gift (S246), the reward gift processing unit 312 registers the reward gift in the reward gift DB 320 (S248), and the distribution information provision unit 302 starts live streaming within the reward gift period (S250). Thus, in this embodiment, the reward gift period can be started in four ways: (1) a viewer uses a reward gift while watching a live stream, (2) the streamer uses a reward gift while broadcasting a live stream, (3) the streamer starts live streaming during the reward gift period, or (4) the streamer chooses to use a reward gift and starts live streaming.

[0068] Figure 13 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 602 displayed on the user terminal 30a of viewer AU1 in Figure 1. The live streaming room screen 602 in Figure 13 corresponds to a normal live stream, i.e., a live stream outside of the reward gift period, and is therefore configured not to accept the designation of gifts to be sent. The live streaming room screen 602 has an image 604 of the broadcaster LV obtained by playing video data received from the server 10, a normal gift object 606 corresponding to a normal gift, and a reward gift object 608 corresponding to a reward gift. In the example in Figure 13, the reward gift object includes three reward gift objects 608 corresponding to three reward gifts identified by the gift IDs "SPA", "SPB", and "SPC" in Figure 7.

[0069] When playback of video data begins, that is, when viewing of a live stream begins, the distribution information provision unit 302 of the server 10 refers to the gift DB 318 to identify available gift IDs. When starting a normal live stream, the distribution information provision unit 302 excludes gift IDs whose gift type is "submitted" from the available gift IDs. The distribution information provision unit 302 generates gift information including the identified gift IDs and sends it to the user terminal 30a. The superimposed information generation unit 204 of the user terminal 30a includes the normal gift object 606 for normal gifts and the return gift object 608 for return gifts, which are identified by the gift IDs included in the gift information, in the frame image. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 displays the superimposed video on the display.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 13, the redemption gift object 608 is displayed on the live streaming room screen 602 along with the regular gift object 606. However, in other examples, an icon for displaying the redemption gift object 608 may be provided on the live streaming room screen 602. In this case, when the viewer AU1 taps the icon, the viewer-side UI control unit 202 starts displaying the redemption gift object 608 in association with the tapped icon.

[0071] Viewer AU1 taps the desired reward gift object to support or "support" the streamer LV. When the viewer-side UI control unit 202 receives the viewer AU1's specification of a reward gift, i.e., the specification of a reward gift object, the input information transmission unit 206 generates a reward gift period start request including the reward gift ID of the specified reward gift, the viewer AU1's viewer ID, and the streamer LV's streamer ID, and sends it to the server 10 via the network NW. The processing at the server 10 after receiving the reward gift period start request is as described above. User terminals 20, 30a, and 30b receive a start notification from the server 10 corresponding to the transmitted reward gift period start request. Based on the start notification, user terminals 20, 30a, and 30b display the live streaming room screen 610 for the reward gift period on their displays.

[0072] Figure 14 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 610 displayed on the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2 in Figure 1. The live streaming room screen 610 in Figure 14 corresponds to live streaming during the reward gift period and is therefore configured to accept the designation of gifts to be sent. The live streaming room screen 610 includes an image 604 of the broadcaster LV, a target object 612 corresponding to the reward gift identified by the reward gift ID included in the start notification, a point accumulation display area 614 showing the initial value of the accumulated points included in the start notification, a number of senders display area 616 showing the number of senders, and a total viewing time gauge 618 showing the total viewing time. The start notification is also sent to the user terminal 30a of viewer AU1 and the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster LV, so a screen similar to the live streaming room screen 610 is displayed on the displays of those terminals as well. In the example of Figure 14, the target object 612 functions as a pathway for designating gifts to be sent. In other examples, the gift object to be submitted, as described below, may be displayed on the live streaming room screen 610 in addition to or instead of the submission target object 612.

[0073] The superimposed information generation unit 204, upon receiving a start notification, includes the input target object 612, the cumulative points display area 614, the number of contributors display area 616, and the total viewing time gauge 618 in the frame image. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 displays the superimposed frame image on the display. While the viewing unit 200 receives and plays video data related to the live stream (for example, while another viewer AU2 is watching the live stream), it periodically or at predetermined time intervals generates an update request to obtain updated values ​​for parameters related to the rebate gift period and sends it to the server 10 via the network NW. The update request includes the broadcaster ID of the live stream broadcaster LV. When the rebate gift processing unit 312 receives an update request, it refers to the rebate gift DB 320 and obtains the total viewing time, cumulative points, and number of contributors for the entry whose target broadcaster ID is the broadcaster ID included in the update request. The rebate gift processing unit 312 generates an update response containing the obtained information and sends it to the user terminal 30b via the network NW. The superimposed information generation unit 204 updates the display contents of the frame image's cumulative point display area 614, the number of contributors display area 616, and the total viewing time gauge 618 according to the information contained in the received update response.

[0074] In the live streaming room screen 610 shown in Figure 14, when another viewer AU2 taps the target object 612, the viewer-side UI control unit 202 displays the gift selection screen 620 on the display.

[0075] Figure 15 is a representative screen view of the gift selection screen 620 displayed on the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2. The gift selection screen 620 is a screen in which the gift selection popup 622 is superimposed on the live streaming room screen 610 of Figure 14. The gift selection popup 622 contains three gift objects 624 corresponding to the three gifts identified by the gift IDs "QQ1", "QQ2", and "QQ3" in Figure 7.

[0076] Another viewer AU2 taps the gift object for the gift to be submitted with the desired price. When the viewer-side UI control unit 202 receives the specification of the gift to be submitted by another viewer AU2, i.e., the specification of the gift object to be submitted, the input information transmission unit 206 generates a gift specification signal including the gift ID of the specified gift to be submitted, the viewer ID of the other viewer AU2, and the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster LV, and sends it to the server 10 via the network NW. The processing at the server 10 after receiving the gift specification signal is as described above. When the refund gift processing unit 312 completes the payment processing and updating of the refund gift DB 320 in response to the receipt of the gift specification signal, it obtains the total viewing time, cumulative points, and number of contributors for the entry whose target broadcaster ID is the broadcaster ID included in the gift specification signal. The refund gift processing unit 312 generates a submission completion notification including the obtained information and sends it to the user terminal 30b via the network NW. The superimposed information generation unit 204 updates the display contents of the frame image's cumulative point display area 614, the number of users display area 616, and the total viewing time gauge 618 according to the information contained in the received input completion notification.

[0077] Figure 16 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 630 displayed on the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2. When another viewer AU2 taps the gift object for a gift with a value of "100" on the gift selection screen 620 in Figure 15, the live streaming room screen 630 in Figure 16 is displayed on the screen. The display contents of the cumulative points display area 614, the number of contributors display area 616, and the total viewing time gauge 618 are updated according to the information contained in the gift completion notification. The gift target object 612 is given a visual effect indicating that points have been added by using the gift.

[0078] Thus, gifts can be used during the streamer's live stream within the gift redemption period, but cannot be used during the streamer's live stream outside of the gift redemption period.

[0079] Figure 17 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 640 displayed on the user terminal 30 of another viewer AU2. After a predetermined period of time, such as 1 second or 5 seconds, has elapsed in the live streaming room screen 630 of Figure 16, the live streaming room screen 640 of Figure 17 is displayed on the screen. The live streaming room screen 640 has a submitted object 642 that indicates the submitted gift has already been used, instead of the submitted object 612. In this embodiment, the submission condition is adopted such that a viewer can only use a submitted gift once during the gift return period of the target broadcaster. Unlike the submitted object 612, the submitted object 642 does not display the submitted gift selection popup 622 even if tapped or selected. This allows the viewer to recognize that they have already used a submitted gift. In addition, by removing the path for using a submitted gift, duplicate submissions due to errors can be prevented.

[0080] Controlling the use of gifted gifts based on input conditions may be implemented, for example, by providing an input history registration unit, an input history database, and an input condition determination unit on user terminals 20, 30, or server 10. When a gifted gift is used, the input history registration unit registers the gift ID of the gifted gift, the time the gifted gift was used, the viewer ID of the viewer who used the gifted gift, the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster of the live stream in which the gifted gift was used, and the stream ID of the live stream in which the gifted gift was used, in association with each other, in the input history database. The input condition determination unit determines whether or not to allow the use of a gifted gift based on the set input conditions and the usage history of the gifted gift registered in the input history database. When a broadcaster's gift redemption period ends, the input history registration unit deletes the entry with the broadcaster ID of that broadcaster from the input history database.

[0081] The following conditions may be adopted for the input: (1) Only once during the gift redemption period During the designated streamer's gift giveaway period, viewers can use a gift only once. In other embodiments, a different limit may be set on the number of times a gift can be used, such as two or three times. (2) Time recovery When a viewer uses a gift, they must watch the live stream for a predetermined period before they can use another gift. This predetermined period may be fixed, or it may be set to increase the more gifts a viewer uses. (3) Only once via live streaming During a live stream by a participating streamer during their gift-giving period, viewers can use a gift once. This resets after the live stream ends, and viewers can use a gift once again during the next live stream in the gift-giving period. (4) A limit on the total amount A limit will be placed on the total amount of gifts that can be sent during the gift-giving period for eligible streamers.

[0082] Figure 18 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 646 displayed on the user terminal 20 of the broadcaster LV in Figure 1. The live streaming room screen 646 in Figure 18 is the screen that the user terminal 20 displays when it receives a request for a distribution start instruction in step S220 of Figure 11. The live streaming room screen 646 includes an image 648 of the broadcaster LV obtained by playing the video data to be sent to the server 10, an object to be submitted 612, a point accumulation display area 614, a number of contributors display area 616, a total viewing time gauge 618, and a distribution start instruction input area 650. The broadcaster UI control unit 108 overlays the distribution start instruction input area 650 on the live streaming room screen in response to receiving a request for a distribution start instruction. The broadcaster LV can tap the "Yes" button in the distribution start instruction input area 650 at any time. When the distribution-side UI control unit 108 detects a tap on the "Yes" button, it generates a distribution start instruction and sends it to the server 10 via the network NW. If the "Later" button in the distribution start instruction input area 650 is tapped, the distribution-side UI control unit 108 temporarily hides the distribution start instruction input area 650 and displays it again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0083] Thus, once the distribution conditions are met, the streamer LV can start distributing at any time, allowing them to show consideration for their viewers, such as inviting important viewers who happen to be absent before starting the distribution.

[0084] Figure 19 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 652 displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2. The live streaming room screen 652 in Figure 19 is the screen that the user terminal 30b displays after receiving the distribution completion notification in step S230 of Figure 11. When the broadcaster LV taps the "Yes" button on the live streaming room screen 646 in Figure 18, the live streaming room screen 652 of Figure 19 is displayed on the display of the user terminal 30b of another viewer AU2. The live streaming room screen 652 includes an image 604 of the broadcaster LV and a message 654 containing text indicating the amount of points distributed to the other viewer AU2. The superimposed information generation unit 204 generates the message 654 according to the amount of points distributed included in the received distribution completion notification and includes it in the frame image.

[0085] Figure 20 is a representative screen view of the live stream selection screen 656 displayed on the viewer's user terminal 30. The live stream selection screen 656 includes thumbnails 658 and 660 representing each live stream in the list of currently viewable live streams received from the server 10. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 generates the live stream selection screen 656 based on the list of live streams obtained from the server 10 and displays it on the display. The viewer-side UI control unit 202 refers to the flags included in the list and displays the thumbnails 658 of live streams from broadcasters during the gift-reward period and the thumbnails 660 of live streams from broadcasters who are not in that period in different ways. The thumbnail 658 of a live stream from a broadcaster during the gift-reward period has an object 662 attached to it that indicates that the object to be submitted is installed in that broadcaster's live stream.

[0086] On the live stream selection screen 656, the thumbnails 658 of live streams from broadcasters participating in the reward gift period are placed in a more prominent position, for example, at the top of the screen, than the thumbnails 660 of live streams from broadcasters who are not participating in the reward gift period. This allows the live streaming platform to promote live streams from broadcasters participating in the reward gift period.

[0087] Figure 21 is a representative screen view of the genre-based live streaming selection screen 664 displayed on the viewer's user terminal 30. The genre-based live streaming selection screen 664 displays thumbnails of viewable live streams arranged by genre. In the example in Figure 21, the top row displays thumbnails 658 of live streams from broadcasters who are currently participating in a "Piggy Bank Setup" (i.e., a gift-reward period), the middle row displays thumbnails 660 of live streams in the "Fortune Telling" genre, and the bottom row displays thumbnails 660 of live streams in the "Chat" genre. In the genre-based live streaming selection screen 664, the genre of live streams from broadcasters participating in a gift-reward period is placed in a more prominent position than other genres, for example, at the top of the screen. This allows the live streaming platform to promote live streams from broadcasters participating in a gift-reward period.

[0088] In the embodiments described above, examples of the holding portion include a hard disk and a semiconductor memory. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art who have read this specification that each portion can be realized based on the description herein by a CPU (not shown), a module of an installed application program, a module of a system program, or a semiconductor memory that temporarily stores the contents of data read from the hard disk.

[0089] According to the live streaming system 1 of this embodiment, the streamer themselves, or viewers who support the streamer, can use reward gifts to attract more viewers to the target streamer's live stream. Furthermore, by including viewing time conditions in the reward gift distribution conditions, the target streamer's live stream can be watched by more viewers for a longer period of time. This creates an opportunity to promote the target streamer. In addition, viewers are provided with an opportunity to discover new, high-quality live streams. Reward gifts can especially give streamers who have just started live streaming or those who are already established a chance to become higher-level streamers (streamers who attract more attention).

[0090] Furthermore, in the live streaming system 1 according to this embodiment, an initial value corresponding to the value of the reward gift is added to the accumulated points. Therefore, in many cases, viewers who use a gift can be rewarded with more points than the points they spent using the gift. As a result, more viewers will gather at a streamer's live stream during the reward gift period in search of profit, and will also watch the live stream for longer in order to meet the distribution and receiving conditions. This gives streamers an opportunity to promote the quality of their live streams to a large audience. In addition, although viewers who send reward gifts will lose points overall, they can achieve their goal of supporting the streamer to whom they sent the gift.

[0091] Furthermore, in the live streaming system 1 according to this embodiment, the distribution conditions include a total viewing condition, and the receiving conditions include a viewing time condition. Therefore, in order for viewers to receive point rewards, it is not enough to simply use the gift sent; they must continue to watch the live stream of the target broadcaster for an extended period of time. In this way, as both viewing time and time spent being viewed increase, the broadcaster's strengths become easier to convey, and viewer engagement with the live stream can be enhanced.

[0092] Furthermore, in the live streaming system 1 according to this embodiment, the use of gifts is restricted based on the conditions for their use. In particular, the use of gifts by the same viewer repeatedly or the use of high-value gifts is restricted. Therefore, viewers will actively promote the live streams of their target broadcasters through means such as SNS (Social Networking Service) in order to attract more viewers in order to receive rewards more quickly. This promotes the discovery of live streams by viewers.

[0093] Furthermore, in the live streaming system 1 according to this embodiment, live streams from streamers participating in the gift reward period are placed in a more prominent position on the live streaming selection screen than live streams that are not participating in the gift reward period. This allows for the quick fulfillment of the needs of both streamers seeking new fans and users seeking new streamers.

[0094] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, when viewers use gifts, the total points increase, and when the distribution conditions, including the viewing time condition, are met, the points indicated by the total points can be distributed to the viewers. In the second embodiment, a lottery is held instead of the distribution conditions being met. When a viewer uses a gift, a lottery is held using a probability of winning that increases the longer the viewer has watched the target streamer's live stream. If the viewer wins this lottery, the points indicated by the total points are distributed to the viewer.

[0095] Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the server 50 according to the second embodiment. The server 50 includes a distribution information provision unit 302, a relay unit 304, an army management unit 306, a normal gift processing unit 308, a payment processing unit 310, a redemption gift processing unit 350, a stream DB 314, a user DB 316, a gift DB 364, a redemption gift DB 366, an army DB 322, a winning probability DB 368, and a lottery history DB 370.

[0096] Figure 23 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the Gift DB364 in Figure 22. The Gift DB364 stores the Gift ID, the points awarded, the compensation points, and the type of gift in association with each other. The types of gifts are regular, reward, and lottery. A lottery gift is a gift that can only be used during the reward gift period of the corresponding reward gift. When used, the compensation points are deducted from the points of the giver's viewer, the compensation points are added to the total points for the corresponding reward gift period, and the lottery is initiated. In the example in Figure 23, the reward gifts "JKPA", "JKPB", and "JKPC" correspond to the lottery gifts "TICKETA", "TICKETB", and "TICKETC", respectively.

[0097] Figure 24 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the reward gift DB366 in Figure 22. The reward gift DB366 associates the target streamer ID, the reward gift ID, the start time of the reward gift period, the viewing time of each viewer during the reward gift period, the cumulative points which are updated or increased each time a lottery gift is used in the target streamer's live stream, and the number of times each viewer who used a lottery gift in the target streamer's live stream has participated in the lottery. The reward gift DB366 may also store other parameters, such as the number of comments made by each viewer in the target streamer's live stream during the reward gift period.

[0098] Figure 25 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the winning probability DB368 in Figure 22. The winning probability DB368 holds a formula for calculating the winning probability. The winning probability DB368 stores the corresponding relationship between the reward gift ID of the reward gift to which the formula applies and the formula for calculating the winning probability. The formula is set so that the longer the viewer's viewing time using the lottery gift, the higher the winning probability. If the number of lotteries is adopted as a parameter, the formula is set so that the more lotteries there are, the higher the winning probability. If the number of comments is adopted as a parameter, the formula is set so that the more comments there are, the higher the winning probability. Other parameters related to live streaming may be incorporated into the formula.

[0099] Figure 26 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the lottery history DB370 in Figure 22. The lottery history DB370 stores a history of the use of lottery gifts. The lottery history DB370 stores the lottery gift ID of the lottery gift used, the time when the lottery gift was used, the viewer ID of the viewer who used the lottery gift, the broadcaster ID of the broadcaster of the live stream in which the lottery gift was used, and the cumulative viewing time, which is the total viewing time of the target broadcaster's live stream from the time the viewer used the lottery gift until the present.

[0100] Returning to Figure 22, the Refund Gift Processing Unit 350 updates the Refund Gift DB 366 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a Refund Gift or a Lottery Gift. In response to receiving a Refund Gift Period Start Request, the Refund Gift Processing Unit 350 starts a Refund Gift Period in which lottery gifts, which are different from Refund Gifts, can be used in the target streamer's live stream. If a viewer uses a lottery gift in the target streamer's live stream during the Refund Gift Period, the Refund Gift Processing Unit 350 conducts a lottery using a winning probability that increases the longer the viewer has watched the target streamer's live stream. If the viewer wins the lottery, the Refund Gift Processing Unit 350 enables the distribution of the accumulated points associated with the corresponding Refund Gift to the viewer. The Refund Gift Processing Unit 350 includes a Period Start Unit 352, a DB Update Unit 354, a Winning Probability Calculation Unit 356, a Lottery Unit 358, an Input Condition Determination Unit 360, and a Distribution Execution Unit 362.

[0101] The Period Start Unit 352 starts the reward gift period by registering a new entry in the Reward Gift DB 366 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a reward gift. The Period Start Unit 352 registers the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal, the gift ID of the reward gift, the time the reward gift was used on the user terminal, and the initial value of the accumulated points in the target distributor ID, reward gift ID, start time, and accumulated points of the Reward Gift DB 366, respectively. The Period Start Unit 352 calculates the initial value of the accumulated points based on the reward points of the reward gift.

[0102] The DB update unit 354 updates the corresponding entry in the reward gift DB 366 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a lottery gift. In the reward gift DB 366, the DB update unit 354 adds the reward points of the lottery gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal to the cumulative points of the entry whose target distributor ID is the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal. The DB update unit 366 increases the number of lottery draws for each viewer in the entry whose target distributor ID is the distributor ID included in the gift designation signal by 1 (if the viewer ID does not exist, it is newly registered).

[0103] The DB update unit 354 registers a new entry in the lottery history DB 370 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a lottery gift. The DB update unit 354 registers the gift ID of the lottery gift included in the gift designation signal, the time the lottery gift was used on the user terminal, the viewer ID, and the broadcaster ID in the lottery history DB 370, corresponding to the lottery gift ID, usage time, viewer ID, and target broadcaster ID, respectively.

[0104] The DB update unit 354 periodically or at predetermined time intervals refers to the reward gift DB 366 and the stream DB 314 to identify live streams being broadcast by broadcasters identified by the target broadcaster ID registered in the reward gift DB 366. The DB update unit 354 measures the viewing time of each identified live stream and updates the viewing time of each viewer in the corresponding entry in the reward gift DB 366. At the same time, the DB update unit 354 updates the cumulative viewing time in the lottery history DB 370. If, as a result of the update, the cumulative viewing time exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 10 minutes, the DB update unit 354 deletes that entry from the lottery history DB 370.

[0105] The winning probability calculation unit 356 calculates the winning probability by referring to the redemption gift DB 366 and the winning probability DB 368 if the gift identified by the gift ID included in the gift designation signal is a lottery gift. The winning probability calculation unit 356 refers to the winning probability DB 368 and identifies the calculation formula and the parameters necessary for the calculation (viewing time, number of draws, etc.) for the redemption gift corresponding to the lottery gift. The winning probability calculation unit 356 refers to the entry in the redemption gift DB 366 that has the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID and obtains the values ​​of the identified parameters. For example, if viewing time is identified as a parameter, the winning probability calculation unit 356 refers to the entry in the redemption gift DB 366 that has the broadcaster ID included in the gift designation signal as the target broadcaster ID and obtains the viewing time of the viewer identified by the viewer ID included in the gift designation signal. In this case, the viewing time of viewers who used the lottery gift in the broadcaster's live stream during the redemption gift period is obtained. The winning probability calculation unit 356 calculates the winning probability using the acquired parameter values ​​and the specified calculation formula.

[0106] The lottery unit 358 performs the lottery process using the winning probability calculated by the winning probability calculation unit 356. The technique for performing a lottery with a predetermined probability is publicly known and will not be described in detail in this specification. If the result of the lottery process is a loss, the lottery unit 358 sends a rejection notice to the user terminal that sent the gift designation signal. The lottery unit 358 includes the updated value of the accumulated points in the rejection notice.

[0107] The input condition determination unit 360 controls the use of lottery gifts by viewers according to the input conditions. When the input condition determination unit 360 receives a request for permission to use from the viewer's user terminal 30, it determines whether or not to allow the use of the lottery gift according to the input conditions related to viewing time. In this embodiment, recovery based on viewing time is adopted as the input condition. Under this input condition, once a viewer uses a lottery gift, they must watch the target broadcaster's live stream for a predetermined period, for example 10 minutes, before they can use a lottery gift again.

[0108] The input condition determination unit 360 refers to the lottery history DB 370 and checks for the existence of entries corresponding to the viewer ID and broadcaster ID included in the eligibility determination request. If no matching entries are found, the input condition determination unit 360 generates a permission signal that allows the use of the lottery gift. The input condition determination unit 360 transmits the generated permission signal to the user terminal 30 that sent the eligibility determination request via the network NW. If the input condition determination unit 360 finds a matching entry, it compares the cumulative viewing time of that entry with a threshold value, for example, 10 minutes. If the cumulative viewing time exceeds the threshold value, the input condition determination unit 360 transmits a permission signal to the user terminal 30 that sent the eligibility determination request via the network NW. The input condition determination unit 360 also deletes the matching entry from the lottery history DB 370. If the cumulative viewing time is less than or equal to the threshold value, the input condition determination unit 360 generates a disallowance signal that does not allow the use of the lottery gift and transmits it to the user terminal 30.

[0109] The input condition determination unit 360 deletes the entry with the broadcaster ID of a broadcaster from the lottery history DB 370 when the gift redemption period for a certain broadcaster ends.

[0110] In addition to or instead of recovery based on viewing time, one of the following conditions may be adopted as the conditions for input: (1) Only once during the gift redemption period During the designated streamer's gift giveaway period, viewers can use a lottery gift only once. (2) Only once via live streaming During a live stream by a participating streamer during their gift giveaway period, viewers can use a lottery gift only once. This resets after the live stream ends, and viewers can use another lottery gift only once during the next live stream in the gift giveaway period. (3) Limit on the number of draws A limit will be placed on the number of lottery gifts that can be used during the gift giveaway period for eligible streamers.

[0111] The distribution execution unit 362, if the result of the lottery process in the lottery unit 358 is a win, performs processing to distribute the accumulated points associated with the reward gift related to the win to the viewers. The distribution execution unit 362 determines the points to be distributed. For example, the distribution execution unit 362 determines the accumulated points at the time of winning as the points to be distributed.

[0112] The distribution execution unit 362 determines the amount of points to distribute to each viewer. The distribution execution unit 362 determines the amount of points to distribute to a viewer so that the viewer who used the lottery gift related to the win receives the most points. The distribution execution unit 362 obtains the number of times each viewer has participated in the lottery from the entry for the reward gift related to the win in the reward gift DB 366. The distribution execution unit 362 determines the amount of points to distribute to a viewer so that the points to be distributed are greater than the total amount of points that each viewer paid to use the lottery gift. For example, if the points to be distributed are 7000, and viewer A uses a lottery gift with a consideration of 1000 points twice and wins on the second try, and viewer B uses a lottery gift once, the distribution execution unit 362 determines that viewer A will receive 4000 points and viewer B will receive 1500 points.

[0113] The distribution execution unit 362 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points to be distributed, as determined above, is added to each viewer's points. The distribution execution unit 362 deletes the entries for the distributed reward gifts from the reward gift DB 366. As a result, the reward gift period corresponding to the deleted entry ends.

[0114] The operation of the live streaming system according to this embodiment, with the above configuration, will now be described. Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes in a live streaming system according to the second embodiment. In step S206, the server 50 updates the viewing time of each viewer in the entries added to the reward gift DB366 (S260). In step S206, the server 50 determines whether or not a lottery gift was used in the live stream of the streamer identified by the target streamer ID included in the entries added to the reward gift DB366 (S262). If it was not used (N in S262), the process returns to step S260. If it was used (Y in S262), the server 50 processes the payment of the lottery gift (S264) and updates the cumulative points of the entries added to the reward gift DB366 and the number of lottery draws for each viewer in step S206 (S266). The server 50 determines the winning probability by referring to the winning probability DB368 (S268). The server 50 performs the lottery process using the winning probability determined in step S268 (S270). If the winner is not selected (N in S272), the process returns to step S260. If the winner is selected (Y in S272), the server 50 calculates the amount of points to be distributed to each recipient (S274). The server 50 updates the user DB 316 so that the amount of points calculated in step S274 is distributed to the recipient viewers (S276). The server 50 sends a winning notification containing the distributed points to each recipient user terminal 30 (S278).

[0115] Figure 28 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 702 displayed on the viewer's user terminal 30. The live streaming room screen 702 in Figure 28 corresponds to live streaming during the reward gift period and is therefore configured to accept the designation of a lottery gift. The live streaming room screen 702 includes an image of the broadcaster 704 obtained by playing video data received from the server 50, a lottery target object 706 corresponding to the reward gift used, and a point accumulation display area 708 showing the accumulated points at that time.

[0116] The viewing unit 200 receives and plays video data related to live streaming (for example, while a viewer is watching the live stream), periodically or at predetermined time intervals, generates a usability determination request to determine whether or not the lottery gift can be used, and transmits it to the server 50 via the network NW. The usability determination request includes the streamer ID of the streamer during the gift redemption period and the viewer ID of the viewer watching the streamer's live stream. When the gift redemption processing unit 350 receives the usability determination request, it refers to the gift redemption DB 366 and obtains the cumulative points of the entry whose target streamer ID is the streamer ID included in the usability determination request. The gift redemption processing unit 350 adds the obtained cumulative points to the permission signal or denial signal transmitted by the input condition determination unit 360 in response to the usability determination signal. When the superimposed information generation unit 204 receives a permission signal, it displays the lottery target object 706 in a selectable manner. If the superimposed information generation unit 204 receives a disallowance signal, it displays the object 706 to be selected as unavailable, for example, by graying it out. The superimposed information generation unit 204 updates the display content of the point accumulation display area 708 of the frame image according to the point accumulation included in the received allow signal or disallowance signal.

[0117] In the live streaming room screen 702 of Figure 28, when a viewer taps the lottery target object 706, which is displayed in a selectable manner, the viewer-side UI control unit 202 displays the lottery gift selection screen 710 on the display.

[0118] Figure 29 is a representative screen view of the lottery gift selection screen 710 displayed on the viewer's user terminal 30. The lottery gift selection screen 710 is a screen in which the lottery gift selection popup 712 is superimposed on the live streaming room screen 702 of Figure 28. The lottery gift selection popup 712 contains lottery gift objects corresponding to the reward gifts used for the target streamer.

[0119] The viewer taps the lottery gift object. When the viewer-side UI control unit 202 receives the viewer's specification of a lottery gift, i.e., the specification of the lottery gift object, the input information transmission unit 206 generates a gift specification signal including the lottery gift ID of the specified lottery gift, the viewer's viewer ID, and the broadcaster's broadcaster ID, and sends it to the server 50 via the network NW. The processing at the server 50 after receiving the gift specification signal is as described above. When the viewer-side UI control unit 202 receives a rejection notification, it displays a rejection notification screen 714 on the display. When the viewer-side UI control unit 202 receives a winning notification, it displays a winning notification screen 720 on the display.

[0120] Figure 30 is a representative screen view of the rejection notification screen 714 displayed on the viewer's user terminal 30. The rejection notification screen 714 is a screen in which the rejection mark 716 and message 718 are superimposed on the live streaming room screen 702 of Figure 28. The content displayed in the cumulative points display area 708 is updated with the updated cumulative points value included in the rejection notification. Message 718 is a message regarding the input conditions related to viewing time, indicating that the lottery gift can be used again after a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0121] Figure 31 is a representative screen view of the winner notification screen 720 displayed on the viewer's user terminal 30. The winner notification screen 720 is a screen in which the winner mark 722 and message 724 are superimposed on the live streaming room screen 702 of Figure 28. Message 724 indicates the amount of points distributed to the viewer.

[0122] The live streaming system according to this embodiment provides the same effects and benefits as the live streaming system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0123] In this embodiment, we have described a case where points are distributed not only to the winning viewer but also to other viewers who used the lottery gift. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, all points shown in the cumulative points may be awarded only to the winning viewer.

[0124] (Hardware configuration) Referring to Figure 32, the hardware configurations of the information processing device according to the first and second embodiments will be described. Figure 32 is a block diagram showing examples of the hardware configurations of the information processing device according to those embodiments. The illustrated information processing device 900 can, for example, realize the server 10, user terminals 20 and 30 in the first embodiment, and the server 50 in the second embodiment.

[0125] The information processing device 900 includes a CPU 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 903, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 905. The information processing device 900 may also include a host bus 907, a bridge 909, an external bus 911, an interface 913, an input device 915, an output device 917, a storage device 919, a drive 921, a connection port 925, and a communication device 929. Furthermore, the information processing device 900 may include an imaging device such as a camera (not shown). The information processing device 900 may also have a processing circuit such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) instead of, or together with, the CPU 901.

[0126] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, controlling the overall operation or a part of the operation within the information processing unit 900 according to various programs recorded in the ROM 903, RAM 905, storage device 919, or removable recording medium 923. For example, the CPU 901 controls the overall operation of each functional unit included in the server 10 and user terminals 20 and 30, respectively, in this embodiment. The ROM 903 stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 905 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901 and parameters that change as appropriate during its execution. The CPU 901, ROM 903, and RAM 905 are interconnected by a host bus 907, which is composed of internal buses such as the CPU bus. Furthermore, the host bus 907 is connected to an external bus 911, such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus, via a bridge 909.

[0127] The input device 915 may be a device operated by the user, such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, buttons, switches, and levers, or it may be a device that converts physical quantities into electrical signals, such as a sound sensor like a microphone, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, an infrared sensor, a depth sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The input device 915 may also be a remote control device that uses infrared or other radio waves, or it may be an external connection device 927 such as a mobile phone that is compatible with the operation of the information processing device 900. The input device 915 includes an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the user or a physical quantity sensed and outputs it to the CPU 901. By operating this input device 915, the user inputs various data to the information processing device 900 or instructs it to perform processing operations.

[0128] The output device 917 is comprised of a device capable of notifying the user of acquired information visually or audibly. The output device 917 may be, for example, a display such as an LCD, PDP, or OLED, an audio output device such as a speaker and headphones, or a printer. The output device 917 outputs the results obtained from the processing of the information processing device 900 as text or images, or as sound.

[0129] The storage device 919 is a data storage device configured as an example of the storage unit of the information processing device 900. The storage device 919 is composed of, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. This storage device 919 stores programs executed by the CPU 901, various data, and various data acquired from external sources.

[0130] The drive 921 is a reader / writer for removable recording media 923, such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, or semiconductor memory, and is either built into or external to the information processing device 900. The drive 921 reads information recorded on the installed removable recording media 923 and outputs it to the RAM 905. The drive 921 also writes data to the installed removable recording media 923.

[0131] The connection port 925 is a port for directly connecting equipment to the information processing device 900. The connection port 925 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, an IEEE1394 port, or a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) port. Alternatively, the connection port 925 may be an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, or an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port. By connecting an external device 927 to the connection port 925, various types of data can be exchanged between the information processing device 900 and the external device 927.

[0132] The communication device 929 is a communication interface composed of, for example, a communication device for connecting to a network NW. The communication device 929 may be, for example, a communication card for wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth®, or WUSB (Wireless USB). Alternatively, the communication device 929 may be a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various types of communication. The communication device 929 sends and receives signals, for example, to the Internet or other communication devices using a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP. The communication network NW connected to the communication device 929 is a network connected by wire or wireless, and may be, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, or satellite communication. The communication device 929 performs the function of a communication unit.

[0133] An imaging device such as a camera (not shown) is a device that captures real space and generates an image using various components such as an image sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and a lens for controlling the imaging of a subject onto the image sensor. The imaging device may capture still images or it may capture moving images.

[0134] The configuration and operation of the live streaming system according to the embodiments have been described above. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of each component and each process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0135] In the first and second embodiments, the administrator may arbitrarily set the points added to the total points when a gift is used or a prize is drawn. For example, the administrator may set it so that the longer the viewer's viewing time and / or the more times they use a gift or draw, the more points are added to the total points. Alternatively, the points added may be changed randomly.

[0136] The first embodiment described a case where the distribution start instruction is received from the target broadcaster, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to receive an instruction to start distribution from the viewer who sent the reward gift, or it may be configured to automatically execute distribution when the distribution conditions are met.

[0137] In the first embodiment, the distribution conditions may further include at least one of the following: the passage of a certain period of time, the number of viewers exceeding a threshold value, the viewing time exceeding a threshold value, or the total distribution time during the reward gift period exceeding a threshold value.

[0138] In the first embodiment, the distribution recipient identification unit 336 was described as determining whether each viewer registered in the "viewing time of each viewer" of the entry in the reward gift DB 320 satisfies the receiving conditions. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may also determine whether viewers who are watching the live stream when the distribution conditions are met or when the broadcaster inputs the instruction to start distribution satisfy the receiving conditions. In this case, users who have sent a gift but are not watching the live stream when the distribution conditions are met are excluded from the distribution recipients. Therefore, viewers who have cleared the viewing time conditions are motivated to continue watching the live stream until distribution begins in order to receive rewards, thus increasing viewing time and making it easier to convey the value of the live stream.

[0139] In the first and second embodiments, we described cases where an initial value is given to the accumulated points as the contribution of the reward gift, but the system is not limited to these. For example, when the distribution conditions are met, points corresponding to the value of the reward gift may be added to the accumulated points, or when a winner is selected, the accumulated points may be increased by a multiplier corresponding to the value of the reward gift.

[0140] In the first and second embodiments, we described cases where the recipients of the points are viewers who have used gift-giving or lottery gifts, or where they are selected from among these, but the system is not limited to these cases. For example, the system may be configured to distribute points to viewers who have not used gift-giving. In this case, the amount of points distributed to such viewers may be set to be less than the amount of points distributed to viewers who have used gift-giving. In this case, the effect of attracting viewers through the placement of reward gifts will be higher. Alternatively, the system may be configured to distribute points to the streamer as well. Alternatively, the system may be configured to distribute points to viewers who have used regular gifts in the target streamer's live streams.

[0141] In the first and second embodiments, the viewing time was taken during the gift redemption period, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the viewing time in the month in which the gift redemption was used may be taken. Alternatively, a longer predetermined period different from the gift redemption period (for example, the past year) may be set, and the viewing time during that predetermined period may be taken.

[0142] The conversion rates from gift consideration points to awarded points in the first and second embodiments are examples and may be set as appropriate by, for example, the administrator of the live streaming system.

[0143] In the first embodiment, a case was described in which a desired gift is selected from three types of gifts with different values, but the system is not limited to this, and for example, the system may be configured so that viewers can arbitrarily specify the value of the gift.

[0144] In the first embodiment, a case was described in which a point accumulation condition using a reference value for accumulated points is included in the distribution condition, but it is not limited to this, and for example, a parameter other than the point accumulation may be provided. For example, a stamina gauge may be provided with the reference value for accumulated points as its initial value. In this case, the stamina gauge decreases each time an input gift is used. The distribution condition includes a stamina gauge condition that is satisfied when the stamina gauge reaches 0. Alternatively, the distribution condition may only have a viewing time condition. In this case, regardless of the point accumulation, the distribution condition is satisfied when the total viewing time reaches the reference value.

[0145] In the first and second embodiments, the point redemption rate may be adjusted according to the level of the target streamer (a parameter that increases as their activity on the live streaming platform increases) and the number of followers. For example, the redemption rate may be increased for lower levels, or for fewer followers. In this case, the rewards for new streamers can be strengthened. For streamers with a predetermined number of followers or less, the amount of points distributed to viewers who newly follow them during the reward gift period may be set to be higher than usual. In this case, the rewards for new fans of new streamers can be strengthened.

[0146] The technical concepts of the first and second embodiments may also be applied to virtual live streaming or live commerce, which use an avatar that moves in sync with the streamer's movements instead of the streamer's image.

[0147] In the processing procedures described herein, particularly those described using flowcharts, it is possible to omit some of the steps constituting the processing procedure, to add steps not explicitly included as constituting the processing procedure, and / or to change the order of such steps. Processing procedures with such omissions, additions, or changes in order are included within the scope of this disclosure, provided they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0148] At least some of the functions implemented by the server may be implemented by devices other than the server, such as a user terminal. At least some of the functions implemented by the user terminal may be implemented by devices other than the user terminal, such as a server. For example, the superposition of a predetermined frame image onto an image of video data performed on the playback-side user terminal may be performed by the server or by the generation-side user terminal.

Claims

[Claim 1] Means for receiving an initiation request from a terminal via a network, which includes information on the first gift specified on the terminal and information on the target distributor. The system includes means for initiating a period in which a second gift, different from the first gift, becomes available for use in the live stream of the target broadcaster upon receiving a start request, The receiving means is a server configured to receive start requests from the terminal of the target broadcaster via the network, and to receive start requests from the terminal of a viewer of the live broadcast via the network during the live broadcast of the target broadcaster.

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