Methods and servers for handling streaming data

Abstract

To provide a method and server for handling streaming data.SOLUTION: A method and server for handling streaming data include: obtaining a request for entering the live streaming as an invisible viewer; in response to obtaining the request, starting to provide a first user terminal of a first viewer with the streaming data for the live streaming while setting information on the first viewer invisible to other viewers and a streamer; and, in response to detecting a first action of the first viewer in the live streaming, setting at least a part of the information visible to at least a part of the other viewers and the streamer. According to the subject disclosure, it is possible to encourage further communication between the streamer and the viewer, and enhance user-user interactions through the live streaming.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to information communication technology, and in particular to an invisible mode in a live streaming room. [Background Art]

[0002] With the vigorous development of the Internet and mobile networks, electronic products having a network access function (such as mobile phones, tablet terminals, desktop personal computers, notebook computers, smart home appliances, etc.) have been widely used by the general public. In addition, a large amount of information exists on networks and can be easily acquired.

[0003] To interact with other people in real time, several applications and platforms provide live streaming services for streamers and viewers. Some viewers desire to watch live streaming without interacting with others or being noticed by others. Therefore, some applications and platforms provide an invisible mode function so that viewers can enjoy live streaming without being disturbed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent No. 109640102 Specification [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, such viewers tend not to interact or give donations, and the benefits brought to streamers and platforms are limited. Therefore, there is a demand for improving communication and interaction among invisible viewers, streamers, and other viewers. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for handling data for live streaming, the method comprising: obtaining a request to enter a live streaming as a non-visible viewer; in response to obtaining the request, initiating the provision of streaming data for live streaming to a first user terminal of a first viewer, and setting information about the first viewer so that it is not visible to other viewers and streamers; and in response to detecting a first operation of the first viewer in the live streaming, setting at least a portion of the information so that it is visible to at least a portion of other viewers and streamers.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a server that handles data for live streaming, the server receiving a request to enter a live stream as an invisible viewer, and in response to receiving the request, starting to provide streaming data for live streaming to a first user terminal of a first viewer, setting information about the first viewer so that it is not visible to other viewers and streamers, and in response to detecting a first operation of the first viewer in the live stream, setting at least a portion of the information so that at least a portion of it is visible to other viewers and at least a portion of streamers.

[0008] Furthermore, any combination or rearrangement of the above-mentioned components, as well as representations of specific embodiments of this disclosure in devices, methods, systems, computer programs, recording media on which computer programs are recorded, etc., are also valid embodiments of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to promote further communication between streamers and viewers and to strengthen user interaction through live streaming. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a live streaming system based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a user terminal based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a server based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows an example data structure for a stream database. [Figure 5] This is an exemplary viewer screen based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is an exemplary screen of a streamer based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is an exemplary screen of a streamer based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is an exemplary screen of a streamer based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is an exemplary screen of a streamer based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is an exemplary viewer screen based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is an exemplary sequence diagram illustrating the operation of a live streaming system configuration based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is an exemplary hardware configuration of an information processing device based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes on a viewer's user terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a representative screenshot of the live streaming selection screen displayed on the user's terminal screen. [Figure 15] This is a representative screenshot of the live streaming room screen in preview mode, as displayed on the user's terminal screen. [Figure 16] This is a representative screenshot of a live streaming room screen where an entry inquiry pop-up is displayed overlaid. [Figure 17]This is a representative diagram of a live distribution room screen in normal mode displayed on the display of a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, members, processes, and signals shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in the respective drawings, some members that are not important for description are omitted from illustration.

[0012] A live streaming system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure provides an enhanced function that facilitates smooth communication and interaction between users. More specifically, the present invention entertains viewers and streamers by a technical method.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a live streaming system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The live streaming system 1 provides a live streaming service for mutual interaction in real time to a streaming distributor (also referred to as a live streamer or a streamer) LV and viewers (also referred to as audience) AU (AU1, AU2, ...). As shown in FIG. 1, the live streaming system 1 can include a server 10, a user terminal 20, and user terminals 30 (30a, 30b, ...). The user terminal 20 may be a terminal used by the streamer, and the user terminals 30 may be terminals used by the viewers. In some embodiments, the streamer and the viewers may also be referred to as users. The server 10 can include one or more information processing devices connected via a network NW. The user terminals 20, 30 may be, for example, mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablets, notebook PCs, recorders, portable game consoles, and wearable terminals, or stationary computers such as desktop PCs. The server 10, the user terminal 20, and the user terminals 30 may be communicatively connected via any type of wired or wireless network NW.

[0014] The live streaming system 1 involves a streamer LV, a viewer AU, and an application provider (not shown) that provides the server 10. The streamer LV can record their own content, such as singing, talking, performing, or game streaming, on their user terminal 20, upload it to the server 10, and become a person who distributes content in real time. In some embodiments, the streamer LV can interact with the viewer AU through the live streaming.

[0015] The application provider can provide a platform for content that is live-streamed on the server 10. In some embodiments, the application provider may be a media or manager that manages real-time communication between the streamer LV and the viewer AU. The viewer AU can access the platform via the user terminal 30 and select and watch the content they wish to view. The viewer AU can comment on or support the streamer via the user terminal 30. The streamer providing the content can respond to such comments and support. The streamer's response can be transmitted to the viewer AU via video and / or audio. Thus, mutual communication between the streamer and the viewer can be achieved.

[0016] As used herein, "live streaming" may refer to data transmission that enables a viewer AU to substantially play and view content recorded by the streamer LV on the user terminal 20 via the user terminal 30. In some embodiments, "live streaming" may also refer to streaming achieved by the above-described data transmission. Such live streaming can be implemented using known technologies such as HTTP live streaming, CMAF (Common Media Application Format), WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications), RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol), and MPEG DASH. Such live streaming may further include embodiments in which the viewer AU can play or view the content with a certain delay while the streamer is recording the content. The degree of such delay should preferably be small enough to allow the streamer LV and the viewer AU to communicate. However, live streaming is different from so-called on-demand delivery. More specifically, such on-demand delivery may refer to storing all the data of the recorded content on a server and providing the data to the user from the server at random timings in response to the user's request.

[0017] In this specification, “streaming data” may refer to data including image data and audio data. More specifically, the image data (which may also be called video data) may be generated by the image capture function of the user terminals 20 and 30. The audio data (which may also be called audio data) may be generated by the audio input function of the user terminals 20 and 30. The streaming data may be played back on the user terminals 20 and 30 to allow the user to view content related to the user. In some embodiments, processing such as compression, expansion, encoding, decoding, and transcoding is envisioned to change the format, size, and specifications of the data between the time the streaming data is generated on the streamer's user terminal and the time it is played back on the viewer's user terminal. Before and after such processing, the content (video and audio) is substantially unchanged, and for this reason, in the current embodiments of this disclosure, the streaming data before processing and the streaming data after processing are described as being the same. In other words, when the streaming data generated by the streamer's user terminal is played back on the viewer's user terminal via the server 10, the streaming data generated by the streamer's user terminal, the streaming data that has passed through the server 10, and the streaming data received and played back by the viewer's user terminal are all the same streaming data.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the streamer LV provides live streaming. The streamer's user terminal 20 generates streaming data by recording the streamer's video and / or audio and transmits it to the server 10 via the network NW. At the same time, the user terminal 20 can display a video VD on its display and check the streamer LV's streaming content.

[0019] Viewers AU1 and AU2 of user terminals 30a and 30b, which request the platform to provide the live streaming of the streamer, receive streaming data corresponding to the live streaming via the network NW, play the received streaming data to display video VD1 and VD2 on a display, and output audio from speakers or the like. The video VD1 and VD2 displayed on user terminals 30a and 30b are substantially the same as the video recorded by the user terminal of the streamer LV, and the audio output from user terminals 30a and 30b is substantially the same as the audio recorded by the user terminal of the streamer LV.

[0020] The recording of the streamer on the user terminal 20 may occur simultaneously with the playback of the streaming data on the user terminals 30a and 30b of the viewers AU1 and AU2. When viewer AU1 inputs a comment regarding the streamer LV's content into user terminal 30a, the server 10 displays the comment in real time on the streamer's user terminal 20, and also on the user terminals 30a and 30b of viewers AU1 and AU2, respectively. If the streamer LV responds to the comment, the response is output as text, image, video, or audio from the user terminals 30a and 30b of viewers AU1 and AU2, thereby enabling communication between the streamer LV and viewers AU1 and AU2. Thus, the live streaming system can realize two-way live streaming.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the user terminal 20 shown in Figure 1, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user terminal 30 has the same functions and configuration as the user terminal 20. The blocks depicted in the block diagrams of this specification are implemented by hardware such as a computer CPU or mechanical parts, and software such as a computer program that represents a functional block performed by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that functional blocks can be implemented in various ways through combinations of hardware and software.

[0022] The streamer LV and viewer AU can download and install the live streaming application (live streaming app) of this disclosure from a download site to their user terminals 20 and 30 via the network NW. Alternatively, the live streaming app may be pre-installed on the user terminals 20 and 30. By performing live streaming on the user terminals 20 and 30, they can communicate with the server 10 via the network NW and implement multiple functions. These functions, implemented by the execution of the live streaming app by the user terminals 20 and 30 (more specifically, by the processor such as the CPU), are described below as functions of the user terminals 20 and 30. These functions are basically functions that the live streaming app enables the user terminals 20 and 30 to implement. In some embodiments, these functions may be implemented by sending them from the server 10 to the web browser of the user terminals 20 and 30 via the network NW and executing them by a computer program in the web browser. This computer program may be written in a programming language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language).

[0023] The user terminal 20 includes a streaming unit 100 and a viewing unit 200. In some embodiments, the streaming unit 100 is configured to record the user's audio and / or video data and generate streaming data to send to the server 10. The viewing unit 200 is configured to receive and play the streaming data from the server 10. In some embodiments, the user can activate the streaming unit 100 when broadcasting or when viewing a stream. In some embodiments, the user terminal that activates the streaming unit 100 may be referred to as the streamer or the user terminal that generates the streaming data. The user terminal that activates the viewing unit 200 may be referred to as the viewer or the user terminal that plays the streaming data.

[0024] The streaming unit 100 may include a video control unit 102, an audio control unit 104, a distribution unit 106, and a UI control unit 108. The video control unit 102 may be connected to a camera (not shown), and the video is controlled by the camera. The video control unit 102 can acquire video data from the camera. The audio control unit 104 may be connected to a microphone (not shown), and the audio is controlled by the microphone. The audio control unit 104 can acquire audio data from the microphone.

[0025] The distribution unit 106 receives streaming data, which includes video data from the video control unit 102 and audio data from the audio control unit 104, and transmits it to the server 10 via the network NW. In some embodiments, the distribution unit 106 transmits the streaming data in real time. That is, the generation of the streaming data from the video control unit 102 and the audio control unit 104 and the distribution by the distribution unit 106 are performed simultaneously.

[0026] The UI control unit 108 controls the UI of the streamer. The UI control unit 108 is connected to a display (not shown) and is configured to generate the streaming data for a recipient to whom the distribution unit 106 transmits, plays, and displays on the display. The UI control unit 108 is configured to display an object to be manipulated or an object to receive instructions on the display and to accept tap input from the streamer.

[0027] The viewing unit 200 may include a UI control unit 202, a rendering unit 204, and an input transmission unit 206. The viewing unit 200 is configured to receive streaming data from the server 10 via a network NW. The UI control unit 202 controls the viewer's UI. The UI control unit 202 is connected to a display (not shown) and / or a speaker (not shown) and is configured to display video on the display and output audio from the speaker by playing the streaming data. In some embodiments, outputting video on the display and audio from the speaker can be referred to as "playing streaming data".

[0028] The UI control unit 202 is connected to an input unit such as a touch panel, keyboard, or display, and can acquire user input. The rendering unit 204 may be configured to render streaming data from the server 10 and frame images. The frame images may include user interface objects for receiving user input, comments entered by viewers, and data received from the server 10. The input transmission unit 206 is configured to receive the user input from the UI control unit 202 and transmit it to the server 10 via the network NW.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a server 10 based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. The server 10 may include a streaming information unit 302, a relay unit 304, a non-display processing unit 306, a stream DB 308, and a user DB 310.

[0030] The streaming information unit 302 receives live streaming requests from the streamer's user terminal 20 via the network NW. Upon receiving a request, the streaming information unit 302 registers the live streaming information in the stream DB 308. In some embodiments, the live streaming information may consist of the stream ID of the live streaming and / or the streamer ID of the streamer corresponding to the live streaming.

[0031] When the streaming information unit 302 receives a request for information about the live stream from the viewer via the network NW to the viewing unit 200 of the user terminal 30, it refers to the stream DB 308 and generates a list of available live streams.

[0032] Subsequently, the streaming information unit 302 transmits the list to the user terminal 30 via the network NW. The UI control unit 202 of the user terminal 30 generates a live streaming selection screen based on the list and displays the list on the user terminal 30's display.

[0033] When the input transmission unit 206 of the user terminal 30 receives a live streaming selection made by the viewer on the live streaming selection screen, it generates a distribution request including the stream ID of the selected live streaming and sends it to the server 10 via the network. The streaming information unit 302 can then begin providing the live streaming specified by the stream ID in the distribution request to the user terminal 30. The streaming information unit 302 can update the stream DB 316 and add the viewer ID of the viewer on the user terminal 30 to the streamer ID of the stream ID.

[0034] The relay unit 304 can relay the transmission of the live stream from the streamer's user terminal 20 to the viewer's user terminal 30 in the live stream initiated by the streaming information unit 302. The relay unit 304 can receive a signal indicating user input from the viewer from the input transmission unit 206 while the streaming data is being played back. The signal indicating user input may be an object designation signal indicating the designation of an object displayed on the user terminal 30's screen. The object designation signal may include the viewer's viewer ID, the streamer ID of the streamer distributing the live stream the viewer is watching, and the object ID designated by the object. If the object is a gift, the object ID may be a gift ID, etc. Similarly, the relay unit 304 can receive a signal indicating user input from the streamer, such as the object designation signal, from the streaming unit 100 of the user terminal 20 while the streaming data is being played back.

[0035] Figure 4 shows an exemplary data structure of the stream DB308 in Figure 3. The stream DB308 stores associated stream IDs that identify live streams, streamer IDs that identify the streamers performing each live stream, display viewer IDs that identify the visible or regular viewers who watch each live stream, and hidden viewer IDs that identify the hidden viewers who watch each live stream.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exemplary screen 600 of a viewer on a user terminal 30 based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. A viewer on the user terminal 30 can enter the live stream as a hidden viewer. As shown in Figure 5, when a hidden viewer enters, no animation or message indicating participation in the live stream is displayed. In some embodiments, the streamer and other viewers may not be aware of the hidden viewer who has entered the live stream. In some embodiments, the application provider or the server 10 may provide the streamer's user terminal 20 or the viewer's user terminal 30 with a viewer list for the streamer or other viewers so that they can check who is in the live stream. Such a viewer list is generated by referring to the stream DB 308, including the visible viewer ID in the list, and excluding the hidden viewer ID from the list. In some embodiments, the user terminals 20, 30 may be configured so that the streamer or other viewers can notice the visible viewer on the viewer list and interact with the visible viewer through comments, tagging, or other means. In some embodiments, such hidden viewers may be kept hidden from the viewer list so that the streamer or other viewers cannot notice or attempt to interact with them.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the screen 600 of the hidden viewer may include a status object 602, a comment object 604, a gift object 606, and a message area 608. The status object 602 can indicate the current status of the viewer As as shown or hidden. In some embodiments, the status object 602 may further indicate the viewer's level of hidden status, as shown in Figure 5. The comment object 604 allows the viewer to enter messages and emojis and interact with the streamer and other viewers. The gift object 606 allows the viewer to send gifts or donations to the streamer as entertainment. The message area 608 can display messages within the live stream. In some embodiments, the message area 608 may also display participation messages such as "Tanaka has joined the live stream" or other information within the live stream.

[0038] In some embodiments, certain features, such as comments and / or gifts, may be disabled for the hidden viewer. In some embodiments, the hidden viewer may be able to send comments and / or gifts during the live stream. For example, the hidden viewer can interact with the streamer by typing message M, as shown in Figure 5. In some embodiments, the hidden viewer may become visible after commenting, gifting, donating, or otherwise interacting during the live stream.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an exemplary screen 610 of a streamer based on certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The streamer's screen 610 may include an information object 612, a comment object 614, a hidden object 616, and a message area 618. The information object 612 may display the number of hidden viewers during the live stream. In some embodiments, the information object 612 may not be displayed on the streamer's screen, and the streamer may not be aware of the presence of hidden viewers. In some embodiments, the information object 612 may display "yes" or "no" to indicate whether or not there are hidden viewers during the live stream. In some embodiments, the hidden viewers may only be displayed to the streamer, and the streamer may be aware of and know about the hidden viewers. The UI control unit 108 of the streamer's user terminal 20 sends a request to the server 10 via the network for information about the hidden users (e.g., the number of hidden users). After receiving the request, the hidden processing unit 306 refers to the stream DB 308 and identifies the requested information. The hidden processing unit 306 generates a response containing the identified information and transmits the response to the user terminal 20 via the network. The UI control unit 108 of the user terminal 20 refers to the information contained in the received response and generates the information object 612.

[0040] The comment object 614 allows the streamer to enter messages and emojis and interact with viewers. The hide object 616 allows the streamer to hide information about other viewers. The message area 618 can display messages within the live stream. In some embodiments, the message area 618 can display messages similar to those in the message area 608.

[0041] In some embodiments, the hidden viewer can perform an action during the live stream. For example, the hidden viewer can comment to the streamer with the message M, "Do you remember me?". In response to the detection of a comment from the hidden viewer during the live stream, the hiding processing unit 306 can configure at least a portion of the message M to be displayed to at least some other viewers and the streamer. As shown in Figure 6, the message M is displayed on the streamer's screen 610. In some embodiments, the message M may include a poster image Mim and content Mc. The hiding processing unit 306 can configure at least a portion of the message M to be displayed. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the poster image Mim may be replaced with a random image such as a black cat, and the content Mc may be displayed. This allows the streamer or other viewers to be aware that there is a viewer commenting, but not to know who that viewer is. In some embodiments, the poster image Mim may be displayed while the content Mc of the message M is hidden or encrypted. In some embodiments, the message M may include a viewer ID, etc. In some embodiments, which parts of message M are not displayed or are displayed may be determined according to actual needs.

[0042] Figures 7 and 8 are exemplary screens 610 of the streamer based on certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the hidden viewer can turn on their camera and / or microphone. For example, the hidden viewer may group chat with the streamer. In some embodiments, the group chat may be a video and / or audio exchange, such as a meeting, entertainment, or chat with other streamers. In some embodiments, the hidden viewer may voice chat with the streamer. If the hidden viewer makes a group call with the streamer, the hidden viewer's audio and video may be considered as the hidden viewer's information. In some embodiments, in response to an operation to start a group call from the hidden viewer, the hiding processing unit 306 may be configured to display at least some information about the hidden viewer.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the video of the hidden viewer may include frame 632 and image 634. The audio of the hidden viewer may include audio 636. In some embodiments, frame 632, image 634, and audio 636 may be considered as information about the hidden viewer. In some embodiments, the hiding processing unit 306 may be configured to display frame 632 and hide image 634. For example, by displaying frame 632 without displaying image 634 of the hidden viewer, other viewers and streamers may notice that there is a hidden viewer, but they may not know who that hidden viewer is.

[0044] In some embodiments, the image 634 may be blocked or overlapped by an object 638, as shown in Figure 7. In some embodiments, the object 638 may be a mosaic or a random image. In some embodiments, the object 638 may cover or overlap at least a portion of the hidden viewer on the image 634. In some embodiments, the image 634 may be a still image or a moving image. In some embodiments, the voice 636 of the hidden viewer may be converted to another voice, such as the voice of a duck or an animated character.

[0045] In some embodiments, the object 638 may cover the entire image 634. In some embodiments, the object 638 may cover only a portion of the image 634. In some embodiments, the object 638 may cover the face of the hidden viewer on the image 634. In some embodiments, the object 638 may cover the facial features of the hidden viewer on the image 634. In some embodiments, the object 638 may cover only a portion of the hidden viewer so that the streamer and other viewers are aware of the presence of a hidden viewer but are unable to identify who that viewer is.

[0046] In response to an action from the hidden viewer, the object 638 covering the image 634 may partially uncover it to reveal more information about the hidden viewer. As shown in Figure 7, the object 638 may, for example, include a mosaic of nine squares. In some embodiments, the hidden viewer may remove one square of the mosaic to reveal more information. In some embodiments, the streamer may also remove one square of the mosaic to receive more information. In some embodiments, the mosaic may disappear in response to an action from another viewer or app provider. In some embodiments, the removal of a square may be achieved by a donation, purchase, comment, or other interaction. In some embodiments, the mosaic of squares may disappear automatically every minute or so.

[0047] If all information about the hidden viewer is displayed, the hide processing unit 306 may configure the hidden viewer to be displayed to other viewers and streamers by default. As shown in Figure 8, all squares of the object 638 disappear, and information about the hidden viewer (such as image 634) becomes displayed. In some embodiments, the hide processing unit 306 may be configured to display all information about the hidden viewer when the streamer or other viewers find out who the hidden viewer is. For example, if the streamer finds out who the hidden viewer is, the hide processing unit 306 may be configured to display the hidden viewer by default. Here, "configured to display the viewer by default" refers to the initial settings for the viewer when they join a live stream (such as an animation indicating participation or being displayed in the viewer list). The hide processing unit 306 updates the stream DB 308 so that the hidden viewer is displayed. As shown in Figure 8, the object 638 covering image 634 disappears, and the poster image Mim returns to its original image. Furthermore, since the previously hidden viewers are now visible, the information object 612 indicating the number of such hidden viewers may decrease.

[0048] One of the technical advantages of this embodiment is that it can further facilitate communication between the streamer and the viewer by first having the viewer enter the streaming room anonymously and then attempting to identify who the streamer is. This further promotes interaction between users through live streaming.

[0049] Figure 9 shows an exemplary screen 610 of a streamer based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the streamer can use the hide object 616 to hide viewers. For example, a viewer comments "You're ugly" during a live stream, and the streamer becomes aware that the viewer is disrupting the stream. The streamer can select the viewer by clicking, tapping, or touching the hide object 616. In some embodiments, the streamer can hide a viewer by tapping the message, image, or viewer ID corresponding to that viewer.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, after the streamer selects a viewer, a sub-screen 652 may be displayed. The sub-screen 652 may include a viewer image 654, a viewer ID 656, and a button 658 for hiding. The viewer image 654 and viewer ID indicate the image and ID of the viewer. The button 658 can hide the viewer corresponding to the viewer image and viewer ID. In some embodiments, the streamer can tap the button 658 to hide the viewer. This prevents the viewer who was disrupting the live stream from being displayed to the streamer or other viewers.

[0051] In some embodiments, a viewer may remain visible to the streamer but not to other viewers. In such cases, other viewers will not see offensive messages from the hidden viewer, thus not disrupting the atmosphere of the live stream. Furthermore, because the hidden viewer is visible to the streamer, the hidden viewer may not even realize that they have been hidden.

[0052] Figure 10 is an exemplary viewer screen based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the status object 602 can indicate "Visible" when the hidden viewer is visible. In some embodiments, a participation message on the message area 608, such as message Mw, may be displayed as shown in Figure 10. In some embodiments, all features, such as animations indicating participation, may be reverted to default when the hidden viewer is visible. The screen shown in Figure 10 is similar to the screen displayed immediately after a viewer joins a live stream as a visible user. Thus, a hidden user can make it appear as if they have just joined the live stream, even though they had been watching it for some time.

[0053] Figure 11 is an exemplary sequence diagram illustrating the operation of a configuration of a live streaming system 1 based on certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The hide processing unit 306 receives a request to enter the live stream as a hide viewer (S302). More specifically, the hide processing unit 306 may receive the request from a user by communicating with the user terminal 20 or 30. In some embodiments, the hide viewer may be a streamer or a viewer. In some embodiments, the request may be made before entering the live stream or during the live stream.

[0054] In some embodiments, the request may be sent by the hidden viewer. In some embodiments, the request may be sent by the streamer. In some embodiments, the request may be sent by another viewer. In other words, the hidden viewer can send a request to be hidden. The streamer and other viewers may also be able to hide viewers or themselves.

[0055] Here, the viewer on the user terminal 30 can be referred to as the viewer who will become a hidden viewer. In response to receiving the request, the hide processing unit 306 refers to the user DB 310 and checks the user terminal 30's authorization to become a hidden viewer. In some embodiments, the user terminal 30 may obtain this authorization by purchasing a membership. In some embodiments, the user terminal 30 may obtain this authorization by commenting, donating up to a certain amount, or giving gifts. For example, the viewer may gain experience points by interacting with the streamer or using the app, and the server 10 may grant the viewer authorization when the experience points reach a threshold. In some embodiments, the hide processing unit 306 may check the authorization based on the viewer's history data. In some embodiments, the history data may be data described in the specification, etc.

[0056] If the user terminal 30 does not have permission to become a hidden viewer ("No" in S304), the hide processing unit 306 may reject the request and terminate the procedure. Furthermore, the hide processing unit 306 may send a message to the requester notifying them that they do not have permission. In some embodiments, the hide processing unit 306 may further send a message to the requester instructing them to access a purchase page or information page.

[0057] If the user terminal 30 has the authority to become a hidden viewer (Yes in S304), the hiding processing unit 306 can set information about the user terminal 30 to be hidden from other viewers and streamers (S306). In some embodiments, the server 10 can set information about the user terminal 30 to be hidden from other viewers and streamers and start providing the user terminal 30 with streaming data for the live stream. In some embodiments, the information about the user terminal 30 may include video, audio, image, or text data of the user terminal 30 or the viewer / user of the user terminal 30. For example, the information may include display images, display IDs, comment messages, text messages, gift messages, animations, video or audio generated by entering the live stream or by gifting, audio or video collected by microphones or cameras, or a combination thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the hidden viewers may refer to viewers who are not noticed by other viewers when entering the live stream or during the live stream. In some embodiments, the hidden viewers may be hidden from some viewers or a specific group of viewers. In some embodiments, the hidden viewers may be visible only to some viewers or a specific group of viewers. In some embodiments, the selected viewers may be chosen by the requester or the hidden viewers. In some embodiments, the selected viewers may be predetermined by the app provider. In some embodiments, the specific group of viewers may be users designated by the requester, the hidden viewers, the streamer, or the app provider. For example, the specific group of viewers may be users included in the requester's, the hidden viewers', or the streamer's friends list, follower list, or following list. Here, “friends” may refer to the function in the app to add users as friends.

[0059] In some embodiments, the audience of a particular group may refer to a combination of the groups described above. For example, the audience of a particular group may further include users included in the friend lists of the requester, hidden viewers, streamers, etc. In some embodiments, the audience of a particular group may further include the friend lists of the follower lists of the requester, hidden viewers, streamers, etc. In some embodiments, the combination of the groups described above may be determined by the requester, hidden viewers, streamers, or the app provider as needed.

[0060] In some embodiments, the audience of a particular group may be classified by several parameters set by the app provider, such as level, experience points, viewing time, usage time, or a combination thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, setting information to be hidden may mean setting the information to be encrypted or concealed so that other viewers can notice that there is a hidden viewer, but cannot determine who that hidden viewer is. For example, the viewer ID of the hidden viewer may be encrypted or converted to a random string. The displayed image of the hidden viewer may be hidden, blocked, or replaced with another random image. In some embodiments, the video of the hidden viewer may be covered with a mosaic or a random image. In some embodiments, the video of the hidden viewer may be covered with a mosaic or a random image.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least the facial features of the hidden viewer in the video may be obscured. In some embodiments, the eyebrows, eyes, ears, nose, lips, or chin of the hidden viewer in the video may be obscured. In some embodiments, the audio of the hidden viewer may be converted to another audio. Here, the video and audio may be, for example, an image and a voice when the hidden viewer turns on their camera and / or microphone, such as when participating in a group call with the streamer.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the hiding unit 306 can also receive operations from other users, such as the hidden viewer. In some embodiments, the hiding unit 306 can receive operations from the hidden viewer, other viewers, streamers, or a combination thereof. If the hiding unit 306 does not receive an operation from a user (No in S308), the hiding unit 306 may remain in standby mode and wait for an operation from the user.

[0064] When the hiding unit 306 receives an operation from the user ("Yes" in S308), the hiding unit 306 can be configured to display at least some of the information (S310). In some embodiments, the hiding unit 306 can be configured to display at least some of the information to at least some of the other viewers and the streamer. In some embodiments, the operation may be performed by the hidden viewer, other viewers, the streamer, the application provider, or a combination thereof. For example, the hidden viewer may send a message during a live stream. In response to a message sent by the hidden viewer, the hiding unit 306 can be configured to display at least some of the message by displaying the message along with a covered display image. In some embodiments, the hiding unit 306 may display the message along with an encrypted viewer ID, etc.

[0065] In some embodiments, the hiding processing unit 306 can further check whether the hidden viewer is satisfied with being hidden (S312). For example, the app provider may offer the hidden viewer a time-limited hiding membership. In such a situation, the hidden viewer may not be satisfied with being hidden when the period expires. In some embodiments, the hidden viewer may not be satisfied with being hidden if all information about the hidden viewer is set to be visible to other viewers and streamers.

[0066] In some embodiments, if the hidden viewer is satisfied with being hidden (yes in S312), the hide processing unit 306 can repeat steps S308, S310, and S312. If the hidden viewer is no longer satisfied with being hidden (no in S312), the hide processing unit 306 can be set to display information about the hidden viewer (S314).

[0067] In some embodiments, the information relating to the hidden viewer may include multiple objects. For example, if the hidden viewer comments to the streamer, the information relating to the hidden viewer may include a viewer image, viewer ID, and message content. If the hidden viewer invites the streamer to a group call, the information relating to the hidden viewer may include video, a frame surrounding the video, and audio. In some embodiments, the hiding processing unit 306 may be configured to display at least one of the objects. For example, the hiding processing unit 306 may be configured to display only the message content. In some embodiments, the hiding processing unit 306 may be configured to display only the frame surrounding the video.

[0068] In some embodiments, if the hidden viewer is content with being hidden, the hiding unit 306 may further receive another action from the hidden viewer. In some embodiments, the hiding unit 306 may further receive an action from the streamer or other viewers. In response to detection of another action from the hidden viewer, the hiding unit 306 may further be configured to display at least some information. More specifically, the hiding unit 306 may be configured to display at least one hidden object. For example, the hidden viewer may type the message "Do you remember me?" during a live stream. The hiding unit 306 may display the content of that message. If the streamer does not know the hidden viewer, the hiding unit 306 may further be configured to display the viewer's image to the streamer in response to another action from the hidden viewer. In some embodiments, the other action may be tapping, clicking, or touching an object on the user's device, instructing the hiding unit 306 to discover more information.

[0069] In some embodiments, a hidden viewer may be considered to be in hidden mode when they are hidden. In some embodiments, hidden mode may have no time limit and may be terminated in response to a request from the hidden viewer, streamer, or other viewer. In some embodiments, the duration of hidden mode may be limited to a time, such as one hour, one day, one week, or a specific period of time. In some embodiments, a time-limited hidden mode may be extended by actions such as gifting, donating, or purchasing.

[0070] In some embodiments, the server 10 may provide a hiding item to make the hidden viewer visible. In some embodiments, the server 10 may provide another item to prevent the viewer from being made visible by the hiding item.

[0071] In some embodiments, the server 10 may provide a level system for hidden content, as shown on object 602 in Figure 5. Viewers can upgrade their level through comments, gifts, donations, purchases, etc. In some embodiments, higher-level hidden viewers may be able to notice and be aware of lower-level hidden viewers; that is, lower-level hidden viewers may be visible to higher-level hidden viewers. In some embodiments, features and characteristics may be designed according to actual needs.

[0072] In some embodiments, the streamer can set criteria for which viewers are displayed. These criteria may be determined by the degree of engagement between the streamer and the viewer. For example, when the hide processing unit 306 receives a request to enter the streamer's live stream, the hide processing unit 306 refers to log data (not shown) and obtains the length of time the requester has previously watched the streamer's broadcasts (hereinafter, "viewing time"). The hide processing unit 306 compares the viewing time to a threshold. If the viewing time is equal to or greater than the threshold, the hide processing unit 306 decides that the requester enters the live stream as a hidden user. If the viewing time is less than the threshold, the hide processing unit 306 decides that the requester enters the live stream as a standard or visible user. This allows the streamer to hide old viewers or viewers the streamer knows well, and to display new viewers to the streamer. During the live stream, hidden users are invisible to visible users, allowing "new" viewers to interact more with the streamer without being interrupted by older viewers, while older viewers can still participate in the streamer's live streams.

[0073] Refer to Figure 12. An exemplary hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 based on certain embodiments of the present disclosure is described below. Figure 12 is an exemplary hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 based on certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The information processing device 900 in Figure 12 is configured, for example, to realize the server 10 and the user terminals 20 and 30, respectively, based on certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] The information processing device 900 includes a CPU 901, read-only memory (ROM) 903, and random access memory (RAM) 905. Furthermore, the information processing device 900 may also include a host bus 907, a bridge 909, an external bus 911, an interface 913, an input unit 915, an output unit 917, a storage unit 919, a drive 921, a connection port 925, and a communication unit 929. The information processing device 900 may also include an imaging device such as a camera (not shown). The information processing device 900 may include, in place of or in addition to, a processing circuit such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0075] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, and controls the overall operation or a part of the operation of the information processing unit 900 according to various programs recorded in the RAM 905, storage unit 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 the user terminals 20 and 30 in the above-described embodiment. The ROM 903 stores programs used by the CPU 901, operation parameters, etc. The RAM 905 transiently stores programs used when the CPU 901 is executed, and parameters that change as appropriate when executing such programs. The CPU 901, ROM 903, and RAM 905 are connected to each other via a host bus 907, which is composed of internal buses such as a CPU bus. The host bus 907 is connected to an external bus 911, such as a peripheral component interconnect / interface (PCI) bus, via a bridge 909.

[0076] The input unit 915 is a device operated by the user, such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, button, switch, or lever. The input unit 915 may also be a device that converts physical quantities into electrical signals, such as an audio sensor (microphone, etc.), acceleration sensor, tilt sensor, infrared sensor, depth sensor, temperature sensor, or humidity sensor. The input unit 915 may also be a remote control device that uses infrared rays or other types of radio waves. Alternatively, the input unit 915 may be an external connection terminal 927, such as a mobile phone, that is compatible with the operation of the information processing device 900. The input unit 915 includes an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input from the user and outputs the generated input signal to the CPU 901. The user inputs various data and gives instructions to the information processing device 900 for processing operations by operating the input unit 915.

[0077] The output unit 917 includes a device that can visually or audibly notify the user of the acquired information. The output unit 917 may be, for example, a display device such as an LCD, PDP, or OLED, an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones, or a printer. The output unit 917 outputs the results obtained by the processing performed by the information processing device 900 in the form of text, images or other visual content, or audio or other sound.

[0078] The storage unit 919 is a data storage device and is an example of a storage unit of the information processing device 900. The storage unit 919 includes, for example, magnetic storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), semiconductor storage devices, optical storage devices, magneto-optical storage devices, etc. The storage unit 919 stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 901, as well as various data acquired from external sources.

[0079] The drive 921 is a reader / writer for removable recording media 923 such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and semiconductor memory, and is built into or attached 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.

[0080] The connection port 925 is a port used to directly connect equipment to the information processing device 900. The connection port 925 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, an IEEE 1394 port, or a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) port. The connection port 925 may also be an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface®) port, etc. By connecting an external connection terminal 927 to the connection port 925, various types of data can be exchanged between the information processing device 900 and the external connection terminal 927.

[0081] The communication unit 929 is, for example, a communication interface that includes a communication device for connecting to a communication network NW. The communication unit 929 may also be, for example, a communication card for a wired or wireless local area network (LAN), Bluetooth®, or wireless USB (WUSB).

[0082] The communication unit 929 may be, for example, a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line), or a modem for various types of communication. For example, the communication unit 929 uses a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP to send and receive signals over the Internet or to other communication devices. The communication network NW to which the communication unit 929 is connected is a network established by a wired or wireless connection. The communication network NW may be, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio communication, or satellite communication.

[0083] The imaging device (not shown) is a device that captures real space and generates an image using an image sensor such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) and various components such as a lens for controlling the imaging of a subject on the image sensor. The imaging device may capture still images or moving images.

[0084] The live streaming system 1 of this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments. The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only. Rather, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various combinations and modifications of the components and processes of the embodiments can be made, and these are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0085] The processes described herein, particularly those described using flowcharts, may be modified by omitting some of the processes, adding processes not explicitly included in the processes, and / or rearranging the order of the processes. Such modifications, including omissions, additions, and rearrangements, are still included within the scope of this disclosure, provided they do not deviate from the essence of this disclosure.

[0086] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the functions performed by the server 10 may be performed by an entity other than the server 10, for example, by the user terminal 20 or 30. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the functions performed by the user terminal 20 or 30 may be performed by an entity other than the user terminal 20 or 30, for example, by the server 10. In some embodiments, the rendering of frame images may be performed by the user terminal, such as a viewer, server, or streamer.

[0087] Furthermore, the system or method described in the above embodiments may be provided on a non-transient computer-readable storage device such as a solid-state memory device, optical disk memory device, or magnetic disk memory device. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from a server via the Internet.

[0088] While the technical content and features of this disclosure have been described above, any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make many further modifications and alterations without departing from the teachings and disclosures of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments already disclosed, but is also included in the scope of any subsequent claims, including other modifications and alterations that do not depart from this disclosure.

[0089] (Another embodiment) When a user launches a live streaming application program (hereinafter referred to as a live streaming app) on their device, a list of currently running live streams is usually displayed. The user selects a desired live stream from the list. However, the information provided for each live stream in the list is limited to the streamer's ID and genre, making it difficult to know what kind of conversation is actually taking place in the live stream. While it might be possible to actually join a live stream to find out what the conversation is about, in this case, the streamer is notified of the user's entry, and often greets the user with something like, "Welcome, ~-san." Even if the user later discovers that the conversation in the live stream is about a topic they are not interested in, they are hesitant to stop watching immediately after being greeted. Streamers try to communicate with viewers who have joined as part of their hospitality, but this only exacerbates the situation where viewers are reluctant to leave the live stream. As a result, users may feel that they cannot tell from the list whether a live stream is of interest to them, and even if they try joining and find it uninteresting, it is difficult to leave, which could lead them to simply not watch live streams at all.

[0090] In this embodiment, when a viewer selects a live stream, instead of immediately allowing the viewer to enter the live stream, the system first allows the viewer to view the live stream in preview mode. In preview mode, the viewer can watch the live stream without notifying the broadcaster or other viewers of their entry. Viewers can understand the content of the conversation in the live stream in preview mode, and if they are interested, they can enter the stream. If they are not interested, they can leave without notifying the broadcaster or other viewers. This allows viewers to know the content of the conversation before entering the live stream and decide whether or not to enter the live stream based on the detailed conversation. Also, if a viewer leaves after watching in preview mode, the broadcaster is not notified of their departure, thus reducing unnecessary departure notifications. As a result, the broadcaster's motivation to conduct live streams can be reduced.

[0091] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processing steps on a viewer's user terminal according to another embodiment. When a viewer taps the live streaming app icon on their user terminal, the user terminal launches the live streaming app (S902). The user terminal displays the live streaming selection screen on its display (S904).

[0092] Figure 14 is a representative screen view of the live streaming selection screen 600 displayed on the user terminal's display in step S904. The live streaming selection screen 600 includes thumbnails 602 representing each live stream in the list of currently viewable live streams received from the server. The thumbnails 602 consist of an image of the broadcaster, etc., and display the broadcaster's ID and the genre of the live stream.

[0093] The user terminal waits for detection of a tap on the thumbnail 602 displayed on the live streaming selection screen 600 (S906). If such a tap is detected (Y in S906), the user terminal displays the live streaming room screen in preview mode on the display (S908).

[0094] Figure 15 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 608 in preview mode, which is displayed on the user terminal's screen in step S908. The live streaming room screen 608 displays video generated on the broadcaster's user terminal in real time. The user terminal also outputs audio acquired on the broadcaster's user terminal in real time. The server relays this video and audio. That is, the server acquires video and audio data from the broadcaster's user terminal via the network and transmits video and audio data to the viewer's user terminal via the network. In this case, in preview mode immediately after a viewer selects a thumbnail, the server is configured not to notify the broadcaster or other viewers of information about that viewer. For example, the presence or absence of a viewer in preview mode does not affect the supplementary information (such as comments or viewer list) of the live stream in question. Alternatively, the server may manage viewers in preview mode in a different manner than other viewers. For example, viewers in preview mode may be managed using a different list than the viewer list in which other viewers are registered, or a flag indicating that a viewer is in preview mode may be assigned to viewers in the viewer list. If the server is requested by the broadcaster to provide a list of viewers, the server may remove viewers with the relevant flag set from the list provided.

[0095] The preview mode live streaming room screen 608 includes a video of the streamer 610 obtained by playing video data received from the server, a gift object 612, a comment input area 616, a comment display area 618, a viewing end button 620, and a preview frame 622. The preview frame 622 indicates that the live stream is being viewed in preview mode. The preview frame 622 is an object added to distinguish the normal mode live streaming room screen from the preview mode live streaming room screen, which will be described later. The presence of this preview frame 622 means that the normal mode live streaming room screen and the preview mode live streaming room screen are displayed in different ways.

[0096] In preview mode, viewer input of information is restricted. Even if the user terminal detects a tap on the gift object 612 displayed on the live streaming room screen 608, it will not provide gift-related functions and will instead display the entry inquiry pop-up described below. Similarly, even if the user terminal detects a tap on the comment input area 616 displayed on the live streaming room screen 608, it will not provide comment input functions and will instead display the entry inquiry pop-up described below. However, if a tap on the end-viewing button 620 is detected, the user terminal will stop displaying the live streaming room screen 608.

[0097] The user terminal waits for detection of a tap anywhere on the live streaming room screen 608 in preview mode, excluding the end-viewing button 620 (S910). If such a tap is detected (Y in S910), the user terminal displays an entry inquiry popup 624 to ask the viewer whether or not to enter the live stream (S912).

[0098] Figure 16 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 608, where the entry inquiry popup 624 is superimposed in step S912. The viewer selects their desired option from the "Yes" (i.e., enter the room) and "Leave the stream" options displayed in the entry inquiry popup 624 by tapping. When "Leave the stream," i.e., exit, is selected, the user terminal performs the exit process (S914). Specifically, the user terminal transitions the display from the live streaming room screen 608 in Figure 16 to the live streaming selection screen 600 in Figure 14. When "Yes," i.e., enter the room, is selected, the user terminal transitions the display from the live streaming room screen in preview mode to the live streaming room screen in normal mode (S916).

[0099] Figure 17 is a representative screen view of the live streaming room screen 630 in normal mode, which is displayed on the user terminal's display in step S916. The screen configuration of the live streaming room screen 630 in normal mode is the same as the screen configuration of the live streaming room screen 608 in preview mode shown in Figure 15, except for the presence or absence of the preview frame 622. The live streaming room screen 630 in normal mode does not have a preview frame 622.

[0100] The comment display area 618 may include comments entered by viewers and notifications from the system. Notifications from the system include information indicating who sent which gifts to the broadcaster and entry notifications indicating information about newly entered viewers. In Figure 17, an entry notification 632 is displayed that includes the ID of the viewer who selected to enter the room in the entry inquiry popup 624 of Figure 16. This entry notification 632 is also displayed on the broadcaster's user terminal and the user terminals of other viewers, so they can be aware of the viewer's entry. The entry notification 632 is not generated when a viewer taps the live stream thumbnail and views the live stream room screen 608 in preview mode, but is only generated and displayed when the viewer selects to enter the room in the entry inquiry popup 624.

[0101] The comment input area 616 accepts comments from viewers. The user terminal generates a comment input signal containing the comment entered in the comment input area 616 and sends it to the server via the network. At the same time, the user terminal updates the comment display area 618 to display the comment entered in the comment input area 616.

[0102] The gift object 612 allows viewers to send gifts to the streamer. When the user's device detects a tap on the gift object 612, it overlays a list of available gifts onto the live streaming room screen 630.

[0103] According to this embodiment, viewers can watch the live stream in an invisible state to the broadcaster and other viewers, allowing them to check the ongoing topic in the live stream before entering and decide whether or not to enter based on that content. As a result, the mismatch between the content of the live stream and the viewer's preferences can be reduced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Live Streaming System 10 servers 20 User Terminals 100 Streaming Units 102 Video Control Unit 104 Audio Control Unit 106 distribution units 108 UI Control Unit 200 viewing units 202 UI Control Unit 204 rendering units 206 Input / Transmission Unit 30, 30a, 30b User terminals 302 Streaming Information Unit 304 Relay Unit 306 Hidden Processing Unit 308 Stream DB 310 User DB 600 screens 602 Status Object 604 Comment Object 606 Gift Objects 608 Message Area 610 screen 612 objects 614 Comment Objects 616 Hidden Objects 618 Message Area 632 frames 634 images 636 Audio 638 objects 652 Sub-screen 654 viewer data 656 Viewer ID 658 buttons 900 Information Processing Equipment 901 CPU 903 Read-only memory (ROM) 905 Random Access Memory (RAM) 907 Host Bus 909 Bridge 911 External bus 913 Interface 915 Input Unit 917 Output Unit 919 Storage Units 921 Drive 923 Removable recording media 925 connection ports 927 External connection terminal 929 Communication Unit AU1, AU2 viewers LV Streamer M Message Mim's post image Mc Content Mw Message NW Network VD, VD1, VD2 video

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for handling streaming data for live streaming, The process of obtaining a request to enter the live stream as a hidden viewer, In response to receiving the aforementioned request, the process includes: starting to provide the streaming data for the live streaming to the first user terminal of the first viewer, and setting information about the first viewer so that it is not visible to other viewers and the streamer; The process includes: in response to the detection of a first action by the first viewer in the live stream, setting up so that at least a portion of the information is visible to the other viewers and at least a portion of the streamer; A method for handling streaming data, characterized in that the first operation includes sending a comment and sending a gift.

Images