Evaluation information processing device, control method for information processing device, and control program

Abstract

To suppress excessive influence of separate evaluation by some of evaluators on overall evaluation.SOLUTION: An evaluation information processing device (for example, a server 4) includes identifying means (for example, an identifying unit 83) for identifying a real number (for example, an account number, a number of mobile terminals, and a real number) of users who perform an evaluation action (for example, an input of a score, a coin-tossing input) that gives an individual evaluation degree (for example, a score) to an evaluation target, and adjustment means (for example, an adjustment unit 84) for adjusting an overall evaluation degree (for example, an evaluation total score) obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation degrees given to the evaluation target so that the total evaluation degree changes when the real number identified by the identifying means changes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for deriving a comprehensive evaluation by integrating individual evaluations for an evaluation target.

Background Art

[0002] A voting method is known in which a plurality of voters each vote for at least one of a plurality of candidate songs within their respective point holding ranges, and a candidate song with a high score is selected based on the accumulated number of voted points. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a voting method that allows free voters who hold normally granted points for free and paid voters who hold additionally granted premium points to vote within their respective point holding ranges.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the voting method described in Patent Document 1, the voting behavior of paid voters who hold premium points tends to greatly affect the final number of voted points. Therefore, the inconvenience that the superiority or inferiority of candidate songs based on the final number of voted points is determined by mass voting by some paid voters is likely to occur.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to suppress the excessive influence that individual evaluations by some evaluators may exert on the comprehensive evaluation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problem, the present invention adjusts the comprehensive evaluation for an evaluation target according to the actual number of evaluators who have made individual evaluations for the evaluation target. The present invention at least includes each of the following aspects.

[0007] [A] An evaluation information processing device comprising: identification means for identifying the actual number of users who have performed an evaluation action that assigns an individual evaluation score to an evaluation target; and adjustment means for adjusting an overall evaluation score obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation scores assigned to the evaluation target so that the overall evaluation score changes when the actual number identified by the identification means changes.

[0008] [B] A control method for an information processing device, comprising: an identification step of identifying the actual number of users who performed an evaluation action of assigning an individual evaluation score to an evaluation target; and an adjustment step of adjusting the overall evaluation score obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation scores assigned to the evaluation target so that the overall evaluation score changes when the actual number identified in the identification step changes.

[0009] [C] A control program that enables the computer of an information processing device to implement a specific function that identifies the actual number of users who have performed an evaluation action that assigns an individual evaluation score to an evaluation target, and an adjustment function that adjusts the overall evaluation score obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation scores assigned to the evaluation target so that the overall evaluation score changes when the actual number identified by the specific function changes.

[0010] [D] A recording medium that non-temporarily records a control program that causes the computer of an information processing device to implement a specific function that identifies the actual number of users who have performed an evaluation action that assigns an individual evaluation score to an evaluation target, and an adjustment function that adjusts the overall evaluation score obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation scores assigned to the evaluation target so that the overall evaluation score changes when the actual number identified by the specific function changes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the excessive influence that individual evaluations by some evaluators may have on the overall evaluation can be suppressed.

[0012] (1) The following technical limitations may be added to the "information processing device" in [A] above. Similar technical limitations may also be added to the "control method" in [B] above, the "control program" in [C] above, and the control program recorded in the "recording medium" in [D] above, respectively.

[0013] (2) The adjustment means adjusts the overall evaluation score so that it increases as the actual number identified by the identification means increases. As a result, the overall evaluation score will be higher the more actual users who have made individual evaluations, thus preventing excessive influence from individual evaluations by a few evaluators.

[0014] (3) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who performed the evaluation action during the live stream of the subject being evaluated. If the overall evaluation score is adjusted based on this actual number, evaluation actions during the live stream will be encouraged.

[0015] (4) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who performed a second evaluation action, which has fewer restrictions on evaluation compared to the first evaluation action. If the overall evaluation score is adjusted based on this actual number, the repetition of the second evaluation action will be promoted.

[0016] (5) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who performed the second evaluation behavior, which has less restrictive limitations on the number of evaluations compared to the first evaluation behavior. By adjusting the overall evaluation score based on this actual number, the excessive influence of the second evaluation behavior, which is more likely to be repeated, can be suppressed.

[0017] (6) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who performed the second evaluation action using the second element, which has less restrictive limitations on the number of items that can be obtained compared to the first element used in the first evaluation action. By adjusting the overall evaluation score based on this actual number, the excessive influence of the second evaluation action, which is prone to being repeated, can be suppressed.

[0018] (7) The identifying means identifies the actual number of users who performed the second evaluation action using the second element, which has a higher acquisition cost compared to the first element. If the overall evaluation score is adjusted based on this actual number, excessive repetition of the second evaluation action can be deterred.

[0019] (8) The identifying means identifies the actual number of users who have performed the evaluation action, which can be performed using electronic information available in exchange for a fee. If the overall evaluation score is adjusted based on this actual number, excessive repetition of the evaluation action can be deterred.

[0020] (9) The identifying means identifies the actual number of users who have performed the evaluation action using electronic information with a specified expiration date. If the overall evaluation score is adjusted based on this actual number, excessive repetition of the evaluation action can be deterred.

[0021] (10) The identifying means identifies the number of terminals used in the evaluation behavior as the actual number. By adjusting the overall evaluation score based on this actual number, the influence of repeated evaluation behavior by some evaluators can be suppressed.

[0022] (11) The identification means identifies the actual number of users who performed the evaluation action as the actual number. By adjusting the overall evaluation score based on this actual number, the influence of repeated evaluation actions by a few evaluators can be suppressed.

[0023] In this specification, the following terms are used:

[0024] (1) The "evaluation target" may include an object that can be perceived by at least one of the five senses (particularly, sight and hearing). The object may include living things and non-living things. The object may include a performance based on physical actions (e.g., producing a voice, moving the body) that can be perceived by at least one of sight and hearing, and a performer who performs the performance. In addition, the object may include digital information that can be reproduced on an information processing terminal, and participants involved in the digital information. The digital information includes at least one of video information and audio information. The digital information includes, for example, online distribution (e.g., live distribution, non-live distribution) and digital content. The online distribution includes, for example, performance videos including video and audio of a performance by a performer. The performance includes, for example, singing at karaoke. The participants involved in the digital information include, for example, participants involved in the above online distribution (e.g., distributors, performers) and participants involved in the above digital content (e.g., producers, performers).

[0025] (2) "Evaluation" refers to determining values such as good or bad, beautiful or ugly, superior or inferior for an evaluation target. The determined values may include both positive values and negative values. The determined values may be limited to positive values.

[0026] (3) "Individual evaluation" refers to evaluation by one person. The method of "individual evaluation" includes, for example, alternative selection of whether to affirm (negate), alternative selection of affirmation or negation, input of the degree of evaluation (e.g., level, score), and the like. The criteria for "individual evaluation" may be arbitrary, or may be explicitly specified in advance. The degree of evaluation input by "individual evaluation" is particularly referred to as "individual evaluation degree".

[0027] (4) "Overall evaluation" refers to an evaluation obtained by aggregating multiple individual evaluations. The aggregation method for "overall evaluation" may include the calculation of cumulative values ​​and the identification of representative values. When calculating cumulative values, weights may be set for at least one of the individual evaluations according to some criteria. Representative values ​​include, for example, the mean and the median. The degree of evaluation obtained by aggregating the individual evaluation scores is specifically called the "overall evaluation score".

[0028] (5) “Evaluator” means the subject of individual evaluation. “Evaluator” includes, for example, audience members of a performance, viewers of an online broadcast, and viewers of digital content. “Evaluator” perceives the subject of evaluation using at least one of the five senses and makes an individual evaluation of the subject. “Evaluator” perceives the object of evaluation visually, aurally, or audiovisually and makes an individual evaluation of the subject.

[0029] (6) “Evaluation behavior” refers to the behavior by which an evaluator associates their individual evaluation with the subject of evaluation. “Evaluation behavior” may be an offline behavior or an online behavior. Online evaluation behavior includes, for example, operations using an information processing terminal (evaluation operation). The information processing terminal may be a terminal owned by the evaluator or a terminal used for evaluation operations by multiple evaluators. An evaluation operation may be a specification operation in which a single element (display element) displayed on the screen of the information processing terminal is specified, or a selection operation in which one of several elements (display elements) displayed on the screen of the information processing terminal is selected.

[0030] (7) “Evaluation behavior” can be divided into “first evaluation behavior” and “second evaluation behavior.” “First evaluation behavior” and “second evaluation behavior” may be divided, for example, based on the degree of restrictions on evaluation, or according to the indicator elements used in evaluation. For example, “first evaluation behavior” may be divided into “first evaluation behavior” where restrictions on evaluation are relatively strict and “second evaluation behavior” where such restrictions are relatively lenient. Alternatively, for example, “first evaluation behavior” may be divided into “first element” where restrictions on access are relatively strict and “second evaluation behavior” where “second element” where such restrictions are relatively lenient. Restrictions on evaluation include, for example, an upper limit on the number of individual evaluations a single evaluator can give to a single evaluation subject, and an upper limit on the cumulative value of individual evaluation scores that a single evaluator can assign to a single evaluation subject.

[0031] (8) The “first element” and the “second element” may be distinguished, for example, based on the degree of restrictions on acquisition. For example, they may be distinguished as the “first element” where the restrictions on acquisition are relatively strict and the “second element” where such restrictions are relatively lenient. Restrictions on acquisition include, for example, an upper limit on the number of items that can be acquired per acquisition procedure, an upper limit on the total number of items that can be acquired, and an upper limit on the number of items that can be held.

[0032] (9) "Actual number" means the actual number. An actual number is, for example, a number obtained by removing as many duplicates as possible from an apparent number. "Actual number of users who performed evaluation actions" includes, for example, the actual number or approximate number of user accounts that were the subject of the evaluation actions, the actual number or approximate number of terminals used for individual evaluations, and the actual number or approximate number of evaluators who performed individual evaluations.

[0033] (10) When adjusting the overall rating score to change as the actual number of users who performed evaluation actions changes, the manner of adjustment includes at least the manner in which the overall rating score increases when the actual number increases, and the manner in which the overall rating score decreases when the actual number decreases. It may also include the manner in which the overall rating score increases when the actual number of users who performed positive evaluation actions increases, and the overall rating score decreases when the actual number of users who performed negative evaluation actions increases.

[0034] (11) “Electronic information” is information that can embody, for example, monetary value, rights, qualifications, status, position, etc. “Electronic information” can be obtained, for example, in exchange for consideration. “Electronic information” may have an expiration date set. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of an example karaoke system configuration. (Example) [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a server. (Example) [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a mobile device. (Example) [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the screen display on a mobile device during the procedure for shooting a singing video. (Example of implementation) [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how a mobile device screen will appear during the process of viewing a singing video. (Example) [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how the screen of a viewer's mobile device might appear during a competitive singing performance. (Example of Implementation) [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the division of a song into regions used in competitive singing. (Example) [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how the screen of a viewer's mobile device might appear during a competitive singing performance. (Example of Implementation) [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of the screen display example for the procedure of selecting a tipping effect image. (Example) [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram of a singing video with a tipping effect image superimposed. (Example) [Figure 11] This is a functional block diagram related to the competitive singing function. (Example) [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the competitive singing process. (Example) [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the evaluation request process. (Example) [Figure 14] This is a functional block diagram related to the evaluation function. (Example) [Figure 15] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the evaluation derivation process. (Example) [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] [1. Embodiments] [1-1. Overview] This embodiment relates to a mechanism for deriving an overall evaluation by combining individual evaluations of an evaluation target by multiple evaluators. The evaluation information processing device according to this embodiment is configured to adjust the overall evaluation for a given evaluation target according to the actual number of evaluators who have performed individual evaluations on that target, in order to suppress the excessive influence that individual evaluations by some evaluators may have on the overall evaluation.

[0037] [1-2. Evaluation Information Processing Device] The evaluation information processing device according to the embodiment (for example, server 4) includes identification means (for example, identification unit 83) for identifying the actual number of users who have performed an evaluation action to assign an individual evaluation score to an evaluation target, and adjustment means (for example, adjustment unit 84) for adjusting the overall evaluation score obtained by accumulating the individual evaluation scores assigned to the evaluation target so that the overall evaluation score changes when the actual number identified by the identification means changes.

[0038] The above adjustment means is preferably adjusted such that the overall evaluation score increases when the actual number of users identified by the above identification means increases. Specifically, the above adjustment means may adjust the overall evaluation score using formulas such as those shown in [Formula 1], [Formula 2], and [Formula 3]. This can induce users to take evaluation actions.

[0039] [Mathematics 1] Overall rating = Cumulative rating × {1 + (weight w1 × actual number of users)} (However, w1 > 0)

[0040] [Math 2] Overall rating = (weight w21 × cumulative rating) + (weight w22 × actual number of users) (However, w21 > 0 and w22 > 0)

[0041] [Math 3] Overall rating = (weight w31 × cumulative rating) × (weight w32 × actual number of users) (However, w31 > 0 and w32 > 0)

[0042] The above identification means preferably involves identifying the actual number of users who performed the evaluation action during the live stream of the subject being evaluated. This makes it possible to encourage users who are watching the live stream to perform the evaluation action while watching.

[0043] The above identification method preferably involves identifying the actual number of users who performed a second evaluation behavior, which has fewer restrictions on evaluation compared to the first evaluation behavior. This makes it possible to induce users to perform the second evaluation behavior. [Examples]

[0044] [2. Examples] [2-1. Overview of Examples] [2-1-1. Overview of the evaluation function] This embodiment relates to an evaluation function that derives a total evaluation score ("overall evaluation score") for a live stream ("evaluation target") by combining the points ("individual evaluation score") assigned by viewers ("evaluators") who watch the live stream while watching the stream. In this embodiment, the evaluation function is implemented in a karaoke system that provides a karaoke service (hereinafter referred to as "the service of the embodiment").

[0045] In the service described in this example, when a viewer performs an evaluation operation targeting display elements shown on the viewing screen while watching a live stream of a singing video or a competitive singing video, points corresponding to those display elements are awarded to the live stream. As the cumulative number of awarded points (cumulative score) increases, the total evaluation score increases. The superiority or ranking of multiple live streams is determined by the magnitude of the total evaluation score. The following mainly describes the case in which an overall evaluation is derived by combining individual evaluations made by viewer users during a live stream of a competitive singing video to determine superiority or inferiority.

[0046] [2-1-2. Key Features Regarding Display Elements] The display elements consist of a first element (corresponding to "operation icon 58A" in the following explanation) and a second element (corresponding to "tipping effect image" in the following explanation). Both the first and second elements may have multiple variations, each differing in at least one of their corresponding points or on-screen appearance. Comparing the first and second elements, there may be differences, for example, in acquisition restrictions, acquisition costs, usage restrictions, and corresponding functions (effects that are activated).

[0047] (1) Differences in restrictions on availability Compared to the first element, the second element has fewer restrictions on acquisition. These restrictions include, for example, an upper limit on the number of items that can be acquired per acquisition procedure, an upper limit on the total number of items acquired, and an upper limit on the number of items that can be held. In this respect, the second element is more easily acquired in bulk and held in large quantities.

[0048] (2) Differences in acquisition costs Compared to the first element, the second element has a higher acquisition cost. In the service of this embodiment, the first element is free to acquire, while the second element is paid for. Specifically, the first element can be obtained automatically (i.e., passively) at predetermined times before or during viewing the live stream. On the other hand, the second element can be obtained at any time before or during viewing the live stream for a fee. It can be obtained through direct or indirect exchange for (monetary value) (i.e., actively). In this respect, there is a certain deterrent against the large-scale acquisition of the second element.

[0049] (3) Differences in restrictions on use Compared to the first element, the second element has fewer restrictions on the number of times it can be used. In this embodiment, users of the service perform an evaluation operation on one of the display elements they have acquired while watching a live stream. In the following description, the maximum number of times the first evaluation operation using the first element (corresponding to "score input" in the following description) can be performed is once per stream, while the maximum number of times the second evaluation operation using the second element (corresponding to "tip input" in the following description) can be performed is unlimited. In other words, the upper limit on the number of evaluations performed by the second evaluation operation (an example of "restrictions on evaluation") is less restrictive compared to the first evaluation operation. In this respect, the second evaluation operation is more likely to be repeated.

[0050] (4) Differences in supported functions When a first evaluation operation targeting the first element is performed, the first effect is executed on the screen. On the other hand, when a second evaluation operation targeting the second element is performed, the second effect is executed on the screen. Compared to the first effect, the second effect is visually or audibly more flashy (richer). Visually flashy means that the displayed content is made to stand out directly, for example, by having a large display area for the visual information, a long display time for the visual information, a large number of colors used in the visual information, a lot of decorative visual information, large movement in the visual information, or a long duration for the visual information to move. Audibly flashy means that the displayed content is made to stand out indirectly, for example, by having auditory information played, a long playback time for the auditory information, or a loud playback volume for the auditory information. These effects may be performed individually or in combination.

[0051] [2-1-3. Key Features of the Evaluation Function] In this embodiment of the service, the total evaluation score is adjusted according to the number of user accounts that performed the second evaluation operation. Specifically, the total evaluation score is adjusted by the formula shown in [Equation 4]. Due to this feature, in this embodiment of the service, the magnitude of the cumulative score, which is a simple cumulative value of the points awarded by the second evaluation operation, may not match the magnitude of the total evaluation score. In other words, even if you are at a disadvantage in terms of cumulative score, you can reverse the situation in terms of total evaluation score depending on the number of user accounts that performed the second evaluation operation.

[0052] [Math 4] Total evaluation score = Cumulative score × {1 + (weight w4 × number of accounts)} (However, w4 > 0)

[0053] [2-2. Details of the Examples] [2-2-1. Karaoke System Configuration] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example configuration of karaoke system 1. As illustrated in Figure 1, karaoke system 1 is composed of a communication line 2, multiple mobile terminals 3 (mobile terminal 3A1, mobile terminal 3A2, mobile terminal 3B), and a server 4.

[0054] Communication line 2 forms a computer network and is, for example, a wide-area communication line provided by an electric power company.

[0055] The mobile terminal 3 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer, and is used by the user to access the services of the embodiment. The mobile terminal 3 includes a touch panel display 3a for displaying images, a speaker 3b for outputting sound, a microphone 3c for receiving sound input, a camera 3d for photographing subjects, and an earphone jack 3e to which earphones (not shown) are connected. Here, "photography" refers to the state in which the camera 3d is functioning and the subject is displayed on the touch panel display 3a, regardless of whether recording is being made or not. The touch panel display 3a includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch sensor. The LCD displays various images, and the touch sensor accepts various input operations performed using an indicator such as a finger, stylus, or pen. In the following description, the touch panel display 3a will also be referred to as the screen 3a.

[0056] Server 4 is an information processing device that provides the service described in the embodiment to the mobile terminal 3 via the communication line 2. Note that a server system may be configured by linking multiple information processing devices, and the multiple functions of Server 4 may be divided among multiple information processing devices, or the load on Server 4 may be distributed among multiple information processing devices. Furthermore, the management entity for some information processing devices and the management entity for other information processing devices may differ.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 1, the singing user uploads their singing video (singing video data) to the video sharing site by sending it from their mobile device 3A to the server 4. Meanwhile, the viewing user accesses the video sharing site using their mobile device 3B and watches the singing video. The singing user can also view the singing video they uploaded by accessing the video sharing site using their mobile device 3A. Furthermore, the user of mobile device 3B can also become the singing user and upload their own singing video to the video sharing site.

[0058] [2-2-2. Electrical Configuration of the Server] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of server 4. As illustrated in Figure 2, server 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, which is the main control unit that manages the operation of the entire server 4; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 in which various programs and data are pre-stored; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24 used as a work area when various programs are executed by the CPU 20; and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 26 as a storage means for storing various programs and data.

[0059] The HDD26 stores singing video data transmitted from the mobile terminal 3A, i.e., singing video data uploaded to video sharing sites, as well as song data indicating songs that the singing user can sing. The storage means is not limited to the HDD26; other storage media such as semiconductor memory like flash memory may also be used.

[0060] Furthermore, the server 4 includes an input unit 28 consisting of a keyboard and mouse, etc., which accepts input for various operations; a monitor 30 such as a liquid crystal display device that displays various images; and an external interface 32 that is connected to other information processing terminals such as a mobile terminal 3 via a communication line 2 and transmits and receives various data with other information processing terminals.

[0061] The CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, HDD 26, operation input unit 28, monitor 30, and external interface 32 are electrically connected to each other via the system bus 34. Therefore, the CPU 20 can access the ROM 22, RAM 24, and HDD 26, understand the operation status of the operation input unit 28, display images on the monitor 30, and send and receive various data with other information processing devices via the external interface 32.

[0062] [2-2-3. Electrical Configuration of Mobile Devices] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 3. As illustrated in Figure 3, in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 1, the mobile terminal 3 includes a main control unit 40, a main memory unit 42, an auxiliary memory unit 44, a communication unit 46, and operation buttons 48.

[0063] The main control unit 40 is, for example, a CPU, microprocessor, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 3.

[0064] The main memory unit 42 is composed of, for example, RAM or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the main control unit 40 executes processing based on various programs.

[0065] The auxiliary storage unit 44 is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory, and stores various data such as images and programs used for processing by the main control unit 40. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 44 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the mobile terminal 3, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for email and web browsing, and other various functions. In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 44 has pre-stored application programs (hereinafter referred to as "video posting and viewing apps") for shooting and posting singing videos and viewing videos posted on video posting sites.

[0066] The communication unit 46 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 2. Alternatively, the communication unit 46 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, infrared communication, etc., either in place of or together with the NIC.

[0067] The operation buttons 48 are located on the side of the mobile terminal 3 and include a power button for starting or stopping the mobile terminal 3, and a volume control button for adjusting the sound output by the speaker 3b.

[0068] The main control unit 40, main memory unit 42, auxiliary memory unit 44, communication unit 46, operation buttons 48, touch panel display 3a, speaker 3b, microphone 3c, camera 3d, and earphone terminal 3e are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 49. Therefore, the main control unit 40 can access the main memory unit 42 and auxiliary memory unit 44, display images on the touch panel display 3a, understand the user's operation status of the touch panel display 3a and operation buttons 48, input sound to the microphone 3c, output sound from the speaker 3b or earphones connected to the earphone terminal 3e, control the camera 3d, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 46.

[0069] [2-2-4. Filming of singing videos by singing users] This document explains the procedure for a singing user to record a singing video using mobile device 3A.

[0070] When a singing user records a singing video, they launch a video posting and viewing app on their mobile device 3A. When the video posting and viewing app is launched, the mobile device 3A accesses server 4, which stores multiple song data files. The singing user then selects a song to sing from the video posting and viewing app and downloads the song data from server 4 to the mobile device 3A. The singing user then uses the video posting and viewing app to play the song at any time and sing. The video posting and viewing app starts playing the song and simultaneously starts recording the video using camera 3d. In other words, the singing video is a video recorded by the mobile device 3A while the song is playing from the mobile device 3A.

[0071] Furthermore, the song data is associated with the lyrics data, and when the song data is downloaded from server 4 to mobile device 3A, the associated lyrics data is also downloaded to mobile device 3A. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the song data includes the lyrics data.

[0072] Figure 4 shows an example of the display state on screen 3a of the mobile device 3A during the shooting procedure for a singing video (hereinafter referred to as "screen display").

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, screen 3a is divided into a lyrics display area 50A and a captured image display area 50B. The lyrics display area 50A includes a lyrics image 52 showing the lyrics of the song the user is singing, a pitch image 54 showing the pitch of the song, and a progress bar 56 showing the progress of the capture.

[0074] The lyrics image 52 and the pitch image 54 are updated according to the progress of the song. In the service of this embodiment, for example, the lyrics image 52 and the pitch image 54 are updated a few phrases at a time and displayed in the lyrics display area 50A. The update timing of the lyrics image 52 and the pitch image 54 may be the same or different.

[0075] As an example, lyric image 52 displays lyrics in multiple lines (two lines in the example in Figure 4), and the color of the lyrics in the upper line changes from left to right in accordance with the progress of the song, so that the singing user can keep track of the lyrics they should be singing at any given time. When the color change of the lyrics in the upper line reaches the right edge, the lyrics in the lower line rise and are displayed in the upper line, and new lyrics are displayed in the lower line, and the color of the lyrics in the upper line changes again from left to right in accordance with the progress of the song.

[0076] In the pitch image 54, for example, multiple pitch bars 54A are displayed in a staircase-like pattern from left to right according to the strength of the pitch. To allow the singing user to understand the pitch of the lyrics they should be singing, the color of the pitch bars 54A changes from left to right as the song progresses, and the pointer 54B moves from left to right. When the color of the pitch bars 54A changes and the pointer 54B reaches the right end, the pitch image 54 indicating the next pitch is updated and displayed.

[0077] The progress bar 56, for example, shows the total length of the song from left to right. When playback of the song begins, the pointer 56A, which indicates the playback position of the song, moves from left to right, and the song ends when pointer 56A reaches the right end. Note that the progress bar 56 that pointer 56A has passed over is displayed thicker than its previous position.

[0078] Recording of the singing video begins after the singing user selects a song and taps the recording start button (not shown) displayed on screen 3a, after a predetermined time interval (for example, 10 seconds). The start and end of the video recording may coincide with the start and end of the song, but is not limited to this; the video recording may start a predetermined time before the start of the song (for example, 5 seconds before) or end a predetermined time after the end of the song (for example, 5 seconds after).

[0079] The singing user connects earphones to the earphone jack 3e and listens to the music being played using the earphones, singing along to the music. The mobile terminal 3A photographs the singing user with the camera 3d and records the singing user's singing with the microphone 3c. In other words, the microphone 3c does not capture the sound of the music being played. The mobile terminal 3A then records the singing user's voice captured by the microphone 3c and uses it as singing data.

[0080] Furthermore, the singing data may be filtered to extract the frequency range of the human voice. This filtering process removes noise originating from the singing user's surrounding environment, resulting in a clearer recording of the user's voice.

[0081] The video posting and viewing app then combines the music data, singing data, and recording data to create singing video data that can be sent to server 4. The user can, for example, choose one of the following two timings for sending the singing video data to server 4, i.e., uploading it to the video posting site.

[0082] One method is live streaming, where the singing user uploads the singing video data to a video sharing site in real time while singing. In live streaming, viewers watch the singing user's performance in real time. The other method is non-live streaming, where the singing user uploads the singing video data to a video sharing site at a time of their choosing after the song has been sung.

[0083] When a singing user is performing a live stream, they should configure the settings for live streaming before recording the singing video, so that the singing video data is uploaded to the video sharing site as soon as the video recording starts. In the case of live streaming, the singing video data may be uploaded to the video sharing site without being stored on the mobile device 3A.

[0084] Furthermore, when conducting a live stream, the singer can set either a first live stream setting, which allows viewers to watch the singing video during the live stream, or a second live stream setting, which allows viewers to watch the singing video even after the live stream has ended. In other words, with the first live stream setting, the singing video data is deleted from server 4 when the live stream ends, and viewers cannot watch the live-streamed singing video after the live stream has ended. On the other hand, with the second live stream setting, server 4 continues to store the singing video data even after the live stream has ended, so viewers can watch the singing video as a non-live stream even after the live stream has ended.

[0085] In the case of non-live streaming, the singing video data is temporarily stored on the mobile device 3A, and the singing user can upload the singing video to a video sharing site at any time by operating the video posting and viewing app.

[0086] [2-2-5. Viewing of singing videos by viewers] This document explains the procedure for viewers to watch singing videos using a mobile device 3B.

[0087] When a user wants to watch a singing video, they launch a video posting and viewing app on their mobile device 3B. When the video posting and viewing app is launched, the mobile device 3B accesses server 4, which stores data on multiple singing videos, i.e., a video posting site. The user then selects the singing video they want to watch via the video posting and viewing app and displays it on screen 3a. One example of the method used by server 4 to deliver singing videos to mobile device 3B is streaming.

[0088] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen display on mobile device 3B during the procedure for viewing a singing video, and illustrates the screen display when a live stream is taking place.

[0089] Screen 3a displays a singing video and also includes a singing user display area 50C, a lyrics display area 50D, and a comment input display area 50E. The singing user display area 50C, lyrics display area 50D, and comment input display area 50E may be displayed superimposed on the singing video.

[0090] The singing user display area 50C displays the username of the singing user who posted the singing video, whether or not it is a live stream, and the name of the song being sung.

[0091] The lyrics display area 50D displays the lyrics of the singing video. For example, the displayed lyrics are shown in multiple phrases, and the color of the lyrics changes from left to right in accordance with the progress of the song. For example, the lyrics display area 50D may also display the lyrics in multiple lines. In this case, when the color change of the lyrics in the upper line reaches the right edge, the lyrics in the lower line move up and are displayed in the upper line, and new lyrics are displayed in the lower line, and the color of the lyrics in the upper line changes again from left to right in accordance with the progress of the song.

[0092] The comment input display area 50E displays a comment input field, along with comments from viewers watching the singing video, along with their usernames. For example, each time a viewer enters a comment, that comment is added to the top of the comment input display area 50E, and the previously displayed comments are shifted down. If the comments can no longer be displayed in the comment input display area 50E, a scroll bar (not shown) will appear on the right side of the comment display area, and viewers can use this scroll bar to display comments that were not previously shown on screen 3a.

[0093] Furthermore, screen 3a displays operation icons 58A to 58D for the viewer to perform various operations.

[0094] Operation icon 58A is an icon that viewers tap when they feel a connection to or empathize with a singing video they are watching, and the total number of taps on operation icon 58A for that singing video is displayed above operation icon 58A.

[0095] Operation icon 58B is tapped when a viewer requests a singing user who is live-streaming a singing video displayed on screen 3a to participate in a singing battle (hereinafter referred to as "singing battle"). Singing battle involves simultaneously displaying multiple singing videos (first singing video, second singing video) by different singing users on screen 3a of the viewer's mobile device 3B, with the singing videos alternating between the two users singing the same song. In other words, a viewer who taps operation icon 58B becomes a singing user participating in a singing battle.

[0096] Operation icon 58C is the icon that users tap to access various settings for the video posting and viewing app.

[0097] Operation icon 58D is an icon that viewers tap to overlay decorative images onto the singing video displayed on screen 3a. In this embodiment, the decorative images have a monetary value determined by their type, and viewers can obtain them in exchange for monetary value (for example, by paying cash, spending virtual currency, or spending points). By tapping operation icon 58D, viewers overlay decorative images onto the singing video they are watching. The singer of the singing video on which the decorative images have been overlaid receives money from the video sharing site operator corresponding to the overlaid decorative images. In other words, the overlaying (display instruction) of decorative images onto a singing video by a viewer is equivalent to a tip to the singer.

[0098] [2-2-6. Overview of the competitive singing function] The video posting and viewing app supports a competitive function that allows multiple users, who are performers, to compete against each other in determining the superiority of their performance videos. The competitive function in the service of this embodiment is a type of karaoke battle, and as illustrated in Figure 6, it is a competitive singing function that simultaneously displays multiple singing videos (first singing video 60A, second singing video 60B) by different singing users on the screen 3a of the viewing user's mobile device 3B. The competitive singing function is a function executed by the server 4.

[0099] Figure 6 shows an example of the screen display on a viewer's mobile device 3B during a competitive singing session. The "VS" display shown in Figure 6 is displayed at the start of the competitive singing session and disappears after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 3 seconds). The screen display on the singing user's mobile device 3A may be the same as in Figure 6, or other singing users participating in the competitive singing session may be displayed in a reduced size relative to the screen display shown in Figure 4 (see Figure 8 below).

[0100] For a competitive singing competition to take place, one singing user (hereinafter referred to as "First Singing User") must request another singing user (hereinafter referred to as "Second Singing User") to simultaneously stream their singing video (hereinafter referred to as "Competition Request"), and the Second Singing User must accept the Competition Request.

[0101] More specifically, the first singing user launches the video posting and viewing app on their mobile device 3A1 and sends a battle request to the second singing user who is live streaming a singing video using the video posting and viewing app. The battle request is sent by the first singing user tapping the operation icon 58B. The first singing user selects the song to be sung in the battle. Information indicating the selected song (hereinafter referred to as the "battle song") (title and artist name) is sent to the second singing user along with the battle request.

[0102] A battle request sent from mobile terminal 3A1 is transmitted via server 4 to the second singing user's mobile terminal 3A2. An image corresponding to the received battle request is displayed on screen 3a of mobile terminal 3A2, and the second singing user taps the predetermined image displayed on screen 3a if they accept the battle request.

[0103] Then, when the second singing user accepts the challenge request from the first singing user, the server 4 starts the singing battle by distributing the first singing video 60A by the first singing user and the second singing video 60B by the second singing user so that they are simultaneously displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. This allows viewers to watch the singing battle (real-time battle) between the first and second singing users in real time. In the following explanation, the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B distributed during the singing battle will be collectively referred to as the singing battle video.

[0104] Thus, the competitive singing function accepts a request for a singing video battle from the first singing user to the second singing user, and when the second singing user accepts the battle request, it distributes the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B so that they are displayed simultaneously on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. Therefore, the competitive singing function enables singing users to compete with each other using their respective singing videos, and also enables viewers to simultaneously watch multiple competing singing videos.

[0105] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second singing user may accept the battle request but not the battle song. In such cases, the battle singing function may have a function to send information indicating the change of battle song and the battle song selected by the second singing user from the second singing user's mobile terminal 3A2 to the first singing user's mobile terminal 3A1, and to request the first singing user's consent.

[0106] [2-2-6-1. Alternating singing in competitive singing] In the competitive singing function described in this embodiment, the first singing user and the second singing user take turns singing the same song (hereinafter referred to as "alternating singing").

[0107] Alternating singing may take the form of, for example, a first singer finishing an entire song before a second singer singing the same song in its entirety. However, the competitive singing function in the service of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, virtually divides the song into multiple regions and sets the order in which the singing users will perform in each of these divided regions 68 (hereinafter referred to as "alternating performance setting"). As a result, the first and second singers will sing the same song alternately according to the alternating performance setting, allowing viewers to clearly recognize the difference in singing ability between the first and second singers and enjoy competitive singing more. In the following explanation, the order in which the singing users perform will be referred to as the alternating singing order.

[0108] Furthermore, the competitive singing function, as an example, highlights the lyrics sung by the user, allowing the user to recognize the divided area 68 they are singing. The highlighting can be achieved through changes in the color or thickness of the lyrics.

[0109] In the example shown in Figure 7, the divided regions 68 are set up so that the first and second singing users sing alternately, and a divided region 68 is also set up so that the first and second singing users sing together. The divided regions 68 are set in advance based on, for example, phrases, choruses, measures, etc. of the song, and the duration of each divided region 68 does not necessarily have to be the same.

[0110] The alternating singing order is determined when the decision is made to perform a singing battle. For example, the first singing user who initiated the battle request sings first, and the second singing user sings afterward. The divided area 68 in which the first and second singing users sing together may be pre-set for each song.

[0111] Furthermore, the alternating singing order set based on the divided areas may change dynamically. For example, a singing user with a relatively high total score obtained through the evaluation function described later may sing more divided areas 68. More specifically, the total scores of each singing user (singing video) are compared at predetermined timings in the song, and the singing user with the relatively high total score sings the subsequent multiple divided areas 68 consecutively. In this case, the maximum number of divided areas 68 that can be sung consecutively is predetermined.

[0112] As a result, singing users with relatively high total scores will have more divided areas 68 to sing in, while singing users with relatively low total scores will have fewer divided areas 68 to sing in. Therefore, singing users with relatively high total scores can better showcase their singing ability to viewers and attract them more easily.

[0113] [2-2-6-2. Screen display and audio output in alternating singing] As mentioned above, Figure 6 shows the display screen of the viewer's mobile device 3B during a competitive singing session, with both the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B displayed at the same image size. For singing videos that are currently in progress, a display that allows the viewer to recognize it ("NOW PLAYING" in Figure 6) is shown.

[0114] In this context, singing videos or audio recordings that do not show actual singing are unlikely to interest viewers and may even distract viewers who are watching live singing.

[0115] Therefore, in the service of this embodiment, singing videos are delivered to the mobile terminal 3B in such a way that the audio of singing videos in progress is output, while the audio of singing videos that are not in progress is not output. Furthermore, the server 4 delivers singing videos to the mobile terminal 3B in such a way that singing videos in progress are displayed larger on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B than singing videos that are not in progress. As a result, viewers can watch competitive singing videos without their attention being distracted by singing videos that are not in progress.

[0116] Figure 8 shows an example of the screen display on the mobile terminal 3B during competitive singing. In the example in Figure 8, the first singing video 60A is in the process of singing, while the second singing video 60B is not in the process of singing. Therefore, the first singing video 60A is displayed enlarged (full screen), while the second singing video 60B is displayed reduced (windowed). The image size and display position on screen 3a when the singing video is displayed reduced may be predetermined, or the viewer may be able to change the image size and screen position as they wish.

[0117] In the service of this embodiment, the singing videos are distributed to the mobile terminal 3B in such a way that the audio output of the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B, or the screen display of the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B, is performed based on the alternating singing order described above.

[0118] Specifically, in the divided area 68 where the first singing user performs, the audio of the first singing video 60A is output and the first singing video 60A is displayed enlarged, while the audio of the second singing video 60B is not output and the second singing video 60B is displayed in a reduced size. Similarly, in the divided area 68 where the second singing user performs, the audio of the second singing video 60B is output and the second singing video 60B is displayed enlarged, while the audio of the first singing video 60A is not output and the first singing video 60A is displayed in a reduced size. Furthermore, in the divided area 68 where the first and second singing users perform together, as shown in Figure 6, the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B are displayed on the screen at the same image size and both have audio output.

[0119] Thus, in the service of this embodiment, the audio output and screen display of the competitive singing video are controlled based on the alternating performance settings described above. Therefore, even when displaying singing videos simultaneously, it is possible to easily control the output of the competitive singing video on the viewing user's mobile device 3B.

[0120] [2-2-6-3. Evaluation Function] The video posting and viewing app has an evaluation function that accepts evaluation input (hereinafter referred to as "evaluation behavior") for each competitive singing video from the viewing user's mobile device 3B. The evaluation behavior includes a first evaluation behavior that associates positive feelings towards the singing video, and a second evaluation behavior that associates the degree of positive feelings towards the singing video.

[0121] (1) Impression evaluation and first performance based on first evaluation behavior The evaluation based on the first evaluation action (hereinafter referred to as "impression evaluation") is input by the viewer performing the first evaluation action (tapping) on ​​the operation icon 58A provided for each competitive singing video, as shown in Figures 6 and 8. In other words, if the viewer sympathizes with the singing video, they tap the operation icon 58A as an expression of their positive evaluation of that singing video. Then, in competitive singing, an image showing the progress of the impression evaluation for each accepted singing video (hereinafter referred to as "impression evaluation progress image") 66 is delivered and displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B along with the singing video (first presentation).

[0122] As described above, the evaluation function in this embodiment allows viewers to evaluate the singing video by tapping the operation icon 58A, for example. Therefore, when a competitive singing competition takes place, viewers can participate in the competition by evaluating their impressions. In addition, viewers can evaluate the impressions of both singing videos simultaneously.

[0123] In the service of this embodiment, an impression evaluation is entered when the operation icon 58A is tapped once. The numbers (21 and 185) in the impression evaluation progress image 66 shown in Figures 6 and 8 represent the singing user. The bar image, which extends to the left and right of screen 3a and has different hatching (colors) on the left and right, shows the relative number of impression ratings for each singing video.

[0124] Furthermore, there is a limit to the number of times each viewer can tap the operation icon 58A (hereinafter referred to as the "tap limit"), and in the service of this embodiment, the tap limit is 1. When the tap limit is reached, the operation icon 58D is displayed on screen 3a instead of the operation icon 58A, as shown in Figure 8.

[0125] (2) Second evaluation: score evaluation based on behavior and second performance By tapping the operation icon 58D, the viewer can overlay a decorative image (hereinafter referred to as the "tipping effect image") onto the singing video corresponding to the tapped operation icon 58D (second effect). Thus, the evaluation function has a tipping effect function that receives instructions from the mobile terminal 3B to overlay a tipping effect image onto the singing video and overlays the tipping effect image corresponding to the received instruction onto the singing video. In the following explanation, the instruction (selection) of the tipping effect image to be displayed by the viewer via the mobile terminal 3B will be referred to as tipping input, as described above.

[0126] In other words, viewers can decorate singing videos they find appealing by overlaying the tipping effect image 69 onto them, thus the tipping effect function can enhance the audience and the singing video itself during its distribution. The tipping effect function is a function that is executed by the server 4 in response to display instructions from viewers via the video posting and viewing app.

[0127] Figure 9 shows the screen display of the mobile terminal 3B that appears when a viewer long-presses the operation icon 58D, displaying several different tipping effect images 69 that the viewer can select. Each tipping effect image 69 has a set point requirement, and its design differs according to the point requirement. The viewer selects one of the multiple tipping effect images 69 displayed on the screen that can be obtained with the points they possess (an example of "electronic information"). Note that a different design means, for example, that the shape, color, or orientation is different.

[0128] For example, points are assigned a charge per point, and viewers purchase points. The number of available tipping effect images 69 increases or decreases depending on the number of points the viewer possesses. When a viewer selects a tipping effect image 69, the number of points the viewer possesses decreases according to the point requirement of the selected tipping effect image 69. Points can be increased not only through payment but also through the use of other online services. Points may also have an expiration date. The expiration date may be set by year, month, day, hour, minute, etc., or it may be set as the end of an expiration period starting from a certain reference point.

[0129] The tipping effect images 69 exemplified in Figure 9 consist of four types of spotlight images with different orientations and a widening base, and four types of combined spotlight images, each with a different color, created by combining multiple spotlight images. By using spotlight-like images for the tipping effect images 69, viewers can get the feeling that they are participating in a concert or similar event. Note that the tipping effect images 69 are not limited to the examples in Figure 9; other images may also be used.

[0130] Figure 10 shows an example of a singing video (hereinafter referred to as "effect-supervised singing video") in which a combined spotlight image is selected by the viewer as the tipping effect image 69, and the tipping effect image 69 is superimposed. The effect-supervised singing video can be viewed not only by the viewer who selected the tipping effect image 69, but also by other viewers who are watching the competitive singing.

[0131] Furthermore, the tipping effect function according to this embodiment can be applied to a singing video in which singing is taking place, and after a tip is entered, the tipping effect image 69 is superimposed on the singing video with virtually no delay. In other words, in the example of Figure 10, the viewer can superimpose the tipping effect image 69 onto the first singing video 60A, but cannot superimpose the tipping effect image 69 onto the second singing video 60B in which the singing user is not singing. More specifically, even if the viewer long-presses the operation icon 58D corresponding to a singing video in which the singing user is not singing, the tipping effect function does not accept the long-press.

[0132] Furthermore, when the evaluation function receives an instruction to superimpose a tipping effect image 69, it accepts the input of a score corresponding to the tipping effect image 69 as an evaluation (hereinafter referred to as "score evaluation"). In the service of the embodiment, as an example, points corresponding to the tipping effect image are input as the score for the score evaluation.

[0133] The score evaluation through the second evaluation action is entered when a viewer performs a second evaluation operation (tap) on the tipping effect image 69. The evaluation function accepts score input corresponding to the tipping effect image 69 and derives the total score entered during the distribution of the singing video (hereinafter referred to as "total evaluation score") as the evaluation result. The total evaluation score is the sum of the scores entered (assigned) by multiple viewer users through the second evaluation action. The evaluation function then determines the winner of the singing competition based on the total evaluation score derived from the scores entered until the end of the singing competition. In other words, the singer of the singing video with a relatively high total evaluation score is declared the winner. Thus, according to the service of this embodiment, multiple viewer users can cooperate in performing the second evaluation action for the singing user (singing video) they support, bringing their supported singing user closer to victory, making it easier for viewer users to empathize with the singing user.

[0134] In this way, the evaluation function according to the embodiment can encourage viewers to make donations by accepting score inputs as evaluations in response to the superimposition instruction of the donation effect image 69. There is no upper limit to the number of times each viewer can make a donation. In other words, viewers can increase their total evaluation score of singing videos that they relate to by tapping the donation effect image 69 multiple times.

[0135] (3) Adjustment of the total evaluation score Furthermore, in the service of this embodiment, the total evaluation score is adjusted according to the number of viewer user accounts that have made donations. Specifically, the total evaluation score is adjusted by the formula shown in [Equation 5]. Due to this feature, in the service of this embodiment, the magnitude of the cumulative score, which is a simple cumulative value of the scores entered by the score evaluation, may not match the magnitude of the total evaluation score. In other words, even if the cumulative score is low, it is possible to reverse the situation in the total evaluation score depending on the number of viewer user accounts that have made donations.

[0136] [Number 5] Total evaluation score = Cumulative score × {1 + (weight w5 × number of accounts)} (However, w5 = 5 / 10000)

[0137] (4) Display of highly rated users Furthermore, an image (icon image 64) representing a viewer who gave a relatively higher score (secondary evaluation behavior) to the singing video than other viewers, i.e., a viewer with a large cumulative score (hereinafter referred to as "high-scoring user"), is displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile device 3B. This allows viewers to make other viewers aware of the singer they are supporting. In addition, viewers can also make the singer aware that they are supporting them.

[0138] In the evaluation function described in this embodiment, the top three users with the highest scores are designated as highly-rated users, and their icon images 64 are displayed on screen 3a for each singing video. However, the number of highly-rated users whose icon images 64 are displayed is not limited to these three.

[0139] [2-2-6-4. Other Features] Server 4 may store information for each singing user (hereinafter referred to as "singing user information") on HDD 26. Singing user information includes the number of fans a singing user has, the singing user's past battle record and win rate, and their favorite songs. The battle singing function may accept battle requests from a first singing user with a similar number of fans to a second singing user. The number of fans a singing user has is thought to vary depending on the singing user's singing ability. In this way, by making the number of fans similar a condition for accepting battle singing requests, it is possible to prevent battle singing between singing users with vastly different singing abilities.

[0140] More specifically, when the first singing user requests a battle from the second singing user, the battle singing function compares the number of fans of the first singing user with the number of fans of the second singing user. If the difference in the number of fans is within a predetermined threshold (for example, within ±20%), the battle request from the first singing user to the second singing user is accepted. The number of fans increases when a viewer registers that they are a fan of the singing user through the video posting and viewing app. There is no limit to the number of singing users that a viewer can register as a fan of.

[0141] Furthermore, the competitive singing function may accept battle requests even if the number of fans is similar, as long as other conditions are met. It may also accept battle requests even if the number of fans is not similar, as long as the second singer agrees. On the other hand, the competitive singing function may only accept battle requests from users with a similar number of fans. "Only" here means, for example, that battle requests from users with a different number of fans will not be accepted, even if other conditions are met.

[0142] Furthermore, the competitive singing feature may reward the winning singer in a competitive singing match with a reward based on the total evaluation score they receive from the evaluation actions of their opponent. This reward could be money, points usable on video posting and viewing apps (video posting sites), or other online services. Additionally, the winning singer in a competitive singing match may receive a reward based on a score that includes not only their own total evaluation score but also the total evaluation score of their opponent (a so-called winner-take-all system).

[0143] [2-2-7. Competitive Singing Function, Competitive Singing Processing, Evaluation Acceptance Processing] [2-2-7-1. Functional block for competitive singing function] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram relating to the competitive singing function according to this embodiment. The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a battle request reception unit 70, a battle acceptance determination unit 71, a battle setting unit 72, a video evaluation unit 73, a tipping effect superimposition unit 74, and a video distribution unit 75. The processing performed by each function of the server 4 is realized by a control program stored in the HDD 26.

[0144] The battle request receiving unit 70 accepts battle requests from the first singing user to the second singing user. The battle request receiving unit 70 may also accept battle requests from the first singing user to the second singing user if the number of fans is similar.

[0145] The match acceptance determination unit 71 determines whether the second singing user has accepted the match request from the first singing user.

[0146] The battle setting unit 72 performs various settings for competitive singing, such as setting the song and the singing order. The battle setting unit 72 divides the song into multiple time-series areas and sets the order in which the singing users will sing (alternating singing order) for each area. The battle setting unit 72 may also dynamically change the alternating singing order set based on the divided areas 68.

[0147] The video evaluation unit 73 receives input from the mobile terminal 3B for impression evaluations of each singing video distributed to the mobile terminal 3B, as well as instructions to superimpose a tipping effect image 69 onto the singing video (tip input). The video evaluation unit 73 also identifies the score corresponding to the tipping effect image 69 in accordance with the received tip input. Then, the video evaluation unit 73 derives a total evaluation score based on the cumulative score entered during the distribution of the singing video (cumulative score) and determines the winner or loser of the singing competition.

[0148] The tipping effect overlay unit 74, upon receiving a tipping input, overlays a tipping effect image 69 corresponding to the received tipping input onto the singing video.

[0149] The video distribution unit 75 distributes the singing video to the mobile terminal 3B. Furthermore, if the second singing user accepts a battle request from the first singing user, the video distribution unit 75 distributes the first singing video 60A by the first singing user and the second singing video 60B by the second singing user so that they are simultaneously displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. Additionally, the video distribution unit 75 distributes the battle singing video to the mobile terminal 3B such that the audio of the singing video currently in progress is output, while the audio of singing videos that are not currently in progress is not output, and the singing video currently in progress is displayed larger on the screen 3a than the singing videos that are not currently in progress.

[0150] [2-2-7-2. Flowchart of the competitive singing process] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the competitive singing process according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. The control program for executing the competitive singing process according to this embodiment is pre-stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26.

[0151] In step S100, the battle request receiving unit 70 determines whether the first singing user has requested a battle from the second singing user. If the determination is positive, i.e., if a battle request from the first singing user has been received, the unit proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the unit waits until a battle request is received.

[0152] In step S102, the battle acceptance determination unit 71 determines whether the second singing user has accepted the battle request. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S104; otherwise, the process returns to step S100.

[0153] In step S104, the battle setting unit 72 performs various settings for conducting the battle singing competition.

[0154] In Step S106, Video Distribution Department 75 will begin distributing competitive singing videos.

[0155] In step S108, the video distribution unit 75 determines whether the song in the singing competition has finished. If the determination is positive, the program proceeds to step S110. If the determination is negative, the video distribution unit 75 continues to distribute the singing competition video until the song is finished.

[0156] In step S110, the video distribution unit 75 finishes distributing the battle singing video and returns to step S100.

[0157] As described above, the server 4 (competitive singing function) in this embodiment receives a request for a competitive singing video from the first singing user to the second singing user, and when the second singing user accepts the request, it distributes the first singing video 60A and the second singing video 60B so that they are displayed simultaneously on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3B. Therefore, the server 4 (competitive singing function) in this embodiment enables singing users to compete with each other using their respective singing videos, and also enables viewers to simultaneously view multiple competing singing videos.

[0158] [2-2-7-3. Flowchart for Evaluation Acceptance Processing] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the evaluation acceptance process according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. The control program for executing the evaluation acceptance process according to this embodiment is pre-stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26.

[0159] In step S200, the video evaluation unit 73 determines whether or not the competitive singing has started. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process waits until the competitive singing begins.

[0160] In step S202, the video evaluation unit 73 determines whether the user has tapped the operation icon 58A. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S204; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0161] In step S204, the video evaluation unit 73 counts the number of impression evaluations obtained, and the video distribution unit 75 updates the display of the impression evaluation progress images 66.

[0162] In step S206, the video evaluation unit 73 determines whether or not a tip has been entered by the viewer. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S208; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0163] In step S208, the tipping effect superimposition unit 74 superimposes the tipping effect image 69 selected by the viewer onto the target singing video.

[0164] In step S210, the video evaluation unit 73 determines whether there has been a change in the number of users who have given high ratings to the singing video. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S212; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0165] In step S212, the video distribution unit 75 updates the display of the icon image 64 of the highly-rated user.

[0166] In step S214, the video distribution unit 75 determines whether the song for the singing competition has finished. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S216; otherwise, it returns to step S202.

[0167] In step S216, the video evaluation unit 73 determines the winner based on the total evaluation score for each singing video, and the video distribution unit 75 distributes an image showing the result.

[0168] In the next step, S218, the video distribution unit 75 terminates the distribution of the competitive singing video and ends the evaluation acceptance process.

[0169] As described above, the server 4 (evaluation reception function) in this embodiment receives score evaluations for each singing video distributed to the mobile terminal 3B from the mobile terminal 3B. Therefore, the server 4 (evaluation reception function) in this embodiment makes it possible for viewers to easily determine the quality of performance videos distributed by multiple singing users.

[0170] [2-2-8. Evaluation Function, Evaluation Derivation Process] [2-2-8-1. Functional blocks for the evaluation function] Figure 14 is a functional block diagram relating to the evaluation function in this embodiment. The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes an acquisition unit 81, an aggregation unit 82, an identification unit 83, an adjustment unit 84, and a provision unit 85. The RAM 24 of the server 4 functions as a storage unit 80. The processing performed by each function of the server 4 is realized by a control program stored in the HDD 26.

[0171] The memory unit 80 stores the evaluation target (identification information of the singing video), the evaluator (account information of the viewing user), and the evaluation content (the entered score) in association. The memory unit 80 also stores the evaluation target (identification information of the singing video) in association with the total evaluation score.

[0172] During the competitive singing competition, the acquisition unit 81 acquires identification information of the singing video being viewed (i.e., the first singing video 60A or the second singing video 60B), information that can identify the viewing user (e.g., session identification information), and the input score from the mobile terminal 3B that is viewing the competitive singing video related to the competitive singing competition, and stores these in the storage unit 80 in association with each other.

[0173] The aggregation unit 82 refers to the memory unit 80 and aggregates the points entered by tipping for a specific singing video to obtain a cumulative score.

[0174] The identification unit 83 identifies the actual number of viewers who made a donation to a specific singing video while the video was being streamed. In this embodiment, it identifies the number of accounts of viewers who made a donation.

[0175] The adjustment unit 84 adjusts the total evaluation score using the formula shown in [Equation 5] above so that the total evaluation score increases as the actual number (number of accounts) increases, and stores the evaluation target (identification information of the singing video) and the total evaluation score in association with each other in the storage unit 80.

[0176] The provisioning unit 85 provides the adjusted total evaluation score stored in the storage unit 80 to the mobile terminal 3B, associating it with the identification information of the singing video. The manner of provision is arbitrary. For example, it is preferable to provide it as part of the data for displaying the win / loss status of a competitive singing performance or as part of the data for displaying the ranking of total evaluation scores. In the win / loss status display and ranking display, the cumulative score and the score added by adjustment may be displayed separately, either together with or instead of the total evaluation score, or only the total evaluation score may be displayed.

[0177] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 81, aggregation unit 82, identification unit 83, and adjustment unit 84 correspond to or are equivalent to some functions of the video evaluation unit 73 in the competitive singing function. In addition, the provision unit 85 corresponds to or is equivalent to some functions of the video distribution unit 75 in the competitive singing function.

[0178] [2-2-8-2. Flowchart of the evaluation derivation process] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the evaluation derivation process according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. The control program for executing the evaluation derivation process according to this embodiment is pre-stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26.

[0179] In step S300, the aggregation unit 82 aggregates the points entered by tipping for the singing video and obtains a cumulative score.

[0180] In step S302, the identification unit 83 identifies the actual number of viewers who have made a donation. In the service of this embodiment, the number of accounts that have made a donation is identified as the above actual number.

[0181] In step S304, the adjustment unit 84 adjusts the total evaluation score according to the above [equation 5] and terminates the evaluation derivation process.

[0182] As explained above, the server 4 (evaluation function) in this embodiment adjusts the total evaluation score according to the actual number (number of accounts) of viewers who have made donations. Therefore, the server 4 (evaluation function) in this embodiment can suppress the excessive influence that donations made by some viewers may have on the total evaluation score.

[0183] [3. Variant] [3-1. Variation 1 (Variation regarding the calculation of the total evaluation score)] In the above embodiment, the aggregation unit 82 aggregates the scores entered by tipping input (score evaluation) for a specific singing video to obtain a cumulative score. Alternatively, the aggregation unit 82 may also take impression evaluations into account when obtaining the cumulative score. For example, the aggregation unit 82 may use the cumulative score obtained by adding the number of impression evaluations received to the total value of the scores entered by tipping input (score evaluation). Alternatively, the cumulative score may be obtained by adding the value obtained by multiplying the number of impression evaluations received by an appropriate coefficient to the above total value. The coefficient multiplied by the number of impression evaluations received functions as a weight of the impression evaluation to the total evaluation score. This coefficient can be set arbitrarily. This coefficient may be, for example, a positive real number less than 1.

[0184] [3-2. Variation 2 (Variation concerning the specification of real numbers)] (1) Example of identifying the number of terminals In the above embodiment, the identification unit 83 identifies the number of user accounts that made donations to a specific singing video as the actual number of users who made donations. Alternatively, the identification unit 83 may identify the number of terminals used for donations or an approximate value thereof. This can prevent excessive influence on the total evaluation score that may be caused by inappropriate donations from multiple accounts by some users.

[0185] The number of terminals used for donation input, or an approximate value thereof, can be obtained by subtracting duplicate mobile terminals 3B from the number of accounts that made donation inputs. Duplicates of mobile terminals 3B can be identified with a certain degree of accuracy by comparing session identification information, IP addresses, etc. For example, if multiple accounts make donation inputs using a single mobile terminal 3B, there is a possibility that the session identification information and IP address (in this case, the IP address of mobile terminal 3B) are the same.

[0186] (2) Examples of identifying the actual number of people In the above embodiment, the identification unit 83 identifies the number of user accounts that made a donation to a specific singing video as the actual number of users who made a donation. Alternatively, the identification unit 83 may identify the actual number of users who made a donation or an approximate value thereof. This can help to suppress the excessive influence that inappropriate donations from multiple accounts by some users may have on the total evaluation score.

[0187] The actual number of viewers who submitted donations, or an approximate number thereof, can be obtained by subtracting duplicate viewers from the total number of accounts that submitted donations. Duplicate viewers can be identified with a certain degree of accuracy by comparing the email address registered to the account, the identification information of the payment method used when obtaining the donation effect image (e.g., credit card number, bank account number, e-wallet identification information, virtual account identification information), IP address, etc. For example, if donations are submitted from multiple accounts using multiple mobile devices 3B, the session identification information may differ, but the IP address (in this case, the router's IP address) may be the same.

[0188] [3-3. Variation 3 (Variation related to screen display)] In the above embodiment, the video evaluation unit 73 counts the number of impression evaluations received, and the video distribution unit 75 updates the display of the impression evaluation progress image 66. Therefore, the impression evaluation progress image 66 represents the provisional number of viewers who have given an impression evaluation to the singing video being distributed. Alternatively, the video evaluation unit 73 may tally up the provisional total evaluation score, and the video distribution unit 75 may update the display of a numerical value or image representing the provisional total evaluation score in place of or together with the impression evaluation progress image 66. This makes it easier for viewers to grasp the situation, including the superiority or inferiority of the singing videos in the competitive singing video they are watching. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0189] 1. Karaoke System 2. Communication lines 3 Mobile devices 4. Server (an example of an "evaluation information processing device") 80 Storage section 81 Acquisition Department 82. Aggregation Department 83 Specific part 84 Adjustment section 85 Providing Department

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, From multiple terminals, a first operation and a second operation are received from icons individually provided on the display screen showing the item to be evaluated, and the item to be evaluated is evaluated based on the reception of the first and second operations. The acceptance of the first operation is restricted for each terminal based on predetermined conditions, and the acceptance of the second operation is not restricted based on predetermined conditions. The acceptance of the first operation is performed by pressing a button on the screen. The acceptance of the second operation is performed by selecting one of several buttons. The predetermined conditions are an upper limit on the number of times the first operation is accepted per terminal per distribution to be evaluated, and when the number of acceptances of the first operation reaches this upper limit, the first operation will not be accepted from that terminal, and there is no upper limit on the number of times the second operation is accepted per terminal. Information processing device.

2. The processor receives a first operation and a second operation from multiple terminals, using icons individually provided on the display screen showing the object to be evaluated, and evaluates the object to be evaluated based on the reception of the first and second operations. The processor restricts the acceptance of the first operation for each terminal based on predetermined conditions, and does not restrict the acceptance of the second operation based on predetermined conditions. The acceptance of the first operation is performed by pressing a button on the screen. The acceptance of the second operation is performed by selecting one of several buttons. The predetermined conditions are an upper limit on the number of times the first operation is accepted per terminal per distribution to be evaluated, and when the number of acceptances of the first operation reaches this upper limit, the first operation will not be accepted from that terminal, and there is no upper limit on the number of times the second operation is accepted per terminal. Information processing methods.

3. The processor receives first and second operations from multiple terminals via icons individually provided on the display screen showing the object to be evaluated, and evaluates the object to be evaluated based on the reception of the first and second operations. The processor is instructed to perform a process that restricts the acceptance of the first operation for each terminal based on predetermined conditions, and does not restrict the acceptance of the second operation based on predetermined conditions. The acceptance of the first operation is performed by pressing a button on the screen. The acceptance of the second operation is performed by selecting one of several buttons. The predetermined conditions are an upper limit on the number of times the first operation is accepted per terminal per distribution to be evaluated, and when the number of acceptances of the first operation reaches this upper limit, the first operation will not be accepted from that terminal, and there is no upper limit on the number of times the second operation is accepted per terminal. A program to execute a process.

4. Equipped with multiple terminals and a server, The aforementioned server, From the aforementioned multiple terminals, a first operation and a second operation are received from icons individually provided on the display screen showing the object to be evaluated, and the object to be evaluated is evaluated based on the reception of the first operation and the second operation. The acceptance of the first operation is restricted for each terminal based on predetermined conditions, and the acceptance of the second operation is not restricted based on predetermined conditions. The acceptance of the first operation is performed by pressing a button on the screen. The acceptance of the second operation is performed by selecting one of several buttons. The predetermined conditions are an upper limit on the number of times the first operation is accepted per terminal per distribution to be evaluated, and when the number of acceptances of the first operation reaches this upper limit, the first operation will not be accepted from that terminal, and there is no upper limit on the number of times the second operation is accepted per terminal. system.

Images