JP7515031B2 - System, method, and program for distributing video - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for distributing video.

Conventionally, various services have been provided for distributing videos provided by distributors to multiple viewers (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Furthermore, in these services, distributors are evaluated, such as by ranking, in order to promote video distribution. Such evaluations are typically based on the distribution behavior of the distributor, such as the number of days of distribution and the duration of distribution. Furthermore, such evaluations may also be based on the viewing behavior of the viewer, such as the number of comments/items entered by the viewer.

JP 2019-022219 A

However, in conventional video distribution services, for example, the rating of a distributor with a small number of enthusiastic fans may be high only due to the very active viewing behavior of these fans (e.g., inputting a large number of items, etc.). As a result, if a distributor focuses on having a small number of enthusiastic fans, the increase in the number of viewers for the entire service is suppressed, and the vitality of the service is hindered.

One of the objectives of the embodiments of the present invention is to support appropriate evaluation of video distributors. Other objectives of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification.

A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for distributing videos, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, performing a process of distributing videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to a plurality of viewers, a process of determining, for each of the plurality of distributors, viewers who satisfy a predetermined condition related to the viewing behavior of the videos provided by each of the plurality of distributors, and a process of performing a predetermined process for evaluating each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the number of viewers who satisfy the predetermined condition for each of the plurality of distributors.

A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for distributing videos, executed by one or more computers, and includes the steps of distributing videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to a plurality of viewers, determining, for each of the plurality of distributors, viewers who satisfy a predetermined condition related to the viewing behavior of the videos provided by each of the plurality of distributors, and executing a predetermined process to evaluate each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the number of viewers who satisfy the predetermined condition for each of the plurality of distributors.

A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing videos, which, when executed on one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to execute the following processes: distributing videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to a plurality of viewers; determining, for each of the plurality of distributors, viewers who satisfy predetermined conditions related to the viewing behavior of the videos provided by each of the plurality of distributors; and executing predetermined processes to evaluate each of the plurality of distributors based at least on the number of viewers who satisfy the predetermined conditions for each of the plurality of distributors.

Various embodiments of the present invention support proper evaluation of video distributors.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 411. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining ranks. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 412. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a condition satisfaction status management table 413. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 60. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a viewing screen 80. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 100. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when updating a rank. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an update rule for a rank meter value. 11 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between update contents of rank and required rank meter value. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 70 during an event. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between the number and level of supporters and coefficients for calculating event points. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a support team details screen 200. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen 80 during an event. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a support team details screen 200A.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a video distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the video distribution server 10 is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in Figure 1, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The video distribution server 10 provides a video distribution service for distributing and viewing videos to users via the user terminals 30. In this embodiment, a user who operates the user terminal 30 can distribute videos as a distributor, and can also view videos provided by other users as a viewer. The video distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements a part or all of the system of the present invention.

The video distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input/output I/F 13, a communication I/F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU or GPU, etc., and loads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions contained in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 13 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input/output I/F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20, etc.

Storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. Storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc.

In this embodiment, the video distribution server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each of which has the hardware configuration described above. For example, the video distribution server 10 may be configured by one or multiple server devices.

The video distribution server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server, in which case it executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser and other applications (e.g., applications for video distribution services) installed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., according to the results of the processes, to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can display a web page or other screen based on the received data.

The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input/output I/F 33, a communication I/F 34, and a storage (memory device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in the storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32 and executes various commands contained in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 33 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with a user, etc. The input/output I/F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

Storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The programs stored in storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market, etc., and installed.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a wearable device, etc.

A user who operates a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the video distribution service provided by the video distribution server 10 by communicating with the video distribution server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35, etc.

Next, the functions of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the video distribution server 10. As shown in the figure, the server 10 has an information storage management unit 41 that stores and manages various information, a basic function control unit 43 that controls the basic functions of the video distribution service, a video distribution control unit 45 that controls the distribution of videos, and a user evaluation unit 47 that executes processing related to user evaluations. These functions are realized by the cooperation of hardware such as the computer processor 11 and the main memory 12, as well as various programs and data stored in the storage 15, etc., and are realized, for example, by the computer processor 11 executing instructions included in a program loaded into the main memory 12. In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the cooperation of the server 10 and the user terminal 30, or by the user terminal 30.

The information storage management unit 41 of the video distribution server 10 stores and manages various information in the storage 15 etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the information storage management unit 41 is configured to have a user information table 411 that manages information about users of the video distribution service, a distribution management table 412 that manages information about the distribution of individual videos, and a condition satisfaction status management table 413 that manages the satisfaction status of viewers of predetermined conditions related to viewing behavior.

The basic function control unit 43 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of the basic functions of the video distribution service. For example, the basic function control unit 43 transmits screen data or control data of various screens related to the basic functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screen displayed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data or control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The basic functions controlled by the basic function control unit 43 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user management (for example, updating the user information table 411, etc.).

The video distribution control unit 45 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to the control of video distribution. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to distribute videos provided by each of a plurality of distributors to a plurality of viewers. For example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive live videos transmitted from the user terminal 30 of the distributor (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "distributor terminal 30") and transmit the live videos to the user terminals 30 of each of the plurality of viewers (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "viewer terminal 30"). The live videos are, for example, composed of images input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone. Such live video distribution can be performed, for example, by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). Also, for example, the video distribution control unit 45 is configured to receive videos provided by the distributors from the distributor terminal 30 in advance, store them in the storage 15, etc., and transmit the videos to the viewer terminal 30 in response to a request from the viewer via the viewer terminal 30.

The user evaluation unit 47 of the video distribution server 10 executes various processes related to user evaluation. In this embodiment, the user evaluation unit 47 is configured to determine, for each distributor, viewers who satisfy predetermined conditions related to the viewing behavior of videos provided by each distributor, and execute predetermined processes to evaluate each distributor based at least on the number of such viewers. Information regarding the satisfaction status of the predetermined conditions for each viewer is managed, for example, in the condition satisfaction status management table 413. Viewers whose viewing behavior satisfies the predetermined conditions can be defined, for example, as "fans" of the corresponding distributor.

In this way, the video distribution server 10 in this embodiment determines, for each of multiple distributors, the viewers (e.g., fans) who satisfy predetermined conditions related to the viewing behavior of the videos provided by each distributor, and executes a predetermined process to evaluate each distributor based at least on the number of such viewers, making it possible to appropriately evaluate distributors based on the number of viewers with certain viewing behavior. In this way, the server 10 supports appropriate evaluation of video distributors.

In this embodiment, the predetermined processing may include various processes for evaluating broadcasters. For example, the predetermined processing includes a process for calculating predetermined points for setting a ranking of the broadcasters. In this case, the user evaluation unit 47 is configured to calculate the predetermined points based on the number of viewers who satisfy a predetermined condition, and, for example, the predetermined points are configured to be larger (higher evaluation) the greater the number of viewers. This configuration supports appropriate ranking of broadcasters based on the number of viewers with certain viewing behavior.

In addition, in this embodiment, the ranking of streamers may be configured as a ranking for a specific event having a predetermined period. In such an event, a predetermined reward (such as electronic and virtual rewards available in a video distribution service or real rewards) is typically given to streamers who rank highly in the rankings. For example, the user evaluation unit 47 may be configured to determine viewers who satisfy a predetermined condition in a predetermined period corresponding to the specific event (e.g., determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied based on actual viewing behavior in the predetermined period), calculate a predetermined point based on the number of viewers, and set a ranking of streamers based on the predetermined point. This configuration supports appropriate ranking of streamers in time-limited events.

In this embodiment, the predetermined conditions may include various conditions related to the viewer's viewing behavior of the video. For example, the predetermined conditions include a condition that the values of one or more parameters related to the viewing behavior are each within a predetermined range (e.g., equal to or greater than a predetermined value).

For example, the predetermined conditions include conditions related to the amount of video viewing (e.g., viewing time, number of views, number of days viewed, etc.), such as a condition that the value of a parameter related to the amount of video viewing is within a predetermined range (e.g., viewing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, etc.). Such a configuration enables appropriate evaluation of distributors based on the number of viewers with a certain amount of video viewing.

In addition, for example, the predetermined conditions include conditions related to the amount of input information (e.g., comments, items, etc.) input while watching a video (e.g., the number of inputs, etc.), and include, for example, a condition that the value of a parameter related to the amount of input information is within a predetermined range (e.g., the number of comments is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, etc.). For example, a condition related to the amount of input of a paid item includes a condition related to the amount of compensation for the input item (e.g., the number of coins, etc.). This configuration enables appropriate evaluation of a distributor based on the number of viewers who input a certain amount of input information.

In this embodiment, the distribution screen/viewing screen displayed on the distributor terminal 30/viewer terminal 30 during video distribution can be configured to display information (e.g., the number/list of such viewers) about viewers who meet certain conditions of the corresponding distributor (the distributor providing the video being distributed). This configuration enables the distributor/viewer to know information about viewers who meet certain conditions during video distribution, which can encourage viewers to view the video in a way that meets the certain conditions.

In addition, in this embodiment, the distribution screen/viewing screen can be configured to display a predetermined message in response to the viewer's satisfaction of a predetermined condition. The message can include information that can identify the viewer who has satisfied the predetermined condition (e.g., the viewer's account name, etc.). This configuration allows the distributor/viewer to know that a given viewer has satisfied the predetermined condition while the video is being distributed, which can encourage viewers to engage in viewing behavior aimed at satisfying the predetermined condition.

The user evaluation unit 47 may also be configured to present to the viewer information regarding the viewer's satisfaction of the specified condition. For example, the user evaluation unit 47 may be configured to transmit screen data of a screen including the viewer's own satisfaction of the specified condition to the viewer terminal 30 in response to a request from the viewer via the viewer terminal 30. The satisfaction of the specified condition includes information regarding the difference between the value of a parameter related to the viewing behavior required to satisfy the condition and the actual parameter value. For example, the satisfaction of the specified condition of the viewer may also be presented to the viewer via a viewing screen displayed on the viewer terminal 30 during the distribution of the video. This configuration allows the viewer to know the satisfaction of the specified condition of the viewer, and as a result, the viewer's viewing behavior toward the satisfaction of the specified condition may be promoted.

Next, a specific example of the video distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the video distribution service is configured as a live video distribution service in which live videos provided by distributors are distributed to viewers in real time.

3 illustrates information managed in the user information table 411 in this example. The user information table 411 manages information about users of the live video distribution service, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, manages information such as "basic information" including account name, age, gender, etc., "distribution history information" that is information about the distribution history of live videos, "viewing history information" that is information about the viewing history of live videos distributed by other users, "following user information" that is information about other users followed by this user, "follower information" that is information about other users (followers) following this user, "family information" that is information about a family to which this user belongs as a family member, a "rank" that indicates the rank of the user as a distributor, a "rank meter value" that is a parameter value for determining whether the rank is up or down, a "coin holding number" that indicates the number of virtual coins held in the live video distribution service, a "diamond holding number" that indicates the number of virtual diamonds held, and "event points" (predetermined points) that are points that this user has earned as a distributor in a time-limited event.

A family is a community (group) for supporting a particular broadcaster, and a user can join (become a family member) with the approval of the family's administrator, etc. Family information includes information that can identify each of the one or more families to which the user belongs.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the "rank" of the distributor in this example. As shown in the figure, in this example, there are six rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E", and each of the five rank bands, "S", "A", "B", "C", and "D", is made up of three ranks (for example, "S+", "S", and "S-", which are ranks with a "+" added to the alphabet indicating the rank band, ranks with only the alphabet, and ranks with a "-" added to the alphabet). In addition, the "E" rank band is made up of a single rank, "E". In other words, in this example, there are 16 ranks (3 x 5 + 1 = 16).

The "S" side of the rank band is the highest and the "E" side is the lowest. Within the same rank band, the "+" side is the highest and the "-" side is the lowest. In this example, the user's rank is set to "D-" as the initial value.

Figure 5 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 412 in this example. The distribution management table 412 manages information related to distribution of individual live videos, and as shown, manages information such as a "distributor user account" that identifies the distributor of this distribution, "distribution date and time", "distribution duration" that indicates the duration of the distribution, "number of viewers (current value and maximum value)", "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewers, "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewers, "item points" that increase according to the input of items by viewers, and "distribution points" that are points granted for this distribution, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (live video).

Figure 6 illustrates information managed in the condition satisfaction status management table 413 in this example. The condition satisfaction status management table 413 manages information related to the satisfaction status of viewers of specified conditions related to viewing behavior, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as "item coin consumption number" which is the number of coins consumed in accordance with the input of an item, "number of comment inputs", "viewing time", "number of viewing days", and "condition satisfaction date and time" which is the date and time when the viewer satisfied the specified condition, in association with a combination of an "event ID" which identifies an individual event, a "distributor user account" which identifies an individual distributor, and a "viewer user account" which identifies an individual viewer.

In this example, which will be described in more detail later, viewers who meet certain conditions related to their viewing behavior of live videos provided by a broadcaster during a limited-time event are managed as supporters of that broadcaster. The condition satisfaction status management table 413 manages the values of parameters related to the viewing behavior of the corresponding viewer for the corresponding broadcaster's live videos during the corresponding event period (number of item coins consumed, number of comments entered, viewing time, number of days viewed).

Figure 7 shows an example of a top screen 60 of a live video streaming service displayed on a user terminal 30. The screen 60 is the starting point for users who use the live video streaming service, and as shown in the figure, has a selection area 62 displaying "Follow," "Popular," and "All," a list display area 64 located below the area 62, and a circular streaming start button 66 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

The selection area 62 is an area for selecting the display content in the list display area 64. Specifically, when "Follow" is selected in the selection area 62, live videos currently being distributed by other users whom the user is following are displayed in a list in the list display area 64. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 62, live videos extracted according to predetermined extraction conditions for extracting popular videos (for example, live videos with a viewer count (current value) equal to or greater than a threshold value) are displayed in a list in the list display area 64. Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the selection area 62, all live videos currently being distributed are displayed in a list in the list display area 64.

As shown in FIG. 7, the list display area 64 has two columns of individual display areas 641 arranged in each column, each displaying information about an individual live video. The individual display areas 641 are configured to display a still image preset by the broadcaster of the live video, the broadcaster's account name, the number of viewers (current value), and the like, and to allow the user to start viewing the corresponding live video in response to a selection by the user. The list display area 64 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 641 can be switched by a flick operation/slide operation in an up or down direction, etc.

The start streaming button 66 is an object that allows the user to start streaming a live video as a streamer. When the start streaming button 66 is selected by the user, streaming of the live video starts, and more specifically, transmission of a video composed of an image input via the camera of the user terminal 30 and audio input via the microphone of the user terminal 30 to the server 10 starts. In addition, in response to the start of streaming of the live video, a new record is created in the streaming management table 412.

Figure 8 illustrates an example of a distribution screen 70 that is displayed on the distributor terminal 30 in response to selection of the distribution start button 66 (i.e., the start of distribution of a live video). As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a video display area 71 that corresponds to the entire screen, a basic information display area 72 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 73 located in the lower left corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 76 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

The video display area 71 displays the live video being distributed, that is, the image input via the camera of the distributor terminal 30. The distributor usually shoots himself/herself via the internal camera of the distributor terminal 30, so the live video being distributed includes the distributor himself/herself.

The basic information display area 72 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically broadcaster information (profile image, etc.), the number of viewers of this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" entered by viewers in response to this broadcast.

The comment display area 73 displays user comments input by the viewer or system comments automatically input by the server 10 (for example, a system comment notifying the viewer that viewing has begun (entering the broadcast room), etc.), and specifically, in this area 73, multiple comment objects 731, each corresponding to an individual comment, are arranged vertically. The comment display area 73 is configured so that when a new comment is input, a corresponding comment object 731 is added to the bottom, and existing comment objects 731 move upward in sequence. The comment display area 73 is configured so that the comment objects 731 displayed can be switched by performing a flick operation/slide operation in the vertical direction, etc.

The broadcast stop button 76 is an object that allows the broadcaster to stop broadcasting the live video. When the broadcaster selects the broadcast stop button 76, the broadcasting of the live video (the transmission of the live video from the broadcaster terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a viewing screen 80 displayed on the viewer terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects any live video via the list display area 64 of the top screen 60, a viewing screen 80 for viewing the selected live video is displayed on the viewer terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 has a video display area 81, a basic information display area 82, and a comment display area 83, similar to the distribution screen 70 described above. In addition, the viewing screen 80 has, at the bottom of the screen, a comment input area 86, a "Like" button 87 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 88 with a gift design displayed.

The comment input area 86 is an area for viewers to input comments. A transmission object 861 is located at the right end of the area 86, and when the object 861 is selected, the character string input in the comment input area 86 is transmitted as a user comment. When a user comment is transmitted, a comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the comment is added to the comment display area 73, 83 of the distribution screen 70 of the distributor terminal 30 and the viewing screen 80 of each viewer terminal 30. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the user comment displays the comment itself (character string) together with the account name of the viewer who input the comment. When a comment is input, the number of comments in the distribution management table 412 is updated (1 is added).

The like button 87 is an object that allows a viewer to input a "like" to a distributor. When the button 87 is selected by a viewer, a "like" is input and a system comment regarding the "like" is input, and the corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment regarding the "like" displays text indicating that the "like" was made along with the account name of the viewer who input the "like". In addition, when a "like" is input, a predetermined visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added to the video display area 71, 81. In addition, when a "like" is input, the "number of likes" in the distribution management table 412 is updated (1 is added).

The item input button 88 is an object that allows the viewer to input an item. When the button 88 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 100, as shown in FIG. 10, is displayed superimposed on the viewing screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 100 displays a list of multiple individual display areas 102, each of which displays information about an item. The individual display areas 102 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins required to input the item.

In this example, multiple items that can be input by the viewer are determined in advance, and a number of coins is set in advance as the price (value, compensation) of each item. The item selection screen 100 displays a list of the multiple items that can be input. When the viewer selects one of the items via the item selection screen 100, the selected item is input.

When an item is input, a system comment regarding the item input is input, and a corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment regarding the item input displays the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewer who input the item. Also, when an item is input, a visual effect corresponding to the input item is added to the video display area 71, 81. Also, when an item is input, item points according to the number of coins of the input item (for example, the more coins, the more points) are granted to this broadcast, and are added to the item points of the corresponding broadcast in the broadcast management table 412. Also, when an item is input, the number of coins of the input item is subtracted from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewer who input the item) in the user information table 411.

When the broadcaster selects the stop broadcast button 76 on the broadcast screen 70, the broadcast of the live video ends. When the broadcast of the live video ends, the server 10 sets broadcast points for that broadcast. In this example, the broadcast points are calculated based on the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points. The broadcast points are configured to increase as the number of viewers (maximum value), the number of likes, the number of comments, and the item points increase. The calculated broadcast points are registered in the broadcast management table 412.

In this example, the rank for the day is determined (updated) based on the distribution points the user acquired on the previous day. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when updating the rank of each user. These processes are executed late at night every day (for example, at 3:00 a.m. every day).

First, the server 10 updates the rank meter value of each user as shown in FIG. 11 (step S200). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the rules for updating the rank meter value. As shown in the figure, in this example, the rank meter value fluctuates based on the ranking of the distribution points acquired by the user on the previous day within the rank band to which the user belongs. The distribution points acquired by a specific user on the previous day are calculated by referring to the distributor user account, distribution date and time, and distribution points in the distribution management table 412. Note that if a user makes multiple distributions in one day, the distribution points acquired for each of the multiple distributions are added together.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the rank meter value update rules are as follows: first, if the ranking of a distribution point within a rank band is in the top 10%, the rank meter value changes by "+2" (an increase of 2 points). Similarly, if the ranking is in the top 11-30% (the remaining 20% after removing the top 10% from the top 30%), the change is "+1", if the ranking is in the middle 30% (top 31-60%) the change is "±0" (no increase or decrease), and if the ranking is in the bottom 40%, the change is "-1" (a decrease of 1 point). Note that if no distribution was performed on the previous day, the rank meter value changes by "-1" regardless of the ranking within the rank band.

In step S200, the rank meter value of each user is updated according to the update rules exemplified in FIG. 12. Note that, for a user with a negative rank meter value, if the current change in the rank meter value is an increase (specifically, +2 or +1), the rank meter value may be cleared to 0 before being increased. That is, for example, if the current change in the rank meter value of a user whose current rank meter value is "-1" is "+2", the rank meter value is cleared to 0 and then incremented by 2, so that the rank meter value after the change becomes "+2" (instead of "+1"). In this way, even for users with negative rank meter values (for example, users who broadcast infrequently), the rank meter value can be increased all at once, promoting the distribution of live video.

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 11, after updating the rank meter value of each user, the server 10 then updates the rank based on the updated rank meter value (step S210). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the update contents of the rank and the required rank meter value. As shown in the figure, first, when ranking up across rank bands (in other words, when ranking up from the highest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +4. That is, when a user belonging to the highest rank (e.g., A+) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +4, the user is ranked up to the lowest rank (e.g., S-) in the immediately upper rank band. Also, when ranking up within the same rank band (in other words, when ranking up from the middle or lowest rank in each rank band), the rank meter value required is +2. That is, when a user belonging to the middle or lowest rank (e.g., B or B-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of +2, the user is ranked up to the immediately higher rank (e.g., B+ or B) in the same rank band.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the rank meter value required for down-ranking within the same rank band (in other words, for down-ranking from the highest or middle rank in each rank band) is -2. That is, when a user who belongs to the highest or middle rank in each rank band (e.g., B+ or B) has a rank meter value of -2, the user will be down-ranked to the next lower rank (e.g., B or B-) in the same rank band. Also, the rank meter value required for down-ranking across rank bands is -6. That is, when a user who belongs to the lowest rank (e.g., A-) in each rank band has a rank meter value of -6, the user will be down-ranked to the highest rank (e.g., B+) in the next lower rank band. Thus, in this example, the absolute value of the rank meter value required for up-ranking/down-ranking across rank bands is larger than that for up-ranking/down-ranking within the same rank band. As a result, sudden up-ranking/down-ranking in a short period of time is suppressed.

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 11, in step S210, the rank is updated based on the rank meter value according to the correspondence illustrated in FIG. 13. Note that the rank meter value of the user whose rank has been updated (the user whose rank has been upgraded/downgraded) is cleared to 0.

In addition, in this example, diamonds are awarded as a reward to the user as a broadcaster based on the broadcast time on the previous day and the rank (rank on the previous day). FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 when awarding diamonds to each broadcaster. These processes are executed late at night every day, for example, at a time (for example, midnight every day) earlier than the process executed when updating the rank of each user illustrated in FIG. 11.

First, as shown in the figure, the server 10 calculates the broadcast time of each user on the previous day (step S300). Specifically, the broadcast time of a particular user on the previous day is identified by referring to the broadcaster user account, broadcast date and time, and broadcast time in the broadcast management table 412. If a user broadcasts multiple times in one day, the broadcast times of each of the multiple broadcasts are added together.

Then, the server 10 grants each user a number of diamonds based on the calculated broadcast time and the standard number of diamonds (step S310). Specifically, each user is granted a number of diamonds equal to the calculated broadcast time multiplied by the standard number of diamonds. The standard number of diamonds is preset for each rank so that the higher the rank, the greater the number, and the standard number of diamonds corresponding to each user's rank on the previous day is applied. When diamonds are granted to a user, the number of diamonds held in the user information table 411 is updated. In this example, diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

Now, we will explain the event in this example. In this example, the live video streaming service may hold time-limited events that last for a specified period (e.g., two weeks), and a ranking of streamers is set at the event. The ranking, which will be described in detail later, is set based on the event points earned by streamers during the event period, and the event points are obtained by multiplying the streaming points earned by the streamer during the event period by a coefficient that corresponds to the number of streamer's supporters.

In this example, viewers who meet all of the following four conditions regarding viewing behavior of live videos during the event period can join the support team of the corresponding broadcaster.

(1) The number of coins consumed to enter items is 150 or more. (2) The number of comments entered is 80 or more. (3) The viewing time is 5 hours or more. (4) The number of days viewed is 3 or more.

These conditions (conditions for joining the cheering squad) are presented to the user, for example, via a screen for explaining the contents of the event displayed on the user terminal 30. During the event, the values of these four parameters for each viewer are managed in the condition satisfaction status management table 413 and updated in real time (during the distribution of the live video). For example, the "number of coins consumed for item" is updated in response to the input of an item, the "number of comment inputs" is updated in response to the input of a comment, the "viewing time" is updated in response to the continuation of viewing, and the "number of days viewed" is updated in response to the start of the first viewing of the day.

In this example, when a viewer satisfies all four of the above-mentioned conditions, the viewer joins the cheering squad for the corresponding broadcaster. When the viewer joins the cheering squad, a system comment regarding joining the cheering squad is entered, and a corresponding comment object 731, 831 is added to the comment display area 73, 83. The comment object 731, 831 corresponding to the system comment regarding joining the cheering squad displays text indicating joining the cheering squad along with the account name of the viewer who has joined the cheering squad. In addition, in response to joining the cheering squad, a predetermined visual effect is added to the video display area 71, 81. In addition, in response to joining the cheering squad, the date and time when the corresponding viewer's conditions were satisfied is set in the condition satisfaction status management table 413.

In addition, in this example, information regarding the current status of the broadcaster's cheering squad is displayed on the broadcast screen 70 and the viewing screen 80. FIG. 15 illustrates the broadcast screen 70 during the event period. As shown in the figure, on the broadcast screen 70 during the event period, a cheering squad information display object 721 is placed in the upper right corner of the screen, which displays the current status of the cheering squad of the corresponding broadcaster. The object 721 displays the current number and level of the cheering squad.

In this example, the level of the cheering team and the value of the coefficient used when calculating the event points (multiplication factor for distribution points when calculating event points) change depending on the number of cheering team members. Figure 16 illustrates the correspondence between the number of cheering team members, the cheering team level, and the coefficient for calculating event points. As shown in the figure, in this example, when the number of cheering team members is 30 or less, the level is 1 and the coefficient (multiplication factor) is 1.0 (no change). When the number of cheering team members is 31 to 50, the level is 2 and the coefficient (multiplication factor) is 1.5. When the number of cheering team members is 51 to 100, the level is 3 and the coefficient (multiplication factor) is 2.0. When the number of cheering team members is 101 or more, the level is 4 and the coefficient (multiplication factor) is 3.0.

The number of supporters displayed in the support team information display object 721 is determined by referring to the condition satisfaction status management table 413, and the level of the support team is determined according to the number of supporters and the correspondence illustrated in FIG. 16.

When the cheering team information display object 721 is selected, a cheering team details screen 200 as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed superimposed on the distribution screen 70. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 displays the current number of members of the cheering team, their level, and their coefficient (multiplier), and also has a list display area 202 that displays a list of viewers who have joined the cheering team. In the area 202, profile images of viewers who have joined the cheering team are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the displayed viewers are switched by a left-right flick operation/slide operation, etc. In this example, the multiple viewers in the list display area 202 are arranged in ascending order of the condition fulfillment date and time (date and time of joining the cheering team), with the left end at the top.

Figure 18 shows an example of the viewing screen 80 during the event period. As shown in the figure, during the event period, the viewing screen 80 also has a cheering squad information display object 821 placed in the upper right corner of the screen, similar to the distribution screen 70.

19 illustrates a cheering team details screen 200A that is displayed overlaid on the viewing screen 80 in response to the selection of the cheering team information display object 821 on the viewing screen 80. The screen 200A, like the cheering team details screen 200, displays the number of cheering team members, their level, and their coefficient (multiplier), and has a list display area 202 that displays a list of viewers who have joined the cheering team. The cheering team details screen 200A also has a status display area 204A that displays the satisfaction status of the conditions for joining the cheering team for the viewer himself (the user of the viewer terminal 30 on which the viewing screen 80 is displayed). As shown in the figure, the area 204A displays the values required to satisfy the joining conditions and the current actual values in the form of fractions for each parameter of item contribution (number of item coins consumed), number of comments (number of comments entered), viewing time, and number of viewing days. For example, in FIG. 19, the satisfaction status regarding the number of comments is displayed as "25/80 comments," so it can be seen that the number of comments required to satisfy the conditions for joining the support team is "80," and the current actual number of comments is "25." Note that in the status display area 204A, a display such as "clear" is added to the position of the parameter that satisfies the conditions for joining.

During an event, when a live video broadcast ends, the server 10 not only sets the broadcast points for that broadcast, but also updates the event points (managed in the user information table 411) of the corresponding broadcaster at that time. The event points are calculated by multiplying the broadcast points acquired by the broadcaster during the event by a coefficient (multiplier) according to the number of supporters. The broadcast points for the event are calculated by adding up the broadcast points for each broadcast during that period, which are managed in the broadcast management table 412. The number of supporters for the corresponding broadcaster is calculated by referring to the condition satisfaction status management table 413.

During the event, the ranking (progress) of streamers based on the event points at that time is displayed on a screen explaining the contents of the event. Then, when the event period ends, the ranking of streamers is determined based on the final streaming points and event points based on the number of supporters, and, for example, a specified reward is awarded to the top ranked streamers.

In the above example, the status display area 204A of the cheering squad details screen 200A is configured to display the satisfaction status of the viewer's own conditions for joining the cheering squad, but in another example of this embodiment, the broadcaster/viewer may be configured to view the satisfaction status of other viewers' conditions for joining the cheering squad via the broadcasting screen 70/viewing screen 80. Also, for example, a family member of a specific broadcaster may be able to view the satisfaction status of other family members of the same broadcaster. For example, a screen containing information about the family may display a list of the satisfaction status of the conditions for joining the cheering squad for the corresponding broadcaster for each of the multiple family members who have joined the family.

In the above example, the number of supporters is used to calculate event points for a time-limited event, but in other examples of this embodiment, the number of supporters may be used in various evaluations of the broadcaster other than for such events. For example, the broadcast points in the above example may be calculated based on the number of supporters.

The video distribution server 10 of this embodiment described above determines, for each of multiple distributors, viewers who satisfy certain conditions related to the viewing behavior of videos provided by each distributor (e.g., conditions related to the number of item coins consumed, the number of comments entered, viewing time, and number of days viewed, etc.), and executes a certain process (e.g., a process to calculate event points) to evaluate each distributor based at least on the number of such viewers (e.g., the number of supporters), making it possible to appropriately evaluate distributors based on the number of viewers with certain viewing behavior. In this way, the server 10 supports appropriate evaluation of video distributors.

The processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by implementing logic equivalent to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. In addition, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be implemented as a computer program equivalent to the processes and procedures, and executed by various computers.

Although the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and/or multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or described without being limited to either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise.

10 Video distribution server 11 Computer processor 15 Storage (storage device)
20 Communication network 30 User terminal 41 Information storage management unit 43 Basic function control unit 45 Video distribution control unit 47 User evaluation unit 60 Top screen 70 Distribution screen 80 Viewing screen 100 Item selection screen 200, 200A Support team details screen

Claims (8)

A means for delivering video to one or more terminals;
a means for managing a user approved by a management user of a group corresponding to a distributor of the video as a first specific user of the distributor;
and managing a user who satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the viewing behavior of the video as a second specific user of the distributor;
The predetermined condition includes a condition regarding a viewing time of the video,
The distributing means displays a viewing screen on each of the one or more terminals,
The viewing screen is configured to display information about the second specific user who satisfies the predetermined condition.
Device. A means for delivering video to one or more terminals;
a means for managing a user approved by a management user of a group corresponding to a distributor of the video as a first specific user of the distributor;
and managing a user who satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the viewing behavior of the video as a second specific user of the distributor;
The predetermined conditions include a condition regarding the number of days for which the video has been viewed,
The distributing means displays a viewing screen on each of the one or more terminals,
The viewing screen is configured to display information about the second specific user who satisfies the predetermined condition.
Device. A means for delivering video to one or more terminals;
a means for managing a user approved by a management user of a group corresponding to a distributor of the video as a first specific user of the distributor;
and managing a user who satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the viewing behavior of the video as a second specific user of the distributor;
the predetermined conditions include conditions regarding input of comments to the video,
The distributing means displays a viewing screen on each of the one or more terminals,
The viewing screen is configured to display information about the second specific user who satisfies the predetermined condition.
Device. A means for delivering video to one or more terminals;
a means for managing a user approved by a management user of a group corresponding to a distributor of the video as a first specific user of the distributor;
and managing a user who satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the viewing behavior of the video as a second specific user of the distributor;
the predetermined condition includes a condition regarding input of an item into the video;
The distributing means displays a viewing screen on each of the one or more terminals,
The viewing screen is configured to display information about the second specific user who satisfies the predetermined condition.
Device. the means for managing the user who satisfies the predetermined condition as the second specified user manages the user who satisfies the predetermined condition during a predetermined period as the second specified user;
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The apparatus further comprises means for managing values of parameters related to the viewing behavior of a user.
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The means for managing the parameter value manages information regarding a difference between the parameter value required to satisfy the predetermined condition and the actual parameter value.
7. The apparatus of claim 6. The system further includes a means for transmitting list information of a plurality of first specific users, the list information including a satisfaction status of the predetermined condition for each of the plurality of first specific users, to the terminal.
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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