JP7783479B2 - Information Processing Systems - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing system.

Patent Document 1 discloses technology that provides rewards to live commentary users when new players register or when the frequency of play increases for a game in which live commentary videos are distributed by the live commentary users.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-162881

When distributing videos that include gameplay footage, there is a risk that the videos may be distributed without the permission of the owners of the game rights.
In consideration of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to curb unauthorized video distribution.

(1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. In an issuing step in this information processing system, license information indicating permission to distribute a video including a specified game screen is issued. In a notifying step, the issued license information is notified to a user who wishes to distribute. In a distributing step, videos including a game screen that have the issued license information are distributed.

This approach makes it possible to curb unauthorized video distribution.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a game video distribution system 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the game server 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a game terminal 30. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control unit of each device. FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of an issuing process. 10 is an example of a distribution condition table. FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing another example of the issuing process. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed distribution rights screen. FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of a distribution process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video editing screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a video editing screen for assigning a license ID. FIG. 10 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of a condition determination process. FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of a fee request process.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below using the drawings. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

The program for realizing the software featured in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In this embodiment, the term "unit" can also include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in the broad sense, and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. This embodiment handles a variety of information, which can be represented, for example, by physical signal values representing voltage and current, high and low signal values as a collection of binary bits consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in the broad sense.

In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of the game video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described.

Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a game video distribution system 1. Game video distribution system 1 is a system that executes processing for distributing videos that include game screens (hereinafter referred to as "game videos"), and is an example of an "information processing system." The games referred to here are so-called computer games, which are played on game consoles, personal computers, smartphones, etc. Game screens include not only the screen of the game being played by the player, but also screens other than the game being played, such as demos, effects, and movies. Game screens also include not only videos but also still images.

The game video distribution system 1 comprises a communication line 2, a blockchain system 3 (BC = Blockchain), a game server 10, a video distribution server 20, and a game terminal 30. The communication line 2 includes the Internet and mediates the exchange of data between devices connected to the line. The blockchain system 3 distributes and manages various information using a blockchain mechanism. The blockchain system 3 comprises multiple node devices connected to each other via a P2P network (P2P = Peer to Peer).

The blockchain system 3 divides transaction data, which indicates the history of past processing, into blocks of a fixed capacity, and generates a blockchain by arranging and linking these blocks in order. The blockchain system 3 assigns each block the hash value of the previous block, and distributes and stores the generated blockchain across multiple node devices. In this way, the blockchain system 3 improves the tamper-resistance of the blockchain. The game server 10 is a device that provides game functions to players.

The video distribution server 20 is a device that accumulates and distributes game videos. The video distribution server 20 registers and manages transaction data describing agreements such as permissions and compensation for video distribution in the BC system 3. The game terminal 30 is a device used by game players, and displays game screens provided by the game server 10. The game terminal 30 displays game videos distributed by the video distribution server 20. Furthermore, in the game video distribution system 1, players can operate the game terminal 30 to edit game videos including game screens played by themselves or others, and upload them to the video distribution server 20.

Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the game server 10. The game server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a bus 14. The bus 14 electrically connects the various units of the game server 10. The video distribution server 20 may have different performance and detailed specifications, but has a similar hardware configuration to the game server 10.

(Control unit 11)
The control unit 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 11 realizes various functions related to the game video distribution system 1 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 12. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 12 is specifically realized by the control unit 11, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 11. These will be described in further detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 11 is not limited to being single, and multiple control units 11 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

(Storage unit 12)
The memory unit 12 stores various pieces of information defined above. This may be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and the like related to the game video distribution system 1 executed by the control unit 11, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 12 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the game video distribution system 1 executed by the control unit 11.

(Communication unit 13)
The communication unit 13 is configured to be able to transmit various electrical signals from the game server 10 to external components. The communication unit 13 is also configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from the external components to the game server 10. More preferably, the communication unit 13 has a network communication function, which allows various information to be communicated between the game server 10 and external devices via the communication line 2.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of game terminal 30. Game terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, a display unit 35, and a bus 36. Bus 36 electrically connects the various units included in game terminal 30. Although the performance and detailed specifications of control unit 31, memory unit 32, and communication unit 33 may differ, they are similar hardware to control unit 11, memory unit 12, and communication unit 13 described in Figure 2.

(Input unit 34)
The input unit 34 has buttons, a touch screen, etc., and accepts input from the user. In the case of the game terminal 30, a controller suitable for playing the game is often used as the input unit 34.

(Display section 35)
The display unit 35 has a display or the like and displays images on a display surface. Note that the display unit 35 displaying various images of characters, items, backgrounds, and the like that appear in the game is also referred to as "displaying a game screen."

2. Functional Configuration This section describes the functional configuration of this embodiment. As described above, information processing by software stored in the storage unit of each device is specifically realized by a control unit, which is an example of hardware, and each functional unit included in the control unit can be executed.

Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the control unit of each device. The control unit of the game server 10 includes a game processing unit 111, a game memory unit 112, and a recording unit 113. The control unit of the video distribution server 20 includes a video memory unit 211, a list distribution unit 212, a video distribution unit 213, a permission information processing unit 214, a grant processing unit 215, a condition processing unit 216, an identification processing unit 217, and a BC processing unit 218. The control unit of the game terminal 30 includes a game processing unit 311, a game memory unit 312, and a video processing unit 313.

The game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 performs processing related to the game. The game memory unit 112 stores data related to the game. The game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 executes processing related to the game. The game memory unit 312 stores data related to the game. The game server 10 and game terminal 30 use these functions to provide the game to players.

Games provided to players can be of any genre, including fighting games, action games, shooting games, role-playing games, simulation games, puzzle games, racing games, and music games. The recording unit 113 of the game server 10 performs processing related to recording game screens. The video processing unit 313 of the game terminal 30 performs processing related to game videos. For example, the video processing unit 313 accepts operations to create game videos based on recorded game screens, and performs editing processing of the game videos.

The video storage unit 211 of the video distribution server 20 stores uploaded game videos. The list distribution unit 212 creates and distributes a list of game videos stored in the video storage unit 211. The video distribution unit 213 distributes the game videos stored in the video storage unit 211. The video processing unit 313 of the game terminal 30 performs display processing to display the distributed videos. The permission information processing unit 214 performs processing such as issuing and notifying permission information related to the distribution of game videos.

License information is information indicating that distribution of game videos is permitted, and in this embodiment, it is a license ID (Identification) expressed in letters and numbers, etc. Permission to distribute means that the owner of the rights to a game has granted permission to distribute game videos that include screens from that game. Rights related to the game include copyrights, design rights, patent rights, etc. for the game itself, characters that appear in the game, and music used in the game.

In the game video distribution system 1, the issued license information is assigned to the game video, proving that the distribution of that game video is permitted. The granting processing unit 215 performs processing related to the granting of license information to game videos, such as determining whether license information has been assigned to the game video. While game video distribution may be permitted without restriction, some conditions are usually imposed. The condition processing unit 216 performs processing related to such game video distribution conditions.

Information assigned to game videos includes not only license information, but also the identification processing unit 217, which identifies screen videos that record game screens, performs processing related to the identification information assigned to game videos. The identification information here refers to identification information separate from the license ID, such as a video ID that identifies game videos that have been authorized for distribution. The BC processing unit 218 performs BC-related processing, such as registering information related to game video distribution in the BC system 3.

3. Information Processing This section describes information processing in this embodiment. The game video distribution system 1 performs distribution processing for distributing game videos. The distribution processing includes an issuance processing for issuing license information.

Figure 5 is an activity diagram showing an example of publishing processing. The publishing processing shown in Figure 5 is an example in which a user records a game while playing it, and when the user has recorded the game screen that they want to use in the game video, they consent to the distribution of the game video including the recorded game screen. First, in A101, the game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 and the game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 cooperate to execute game processing that provides the user with game functions.

Next, when the game terminal 30 receives a recording operation from the user at A102, it transmits instruction data indicating a recording instruction to the game server 10. At A103, the game server 10 causes the recording unit 113 to record the game screen based on the instruction indicated in the transmitted instruction data, and generates temporary data indicating the recorded game screen. When the user performs an operation on the game terminal 30 to end recording, the game server 10 causes the recording unit 113 to generate recording data indicating the recorded game screen based on the generated temporary data at A104.

The recorded data is data that shows video and still images showing the game screen, sounds emitted during the game, etc. In this embodiment, the recorded data is generated by the game server 10, but it may also be generated by the game terminal 30. The game server 10 transmits the generated recorded data to the game terminal 30. When the game terminal 30 receives the transmitted recorded data, the video processing unit 313 performs video editing processing to edit the game video at A105.

Transmission and reception of recorded data from the game server 10 to the game terminal 30 is managed by user ID. This may allow only the user of the game terminal 30 to receive the data, or allow anyone to receive it. The user or game administrator may also be able to freely set whether or not to receive such recorded data. By performing video editing operations, the user can crop, zoom in/out, rearrange, loop, overlay effect images or comment images, overlay user video, add user voice, add subtitles to user voice, and arrange the data on the game video.

When the game device 30 completes editing of the video, the video processing unit 313 generates video data indicating the completed game video and video information, which is meta information for the game video, at A106. The video information indicates, for example, a video ID that identifies the game video, the time length of the game video (playback time of the game video), and the name of the game included in the game video. When the user completes the game video, they perform an inquiry operation to inquire about the distribution conditions that must be met in order to distribute the game video.

When the game device 30 accepts the query operation, it transmits the generated video information to the video distribution server 20. The video distribution server 20 stores various distribution conditions in advance. The distribution conditions are determined for each distributor of a video containing content (in this embodiment, a game video). In this embodiment, the distribution conditions are further defined for each game video. The video distribution server 20 stores the distribution conditions thus determined.

Then, at A107, the video distribution server 20 uses the condition processing unit 216 to read the distribution conditions for the requested game video based on the transmitted video information. In this embodiment, the distribution conditions are set as a fee for distributing the game video. This fee is a license fee (also called a licensing fee) set based on the rights related to the content (the game in this embodiment) included in the game video.

Rights related to content include copyright when the content is intellectual property such as a game, and in some cases also include design rights and patent rights. Compensation is determined for each game video distributor and is demanded by the owner of the rights related to the content from those who benefit from the distribution (the distributor, the agency to which the distributor belongs, etc.). Compensation is paid, for example, in cash or virtual currency.

Furthermore, if the content is a game, payment may be made in the form of purchasing an item within the game. The payment may be set as a fixed amount, but in this embodiment, a fee is set according to the number of times the video is played (so-called pay-as-you-go). In this embodiment, the video distribution server 20 uses a distribution conditions table that associates the name of the game to be distributed, the range of number of times the game video is played, and the payment required for distribution.

Figure 6 is an example of a distribution conditions table. In the example of Figure 6, the name of the game "Fighting Game C" is associated with the ranges of video play counts of "Under B1," "B1 to B2," "B2 to B3," and "B3 or more," as well as the compensations of "Free," "P1," "P2," and "P3." The video distribution server 20 reads out, as the distribution conditions for the requested game video, a list of the relationship between the ranges of video play counts and compensations associated with the name of the game indicated by the transmitted video information.

The video distribution server 20 transmits the read distribution conditions to the game terminal 30. At A108, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted distribution conditions using the video processing unit 313. In this way, the permission information processing unit 214 functions as a condition presentation unit that presents the conditions related to permission for distribution (= distribution conditions) to the user. If the user decides to use one of the displayed distribution conditions for distribution, the user pays the fee for the adopted distribution conditions and performs an operation to request permission for distribution.

In this embodiment, payment of the consideration is made using the same mechanism as purchasing in-game items. Specifically, for example, the user purchases in-game virtual currency through electronic commerce and then uses the purchased virtual currency to purchase items equivalent to the consideration. Therefore, at A109, the game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 transmits to the game server 10 instruction data instructing the purchase of virtual currency equivalent to the consideration required for permission to distribute and the purchase of items indicating the adopted distribution conditions.

The game terminal 30 sends the instruction data together with video information, distribution conditions, and a user ID that identifies the user. The user ID is, for example, identification information assigned to a user registered as a game user. At A110, the game server 10, via the game processing unit 111, performs payment processing for the fee as indicated in the transmitted instruction data. When the game server 10 has performed the payment processing, it sends request data to the video distribution server 20 indicating the video information, distribution conditions, and user ID that were added to the instruction data, as well as a request for permission to distribute.

When the video distribution server 20 receives the request data, at A111, the license information processing unit 214 issues a license ID indicating that distribution of the game video indicated in the received request data is permitted. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 functions as an issuing unit that issues license information indicating permission to distribute a video including a specified game screen. License information can be issued to various targets, such as per video to be distributed, per distributor, or per organization to which the distributor belongs, but in this embodiment, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information per video to be distributed.

In either case, if distribution of a game video requires permission for multiple rights related to the game, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information indicating that multiple rights are granted. This type of configuration can prevent omissions in license approval during video distribution. Furthermore, if the distribution conditions presented in A108 are accepted, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information indicating approval under those distribution conditions. In this embodiment, the distribution conditions are conditions that limit the number of times the video can be played, as described in FIG. 6. Note that these distribution conditions limit distribution above a certain number of times, for example, but this can also be rephrased as conditions that permit distribution below a certain number of times.

Next, at A112, the video distribution server 20 stores the issued license ID by the license information processing unit 214, in association with the video ID, user ID, and distribution conditions indicated in the received request data. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a first registration unit that registers identification information associated with the license information. The identification information here refers to at least one of the identification information of the game video whose distribution is permitted by the license information (video ID in this embodiment) or the identification information of the distributor of that game video (user ID in this embodiment).

The video distribution server 20 transmits, via the license information processing unit 214, license-related information indicating the license ID, video ID, and user ID to the game terminal 30. At A113, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted license-related information via the video processing unit 313, notifying the user that distribution of the game video has been permitted. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user wishing to distribute of the issued license information (in this embodiment, the license ID).

Furthermore, at A114, the license information processing unit 214 and the BC processing unit 218 send the ID information (license ID, video ID, and user ID) and distribution conditions stored at A112 to the BC system 3 shown in Figure 1 and register them in the blockchain. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 and the BC processing unit 218 function as a second registration unit that associates license information with the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information and registers them in the blockchain.

As described above, in the example of FIG. 5, the user created a game video using game screens that they themselves recorded, but the user may also create a game video using game screens that other users recorded. In this case, the game server 10 creates a list of the generated recorded data at A104 in FIG. 5 and displays it on the game terminal 30. The user then selects one of the recorded data from the list, and the game server 10 transmits the selected recorded data to the game terminal 30, after which the operations from A105 in FIG. 5 are carried out.

In the above example, the recording data is generated before the license information is notified, but the license information may be notified before the recording data is generated. The issuing process in this case will be described below.
7 is an activity diagram showing another example of the issuing process. The issuing process shown in FIG. 7 is started when a user performs an operation to search for a game screen recorded by another user. First, in A121, the game processing unit 111 of the game server 10 and the game processing unit 311 of the game terminal 30 cooperate to execute game processing that provides the user with game functions.

Here, it is assumed that the user performs an operation to display the distribution rights screen. The distribution rights screen is a screen for purchasing distribution rights for game videos. Distribution rights are the rights to distribute game videos, and indicate that distribution that meets specified distribution conditions has been permitted. At A122, the game terminal 30, via the video processing unit 313, accepts the operation to display the distribution rights screen and transmits request data to the game server 10 requesting the display of the distribution rights screen.

At A123, the game server 10 transfers the request data transmitted by the video distribution unit 213 to the video distribution server 20 and inquires about distribution rights information. Before receiving this inquiry, the video distribution server 20 registers distribution rights information indicating specified distribution conditions at A124 using the license information processing unit 214. Distribution rights information is registered, for example, by a business operator that provides a game video distribution service. Once registered, the distribution rights information may remain unchanged, or it may be periodically updated and re-registered.

When the video distribution server 20 receives the request data transmitted from the game server 10, at A125, the license information processing unit 214 reads the registered distribution rights information. The video distribution server 20 transmits the read distribution rights information to the game server 10. At A126, the game server 10 creates a distribution rights screen to notify the user of the transmitted distribution rights information, and transmits it to the game terminal 30. At A127, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted distribution rights screen using the video processing unit 313.

Figure 8 shows an example of a displayed distribution rights screen. The game device 30 displays the distribution rights screen as part of the in-game item shop. On the distribution rights screen, distribution rights are sold in the same way as in-game items, such as a "B-number of video plays 1 pack" and a "B-number of video plays 2 pack." Note that "video plays" refers to the maximum number of times a game video can be played, as described above. The distribution rights screen displays the price of each distribution rights item and a purchase button.

In this way, in the example of Figure 7, the permission information processing unit 214 also functions as a condition presentation unit that presents the conditions related to permission to distribute (= distribution conditions) to the user. At A128, the game terminal 30 uses the video processing unit 313 to accept the operation of pressing the purchase button as a purchase operation. The game terminal 30 transmits data to the game server 10 as purchase data that associates the user ID with distribution rights information (in this embodiment, the maximum number of video plays and the compensation) for the distribution rights for which the purchase operation was accepted.

At A129, the game server 10, via the game processing unit 111, performs payment processing for the price indicated in the transmitted purchase data. When the game server 10 has performed the payment processing, it transmits to the video distribution server 20 request data indicating the distribution rights information and user ID indicated in the purchase data, and a request for permission to distribute. Upon receiving the request data, the video distribution server 20, via the permission information processing unit 214, issues, at A130, a permission ID indicating permission to distribute the game video indicated in the received request data.

In this way, in the example of Figure 7, the license information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 also functions as an issuing unit that issues license information indicating permission to distribute a video including a specified game screen. Furthermore, if the distribution conditions presented in A127 are accepted, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information indicating permission under those distribution conditions. In the example of Figure 7, the distribution conditions are also conditions that limit the number of times the video can be played.

Next, at A131, the video distribution server 20 causes the license information processing unit 214 to store the issued license ID and the user ID indicated in the received request data, i.e., the ID information, in association with the distribution conditions indicated by the distribution rights information. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a first registration unit that registers identification information (user ID in the example of Figure 7) associated with the license information.

The video distribution server 20 transmits license-related information indicating the license ID and user ID to the game terminal 30 via the license information processing unit 214. At A132, the game terminal 30 displays the transmitted license-related information via the video processing unit 313, notifying the user that distribution rights for the game video have been acquired. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user who wishes to distribute of the issued license information (in this embodiment, the license ID).

Furthermore, at A133, the video distribution server 20 uses the license information processing unit 214 and BC processing unit 218 to register the ID information (license ID and user ID) and distribution conditions stored at A131 in the blockchain. In this way, in the example of Figure 7, the license information processing unit 214 and BC processing unit 218 also function as a second registration unit that associates license information with the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information and registers them in the blockchain. Next, we will explain the distribution process from notification of the license ID until the game video is distributed.

Figure 9 is an activity diagram showing an example of distribution processing. The distribution processing shown in Figure 9 is performed after the issuance processing of Figures 5 and 7. In each issuance processing, a license ID is notified to the game terminal 30. In A141, the game terminal 30 assigns ID information to the game video using the video processing unit 313. The ID information here refers to the license ID, video ID, and user ID when the issuance processing of Figure 5 is performed, and the license ID and user ID when the issuance processing of Figure 7 is performed. The methods for assigning each type of ID information can be the same, but the license ID will be used as an example for explanation.

The gaming terminal 30 assigns the license ID, for example, by superimposing text or code indicating the license ID onto the game video using digital watermarking technology. The gaming terminal 30 may also assign the license ID to the game video by writing the license ID into video information, which is meta information for the game video. The gaming terminal 30 may also assign the license ID to the game video by superimposing an inaudible sound indicating the license ID onto the sound emitted by the game video. The gaming terminal 30 displays a video editing screen that provides a function for assigning a license ID.

Figure 10 shows an example of a video editing screen. The video editing screen includes a main screen E1, a thumbnail image E2, sound information E3, text information E4, a digital watermark button D1, and a meta information button D2. The main screen E1 displays the edited video. The thumbnail image E2 displays thumbnail images of frames included in the video in chronological order. By arranging recorded data in the thumbnail image E2, a game video including the recorded data is created.

Sound information E3 indicates sound information to be superimposed on the game video. Text information E4 indicates text information to be superimposed on the game video. The digital watermark button D1 is an operation image for adding a license ID to the game video as a digital watermark. The meta information button D2 is an operation image for including the license ID in meta information and adding it to the game video. When the digital watermark button D1 is operated, the screen switches to a video editing screen for adding a digital watermark.

Figure 11 shows an example of a video editing screen for assigning a license ID. Figure 11(a) shows the entire video editing screen. The video editing screen includes a main screen E11, a thumbnail image E12, and digital watermark information E13. The main screen E11 displays the video after the digital watermark has been added. The thumbnail image E12 displays thumbnail images of frames included in the video in chronological order. The digital watermark information E13 indicates the method of adding a digital watermark for each playback time of the game video.

In this embodiment, there are four methods for adding a digital watermark: "Full surface," "Four corners," "One corner," and "Specified position." The digital watermark addition method is selected using the Full surface button D11, Four corners button D12, One corner button D13, and Position specification button D14. In the "Full surface" method, multiple permission IDs are added evenly across the entire screen, as shown in Figure 11(b). In the "Four corners" method, four permission IDs are added to the four corners of the screen, as shown in Figure 11(c). In the "One corner" method, one permission ID is added to one of the corners of the screen, as shown in Figure 11(d).

In the case of "position specification," permission IDs can be assigned by arranging them at any position on the screen, as shown in Figure 11 (e). With position specification, the number, size, and orientation of permission IDs can also be freely set. The game terminal 30 assigns permission IDs to game videos based on user operations on these video editing screens. The game terminal 30 also assigns video IDs and user IDs to game videos in the same way as permission IDs. Note that the assignment method may differ for each type of ID information (e.g., a digital watermark for permission IDs and meta information for other IDs).

The game terminal 30 may also add an electronic watermark in the form of blinking characters or an electronic watermark with continuously changing color shading. Furthermore, ID information may be added to the game screen when the game screen is recorded. In this case, at A131 in FIG. 7, the video distribution server 20 transmits license-related information to the game terminal 30. When recording the game screen, the game terminal 30 requests the game server 10 to add ID information indicated in the license-related information to the game screen.

When recording a game screen, the game server 10 records it while assigning the requested ID information. Since the game screen shown in the recorded data generated in this way has already been assigned ID information, the game video created using this recorded data will also have ID information assigned. Note that the game server 10 may have the ability to assign ID information to game screens as one of the game functions. In this case, the game server 10 assigns ID information to game screens regardless of whether they are recorded or not, and records the game screens to record game screens with ID information assigned.

The game terminal 30 may also allow the player to select, through operation, whether or not to add ID information. Furthermore, if the ID information is added as an invisible digital watermark, the game terminal 30 may also allow the player to select, through operation, whether or not to visibly display the ID information only during recording. By visibly displaying the ID information, the player can proceed with the game while knowing that the game screen being recorded may later be distributed as a game video.

On the other hand, the game terminal 30 may have a function to read out the ID information assigned to the game video to confirm that the creator of the video has assigned the ID information. For example, the game terminal 30 first saves a log of the processing performed on the game video. Then, if there is a log of the processing to assign ID information but no log of the processing to delete the assigned ID information, the game terminal 30 determines that ID information has been assigned to the game video and reads out the ID information. Furthermore, instead of reading out the ID information, the game terminal 30 may issue a notification with an error sound or the like if ID information has not been assigned to the game video. These readings and notifications may be performed when the game video is uploaded.

Once the user has assigned ID information to the game video, they perform an operation to upload the game video to the video distribution server 20. When the game device 30 accepts the upload operation, the video processing unit 313 transmits video data showing the edited game actions to the video distribution server 20 at A142. When the video distribution server 20 receives the transmitted video data, the assignment processing unit 215 and identification processing unit 217 determine at A143 whether ID information has been assigned to the game video shown by the received video data. The same method for determining whether ID information has been assigned can be used for each ID information assignment, but the following explanation uses a license ID as an example.

The video distribution server 20, for example, searches the meta information of the video data for each of the stored license IDs using the assignment processing unit 215. If at least one license ID is found in the search, the video distribution server 20 determines that the license ID has been assigned. If no license ID is found in the meta information, or in parallel with this, the video distribution server 20 determines whether a digital watermark of the license ID has been assigned to the game video. For example, the video distribution server 20 selects multiple frames included in the game video and attempts to extract the license ID from the selected frames using image recognition technology.

The video distribution server 20 determines that a license ID has been assigned if at least one license ID is extracted, and determines that a license ID has not been assigned if no license ID is extracted. To increase the reliability of the determination, the video distribution server 20 may also determine that a license ID has been assigned if the number of extracted license IDs is equal to or greater than a threshold. In either case, the assignment processing unit 215 functions as an assignment determination unit that determines whether or not license information has been assigned to a game video when the game video is uploaded.

More specifically, the assignment processing unit 215 determines that license information has been assigned when license information superimposed on the uploaded game video is recognized during image recognition of the game video. The video distribution server 20 also determines, using the identification processing unit 217, whether the video ID and user ID registered in association with the license ID determined to have been assigned in A143 have been assigned to the game video, in the same way as the license ID. In this case, the video distribution server 20 also determines whether the video ID and user ID have been assigned to the game video, in the same way as the license ID, by attempting to extract the corresponding video ID and user ID using image recognition technology.

This determines whether the correct combination of ID information has been assigned to the game video. Note that in this embodiment, a license ID was assigned to each video being distributed, but if a license ID is assigned to each distributor, for example, the video distribution server 20 can determine whether the user ID registered in association with the license ID has been assigned to the game video. In either case, the video distribution server 20 determines whether the correct combination of ID information has been assigned to the game video.

In this way, the identification processing unit 217 functions as an identification determination unit that determines whether the uploaded game video has been assigned identification information corresponding to the permission information determined to have been assigned by the assignment processing unit 215. If the video distribution server 20 determines that ID information has been assigned to the game video, then in A144 the video storage unit 211 stores the received video data. The video distribution server 20 may determine that ID information has not been assigned to the game video.

This could be, for example, if the user simply forgot to assign ID information, if the ID information was assigned but was incorrect, or if the correct ID information was assigned as a digital watermark but was difficult to read due to its compatibility with the video. In these cases, the video distribution server 20 determines that ID information has not been assigned to the game video, and sends notification data to the game device 30 informing the user that the game video cannot be distributed because ID information has not been assigned.

At A145, the video processing unit 313 of the gaming device 30 displays a notification indicating that distribution is not possible, as indicated by the received notification data. When the user receives this notification, they can return to A141, add ID information to the game video, and then re-upload it, thereby enabling distribution of the game video. After the game video is stored at A144, a user (viewer) who wishes to watch the game video performs an operation to display a list of game videos on the gaming device 30 in order to distribute the game video. The viewer is generally a different user from the distributor, but there are also cases where the distributor becomes a viewer in order to see how their own game video turned out.

When the game device 30 accepts a video list display operation at A151, the video processing unit 313 sends request data requesting a list of game videos to the video distribution server 20. At A152, the video distribution server 20 creates a video list indicated by the received request data at the list distribution unit 212. The video list created at this time also includes the game videos stored at A144. The video distribution server 20 transmits the created video list to the game device 30.

At A153, the gaming device 30 displays the list of videos that have been sent via the video processing unit 313. The user performs an operation to select a game video to be distributed from the displayed list of videos. At A154, the gaming device 30 accepts this selection operation via the video processing unit 313 and transmits request data requesting distribution of the selected game video to the video distribution server 20. At A155, the video distribution server 20 reads out the game video indicated in the received request data via the video distribution unit 213 as the video to be distributed and distributes it to the gaming device 30.

At A156, the video processing unit 313 of the gaming device 30 displays the distributed game video. The game video thus distributed is assigned ID information. In this way, the video distribution unit 213 functions as a distribution unit that distributes game videos that have been assigned issued license information (in this embodiment, a license ID). Furthermore, if the video distribution unit 213 determines that license information has been assigned to the game video, it distributes that game video.

More specifically, the video distribution unit 213 distributes game videos that have been determined by the granting processing unit 215 to have been granted permission information and by the identification processing unit 217 to have been granted identification information. In this embodiment, as described above, the number of times the game video can be played is used as the distribution condition. Therefore, after distribution of a game video has begun, repeated distribution may result in the distribution condition no longer being met. In order to identify and deal with such game videos, a condition determination process is performed.

Figure 12 is an activity diagram showing an example of the condition determination process. The condition determination process shown in Figure 12 is performed for each game video for which distribution conditions have been defined. First, in A161, the video distribution server 20 uses the condition processing unit 216 to determine whether the time has come to determine the distribution conditions for the game video to be determined. In this embodiment, the number of times a game video can be played is used as the distribution condition, so the video distribution server 20 determines that the time has come to determine the determination each time the number of plays increases after the game video is distributed.

The video distribution server 20 repeats the operation of A161 until it determines that the time for judgment has arrived. If the video distribution server 20 determines that the time for judgment has arrived, in A162, the condition processing unit 216 determines whether the game video to be judged satisfies the distribution conditions. The video distribution server 20 makes this judgment using the distribution conditions stored in association with the license ID assigned to the game video to be judged.

If the video distribution server 20 determines that the distribution conditions are met, it returns to A161 and repeats the operation. Note that the determination of the distribution conditions is only performed on game videos that are determined to have been assigned ID information including a license ID. In this way, when the assignment processing unit 215 determines that license information has been assigned to a game video, the condition processing unit 216 functions as a condition determination unit that determines whether the game video satisfies the conditions indicated by the license information.

If the video distribution server 20 determines that the distribution conditions are not met, the license information processing unit 214 sends notification data to the game terminal 30 requesting that distribution be stopped. At A163, the game terminal 30 displays the notification content indicated in the received notification data and notifies the distributor of the request to stop distribution. Note that instead of performing processing to request the distributor to stop distribution of a game video for which license information has been determined not to have been granted, the video distribution server 20 may perform processing to force the distributor to stop distribution of that game video regardless of the distributor's wishes.

In this case, the video distribution server 20 transmits notification data to the game device 30 notifying the game device 30 that distribution of the game video has been stopped, and performs processing to stop distribution by making the game video stored in the video storage unit 211 unreadable. In this way, the permission information processing unit 214 functions as a first processing unit that can execute processing to stop distribution of a game video when it is determined that the distribution conditions are not met for that game video.

If the distributor accepts the request to stop distribution, they perform an operation to stop distribution. When the game terminal 30 accepts the operation to stop distribution, the video processing unit 313 sends instruction data instructing the video distribution server 20 to stop distribution. When the video distribution server 20 receives the instruction data, at A164, the video distribution unit 213 stops distribution of the game video being determined. If the distributor rejects the request to stop distribution, they perform an operation indicating that they wish to continue distribution.

When the game device 30 accepts the operation to continue distribution, the video processing unit 313 sends inquiry data to the video distribution server 20 inquiring about the method for continuing distribution. When the video distribution server 20 receives the inquiry data, in A171, the condition processing unit 216 reads out the distribution conditions applicable to the game video being determined. For example, when the distribution conditions shown in Figure 6 are used, applicable distribution conditions are distribution conditions that allow the video to be played a number of times greater than the current number of times.

The video distribution server 20 transmits guidance data to the game terminal 30 informing the distributor of updates to the read distribution conditions. Upon receiving the guidance data, the game terminal 30, at A172, displays the distribution conditions indicated in the received guidance data via the video processing unit 313, thereby informing the distributor of updates to those distribution conditions. If the distributor does not accept the new distribution conditions for reasons such as an increase in compensation, the distributor performs a refusal operation. Upon receiving the refusal operation, the game terminal 30 transmits refusal data to the video distribution server 20 indicating that the distribution conditions will not be updated.

When the video distribution server 20 receives the rejection data, in A173, the video distribution unit 213 stops distribution of the game video being determined. If the distributor accepts the new distribution conditions, the distributor performs an operation to update the distribution conditions. An operation to update the distribution conditions is, for example, an operation to purchase the price for the new distribution conditions. When the game terminal 30 accepts the update operation, in A174, the video processing unit 313 sends purchase data indicating the purchase of the new distribution conditions to the game server 10.

At A175, the game server 10, via the game processing unit 111, performs payment processing for the price indicated in the transmitted purchase data. When the game server 10 has performed the payment processing, it transmits request data to the video distribution server 20 indicating a request to update to the new distribution conditions indicated in the purchase data. Upon receiving the request data, the video distribution server 20, via the permission information processing unit 214, performs processing at A176 to update the distribution conditions of the game video being judged to the distribution conditions indicated in the received request data.

When the video distribution server 20 updates the distribution conditions, it returns to A161 and repeats the condition determination process. In this way, when there is a game video for which it has been determined that the conditions are not met, the condition processing unit 216 functions as a second processing unit that performs request processing to request the distributor of that game video to obtain distribution permission for new distribution conditions that the distribution of that game video meets.

As described above, in this embodiment, only game videos that are determined to have been assigned a license ID are distributed, which makes it possible to curb unauthorized video distribution compared to when a license ID is not determined. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by determining whether the distribution conditions are met, it is possible to find videos that violate the license conditions, and by requesting that the distribution be stopped in this case, the distribution of the violating video can be stopped. Furthermore, by requesting that the distribution conditions be updated, the distribution of the violating video can be returned to proper distribution.

<Other embodiments>
(1) Method for Purchasing a License ID A license ID may be purchased by a method different from that described in the embodiment. For example, the video distribution server 20 provides a web shop that sells license rights and issues a license ID to a user who purchases a license right from the web shop. The purchased license ID may be freely assignable to any game video, or may be assigned only to game videos that satisfy predetermined distribution conditions.

(2) Compensation Processing Compensation may be determined for the distribution of game videos according to the results of the distribution. Compensation according to the results of the distribution may be, for example, an amount calculated by multiplying the number of video views by a predetermined coefficient, or an amount according to the number of times the video is viewed each time a predetermined number of views is exceeded.

The relationship between distribution history and compensation corresponds to the relationship between permission and compensation, and is registered in the blockchain as described in the embodiment. When a game video that has been determined to have permission information granted by the granting processing unit 215 is distributed, the condition processing unit 216 functions as a compensation unit that performs request processing to request compensation corresponding to the distribution history of that game video. The compensation request processing by the condition processing unit 216 will be described with reference to Figure 13.

Figure 13 is an activity diagram showing an example of the compensation request process. The compensation request process shown in Figure 13 is performed for each game video for which distribution conditions have been defined. First, in A181, the video distribution server 20 uses the condition processing unit 216 to determine whether the time for compensation processing has arrived for the game video that is the subject of compensation processing. The video distribution server 20 determines that the time for compensation processing has arrived, for example, when a set time such as midnight arrives every day, or when the number of times the game video has been distributed reaches a predetermined number of times.

The video distribution server 20 may also determine that the time to process payment has arrived when the number of views of the game video reaches a predetermined number, or when a video distribution channel is set up for each distributor and the number of subscribers to that channel reaches a predetermined number. The video distribution server 20 may also provide free service until the number of views or subscribers reaches a predetermined number, and then switch to a paid service when the number of views or subscribers exceeds the predetermined number.

The video distribution server 20 repeats the operation of A181 until it determines that the time for payment processing has arrived. If the video distribution server 20 determines that the time for payment processing has arrived, then in A182, the condition processing unit 216 and the BC processing unit 218 read the distribution conditions for the game video that is the subject of payment processing from the blockchain. Next, in A183, the video distribution server 20 uses the condition processing unit 216 to calculate the payment for the target game video based on the read distribution conditions, and transmits payment data indicating the calculated payment to the game terminal 30.

At A184, the gaming terminal 30 displays the payment indicated in the payment data transmitted by the video processing unit 313. If the distributor wishes to stop distributing the game video without paying the displayed payment, the distributor performs a distribution stop operation. When the gaming terminal 30 accepts the distribution stop operation, it transmits distribution stop data indicating that distribution will be stopped to the video distribution server 20. When the video distribution server 20 receives the distribution stop data, at A185, the video distribution unit 213 stops distribution of the game video that is the subject of payment processing.

If the broadcaster wishes to pay the displayed fee and continue the broadcast, they perform an operation to continue the broadcast. An operation to continue the broadcast is, for example, an operation to purchase an in-game item equivalent to the displayed fee. When the game terminal 30 accepts this operation, in A186, the video processing unit 313 transmits purchase data indicating the purchase of an item equivalent to the fee to the game server 10. Note that the game terminal 30 may automatically determine in A184 whether to continue the broadcast and transmit the purchase data in A186. In A187, the game server 10 performs payment processing for the fee indicated in the transmitted purchase data using the game processing unit 111.

When the game server 10 has performed the payment process, it transmits notification data to the video distribution server 20 notifying that payment of the consideration indicated in the purchase data has been made. Upon receiving the notification data, the video distribution server 20, in A188, updates the distribution conditions of the game video that is the subject of the payment process that had been stored up to that point, using the license information processing unit 214, to the distribution conditions that will be applied upon payment of the consideration indicated in the received notification data. After updating the distribution conditions, the video distribution server 20 returns to A181 and repeats the condition determination process.

In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a compensation unit that performs request processing to request compensation determined based on the relationship registered in association with the license information determined to be granted to the game video. The relationship here refers to the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information, and is information registered on the blockchain. According to this aspect, the owner of game rights can receive compensation by allowing the use of game screens.

(3) Display Mode of Game Videos When distributing a list of game videos, the list distribution unit 212 of the video distribution server 20 may set priorities for the placement of game videos. For example, a priority is set for each game video according to the price. In this case, the list distribution unit 212 stores priority information indicating the relationship between the price and the priority. The priority information basically indicates that the higher the price, the higher the priority, but the opposite relationship may also be indicated.

The list distribution unit 212 functions as a display unit that displays a list of game videos that can be distributed. The list distribution unit 212 displays the game videos included in the list in a manner based on the priority of the game video. The video distribution unit 213 distributes videos selected from the displayed list. A manner based on priority is, for example, a manner in which a game video is placed in a position that is more likely to be selected the higher the priority. Generally, the closer to the top of the screen, the more likely the video is to be selected. If the text on the screen is written horizontally, the closer to the left side of the screen, the more likely the video is to be selected.

Furthermore, the priority-based aspect may be such that the higher the priority, the larger the size of the thumbnail image of the game video in the list. Furthermore, the priority-based aspect may be such that the frame of the thumbnail image is made a more eye-catching color or design. In this embodiment, the more the fee is paid, the more likely the video is displayed in a manner that makes it more likely to be selected in the list and distributed. In other words, according to this aspect, payment of the fee can be used to increase the number of views of the video.

(4) Game Video Material Management When creating a game video, images, videos, sounds, and other materials may be used to enhance the video. Many of these materials are available on the Internet, but some of them are protected by copyright or other rights. Such materials must not be used without permission, and obtaining permission is time-consuming. Therefore, the video distribution server 20 may provide materials that users can use without having to go through the trouble of obtaining permission.

In this case, for example, the video storage unit 211 of the video distribution server 20 functions as a storage unit that stores materials. The materials referred to here are materials that any user of the game video distribution system 1 can include in their game videos without obtaining special permission. This can also be said to be materials that are already permitted for use when the user becomes a user of the game video distribution system 1. The permission information processing unit 214 then functions as a provider that provides these materials to users.

The user here is a user who has been notified of the license information issued by the license information processing unit 214. The license information processing unit 214 displays a selection image for selecting material on a video editing screen, and when an operation is performed on the selection image, transmits the selected material to the game terminal 30. The game terminal 30 then generates a game video including the transmitted material using the video processing unit 313. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the use of unauthorized material in videos compared to when the above-mentioned materials are not provided.

The video distribution server 20 may also provide the recorded game screen itself as material for the game video. Game video here includes not only primary content such as the game and in-game music, but also secondary content such as videos that include such primary content. The following describes an example of secondary content in which videos that can be displayed on a user terminal are used as content. Such content will be referred to below as "content video." Videos created using content video are called "cut-out videos."

The recorded data of the game screen is data representing the content video. For example, when the video distribution server 20 records the game screen, the player who played the game being recorded performs a consent operation to consent to the use of the content video represented by the recording data generated by the recording as material for the game video. The video distribution server 20 stores the recorded data representing the content video for which the consent operation has been performed, via the permission information processing unit 214.

The video distribution server 20 then uses the license information processing unit 214 to create a list of content videos using thumbnails of the content videos and file names of the recorded data, and transmits the list to the game device 30. When the user selects a content video from the list, the game device 30 transmits request data requesting the selected content video to the video distribution server 20. When the video distribution server 20 receives the request data, the license information processing unit 214 issues a license ID for the game video that includes the requested content video.

This license ID is license information indicating permission to create a video using the content video and permission to distribute the created video. The video distribution server 20 transmits the issued license ID and recorded data indicating the requested content video to the game terminal 30. Note that the license information processing unit 214 may also transmit a link to a site that displays the content video on a page-by-page basis, rather than a list of the content videos.

In either case, the license information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 functions as a storage unit that stores the generated content videos, and also functions as a recording presentation unit that presents the stored content videos to the user. When a presented content video is selected, the license information processing unit 214 issues license information for a game video that uses that content video. This type of configuration makes it possible to create videos using existing content videos.

The license information processing unit 214 may previously assign license information to the content video used as material. In this case, the license information processing unit 214 functions as an assigning unit that assigns license information to the content video. If the recorded data is data that includes images, the license information processing unit 214 assigns a license ID using a digital watermark or meta information, as described in the above embodiment. Furthermore, if the recorded data is data that indicates music, etc., the license information processing unit 214 assigns a license ID by superimposing an inaudible sound that indicates the license ID.

The license information processing unit 214 then presents the user with a list of recorded data to which license IDs have been assigned, and transmits the recorded data selected by the user to the game terminal 30. In this way, the license information processing unit 214 functions as a provider that provides the recorded data to which license information has been assigned as described above as material for game videos. This type of configuration makes it possible to prevent license information from being not assigned to videos that include game screens.

The content video provided as material may itself be a video for which distribution permission has been granted. In this case, the video distribution server 20 first issues license information (hereinafter referred to as "primary license information") indicating permission to distribute the content video, and registers this information in the blockchain in association with ID information including the issued primary license information. The video distribution server 20 then issues license information (hereinafter referred to as "secondary license information") indicating permission to create a video using the content video and permission to distribute the created video, and registers this information in association with ID information including the issued secondary license information in the blockchain.

The video distribution server 20 also assigns the issued secondary license information to the content video before providing it as video material. This prevents game videos that include content videos from not being assigned license information. The video distribution server 20 may also assign primary license information to the content video in addition to secondary license information. In this case, it can be shown that the content video included in the game video has also been licensed for distribution.

The fact that the content video described above has primary permission for distribution means that the distributor of the content video has paid compensation to the owner of the rights related to the content. The video distribution server 20 may also perform a payment process to have the distributor who distributes the game video created using the content video also pay compensation for this content video. In this way, the requester of compensation, i.e., the owner of the rights related to the content, can receive more compensation the more secondary distribution of videos containing the content occurs.

The video distribution server 20 may also display a list of registered primary license information and secondary license information. For example, when a game video is designated by the creator of a game video, the video distribution server 20 reads out the primary license information and secondary license information registered in association with the video ID of the designated game video. The video distribution server 20 displays the read license information, for example, in a hierarchical format. A hierarchical format is one in which, for example, the first layer shows primary license information, and the next layer shows both primary and secondary license information. By listing the license information in this way, it is easy to understand the license information that must be taken into consideration when distributing a game video.

In addition, when a content video is presented, guidelines regarding the use of the content video may also be presented. Guidelines are distribution conditions that distributors must abide by, such as not violating public order and morals or not revealing spoilers about the game content. In this case, the condition processing unit 216 of the video distribution server 20 presents the distribution conditions for the content video to the user when the permission information processing unit 214 presents the content video to the user.

The license information processing unit 214 issues license information for a presented content video when the content video is selected and the distribution conditions for that content video are accepted. According to this configuration, since the distribution conditions have already been accepted, it is easier to obtain consent to stop distribution when the distribution conditions are no longer met.

However, the distribution conditions for which consent is obtained are not limited to these. For example, the video distribution server 20 may obtain consent under distribution conditions that allow the owner of the game rights to delete the game video at their discretion if they determine that the game video being distributed contains inappropriate content. Furthermore, the video distribution server 20 may obtain consent under distribution conditions that, if the guidelines presented as described above are violated, the deletion of the game video will not result in a refund of the fee.

(5) Timing of Determination of License Information In the above embodiment, the granting processing unit 215 determines whether or not license information has been granted to a game video when the game video including a game screen is uploaded, but the timing of the granting determination is not limited to this. The granting processing unit 215 may also determine whether or not license information has been granted to a game video when the game video is edited.

In this case, the granting processing unit 215 cooperates with the video processing unit 313 of the game device 30 to, for example, forcibly upload the game video being edited at regular time intervals after editing of the game video has begun, and determines whether or not the license information has been granted. The granting processing unit 215 transmits the determination result to the game device 30. The game device 30 disables the upload function while the determination result that the license information has not been granted is received, and enables the upload function when the determination result that the license information has been granted is received.

Not only when the above-mentioned determination of whether to grant permission is not made at the time of uploading or editing, but also when such determination is made, unless the determination is made for all game videos uploaded, there is a possibility that a violating video that has not been granted permission for distribution and has not been granted license information may be uploaded. For such cases, the granting processing unit 215 may determine whether license information has been granted to a game video when it is distributed.

In this case, the video storage unit 211 temporarily stores all uploaded game videos. Then, when a game video to be distributed is selected, the granting processing unit 215 determines whether or not license information has been granted to that game video. If it is determined that license information has been granted, the video distribution unit 213 distributes that game video, and if it is determined that license information has not been granted, it does not distribute that game video.

Note that the video distribution unit 213 may delete a game video as necessary after distribution of the game video has begun. For example, the video distribution unit 213 continues to acquire the number of views of the video even after distribution of the game video has begun, and if the acquired number of views of the video exceeds a threshold, it determines that the impact of the violating video is significant and that deletion is necessary, and deletes the game video. Regardless of when the granting determination is made, unauthorized video distribution can be suppressed compared to when the granting determination is not made.

(6) Distribution Conditions In the above embodiment, the condition processing unit 216 uses a condition that limits distribution depending on the number of times the game video has been played as the distribution condition, but this is not limited to this. The distribution condition may also be a condition that limits distribution depending on the time length of the game video. In this case, the video distribution server 20 permits distribution free of charge and without restrictions if the length of the game video is equal to or less than a predetermined time, for example.

If the length of the game video exceeds a predetermined time, the video distribution server 20 will restrict distribution unless a fee corresponding to the length of the game video is paid. The distribution conditions may also be, for example, a condition that restricts the distribution period of the game video. If the distribution period is limited to, for example, one year, the distributor must stop distributing the game video before one year has passed since the start of distribution. However, it may also be possible to extend the distribution period by paying a new fee when the distribution period has expired.

The distribution conditions may also be conditions that restrict the time periods during which game videos can be distributed. The distribution time periods may be restricted not only by time of day, but also by day of the week, date, month, year, etc. By using distribution conditions related to distribution as described above, it is possible to make it more difficult for distribution to go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information, compared to when distribution is allowed unconditionally. The issuer of the license information is the owner of the rights to the content, or a party entrusted by the owner with the enforcement and management of those rights.

Note that the distribution conditions are not limited to conditions that restrict distribution, but may also be conditions that restrict the game videos to be distributed. For example, the distribution conditions may be conditions that restrict the playback time of the game video, the size on the screen of the game video, the file size or resolution of the game video. The temporal length of the game video refers to the playback time of the entire game video, including parts where the game screen is not displayed. The size on the screen and resolution of the game video essentially mean the same thing and are expressed by the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the game video (e.g., 1920 x 1080). The file size of the game video tends to increase the longer the playback time, the larger the size on the screen, and the higher the resolution.

By using distribution conditions related to game videos in this way, it becomes more difficult for game actions that go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information to be distributed, compared to when distribution is allowed unconditionally. Distribution conditions may also be conditions related to game screens to be included in game videos. For example, distribution conditions may be conditions that limit the range of game screens that can be included in game videos, the playback time of those game screens, or the size or resolution of those game screens on the screen.

The range of the game screen is indicated, for example, by the name of the game and the names of recorded in-game scenes. Regardless of the genre of game, the game usually progresses by changing scenes to keep the player from getting bored. For example, in a fighting game, in-game scenes are indicated by the names of the characters competing (Character A vs. Character B, etc.) or the name of the tournament round. In addition, in role-playing games and action games, in-game scenes are indicated by the names of in-game locations (castles, towns, plains, etc.) or the names of quests and events in which the player is participating.

In addition, in the case of puzzle games or music games, scenes within a game are indicated by the stage (also called a stage or level) currently being played or the name of a song. The playback time of a game screen is the time that the game screen is displayed in the game video. Here, the time when the game screen is still may or may not be included in the playback time. If still time is included, for example, even if the recorded game screen is only for one minute, the playback time may become long if the screen is frozen while commentary is given.

On the other hand, if still periods are not included, and the game video only uses one minute of recorded game screen, the playback time can be limited to one minute. The on-screen size or resolution of the game screen essentially means the same thing, and is expressed by the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the game screen included in the game video (e.g., 1920 x 1080). The condition processing unit 216 may use image recognition technology to identify the range of the game screen from the game video, but to reduce the processing load, the range of the game screen may also be included in the recording information generated as meta information that shows an overview of the recorded data.

This recording information is generated by the recording unit 113 of the game server 10. The game server 10 creates recording information that indicates all of the game screen ranges included in the recording data and the playback start and end times for those ranges. The game server 10 transmits the created recording data and recording information to the game terminal 30. When editing the game video, the video processing unit 313 of the game terminal 30 creates video information that indicates the range of the game screen included in the edited game video.

The condition processing unit 216 of the video distribution server 20 pre-stores the range of game screens permitted for a game video as distribution conditions, in association with the license ID of that game video. Then, for example, when a game video is uploaded together with video information, the condition processing unit 216 determines whether the range of game screens indicated by the video information satisfies the distribution conditions stored in association with the license ID of that game video.

While all of the distribution conditions have been expressed in a way that indicates the range of restrictions on game video distribution, they may also be expressed in a way that indicates the range of permitted game video distribution. For example, a distribution condition that restricts the length of a game video to not exceed a certain time can be rephrased as a distribution condition that is permitted as long as the length of the game video is within the certain time. Regardless of how the distribution conditions are expressed, this aspect makes it more difficult for distribution to exceed the intentions of the issuer of the license information, compared to when distribution is allowed unconditionally.

(7) Unit of Permission In the above examples, the permission information processing unit 214 of the video distribution server 20 issued permission information permitting distribution for each video including content, but this is not limited to this. For example, the permission information processing unit 214 may issue permission information for a predetermined number of videos, or may issue permission information for each user or organization that creates a video.

Users include those who can earn revenue (e.g., advertising revenue) by distributing game videos, and those who cannot. In this case, the distribution conditions may be conditions that restrict distribution depending on the user ID that identifies those users. For example, a first distribution condition may be used for monetizable users, requiring payment based on the number of plays, while a second distribution condition may be used for non-monetizable users, allowing distribution unconditionally.

Furthermore, it is assumed that a video distributor on a certain video distribution site is eligible for monetization if the number of their channel subscriptions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this case, the video distribution server 20 references the number of channel subscriptions on the video distribution site of the game video distributor when determining whether the distribution conditions are met, for example, at A162 in FIG. 12 . If the referenced number of channel subscriptions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the video distribution server 20 determines that the user is eligible for monetization and determines whether the first distribution condition is met.

Furthermore, if the referenced number of channel subscriptions is less than a predetermined number, the video distribution server 20 determines that the user is not eligible for monetization and determines whether the second distribution condition is satisfied. The video distribution server 20 may store a user ID list of monetizable users in advance, and determine whether the user is eligible for monetization based on the user ID associated with the license ID, and determine the distribution condition. Furthermore, without being limited to the above example, different distribution conditions may be used depending on whether the distributor is an individual or an organization, or depending on the organization to which the distributor belongs. According to this aspect, the content of the distribution restriction can be determined for each video distributor.
(8) Transaction of License Rights License rights for the distribution of game videos, etc. may be tradable. These license rights are managed by registering license information in a blockchain, and therefore may be traded, for example, via an exchange used in a blockchain. In this case, the video distribution server 20, for example, executes transaction processing via the exchange using the license information processing unit 214. This allows, for example, compensation for part or all of the costs paid when a license right is purchased but not used.

(9) Usage Status of License Right The video distribution server 20 may register information indicating the usage status of the license right indicated by the issued license ID in the blockchain via the license information processing unit 214. For example, if a game video to which the issued license ID is assigned has been uploaded, the video distribution server 20 registers a used flag in the blockchain indicating that the license right indicated by the license ID has been used.

Furthermore, if a game video with the issued license ID has not been uploaded, the video distribution server 20 registers an unused flag in the blockchain, indicating that the license right is not being used. This information indicating the usage status may be used, for example, as a condition for determining whether or not the license right can be traded. For example, the video distribution server 20 executes trading processing via an exchange for license rights for which a used flag has been registered, and does not execute trading processing via an exchange for license rights for which an unused flag has been registered.

(10) Configuration Variations The overall configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the game server 10 and the video distribution server 20 may be integrated into a single device or may be distributed across three or more devices. These servers may also be replaced by a cloud computing system. Furthermore, video editing and game play may be performed by a user terminal other than the game terminal 40.

Furthermore, the functional configuration shown in Figure 4 is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the functions of the game server 10 and video distribution server 20 may be realized by a single device, or conversely, the functions of the video distribution server 20 may be distributed and realized across two or more devices. In short, as long as the functions shown in Figure 4 are realized by the entire game video distribution system 1, the devices that realize those functions may have any configuration.

(11) Categories of Disclosure The above-described embodiments may be an information processing method. The information processing method includes each unit of an information processing system such as the game video distribution system 1. The above-described embodiments may also be a program. The program causes a computer to execute each step of a similar information processing system.

<Additional Notes>
Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

(2) In the information processing system, the grant determination step determines whether the license information has been granted to a video including the game screen when the video is edited, uploaded, or distributed, and the distribution step distributes the video if it is determined that the license information has been granted to the video.

This method makes it possible to easily discover unauthorized video distribution.

(3) In the information processing system, in the condition presentation step, conditions regarding permission for the distribution are presented to the user, and in the issuance step, if the presented conditions are accepted, the permission information indicating permission under those conditions is issued.

In this manner, distribution permission can be obtained before the video is generated.

(4) In the information processing system, the conditions limit the playback time, screen size, or resolution of the video.

This type of configuration makes it difficult for videos to be distributed that go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information.

(5) In the information processing system, the conditions limit the distribution period, distribution time slot, or number of distributions of the video.

This type of configuration makes it difficult for distribution to occur beyond the intentions of the license information issuer.

(6) In the information processing system, the conditions limit the range of game screens that can be included in the video, playback time, size on the screen, or resolution.

This approach makes it less likely that game screens that go beyond the intentions of the issuer of the license information will be distributed.

(7) In the information processing system, in the condition determination step, if it is determined in the grant determination step that the license information has been granted to the video, it is determined whether the video satisfies the conditions indicated by the license information.

This method makes it possible to find videos that violate license terms.

(8) In the information processing system, in the first processing step, if there is a video for which it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, processing to stop distribution of that video can be executed.

In this manner, distribution of violating videos can be stopped.

(9) In the information processing system, in the second processing step, if there is a video that is determined not to satisfy the conditions, a request process is performed to request the distributor of the video to obtain a distribution license that satisfies new conditions for the distribution of the video.

In this manner, distribution of violating videos can be restored to proper distribution.

(10) In the information processing system, in a first registration step, identification information associated with the permission information is registered, and the identification information is at least one of identification information of a video whose distribution is permitted by the permission information or identification information of a distributor of the video; in an identification determination step, it is determined whether or not an uploaded video is assigned identification information corresponding to the permission information determined to have been assigned in the assignment determination step; and in the distribution step, a video determined to have been assigned the permission information and the identification information is distributed.

This approach makes it possible to more accurately determine whether permission has been granted.

(11) In the information processing system, in the grant determination step, it is determined that the permission information has been granted if the permission information superimposed on the uploaded video is recognized by image recognition of the video.

This type of configuration reduces the effort required to determine whether or not permission is granted.

(12) In the information processing system, a fee is set for the distribution according to the actual distribution record, and in the fee step, when a video determined to have the license information granted is distributed, a request process is performed to request a fee according to the actual distribution record of the video.

In this manner, you can receive compensation for using the game screen.

(13) In the information processing system, in the second registration step, the license information and the relationship between the license and compensation indicated by the license information are associated and registered in the blockchain, and in the compensation step, a request process is performed to request compensation determined based on the relationship registered in association with the license information determined to be granted to the video.

This type of implementation can prevent incorrect payment due to tampering.

(14) In the information processing system, a priority is set for the videos according to the consideration, the display step displays a list of videos that can be distributed, and the videos included in the list are displayed in a manner based on the priority of the videos, and the distribution step distributes a video selected from the list.

In this manner, payment of compensation can be used to increase the number of views of the video.

(15) In the information processing system, the storage step stores materials that can be included in the video, and the provision step provides the materials to a user who has been notified of the permission information.

According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent unauthorized materials from being used in videos.
Of course, this is not the case.
Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in any desired manner.

Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1: Game video distribution system 2: Communication line 3: BC system 10: Game server 20: Video distribution server 30: Game terminal 111: Game processing unit 112: Game storage unit 113: Recording unit 211: Video storage unit 212: List distribution unit 213: Video distribution unit 214: License information processing unit 215: Granting processing unit 216: Condition processing unit 217: Identification processing unit 218: BC processing unit 311: Game processing unit 312: Game storage unit 313: Video processing unit

Claims (7)

An information processing system,
In the issuing step, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including a predetermined game screen is issued;
In the notification step, the issued permission information is notified to the user who desires the distribution;
In the distribution step, a video including the game screen is distributed, the video to which the issued license information is attached;
In the grant determination step, when a video including the game screen is edited, uploaded, or distributed, it is determined whether or not the license information is granted to the video;
In the distributing step, when it is determined that the license information is assigned to the video, the video is distributed;
In the condition presentation step, conditions regarding permission for the distribution are presented to the user;
In the issuing step, when the presented conditions are accepted, the license information indicating permission under those conditions is issued ;
The conditions limit the distribution period of the video, the distribution time period of the video, or the number of times the video is distributed. An information processing system,
In the issuing step, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including a predetermined game screen is issued;
In the notification step, the issued permission information is notified to the user who desires the distribution;
In the distribution step, a video including the game screen is distributed, the video to which the issued license information is attached ;
In the grant determination step, when a video including the game screen is edited, uploaded, or distributed, it is determined whether or not the license information is granted to the video;
In the distributing step, when it is determined that the license information is assigned to the video, the video is distributed;
In the condition presentation step, conditions regarding permission for the distribution are presented to the user;
In the issuing step, when the presented conditions are accepted, the license information indicating permission under those conditions is issued;
The conditions limit the range of the game screen that can be included in the video, the playback time of the game screen, the size of the game screen on the screen, or the resolution of the game screen. An information processing system,
In the issuing step, license information indicating permission for distribution of a video including a predetermined game screen is issued;
In the notification step, the issued permission information is notified to the user who desires the distribution;
In the distribution step, a video including the game screen is distributed, the video to which the issued license information is attached;
A fee is set for the distribution according to the performance of the distribution,
In the compensation step, when a video determined to have been granted the permission information is distributed, a request process is performed to request compensation from the user corresponding to the distribution record of the video. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3 ,
A priority is set for the video according to the consideration;
In the display step, a list of videos that can be distributed is displayed, and the videos included in the list are displayed in a manner based on the priority of the videos;
In the distributing step, the video selected from the list is distributed. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
In the condition determination step, if it is determined in the grant determination step that the license information is granted to the video, it is determined whether the video satisfies a condition indicated by the license information;
In the first processing step, if there is a video for which it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, processing to stop distribution of the video can be executed . 6. The information processing system according to claim 5 ,
In the second processing step, if there is a video that is determined not to satisfy the conditions, a request process is performed to request the distributor of the video to obtain a distribution license with new conditions that the distribution of the video satisfies. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
In the first registration step, identification information associated with the license information is registered, and the identification information is at least one of identification information of a video whose distribution is permitted by the license information or identification information of a distributor of the video;
In the identification determination step, it is determined whether or not the uploaded video is provided with identification information corresponding to the permission information determined to be provided in the provision determination step;
In the distributing step, a moving image determined to have the license information and the identification information is distributed.