JP7801419B2 - Content providing system and content viewing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a content provision system that provides content to the user terminals of viewing users.

Technology for live streaming of content such as videos is known that allows viewers (viewing users) to send communication information, such as by commenting on the content to praise the content or support the poster (posting user), or by providing monetary rewards to the poster (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, the provision of rewards from viewers to posters is called "tipping," or "gifts," after the donations from spectators to street performers. Hereinafter, this term will be used collectively.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-71957

The tipping system allows posters to earn income according to the amount of their tip, which has the effect of encouraging them to post more. It also brings joy to viewers, who can express their opinions and views publicly to other viewers through praise and support, and is expected to have the effect of livening up the atmosphere by inviting more tips.

However, as the atmosphere becomes more lively and more communication information such as tips is sent out, the problem of individual posts becoming less noticeable can arise. In other words, even if a viewer sends a tip, if it gets buried under the messages sent by other viewers at the same time, the viewer's desire to show their support to the poster is not fulfilled, and they may feel like they have missed out.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide technology that allows users to send communication information, including tips, to content they are viewing while being aware of such information being sent by other viewers.

A first invention for solving the above problem is a content provision system that connects to a user terminal of a viewing user and provides given content to the user terminal, the content provision system comprising: reception control means (e.g., reception control unit 243 of FIG. 13) that accepts communication information when an input preparation operation for inputting given communication information to be reflected on a content screen of the user terminal and an input execution operation following the input preparation operation are performed on the user terminal; reflection control means (e.g., reflection control unit 245 of FIG. 13) that controls the reflection of the accepted communication information on the content screen in response to acceptance by the reception control means; detection means (e.g., detection unit 247 of FIG. 13) that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal; and prediction control means (e.g., prediction control unit 249 of FIG. 13) that calculates a forecast business climate index that indicates the degree of business climate that will be reflected if future reflection control is performed by the reflection control means based on the detection result of the detection means, and controls the issuance of a forecast notification to the user terminal based on the forecast business climate index.

According to the first invention, by detecting an input preparation operation for communication information performed by a viewing user on a user terminal when transmitting that communication information, and calculating a predicted business climate index assuming that the communication information is reflected on a content screen in response to a subsequent input execution operation, it is possible to predict the degree of business climate that will result from that reflection. A prediction notification based on the predicted business climate index can then be sent to the user terminal. This allows viewing users to transmit communication information at a time that will be conspicuous, while determining whether the reflection will be buried under other communication information transmissions if they transmit that communication information now. Therefore, a technology can be provided that allows viewing users to transmit communication information for content they are viewing while being aware of transmissions by other viewing users.

A second invention is a content provision system according to the first invention, in which the input preparation operation includes an operation for setting a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input, the reflection control means, when the monetary value has been added to the received communication information, reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form with different visibility than when the monetary value has not been added, the detection means detects the operation for setting the monetary value, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the operation for setting the monetary value detected by the detection means.

According to the second invention, when communication information is reflected on a content screen, communication information to which a monetary value has been added and communication information to which no monetary value has been added can be reflected in a form with different visibility. Then, the operation to set the monetary value can be detected, and the detection result can be used in calculating a forecast business climate index.

A third invention is a content provision system according to the second invention, wherein, when the monetary value is added to the received communication information, the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form with different visibility depending on the amount of the monetary value, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means.

According to the third invention, when communication information is reflected on a content screen, it can be reflected in a form that corresponds to the amount of monetary value attached to the communication information. Then, when an operation to set the monetary value is detected, a predicted business climate index can be calculated based on that amount.

A fourth invention is a content provision system according to the third invention, further comprising a second detection means (e.g., the detection unit 247 in FIG. 13) that detects the input preparation operation on the user terminal of the destination user of the predicted notification, and a destination notification variable control means (e.g., the prediction control unit 249 in FIG. 13) that variably controls the predicted notification on the user terminal of the destination user based on the detection result of the second detection means.

According to the fourth invention, the input preparation operation of the destination user who is the target of the predictive notification can be detected, and the predictive notification can be variably controlled.

A fifth invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the input preparation operation includes a setting operation for including a comment in the communication information, the reflection control means controls the display of the comment on the content screen, the detection means detects the setting operation for the comment, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means.

According to the fifth invention, a comment can be included in the communication information. When a comment setting operation is detected, a forecast business climate index can be calculated based on the content of the comment.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a viewing history data management means (e.g., the user management unit 210 in FIG. 13 or the viewing data 550 in FIG. 14) for managing viewing history data for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably controls the prediction notification addressed to each viewing user based on the viewing history data of that viewing user.

According to the sixth aspect, predictive notifications can be variably controlled depending on the viewing history of the destination user who is the target of the predictive notification.

A seventh invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the detection means detects the input preparation operation related to a destination user of the predicted notification and the input preparation operation related to a non-destination user who is a viewing user other than the destination user, and the prediction control means calculates the predicted business climate index by relatively comparing the detection result of the detection means related to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means related to the non-destination user.

According to the seventh invention, the input preparation operations of the destination user who is the target of the forecast notification and the input preparation operations of non-destination users other than the destination user are detected, and the predicted business climate index can be calculated by comparing the detection results.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, in which the prediction control means has a calculation standard setting means for setting a calculation standard for the forecasted business climate index, and the forecasted business climate index is calculated using the calculation standard.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in which the calculation standard setting means sets the calculation standard based on past detection results by the detection means.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a calculation standard can be set and used to calculate the forecast business climate index. And according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the calculation standard can be set based on the detection results of past input preparation operations.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a user data management means (e.g., the user management unit 210 in FIG. 13 or the user management data 540 in FIG. 14) for managing user data for each viewing user, wherein the detection means detects the input preparation operation for each viewing user, and the prediction control means variably calculates the predicted business climate index based on whether the viewing users whose input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means include viewing users whose user data meet specific conditions.

According to the tenth invention, the predicted business climate index can be variably calculated depending on whether or not viewing users performing input preparation operations include viewing users who satisfy specific conditions.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the reflection control means includes a reflection delay time control means that variably controls the delay time for reflecting the received communication information on the content screen.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising a delay time acceptance control means for accepting a setting operation for the delay time from a specific user among the viewing users who satisfies a given specific user condition, and the reflection delay time control means variably controls the delay time for reflecting the communication information of the specific user based on the delay time accepted by the delay time acceptance control means.

According to the eleventh aspect, the delay time from when communication information is received until the communication information is reflected on the content screen can be variably controlled. And, according to the twelfth aspect, a viewing user can set the delay time by satisfying specific user conditions, thereby delaying the reflection of the communication information that they have sent.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, wherein, when the forecasted business index satisfies a given confirmation request condition, the reception control means sends a confirmation request to the user terminal on which the input execution operation was performed to determine whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, for example, it is possible to request confirmation of an input execution operation performed when the forecasted business climate index is high, and to accept cancellation of the input execution operation.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention, further comprising: a recording means (e.g., the forecast index time series data 605 in FIG. 15) that records provided content in association with time series data of the forecasted business climate index calculated at the time of provision; and an archive content provision control means (e.g., the archive content provision control unit 251 in FIG. 13) that determines, for the provided content recorded by the recording means, the timing at which the forecasted business climate index satisfies a given high index condition based on the time series data associated with the content, and provides the provided content to the user terminal based on that timing.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to record content that has already been provided along with the forecasted business climate index calculated at the time of its provision. It is then possible to extract content with a high forecasted business climate index from the content, for example, and distribute the content as an archive to the user terminal.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a content provision system according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, further comprising an input candidate management means (e.g., the user management unit 210 in FIG. 13) that manages input candidates for the communication information for each viewing user, and a recommended candidate presentation means (e.g., the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 13) that selects and presents, for each viewing user, the communication information recommended for input from among the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means based on the forecasted business climate index.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, input candidates corresponding to the forecasted business climate index can be selected from among the input candidates for communication information and presented to each viewing user as communication information recommended for input. The input candidates may be set by the viewing user, for example, or may be set automatically.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a content viewing system (e.g., content viewing system 1000 in FIG. 1) in which a server system (e.g., server system 1100 in FIG. 1) that is a content providing system according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the present invention is communicatively connected to the user terminal (e.g., user terminal 1500 in FIG. 1).

According to the sixteenth aspect, a content viewing system can be realized that achieves the same effects as any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content viewing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a user terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating distribution of gameplay videos. FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating distribution of gameplay videos. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of a content screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the calculation of the forecast business climate index. 7 is a diagram for explaining calculation of an individual forecast business climate index related to the currently input communication information d _B shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is another diagram for explaining the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index related to the currently input communication information d _B shown in FIG. 6 . FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first coefficient. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second coefficient. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third coefficient. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of user management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of distribution management data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the server system. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a predictive control process. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a delay time setting screen.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[Overall configuration]
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content viewing system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the content viewing system 1000 includes a server system 1100, which is a content providing system, and a user terminal 1500 owned by a user 2, which are connected via a network N so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

Network N refers to a communication path over which data communication is possible. In other words, network N includes LANs (Local Area Networks) such as dedicated lines (dedicated cables) for direct connections and Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, regardless of whether the communication method is wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 has, for example, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140, and the main unit 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or SoC (System on a Chip).

The server system 1100 performs calculations based on predetermined programs and data on the control board 1150, thereby realizing (1) a user management function that registers users 2 and manages information about registered users 2, (2) a game provision function that enables online games to be played on the user terminal 1500, (3) a live distribution function that provides given distribution content by live streaming to the user terminal 1500, and (4) an archive distribution function that provides distribution content that has been live streamed (provided) by archive streaming to the user terminal 1500.

In this embodiment, the content to be distributed is a gameplay video of gameplay. An example is shown in which a poster, user 2 (posting user 2a), distributes a gameplay video of an online game being played on user terminal 1500 (1500a). That is, in this embodiment, the live distribution function is used to live-stream the gameplay video of poster user 2a to the user terminal 1500 (1500b) of viewer user 2 (viewing user 2b). Additionally, the archive distribution function is used to archive and distribute the gameplay video already provided by the live distribution function to user terminal 1500b of viewing user 2b.

The server system 1100 then manages a public website for distribution content (here, gameplay videos) to realize each distribution function. However, the management of the public website may be configured to use an external video publication management server 1200. The video publication management server 1200 is an external server for operating and managing an existing video publication site (a website that accepts video submissions from an unspecified number of contributors via the Internet, etc., and provides the submitted videos to an unspecified number of viewers in a streaming format). In this case, the server system 1100 communicates with the video publication management server 1200 to automatically submit gameplay videos, thereby realizing the publication of the distribution content.

In addition, the server system 1100 performs computational processing based on predetermined programs and data to realize (5) a communication function that enables viewing users 2b of live-streamed content to send communication information, and (6) a payment function that enables users 2b to add "tips" to communication information.

The communication function accepts communication information during the live broadcast of distribution content (gameplay video) and reflects that communication information on the content screen (see Figure 5). Communication information can include, for example, text (letters, numbers, and symbols) as well as images such as illustrations and photographs (also known as stamps, etc.). Virtual currency-equivalent points (hereinafter simply referred to as "currency points"), which have monetary value, can also be added to this communication information as tips. Using this communication function, viewing user 2b can post various comments at any time while watching the live broadcast, such as comments expressing their impressions of the distribution content or comments of support for posting user 2a. Comments can also be posted with tips in exchange for spending their currency points.

The payment function allows User 2 to purchase currency points, and in response to a request from the user terminal 1500, it works with an external electronic payment server 1300 operated by an electronic payment service provider or the like to carry out the currency point purchase procedure (billing process). During the billing process, the electronic payment server 1300 responds to an inquiry from the server system 1100 and processes the settlement of the currency point purchase amount with User 2's credit card, prepaid card, etc. Then, the server system 1100 grants User 2 currency points equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic payment server 1300.

Note that while FIG. 1 depicts server system 1100 as a single server device, it may instead be configured such that multiple online-connected server devices share one or more of the following functions: user management, game provision, live streaming, archive streaming, communication, and payment. Server system 1100 may also be configured to include multiple blade servers each sharing a function, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Multiple independent server devices installed in remote locations may also be configured to communicate data over network N, functioning as server system 1100 as a whole.

In addition, while Figure 1 shows one user terminal 1500 (1500a) for posting user 2 (2a) and one user terminal 1500 (1500b) for viewing user 2 (2b), in actual operation there will be multiple posting users 2, each of whom will operate a user terminal 1500 to access the server system 1100. Similarly, in actual operation there will be multiple viewing users 2, each of whom will use a user terminal 1500 to access the server system 1100.

Here, the user terminal 1500 is a computer system that is used individually by user 2 to play online games and watch gameplay videos, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1100 via the network N. The user terminal 1500 in this embodiment is a device known as a smartphone, but it may also be a portable game device, tablet computer, personal computer, etc.

Figure 2 is a front view showing an example configuration of a user terminal 1500 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 1500 is equipped with directional input keys 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. Other components, such as a power button and volume control buttons (not shown), are also provided. An IC card reader that can contactlessly read and write data from IC card-type credit cards or prepaid cards that can be used to pay for game play, etc., may also be provided.

The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, and a DSP; various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM; a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with mobile phone base stations and wireless communication base stations connected to the network N; and an interface circuit 1557. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the directional input keys 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating audio signals collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image data of images captured by the camera 1520, and a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542. These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via bus circuits or the like, enabling data reading and writing and signal transmission and reception. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC.

In this control board 1550, the IC memory 1552 stores a game client program and various setting data required to execute this game client program. The game client program, etc. is downloaded from the server system 1100 at an appropriate time. Alternatively, the program may be read from a separately obtained storage medium such as a memory card 1540. The CPU 1551 etc. then executes the game client program to perform calculations, and controls each part of the user terminal 1500 in response to operational inputs made to the touch panel 1506, directional input keys 1502, and home key 1504, thereby enabling User 2 to play the game.

[About streaming gameplay videos]
3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the distribution of gameplay videos. In this embodiment, gameplay videos of posting users are distributed to viewing users as distribution content. As described above, the game played by user 2 on user terminal 1500 is an online game executed in a client-server system in which server system 1100 serves as the game server.

For this reason, as shown in Figure 3, information related to the progress of the game and information related to the display of the game screen W1 is generated by the server system 1100 and provided to the user terminal 1500 as appropriate. The user terminal 1500 functions as a terminal for operation input and game screen display. In other words, the user terminal 1500 displays the game screen W1 based on the information provided by the server system 1100, and transmits operation input information to the server system 1100 one by one. The server system 1100 progresses the game based on the operation input information transmitted from the user terminal 1500. Note that there are no particular limitations on the content of the game. Figure 3 and other figures show an example of the display of the game screen W1 for a competitive game.

In addition to controlling the progress of the game, the server system 1100 also generates and stores play data 520. Play data 520 is generated for each game play and is constantly updated during play, describing the latest status of the game. For example, one piece of play data 520 stores time-series data 525 of operation input information sent from the user terminal 1500 during the game (operation input time-series data) and time-series data 526 of progress status information indicating the progress of the game at each point in time (progress time-series data) along with a game play ID 521, play date and time 522, and the user account 523 of the user playing the game.

Operation input time series data 525 stores operation input information from user terminal 1500 (e.g., various information describing the operation input, such as the type, position, direction, amount of operation, force, and input time) in association with time information indicating the time at which the operation input was made (e.g., date and time, elapsed time from the start of game play, number of frames drawn on the game screen, etc.). Progress status time series data 526 stores game progress information at each point in time during the game (e.g., the stage number being played, the battle round, the win/loss results for each round, the position and posture of the player character, parameter values indicating the status, etc.) in association with time information.

The server system 1100 also generates and stores play-play replay data 530 based on the play data 520. The play-play replay data 530 is also generated for each game play. This play-play replay data 530 is a data group that stores the various data that make up the play data 520 in chronological order. Therefore, by reading out the data stored in the play-play replay data 530 in chronological order, it is possible to replay the original game play. In that sense, the play-play replay data 530 may also be called "replay data."

When user 2 live-streams a gameplay video as a poster (posting user), the server system 1100 generates a gameplay video 10 that recreates the gameplay as a distribution gameplay video 597 (see FIG. 15) based on gameplay reproduction data 530 related to the gameplay of user 2, as shown in FIG. 4. The server system 1100 then live-streams the generated gameplay video 10 to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user (viewing user) 2. After the live stream, the server system 1100 also archives and distributes the gameplay video 10 to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user.

Figure 5 shows an example of the screen configuration of a content screen for viewing gameplay videos (distribution content) distributed as described above. The content screen is displayed when a viewing user accesses the public site on a user terminal 1500 and selects a gameplay video to view. As shown in Figure 5, the content screen includes a content display unit 20, a predicted business climate index gauge 21, a communication information input operation unit 22, and a communication information display unit 26.

The content display unit 20 displays the gameplay video that the viewing user is currently watching.

The forecasted business index gauge 21 displays the forecasted business index, which will be described later, as a meter. The display color of this forecasted business index gauge 21 changes depending on the forecasted business index, so that the level of the forecasted business index indicated by the gauge value can be easily visually recognized. For example, when the forecasted business index is low (small value), it is displayed in blue; when the forecasted business index is medium, it is displayed in yellow; and when the forecasted business index is high (large value) and the gauge value is close to full, it is displayed in red.

The communication information input operation unit 22 includes an input field 221 for the viewing user to enter a comment to be sent as communication information, an input field 223 for entering the amount of a tip, an execute button 225 for confirming the input content in each input field 221, 223 and sending the communication information, a purchase button 227 for purchasing currency points, and the like.

Therefore, viewing users can send communication information at any time while viewing the distribution content displayed on the content display unit 20. Specifically, a comment can be sent by entering a comment in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225. Furthermore, by entering a tip amount (the amount of currency points to be consumed) in the input field 223 in addition to entering a comment in the input field 221 and selecting the execute button 225, the comment can be sent with the tip amount added.

Then, when the execute button 225 is selected, the transmitted communication information is reflected on the content screen. In this embodiment, the display content of the communication information display unit 26 scrolls upward, and the content of the transmitted comment and the tip amount are added to the bottom row of the communication information display unit 26 along with the viewing user's username, etc., to reflect the information. In other words, the communication information display unit 26 displays the communication information transmitted by each viewing user who is watching a live broadcast of the same gameplay video in the order in which it was transmitted.

It is also possible to set an upper limit on the tip amount. In that case, the amount that can be entered in the input field 223 will be limited by the upper limit.

[detail]
5, on the content screen, communication information sent by viewing users is displayed in the order of sending in the communication information display section 26. Therefore, if there are other messages sent at the same time as one sent by a user, the message sent will be buried among the other messages in the communication information display section 26, making it difficult to stand out.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the communication information sent by viewing users includes two types: comments without tips (hereinafter also referred to as "normal comments") and comments with tips (hereinafter referred to as "comments with tips"). Normal comments and comments with tips are displayed in different visibility formats on the communication information display unit 26.

There are no particular limitations on the display format for each, as long as they are distinguishable, but it is preferable to make the tip comment 263 more noticeable than the normal comment 261 in the communication information display section 26, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the normal comment 261 could be displayed with the same background color as the communication information display section 26, and the tip comment 263 could be displayed with a different background color. The display format is controlled by the reflection control process described below.

As a result, in the communication information display section 26, the tip-attached comment 263 is displayed in a more prominent form than the normal comment 261. However, if multiple tip-attached comments are sent at the same time, the same problem as above will arise. Moreover, since currency points are consumed when sending the comment, the sender's disappointment may be greater.

In this embodiment, during live streaming, a predicted business climate index is calculated at any time, indicating the business climate of the future reflection of communication information on the content screen (future additional display of communication information on the communication information display unit 26), and the predicted business climate index is displayed as a meter on the predicted business climate index gauge 21, thereby controlling the sending of a forecast notification to the user terminal 1500 based on the predicted business climate index. In this embodiment, a predicted business climate index is calculated for each viewing user, and the predicted business climate index for each viewing user is forecast and notified to the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user.

Specifically, the server system 1100 performs the following processes for each live-streamed content: an acceptance control process for accepting communication information; a reflection control process for controlling the reflection of that communication information on the content screen; and a prediction control process for calculating and using a predicted business climate index for each viewing user to control predicted notifications to each viewing user's user terminal 1500. Below, each process will be explained, focusing on one piece of distributed content (hereinafter referred to as "content of interest").

1. Admission Control Processing When starting live distribution of content of interest, the server system 1100 starts admission control processing for the content of interest and accepts communication information from the viewing user. Specifically, when an input preparation operation for inputting communication information is performed on the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user who is viewing the live distribution of the content of interest, and an input execution operation is performed after the input preparation operation, the server system 1100 controls acceptance of the communication information.

The input preparation operation includes a setting operation performed by entering a comment in the input field 221 in the communication information input operation unit 22 on the content screen, and a setting operation performed by entering an amount in the input field 223. The selection operation of the execute button 225 is then detected as an input execution operation, and communication information is accepted. In other words, when the server system 1100 detects the selection operation of the execute button 225 performed on the user terminal 1500 of any viewing user, it accepts the comment already entered in the input field 221 as communication information. Furthermore, if a tip amount has been entered in the input field 223, the tip amount is added to the accepted comment.

In more detail, in this embodiment, when a tip amount is entered in the input field 223, the execute button 225 is selectable only if the viewing user has currency points equivalent to that amount. Even if the balance is insufficient, the execute button 225 becomes selectable if currency points are purchased using the purchase button 227. Note that while the execute button 225 is always selectable, it is also possible to configure the execute button 225 to check the balance when the execute button 225 is selected and prompt the user to purchase currency points if the balance is insufficient. In this case, the server system 1100 accepts communication information by confirming the input execute operation not when the execute button 225 selection operation is detected, but when the remaining balance is paid for.

2. Reflection Control Process In the reflection control process, the server system 1100 controls the communication information received in the reception control process to be added to the bottom row and displayed in the communication information display unit 26, thereby reflecting the communication information on the content screen. In this case, as described above, if the communication information is a comment with a tip, the server system 1100 controls the display to have a different visibility from that of a normal comment.

For example, the server system 1100 performs this control by setting the background color of comments with tips to a color that is different from the background color of the communication information display unit 26 and that corresponds to the amount of the tip. This allows comments with tips to be displayed in different colors depending on the amount of the tip. For example, this can be achieved by dividing the amount that can be entered as a tip into multiple price ranges, setting a different color for each, and displaying the background color of comments with tips in the color of the price range for that amount. In addition to color, effects can also be added to comments with tips.

3. Detection Process In the detection process, the server system 1100 detects an input preparation operation on the user terminal 1500 of each viewing user. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 detects a comment setting operation, which is an operation of inputting a comment in the input field 221, and a tip amount setting operation, which is an operation of inputting an amount in the input field 223. That is, for each user terminal 1500 of a viewing user, the server system 1100 detects a state in which communication information is being input in progress, where some input has been made in the input field 221 and/or the input field 223 but the execute button 225 has not yet been selected.

As described above, if the configuration is such that the remaining amount is paid appropriately after the execute button 225 is selected, the input execution operation is confirmed when the payment is completed after the execute button 225 is selected. Therefore, in this case, the server system 1100 detects the communication information as being in the middle of being input, even after the execute button 225 is selected, until the payment is completed and the input execution operation is confirmed.

4. Prediction Control Processing In the prediction control processing, the server system 1100 calculates a predicted business climate index for each viewing user based on the detection results of the detection processing, and controls the transmission of a prediction notification to each user terminal 1500 based on the predicted business climate index calculated for that viewing user.

The predicted business climate index represents the degree of business climate that will be reflected when future reflection control is performed by the reflection control process on communication information that is in the middle of being input and detected by the detection process. Therefore, according to the prediction control process here, it is possible to assume that the communication information that is in the middle of being input is subsequently transmitted and reflected on the content screen of each viewing user, predict the degree of business climate for each viewing user, and notify each user terminal 1500.

The forecast economic climate index is calculated for each viewing user because the degree to which the economic climate reflected in communication information on the content screen is not necessarily the same for all viewing users. For example, if another viewing user is in the middle of entering communication information and you are also in the middle of entering communication information, the impact of the other viewing user's comment (reflection) in terms of making your comment stand out will be different depending on whether you enter a higher or lower tip amount. In other words, even if another viewing user posts a comment at the same time, if it is a comment with a smaller tip amount than yours, your comment will be less affected and will stand out, but if it is a larger amount than yours, the other viewing user's comment will stand out and you may miss your comment with a tip.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the calculation of a forecast business climate index. In FIG. 6, five users A to E are viewing the content of interest as viewing users, and the input status of communication information _dA to _dE for each of users A to E is shown. Specifically, in FIG. 6, three users B, C, and E are in the middle of inputting communication information _dB , _dC , and _dE (in the middle of input preparation operations), while users A and D have not yet performed input preparation operations for communication information _dA and _dD . Therefore, in this example, input preparation operations are detected at each of user terminals 1500 of users B, C, and E in the preceding detection process. Hereinafter, the user terminal 1500 in which the viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information is also referred to as the "input terminal."

The processing procedure for the prediction control process is as follows: first, attention is paid to the cases where communication information _dB , _dC , and _dE currently being input at the input terminal are reflected, respectively. Then, the predicted business climate index relating to the reflection of the focused communication information _dB , _dC , and _dE currently being input is calculated as an individual predicted business climate index for each viewing user (destination user) to be notified. For example, when attention is paid to the communication information _dB currently being input by user B, the notification targets (destination users) of the predicted business climate index relating to the reflection are four users A and C to E other than non-destination user B himself/herself. Therefore, the individual predicted business climate index relating to the communication information _dB currently being input is calculated for each of the destination users A, C to E. Similarly, for the communication information _dC currently being input by user C, users A, B, D, and E are set as destination users, and the individual predicted business climate index relating to the communication information _dC currently being input is calculated for each of them.

Next, the calculated individual forecast business climate indexes are summed for each user to obtain a forecast business climate index for each user. For example, since user B is the destination user (notification target) for communication information _dC currently being input by user C, an individual forecast business climate index D21 is calculated for user B. Furthermore, since user B is also the destination user for communication information _dE currently being input by user E, an individual forecast business climate index D23 is calculated for user B, and the sum of the individual forecast business climate indexes D21 and D23 is calculated as a forecast business climate index D25 for user B.

Next, the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index will be described. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index related to the communication information d _B currently being input by user B shown in Figure 6, with Figure 7 showing the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index D4 for destination user A and Figure 8 showing the calculation of the individual forecast business climate index D5 for destination user E. The situations are different in that destination user E is performing an input preparation operation in Figure 8, while destination user A is not performing an input preparation operation in Figure 7.

Here, the individual forecast business index is calculated using a calculation function (1) based on the first to third coefficients K ₁ , K ₂ , and K ₃ .
Individual forecast business index = f{K ₁ , K ₂ , K ₃ } (1)

4-1. About the first coefficient _K1 The first coefficient _K1 is a coefficient based on the tip amount. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 calculates the difference by subtracting the tip input amount of the communication information currently being input by the destination user, if any, from the tip input amount in the currently input communication information of interest (currently input communication information d _B in FIGS. 7 and 8 ), and determines the first coefficient _K1 from the calculated difference. This makes it possible to compare the input amounts of both and calculate a predicted business climate index.

For example, in the example of Fig. 7, destination user A has not performed an input preparation operation, so the first coefficient _K1 is determined from the input amount "10,000 (yen)" of the currently input communication information d _B. On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 8, the input amount of destination user E exceeds the input amount of the currently input communication information d _B of interest, so the first coefficient _K1 is determined from the difference "-5,000 (yen)".

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first coefficient _K1 . As shown in FIG. 9, the first coefficient _K1 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 0 and less than an upper limit value T61 (T61>1). More specifically, the first coefficient _K1 is determined so that when the difference is "0 yen," it is set to "1," and the larger the difference is in the positive direction, the closer it approaches T61, and the larger the difference is in the negative direction, the closer it approaches 0. The first coefficient _K1 can be calculated by preparing a calculation formula for the first coefficient K1 shown in FIG. 9.

4-2. Regarding the second coefficient _K2 The second coefficient _K2 is a coefficient based on the number of characters in the comment. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 determines the second coefficient _K2 from the number of characters in the input comment in the currently input communication information of interest (currently input communication information d _B in FIGS. 7 and 8 ).

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second coefficient _K2 . As shown in Fig. 10, the second coefficient _K2 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 1 and equal to or less than T63, and is basically determined so that the larger the number of characters, the larger the coefficient K2 (the closer it is to T63). The second coefficient _K2 can be calculated by preparing a calculation formula shown in Fig. 10.

While an example has been shown here in which the second coefficient _K2 is determined based on the number of characters in the input comment, a calculation function may be prepared in which another coefficient (fourth coefficient) _K4 based on the content of the input comment is added to the variables, and the individual forecast business climate index may be calculated by determining the fourth coefficient _K4 . Alternatively, a calculation function including the fourth coefficient _{K4 instead of the second coefficient K2 may} be prepared. Specifically, keywords to be counted are determined in advance, and the number of keywords included in the input comment is counted. Examples of keywords include "I love it,""I hate it," and "The best in the world." Meanwhile, the relationship between the number of keywords and the fourth coefficient _K4 is also set in advance. The fourth coefficient _K4 is then determined from the number of counted keywords.

Furthermore, the second coefficient _K2 can also be determined in the same manner as the first coefficient _K1 by subtracting the number of characters in the input comment from the communication information currently being input by the destination user to find the difference in the number of characters, and then determining the second coefficient _K2 from the difference in the number of characters. This makes it possible to calculate the forecast business climate index by comparing the number of characters in both input comments relatively.

4-3. Regarding the third coefficient _K3 The third coefficient _K3 is a coefficient based on the viewing level 571 (see FIG. 14). In this embodiment, the server system 1100 determines the third coefficient K3 from the viewing level 571 of the viewing user (non-destination user) who is the input subject of the currently input communication information of interest (currently input communication information d _B in FIGS. 7 and ₈ ).

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the third coefficient _K3 . As shown in Fig. 11, the third coefficient _K3 is determined, for example, within a range greater than 1 and equal to or less than T65, and is basically determined so as to increase (approach T65) as the viewing level 571 increases. The third coefficient _K3 can be calculated by preparing a calculation formula for the third coefficient K3 shown in Fig. 11.

Here, as shown in Fig. 11, the third coefficient _K3 is determined to be "1" for viewing users whose viewing level 571 does not exceed the predetermined level L6. On the other hand, for viewing users whose viewing level 571 exceeds the predetermined level L6, the third coefficient K3 is determined to be a value greater than "1" and equal to or less than T65. Therefore, for example, if "the viewing level exceeds the predetermined level" is set as a specific condition, control can be realized to calculate a high predicted business climate index when the corresponding viewing user is in the middle of inputting communication information.

The third coefficient _K3 can also be determined from the level difference between the target user's viewing level and the target user's viewing level, in the same manner as the first coefficient _{K1 .} This makes it possible to calculate a predicted business climate index by comparing the viewing levels of both users.

9 to 11 are merely examples and may be determined as appropriate. The calculation function (1) may also be set as appropriate. Essentially, the function is prepared such that the larger the values of the first to third coefficients _K1 , _K2 , _{and K3 ,} the higher the individual forecast business index obtained, and the smaller the values _, the lower the individual forecast business index obtained.

5. Regarding confirmation requests In this embodiment, when the server system 1100 detects an input execution operation performed on the user terminal 1500 of any of the viewing users, that is, when any of the viewing users selects the execute button 225 on the communication information input operation unit 22, the server system 1100 determines the forecast business climate index for that viewing user at that time. Then, when the forecast business climate index satisfies a given confirmation request condition, the server system 1100 makes a confirmation request to the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user to decide whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation.

The confirmation request condition can be set in advance, such as "the forecast business index exceeds a predetermined value." Specifically, for example, if the forecast business index is high and the forecast business index gauge 21 is displayed in red, it is determined that the confirmation request condition is met. In such a case, for example, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 12 is popped up on the content screen, and a confirmation request is made by accepting a selection operation of the OK button B71 or the Cancel button B73. If the Cancel button B73 is selected, the input execution operation is canceled. On the other hand, if the OK button B71 is selected, reception control processing is performed, and the communication information is accepted. This makes it possible to draw attention to the fact that, when the forecast business index is high, an input execution operation is performed in a situation where the transmission of the communication information is less noticeable.

In addition, communication information sent by selecting the decision button B71 in response to this confirmation request may be considered communication information sent in an inconspicuous situation, and may be notified to the poster separately at the end of the live broadcast, etc., along with information about the viewing user.

6. Regarding Archive Distribution When the server system 1100 ends the live distribution of the above-described distribution content (gameplay video), it generates and stores a highlight video in preparation for archive distribution of the provided gameplay video. For example, the server system 1100 generates a highlight video based on the timing when the predicted business climate index calculated during the live distribution satisfies a given high-index condition. The high-index condition can be set in advance, for example, such as "the predicted business climate index exceeds a predetermined value."

In this embodiment, the predicted business climate index is calculated for each viewing user, and the sum of the predicted business climate indexes for each viewing user is used to determine whether the high-index condition is met. Specifically, the sum is calculated for each elapsed time from the start of the distributed play video 597 (hereinafter referred to as the "distributed play video time"). The timing at which the sum exceeds a predetermined value is then deemed to satisfy the high-index condition, and the video portion of the time period including that timing is extracted. The extracted video portions are then connected together to generate a highlight video 607 (see Figure 15) of the distributed play video 597.

This means that in archived streaming, it will be possible to efficiently watch video portions from time periods when the forecast economic index was high during the live streaming, i.e., times when many viewing users were simultaneously performing input preparation operations, times when long comments or large tip amounts were being prepared, and times when viewing users with high viewing levels were performing input preparation operations.

[Functional configuration]
1. Server System Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 13, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is used to input various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized using, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and touch panel 1108.

The server processing unit 200s can be realized by electronic components such as processors, which are arithmetic circuits such as CPUs, GPUs, ASICs, and FPGAs, and IC memories, and controls the input and output of data between each device unit, including the operation input unit 100s and server storage unit 500s. It performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and provides overall control over the operation of the server system 1100. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

This server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a content provision control unit 241, a reception control unit 243, a reflection control unit 245, a detection unit 247, a prediction control unit 249, an archive content provision control unit 251, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

The user management unit 210 handles processes related to user registration and manages the data of each registered user (player) linked to a user account. For example, it can perform processes such as assigning unique user accounts to registered users, registering and managing personal information for each user account, and managing usage history, such as logging in and out. Of course, it can also handle management of other data linked to user accounts, as appropriate.

The billing processing unit 220 performs billing processing in response to the user's currency point purchase operation and grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount.

The game management unit 230 performs various controls for running the online game on the user terminal 1500. Because the multiplayer game of this embodiment is a client-server online game, the game management unit 230 controls the provision of data necessary for game play while communicating with the user terminal 1500. The game management unit 230 also generates and manages the storage of play data 700, and generates and manages the storage of play reproduction data 530 based on the play data 520.

The content provision control unit 241 performs various processes to realize live distribution of distribution content. In this embodiment, it generates a gameplay video from the play-play reproduction data 530 generated and stored as needed by the game management unit 230, creates a distribution gameplay video 597, and controls the live distribution of the video to the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user. In addition, the content provision control unit 241 also manages the distribution schedule and viewers, etc.

The reception control unit 243 is a functional unit that performs reception control processing, and controls the reception of communication information upon receiving the communication information input preparation operation and subsequent input execution operation on the viewing user's user terminal 1500.

The reflection control unit 245 is a functional unit that performs reflection control processing and controls the reflection of communication information received by the reception control unit 243 on the content screen.

The detection unit 247 is a functional unit that performs detection processing and detects input preparation operations on the user terminal 1500 of the viewing user. Specifically, it detects the comment setting operation and the tip amount setting operation.

The prediction control unit 249 is a functional unit that performs prediction control processing, calculates a predicted business climate index for each viewing user, and controls the sending of prediction notifications based on the predicted business climate index to the user terminal 1500 of that viewing user.

The archive content provision control unit 251 controls the archive delivery and provision of the provided distribution play video 597 (see FIG. 15) that has completed live distribution by the content provision control unit 241 to the user terminal 1500. In this embodiment, at the end of the live distribution, the predicted index time series data 605 (see FIG. 15) for each viewing user is added up for each distribution play video time, and a highlight video 607 (see FIG. 15) is generated from the distribution play video 597. The archive delivery is then performed by providing the highlight video 607 to the user terminal 1500 in a playable state. Of course, archive delivery may also be performed by providing the distribution play video 597 in a playable state.

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, etc.

The image generation unit 290s generates images related to system management of the server system 1100 and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and background music related to system management and video distribution of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

The communication control unit 294s establishes a communication connection and processes data for data communication with an external device (e.g., a user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, thereby realizing data exchange with the external device.

The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management, etc. based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, projector, or head-mounted display. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

The sound output unit 392s emits the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In Figure 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network N to realize communication. For example, this can be realized by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each processing session programs used during the execution of the programs that operate the server system 1100 and realize the various functions of the server system 1100. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In Figure 1, this corresponds to IC memory 1152 and storage 1140.

The server storage unit 500s also stores a server program 501, a distribution game client program 503, game setting data 510, play data for each game play 520, play reproduction data for each game play 530, user management data 540, and distribution management data 580. In addition, other necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags are also stored as appropriate.

The server program 501 is a program that causes the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 210, billing processing unit 220, game management unit 230, content provision control unit 241, reception control unit 243, reflection control unit 245, detection unit 247, prediction control unit 249, and archive content provision control unit 251. It may also include programs that cause the server processing unit 200s to function as the image generation unit 290s, sound generation unit 292s, and communication control unit 294s, as appropriate.

The distribution game client program 503 is the original game client program 502 (see Figure 16) downloaded to the user terminal 1500.

Game setting data 510 stores various setting data necessary to run the online game of this embodiment. For example, it stores character setting data that defines the type of each character appearing in the game, various ability parameter values, model data, motion data used for movement control, etc., object definition data related to various game objects such as items that the player can obtain during the game, and stage setting data related to the settings of the game stage.

User management data 540 is prepared for each user who has completed user registration, and stores various management data related to that user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, one user management data 540 includes the user's user account (player ID) 541, payment medium ledger data 543, play history data 545, posting data 547, and viewing data 550. It also includes save data related to the online game play status, and personal information such as age, gender, and birthday.

Payment medium ledger data 543 stores information on the balance of the electronic payment medium (currency points in this embodiment) linked to the user, such as the purchase date and time and number of currency points purchased (charged amount), and the consumption date and number of currency points consumed.

Play history data 545 stores the date and time the user played online games, as well as the play level, which indicates the user's experience as a player.

Posting data 547 stores posting history data, such as a broadcast ID for each broadcast content (in this embodiment, a gameplay video) posted by the user, as well as the posting level. The posting level indicates the user's experience as a poster and is updated as needed depending on the number of live broadcasts the user has posted.

The viewing data 550 stores, for example, viewing history data 560, viewing level 571, total number of comments with tips 573, total tip amount 575, average tip amount 577, etc.

Viewing history data 560 is generated each time the user views distributed content as a viewing user. Specifically, one piece of viewing history data 560 includes a distribution ID 561 of the distributed content, a distribution type 562 indicating whether it is a live distribution or an archived distribution, a viewing date and time 563, a viewing duration 564, the number of normal comments posted while viewing the distributed content (number of normal comments within the distribution) 565, the number of comments with tips posted while viewing the distributed content (number of comments with tips within the distribution) 566, the total amount of tips for each comment with tips (total amount of tips within the distribution) 567, and the average amount of tips for each comment with tips (average amount of tips within the distribution) 568.

The viewing level 571 indicates the user's experience as a viewer, and is updated from time to time according to the number of times the user has viewed the distributed content as a viewer, the total viewing time, etc.

The total number of comments with tips 573 is the total number of comments with tips within a stream 566 for each viewing history data 560. The total tip amount 575 is the total of the total tip amount within a stream 567 for each viewing history data 560. The average tip amount 577 is the average amount of the average tip amount within a stream 568 for each viewing history data 560.

Streaming management data 580 is generated for each live stream and stores various data describing the latest status of the stream. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , one piece of streaming management data 580 includes a stream ID 581, a stream schedule 585, a streaming flag 587 indicating whether the stream is currently being streamed (ON: live stream in progress/OFF: already provided), a posting user account 589, a viewing user account list 591, a viewer count 593, a play ID (streaming play ID) 595 of the online game related to the live stream, a stream play video 597, which is the stream content of the live stream, a list of devices currently inputting data 599, currently inputting communication information 600, normal comment submission history data 601, tip-comment submission history data 603, predicted index time series data 605, and a highlight video 607.

The input terminal list 599 stores a list of user terminals 1500 on which an input preparation operation has been detected during live streaming. When the detection unit 247 detects an input preparation operation on a user terminal 1500 during live streaming, the user terminal 1500 is registered in this input terminal list 599 as an input terminal. Furthermore, when an input execution operation is detected following the input preparation operation, the registration of the input terminal is deleted and the list is updated as needed.

Input communication information 600 is prepared for each input terminal and stores communication information currently being entered at that input terminal. Specifically, it stores and updates the input comments entered in input field 221 and the input amount entered in input field 223 as needed.

Normal comment transmission history data 601 is generated each time a viewing user transmits a normal comment as communication information during the live broadcast. One normal comment transmission history data 601 stores the user account of the viewing user who transmitted the normal comment, the comment content data of the normal comment (such as the comment text), the timing of the input execution operation, a confirmation request flag indicating whether or not a confirmation request is required for the input execution operation (ON: confirmation request present/OFF: confirmation request absent), and the like. The timing of the input execution operation is determined, for example, by the broadcast play video time.

Tip comment posting history data 603 is generated each time a viewing user posts a tip comment as communication information during the live broadcast. One tip comment posting history data 603 stores the user account of the viewing user who posted the tip comment, the comment content data of the tip comment (such as the comment text), the timing of the input execution operation (the duration of the broadcast play video when the input execution operation was performed), the tip amount, a confirmation request flag, etc.

Predicted index time series data 605 is prepared for each viewing user of the live broadcast, and stores the predicted economic index calculated for that viewing user during the live broadcast in association with time information (e.g., the duration of the broadcast play video). This associates the broadcast play video 597, which is content that has already been provided, with the predicted index time series data 605.

16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. As shown in Fig. 16, the user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 allows the user to input various operations, and can be realized using, for example, button switches, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD module, etc. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the directional input keys 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506.

The device processing unit 200 can be realized by electronic components such as a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each unit of the device, including the operation input unit 100 and the device storage unit 500. It performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, etc., and controls the operation of the user terminal 1500. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551. In this embodiment, the device processing unit 200 includes a user terminal calculation unit 270, a video viewing control unit 275, a timing unit 280, an image generation unit 290, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The user terminal calculation unit 270 executes various calculation processes to cause the user terminal 1500 to function as a terminal for the user to play games. For example, the user terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 271 and an image display control unit 273.

The operation signal transmission control unit 271 performs processing to transmit various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to operation input to the operation input unit 100.

The image display control unit 273 controls the display of game screens, content screens, etc. based on various data received from the server system 1100. In this embodiment, images of various screens such as game screens and content screens are generated by the server system 1100, but they can also be generated by the user terminal 1500. In this case, the image display control unit 273 controls objects placed in a virtual three-dimensional space to generate 3DCG, for example, and the image generation unit 290 renders the 3DCG and performs various controls to generate the game screen. With regard to the display on the content display unit 20 showing the game play content, operation input time-series data 525 and play reproduction data 530 are received from the server system 1100, and a game program (game client program 502) is executed based on this data to generate a gameplay video.

The video viewing control unit 275 controls access to public sites and the viewing and viewing of distributed content, i.e., controls the functionality of a web browser.

The image generation unit 290 works in conjunction with the image display control unit 273 to generate various image data and control the generation and output of image signals for displaying those images on the image display unit 390. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the GPU mounted on the control board 1550.

The sound generation unit 292 is realized, for example, by a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec for playing audio files, and generates audio signals such as sound effects, operation sounds, background music, etc., and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

The communication control unit 294 establishes a communication connection and processes data for data communication with an external device (e.g., the server system 1100) via the communication unit 394, enabling data exchange with the external device.

The image display unit 390 displays various screens, such as game screens and content screens, based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 290. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, projector, or head-mounted display. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

The sound output unit 392 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the speaker 1510.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network N to enable communication. For example, it can be implemented using a wireless communication device, modem, TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each processing session programs used during the execution of the programs that operate the user terminal 1500 and implement the functions of the user terminal 1500. For example, this can be implemented using IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In Figure 2, this corresponds to IC memory 1552 or memory card 1540. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

The device storage unit 500 also stores a game client program 502 for causing the device processing unit 200 to function as the user terminal computing unit 270, a web browser program 504 for causing the device processing unit 200 to function as the video viewing control unit 275, and operation input data 506. The game client program 502 may be a dedicated client program that corresponds to the technical method used to realize the online game, or may be composed of a web browser program and a plug-in that realizes interactive image display. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution game client program 503 (see Figure 13) provided by the server system 1100.

[Processing flow]
17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to live streaming of content (gameplay videos) performed by the server system 1100, focusing on one live stream. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501. Prior to this processing, a distribution schedule 585 is set. Then, in accordance with the set distribution schedule 585, the game management unit 230 begins controlling the game progress related to the poster's gameplay, saving and rewriting necessary data in the play data 520, and starting to accumulate the data as play-through replay data 530.

Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the content provision control unit 241 starts generating the distribution play video 597 based on the play reproduction data 530 and starts live distribution (step S1). Furthermore, the prediction control unit 249 starts prediction control processing (step S3).

During live streaming, the detection unit 247 performs detection processing and monitors input preparation operations on the user terminal 1500. If the detection unit 247 detects an input preparation operation (step S5: YES), and if the input preparation operation is on a user terminal 1500 that is not registered as an active input terminal, it registers the user terminal 1500 as an active input terminal in the active input terminal list 599 (step S7).

During live streaming, the reception control unit 243 performs reception control processing and monitors the input execution operation on the user terminal 1500 (the terminal currently performing input). If the reception control unit 243 detects an input execution operation (step S9: YES), it references the forecast index time series data 605 and determines whether the confirmation request condition is met based on the latest forecast business climate index calculated for the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 in the forecast control processing started in step S3. If the confirmation request condition is met (step S11: YES), the reception control unit 243 requests the user terminal 1500 to confirm whether to cancel or confirm the input execution operation detected in step S9 (step S13). If the viewing user of the user terminal 1500 selects to cancel the input execution operation (selects the cancel button B73 on the confirmation screen in Figure 12) (step S15: YES), the reception control unit 243 cancels the input execution operation (step S16) and proceeds to step S23.

On the other hand, if a selection is made to confirm the input execution operation (the Confirm button B71 is selected on the confirmation screen in Figure 12) (Step S15: NO), the reception control unit 243 deletes the registration of the user terminal 1500 as the active input terminal and updates the active input terminal list 599 (Step S17). Then, the process proceeds to Step S19.

Then, in step S19, the reception control unit 243 accepts the input comment related to the input preparation operation as communication information. If an input amount related to the input preparation operation has been entered, a tip of that amount is added to the communication information.

Next, the reflection control unit 245 reflects the communication information received in step S19 on the content screen (step S21). In this embodiment, control is performed to add and display the received communication information, which is a normal comment or a comment with a tip, to the communication information input operation unit 22.

After that, the process returns to step S5 and repeats the above process until the live streaming ends (step S23: NO). Then, once the live streaming ends (step S23: YES), the archive content provision control unit 251 uses the predicted index time series data 605 to generate a highlight video 607 from the streaming play video 597 that has finished live streaming (step S25), and then ends this process.

Next, the flow of the prediction control process that begins in step S3 of FIG. 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 18, in the prediction control process, the prediction control unit 249 repeatedly executes the processing of loop A at a predetermined cycle until the live distribution ends (steps S301 to S329).

That is, in Loop A, the prediction control unit 249 sequentially sets all input devices registered in the input device list 599 as processing input devices and executes the processing of Loop B (steps S303 to S325). Then, in Loop B, the prediction control unit 249 first references the input communication information 600 of the processing input device and obtains the number of characters in the input comment and the input amount of the tip (step S305).

Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines a second coefficient _K2 from the number of characters of the input comment acquired in step S305 (step S307).

Furthermore, the prediction control unit 249 reads and uses the viewing level 571 (see FIG. 14) of the viewing user of the terminal currently inputting processing, to determine the third coefficient _K3 (step S309).

Next, the prediction control unit 249 sets the viewing user of the terminal currently receiving processing input as a non-destination user, and sets the viewing users other than the non-destination users as destination users (step S311), and then executes the processing of loop C, sequentially setting all destination users as processing destination users (steps S313 to S323).

That is, in Loop C, if the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is registered as the currently inputting terminal, the prediction control unit 249 obtains the input amount of tips from the currently input communication information 600 (step S315). Next, the prediction control unit 249 calculates the difference by subtracting the input amount of the processing destination user obtained in step S315 from the input amount of the non-destination user obtained in step S305 (step S317). If the user terminal 1500 of the processing destination user is not registered as the currently inputting terminal, or if it is registered but no tip amount has been input, the input amount of the non-destination user can be used as the difference.

Then, the prediction control unit 249 determines the first coefficient _K1 from the difference calculated in step S317 (step S319).

Thereafter, the prediction control unit 249 calculates an individual predicted business climate index related to the communication information 600 being input at the terminal currently inputting processing for the processing destination user by substituting the first coefficient _K1 determined in step S319, the second coefficient _K2 determined in step S307, and the third coefficient _K3 determined in step S309 into the calculation function (1) (step S321).

Then, loop C is executed with all destination users set in step S311 as processing destination users, and once loop B has been executed for all input devices, the individual forecasted business climate indices calculated in step S321 are summed for each viewing user to obtain the forecasted business climate indices for the processing cycle for each viewing user (step S327). Then, loop A for the current cycle is terminated.

As described above, according to this embodiment, viewing users who are watching a live broadcast of distribution content can transmit communication information while determining the timing when their own transmission (reflection of the transmitted communication information) will be noticeable from the display of the forecast economic index gauge 21. Therefore, a technology can be provided that allows users to transmit communication information, including tips for the content they are viewing, while being aware of such transmissions by other viewing users.

Note that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[Modification 1]
For example, when issuing a predicted notification, the predicted notification may be variably controlled based on the viewing data 550 of the destination user (see FIG. 14 ). That is, in the above embodiment, when calculating the individual predicted business climate index, the first coefficient _K1 is determined by relatively comparing the tipping amounts of non-destination users and the destination user. However, instead of the destination user's tipping amount to be relatively compared, the first coefficient _K1 may be determined by comparing the destination user's average tipping amount 577 with the tipping amount of non-destination users. In this way, even if there is a viewing user performing an input preparation operation that includes an operation to set a tipping amount that is generally considered to be high, control can be performed such that the predicted business climate index is calculated to be low for viewing users whose average tipping amount is equal to or greater than that.

In addition, by preparing a calculation function that includes as variables another coefficient based on the total number of comments with tips 573 or the total amount of tips 575, and determining that coefficient to calculate an individual forecast economic climate index, it is possible to calculate a lower forecast economic climate index for viewing users who have sent out a lot of communication information in the past or viewing users who have donated large amounts of tips.

[Modification 2]
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the individual forecast business climate index was calculated using the third coefficient _K3 based on the viewing level 571. However, another coefficient may be determined based on the viewing history data 560 of the viewing user in question or the distribution management data 580 for the viewing user included in the viewing user account list 591, and used to calculate the individual forecast business climate index. For example, a calculation function may be prepared that includes, as variables, other coefficients based on the total viewing time of past distributed content, the number of times the same poster user has viewed distributed content in the past, the number of times communication information was sent during that viewing (the number of times communication information was sent to that poster user), the total amount of tipping during that viewing (the total amount of tipping to that poster user), etc. Then, a coefficient may be determined based on each value to calculate the individual forecast business climate index.

This makes it possible to variably calculate the predicted business climate index based on the viewing history of the viewing user who is currently preparing to input.

In addition to the viewing history of the viewing user, if settings such as friend settings and number of followers are separately made, the predicted economic climate index may be calculated based on those numbers. This makes it possible to calculate a high predicted economic climate index when a popular viewing user with a large number of followers is preparing to enter communication information.

[Modification 3]
Alternatively, a calculation standard may be set and used to calculate the individual forecast business index. For example, this can be realized by calculating a fifth coefficient _K5 , which will be described below, instead of the first coefficient _K1 .

That is, the prediction control unit 249, as a calculation standard setting means, first references the distribution management data 580, calculates the average amount of tips added to comments with tips that have already been accepted for the content of interest, and sets the calculated average amount as the calculation standard. Then, it compares the average amount with the input amount of tips in the currently input communication information of interest, and selects the higher amount as the applicable amount. If the calculation standard is higher than the input amount, it selects the calculation standard as the applicable amount. On the other hand, if the input amount is higher, it sets the input amount as the applicable amount.

Thereafter, in the same manner as in determining the first coefficient _K1 , if there is communication information currently being input by the destination user, the amount of tipping input is subtracted from the applicable amount to obtain a difference, and the fifth coefficient _K5 is determined from the obtained difference. This makes it possible to calculate the predicted business climate index based on the average amount of tipping related to the featured content.

In addition, for example, by referencing distribution management data 580 for provided distribution content in which the user account of the poster of the featured content is set as poster user account 589, the average amount of all tip amounts for comments with tips received during the live distribution of each relevant distribution content can be calculated and used as the calculation standard. In this way, the predicted economic climate index can be calculated based on the average amount of tips for the poster of the featured content.

[Modification 4]
Alternatively, the communication information may be reflected on the content screen after a predetermined time has elapsed, rather than immediately upon reception. In this case, the reflection control unit 245 serves as a reflection delay time control unit, variably controlling the delay time from when the communication information is received until it is reflected. During the delay time, the prediction control unit 249 treats the communication information as communication information being input (as if an input execution operation has not yet been performed), and calculates the predicted business climate index.

The delay time may be a fixed length, or may be configured to accept a setting operation by the viewing user. In the latter case, the server processing unit 200s controls the delay time for each viewing user by accepting a delay time setting operation in advance as delay time acceptance control means. For example, when an input execution operation is detected (when a selection operation of the Execute button 225 is detected in the communication information input operation unit 22), the delay time setting screen shown in FIG. 19 is popped up on the content screen to accept the delay time setting operation. In this modified example, the viewing user selects the desired delay time from a pull-down menu M8 presenting a list of selectable delay times and performs the setting operation by touching the Confirm button B8. A setting field may be provided within the communication information input operation unit 22 to accept the delay time setting operation.

Also, instead of allowing all viewing users to freely set the delay time, a configuration may be adopted in which only specific users can do so. In this case, the delay time setting operation is accepted by specific users who meet given specific user conditions. For example, when an input execution operation is detected, it is determined whether the viewing user meets the specific user conditions, and if so, control is performed to display the delay time setting screen of Figure 19, and the delay time setting operation by that viewing user is accepted. The specific user condition can be set in advance, such as "the viewing level exceeds a predetermined level."

According to this modified example, when the forecasted business climate index gauge 21 is displayed high on the content screen of another viewing user due to the influence of the user's input of communication information, the forecasted business climate index can be maintained in a high state for the delay time even after the input execution operation is performed. This has the effect of suppressing the input of communication information by other viewing users for an extended period of time corresponding to the delay time, making it possible to make one's own messages more noticeable.

The specific user condition is not limited to a condition based on viewing level, but may be, for example, "using a specified item." Or, it may be, for example, "sending communication information in which the tip amount exceeds a specified amount." In this case, if an input execution operation is detected and the tip amount exceeds the specified amount, a specified delay time is set, or the delay time is set by accepting a setting operation from the viewing user who performed the input execution operation. It is also preferable to vary the range of delay time that can be set depending on the tip amount (for example, the larger the tip amount, the wider the range of delay time that can be set).

[Modification 5]
Furthermore, the coefficients used in calculating the individual forecast business climate index (e.g., the first to third coefficients _K1 , _K2 , and _K3 ) may be modified as needed using machine learning. To achieve this, for example, after a live broadcast, a survey is conducted with viewing users to assess their satisfaction with the display of the forecast business climate index gauge. The calculation formulas for each coefficient and the collected survey results are then stored, along with the number of characters entered, the amount entered, and the viewing level used to determine each coefficient, as well as the number of viewers of the live broadcast, the time period of the broadcast, the game genre of the gameplay video broadcast, and so on. Then, machine learning processing may be performed based on this stored data to modify each coefficient.

[Modification 6]
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a tipping comment was sent by inputting a tipping amount in the input field 223 of the communication information input operation unit 22 (see FIG. 5 ) on the content screen, but a configuration is also possible in which a tip of the tipping amount is sent without adding a comment. For example, multiple types of tipping items with different prices may be prepared so that viewing users can obtain them by purchasing them and use them to send a tip. For example, this can be achieved by providing an item selection menu on the communication information input operation unit 22 and allowing the viewing users to select and purchase tipping items from the menu.

Tipping items can include those that, when sent, are controlled to apply effects to the content screen according to their type. There are no particular restrictions on the content control, but it is recommended that more expensive items be associated with more flashy effect control (more noticeable on the content screen). For example, effect control such as "paper streamers flying" or "crackers popping" can be set for each tipping item.

Tipping items do not have to be purchased each time, but may be purchased in advance and stocked. In this case, the user management unit 210 performs processing to manage the types and number of tipping items owned by each user as input candidates for communication information related to that user. Meanwhile, on the content screen, the aforementioned item selection menu allows each viewing user to select the tipping item to use for sending from their own tipping items.

Furthermore, in a configuration where tipping items owned by each user are managed, as in this modified example, a configuration is possible in which a recommended tipping item (hereinafter referred to as a "recommended item") is selected and presented for each viewing user by calculating the predicted economic index for each stocked tipping item as it is sent out.

In this case, the server processing unit 200s constantly calculates the predicted business climate index for each viewing user for each tipping item owned by that viewing user when that viewing user sends that tipping item. This can be calculated by replacing the tipping amount entered by the destination user in the communication information being entered with the selling price of that tipping item. The timing of the calculation can be set as appropriate, but for example, when a selection operation is performed on an item selection menu, the calculation is performed for the viewing user who performed that operation. The calculated predicted business climate index for each tipping item is then compared with a threshold value, and, for example, tipping items whose predicted business climate index is below a preset threshold are selected and determined as recommended items for that viewing user. The determined tipping items are then displayed as a list and presented to the viewing user.

[Other Modifications]
Although the above embodiment has exemplified gameplay videos as distribution content, the content of the distribution content is not particularly limited. For example, the content may be a live broadcast of a performance or show by a poster, or a video work filmed and edited by a poster.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1000... Game system 1100... Server system 100s... Operation input unit 200s... Server processing unit 210... User management unit 220... Charging processing unit 230... Game management unit 241... Content provision control unit 243... Reception control unit 245... Reflection control unit 247... Detection unit 249... Prediction control unit 251... Archive content provision control unit 290s... Image generation unit 292s... Sound generation unit 294s... Communication control unit 390s... Image display unit 392s... Sound output unit 394s... Communication unit 500s... Server storage unit 501... Server program 503... Distribution game client program 510... Game setting data 520... Play data 525... Operation input time series data 526... Progress status time series data 530... Play reproduction data 540... User management data 543... Payment medium ledger data 545...play history data 547...posting data 550...viewing data 560...viewing history data 566...number of comments with tips within the stream 567...total amount of tips within the stream 568...average amount of tips within the stream 571...viewing level 573...total number of comments with tips 575...total amount of tips 577...average amount of tips 580...streaming management data 597...streaming play video 599...list of devices currently inputting 600...communication information currently inputting 601...normal comment transmission record data 603...comment transmission record data with tips 605...prediction index time series data 607...highlight video 1500...user terminal 100...operation input unit 200...terminal processing unit 270...user terminal calculation unit 271...operation signal transmission control unit 273...image display control unit 275...video viewing control unit 290...image generation unit 292...sound generation unit 294: Communication control unit 390: Image display unit 392: Sound output unit 394: Communication unit 500: Terminal storage unit 502: Game client program 504: Web browser program 506: Operation input data N: Network 1200: Video publishing management server 1300: Electronic settlement server 2: User

Claims (12)

A content providing system that provides given content to a user terminal of a viewing user by connecting to the user terminal, comprising:
a reflection control means for controlling the reflection of communication information on the content screen of the user terminal when an input execution operation for executing input of given communication information to be reflected on the content screen of the user terminal is performed on the user terminal;
a detection means for detecting an input preparation operation performed on the user terminal before the input execution operation is performed ;
a prediction control means for calculating a parameter value indicating the business climate of a future reflection control to be performed by the reflection control means based on the detection result of the input preparation operation by the detection means, and for controlling a prediction notification to be sent to the user terminal based on the parameter value;
A content providing system comprising: the input preparation operation includes an operation for setting a monetary value that can be added to the communication information to be input,
when the monetary value is added to the communication information input and executed by the input execution operation , the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of visibility different from that when the monetary value is not added;
the detection means detects an operation for setting the monetary value;
the predictive control means calculates the parameter value based on the monetary value setting operation detected by the detection means;
The content providing system according to claim 1 . when the monetary value is added to the communication information inputted by the input execution operation , the reflection control means reflects the communication information on the content screen in a form of visibility that varies depending on the amount of the monetary value;
the predictive control means calculates the parameter value based on the amount of the monetary value detected by the detection means;
The content providing system according to claim 2 . a second detection means for detecting the input preparation operation on a user terminal of a destination user of the predicted notification;
a destination notification variable control means for variably controlling the predicted notification at the user terminal of the destination user based on the detection result of the second detection means;
The content providing system according to claim 3 , further comprising: the input preparation operation includes a setting operation for including a comment in the communication information,
the reflection control means controls display of the comment on the content screen;
the detection means detects the comment setting operation,
the prediction control means calculates the parameter value based on the content of the comment detected by the detection means;
5. The content providing system according to claim 1. a viewing history data management means for managing viewing history data for each viewing user;
Further provided with
the prediction control means variably controls the prediction notification addressed to each of the viewing users based on the viewing history data of the viewing users,
6. A content providing system according to claim 1. the detection means detects the input preparation operation related to a destination user of the prediction notification and the input preparation operation related to a non-destination user who is a viewing user other than the destination user;
the predictive control means calculates the parameter value by relatively comparing the detection result of the detection means related to the destination user with the detection result of the detection means related to the non-destination users;
7. The content providing system according to claim 1. a user data management means for managing user data for each of the viewing users;
Further provided with
the detection means detects the input preparation operation for each of the viewing users;
the prediction control means calculates the parameter value based on whether or not a viewing user whose user data satisfies a specific condition is included among the viewing users for whom the input preparation operation has been detected by the detection means.
8. The content providing system according to claim 1. the reflection control means includes a reflection delay time control means for variably controlling a delay time for reflecting the communication information input and executed by the input execution operation on the content screen;
9. A content providing system according to claim 1. a delay time acceptance control means for accepting a setting operation of the delay time from a specific user who satisfies a given specific user condition among the viewing users;
Further provided with
the reflection delay time control means variably controls the delay time for reflecting the communication information of the specific user based on the delay time accepted by the delay time acceptance control means.
The content providing system according to claim 9 . an input candidate management means for managing input candidates of the communication information for each of the viewing users;
a recommendation candidate presentation means for selecting and presenting the communication information recommended for input from among the input candidates managed by the input candidate management means for each of the viewing users based on the parameter value ;
The content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , further comprising : A server system that is a content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ;
the user terminal;
and a content viewing system in which the content is communicatively connected.