JP7540615B1 - PROGRAM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce disappointment felt by users due to overlapping gifting timing.
[Solution] The program causes the computer to function as a management means 52 that manages the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means 54 that displays the gift in a video in response to a gifting request made by a user to pay for the gift, and when two or more users make gifting requests within a specified period of time, the management means 52 returns part or all of the gift to each of the two or more users.
[Selected figure] Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a program and an information processing device.

Video distribution systems that distribute videos to multiple users have been known for some time.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows a user (player) watching a video to throw (gift) a purchased item toward a stage area where a performer object is located.

JP 2023-092332 A

With this type of technology, when a user watching a video gifts something, the timing of the gifting may overlap with that of another user, and the gifting may not be recognized by the performer object or the other user.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a program and information processing device that can reduce the disappointment felt by users due to overlapping gifting timing.

In order to solve the above problems, the program according to the first aspect of the present invention is a program for each user watching a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, and causes a computer to function as a management means for managing the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request made by the user to pay the value of the gift, and when two or more users make the gifting request within a specified period of time, the management means returns a part or all of the value to each of the two or more users.

In addition, in a second aspect of the present invention, the management means returns a larger amount of compensation to each user the greater the number of users who make gifting requests within the specified time period.

The program according to the third aspect of the present invention is a program for each user viewing a video being streamed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, and causes a computer to function as a management means for managing the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request made by the user to pay the value of the gift, and when two or more users make the gifting request within a specified period of time, the management means returns a part or all of the value to some of the two or more users.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration paid in the gifting request to a user who, among two or more users who made a gifting request within the specified time period, paid a consideration equal to or greater than a specified amount.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration to a user who, among two or more users who have made a gifting request within the specified time period, paid less than a specified amount in the gifting request.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the management means returns all or a part of the compensation if the total amount of compensation paid by each of two or more users who made a gifting request within the specified time period in the gifting request is equal to or exceeds a certain amount.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the management means returns a part or all of the compensation if the number of users watching the video is equal to or greater than a certain number.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration when two or more users make gifting requests to pay the same consideration within the specified time period.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration when two or more users make a gifting request for the same gift within the specified time period.

The information processing device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for allowing each user watching a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, and includes a management means for managing the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request made by the user to pay a price for the gift, and when two or more users make the gifting request within a specified period of time, the management means returns a part or all of the price to each of the two or more users.

In addition, an information processing device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for allowing each user watching a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, and is provided with a management means for managing the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request made by the user to pay a price for the gift, and when two or more users make the gifting request within a specified time period, the management means returns a part or all of the price to some of the two or more users.

The present invention can reduce disappointment felt by users due to overlapping gifting timing.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a video distribution system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a smartphone as the terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional unit of a server device. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processes performed by each functional unit shown in FIG. 4 in the video distribution system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a normal live screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen on which a gift can be selected in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen on which a gift is gifted in the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes performed by each functional unit in the video distribution system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen on which a gift can be provisionally selected in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including a provisionally selected gift and statistical information related to the gift in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes performed by each functional unit in a video distribution system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen on which a gifting request is restricted in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes performed by each functional unit in the video distribution system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including information that a portion of the consideration has been returned in the fourth embodiment.

Below, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

---First embodiment---
First, the first embodiment will be described.

<Overall composition>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the video distribution system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 12. The server device 10 and the terminal devices 12 are communicatively connected via a communication network NT such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

The server device 10 is an information processing device that provides videos obtained by executing the video distribution program 14, or the video distribution program 14 itself, to users who own the terminal devices 12 via the communication network NT. For example, the video distribution program 14 is used to perform gifting, in which a user displays a gift in a video.

Each terminal device 12 is an information processing device owned by each user, and after the video distribution program 14 received from the server device 10 is installed, the information processing device executes the program to provide videos for each user to watch. Note that a user can also distribute videos to other users as a video distribution user. These terminal devices 12 include various devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

<Hardware Configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, etc., to function as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 12, for example.

The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing the processes in the control device 20, including the video distribution program 14, as well as information on the results of the processes.

The server device 10 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 10 may be composed of a single information processing device, or may be composed of multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may have other configurations that are generally included in a server. The hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may also have the same configuration as the server device 10, except for including, for example, an operating means, a display device, and a sound output device.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the terminal device 12 shown in Figure 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 12 includes a main control unit 30, a touch panel (touch screen) 32, a camera 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a memory unit 40, and a speaker 42.

The main control unit 30 is configured to include a CPU, memory, etc. This main control unit 30 is connected to a touch panel 32 as a display input device, a camera 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a memory unit 40, and a speaker 42. The main control unit 30 has the function of controlling these connection destinations.

The touch panel 32 has both a display function and an input function, and is composed of a display 32A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 32B that performs the input function. In the first embodiment, the display 32A can display images (videos) and operation input images such as button images. The touch sensor 32B can detect the user's input position on the display 32A.

The camera 34 has the function of taking still images and/or videos and storing them in the memory unit 40.

The mobile communication unit 36 has the function of connecting to a mobile communication network via the antenna 36A and communicating with other communication devices connected to the mobile communication network.

The wireless LAN communication unit 38 has the function of connecting to the communication network NT via the antenna 38A and communicating with other devices such as the server device 10 connected to the communication network NT.

The storage unit 40 stores various programs and data, such as the video distribution program 14 and user information. The user information may be stored in the server device 10.

The speaker 42 has the function of outputting the audio of the video being distributed, background music, etc.

＜Overview＞
In the first embodiment, for example, a user can watch one video (live) selected from a plurality of currently-streamed videos each featuring a different performer object. Each of these videos is associated with a different video ID (e.g., a channel ID). For example, the video ID is information including the start date and time of streaming of the video and a performer object ID. Note that a video may feature a plurality of performer objects (units). Also, there may be only one video currently-streamed.

Examples of such videos include archived videos that have already been recorded or generated, and real-time videos that are distributed in real time. For example, watching real-time videos may require more costs (e.g., virtual currency or viewing tickets) than watching archived videos. The cost required to watch archived videos or real-time videos may be free of charge.

For example, each user watching a video can gift (send a gift) to a performer object displayed on the video. Examples of the performer object include a character (e.g., a character whose actions are not controlled by the broadcasting user) and an avatar of the broadcasting user. For example, the character or avatar performs a movement generated in real time by the broadcasting user (e.g., a movement generated by motion capture, etc.) or a movement generated in advance.
The performer object may be the broadcast user himself/herself. Also, the broadcast user may not be present in the video.

For example, if a user watching a video gifts a gift to a performer object, the gift is displayed on the video. This gifted gift is visible to other users watching the same video, the performer object (broadcast user), etc. For example, if a user issues an instruction to select a gift from multiple gifts, that is, an instruction to pay the price associated with the gift (gifting request), the gift can be displayed on the video.

The consideration may be a virtual currency or money (direct charge) that can be used in the video distribution system 1. In the first embodiment, a user can purchase a gift with the virtual currency that the user owns and gift the purchased gift.
This virtual currency includes free currency and paid currency. An example of this free currency is free crystals (free stones). This free currency is provided when, for example, a user logs into the video distribution system 1 or when the user continues watching a video for a specified period of time or more. An example of paid currency is paid crystals (paid stones). This paid currency is provided when, for example, a user purchases it with money. For example, a user can purchase 100 paid crystals by paying 100 yen with a credit card, prepaid card, or the like.

In the first embodiment, free crystals and paid crystals can be used without distinction from each other. Meanwhile, in the first embodiment, crystals are more valuable than coins.
However, certain gifts (e.g., special gifts) may only be giftable (purchased) with paid crystals, i.e., paid crystals may be more valuable than free crystals.

<Functional Means>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional units of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 has, as functional components, a storage means 50, a management means 52, a display means 54, and a control means 56. The storage means 50 is realized by one or more storage devices 28. The functional means other than the storage means 50 are realized by the control device 20 executing a video distribution program 14 stored in the storage device 28 or the like. Note that all or part of these functional components may be provided in the terminal device 12.

The storage means 50 has the function of storing user information 50A, gift information 50B, video information 50C, etc.

User information 50A is stored for each user in association with the user's user ID. This user information 50A includes, for example, the user's name, age, membership information, history information, owned currency information, friend information, etc.

The member information includes, for example, information (e.g., a flag) indicating whether the user is a special member or a normal member. A special member is, for example, a member who pays a predetermined fee to the video distribution system 1. Examples of special members include users (e.g., monthly membership users) who pay a predetermined amount (e.g., 500 yen) every predetermined period (e.g., one month), users whose cumulative purchase amount of paid currency is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount (e.g., 5,000 yen), and users who have consumed a predetermined number of paid currencies for gifting (e.g., 5,000 units).
On the other hand, a normal member is a member other than a special member who has not paid the specified fee.

The history information includes history information of gifts gifted by the user. For example, the history information includes the date and time when the user gifted a gift, the gift ID of the gift gifted by the user, the video ID of the video gifted by the user, the performer object ID of the performer object to which the user gifted (sent a gift), etc.

Owned currency information includes, for example, the amount of free currency (coins, free crystals) and paid currency (paid crystals) owned by the user.

The friend information includes the user IDs of users (friend users) who have a friend relationship (predetermined relationship) with the user. For example, the user can chat with the friend users and access the friend users' profile pages.

Gift information 50B includes information about gifts.

For example, gift information 50B is stored for each gift in association with the gift ID of that gift. Gift information 50B includes, for example, the name, image, price, display time, gift type, etc.

The consideration includes the amount (quantity) of virtual currency (free currency or paid currency) required to gift the gift. For example, the consideration for a first gift is 100 coins. For example, the consideration for a second gift is 100 crystals (free crystals or paid crystals).

The display time includes the time that the gift is displayed in the video when the gift is gifted. For example, the higher the value of the gift, the longer the display time.

The gift type includes information (flag) indicating whether it is a normal gift or a special gift. For example, the number of times that a normal gift can be gifted to all users who watch a video is set to be unlimited. On the other hand, for example, the number of times that a special gift can be gifted to all users who watch a video is limited to a predetermined number (e.g., 1 or 5 times). For example, if the predetermined number is 1 and a certain user gifts a special gift in a video in which a certain performer object appears, other users who are watching the video cannot gift the special gift while watching the video.
The value associated with the special gift may be higher or lower than the value of the normal gift.

Video information 50C includes information about the video.

Video information 50C is stored for each video (channel) in association with the video ID of the video. Video information 50C includes, for example, the performer object ID of the performer object appearing in the video, the distribution start date and time, viewing user information regarding the user viewing the video, etc. In the first embodiment, the viewing user information includes the user ID of the user.

The management means 52 is a functional means for managing gifting by each user.

In the first embodiment, the management means 52 manages the history information of gifts gifted by each user. For example, when a user gifts a gift, the management means 52 adds (updates) the date and time of the gifting, the gift ID of the gifted gift, the video ID of the video that was gifted, the performer object ID of the performer object that gifted, etc. to the history information of the user information 50A corresponding to that user.

In the first embodiment, the management unit 52 identifies one or more recommended gifts based on the history information of the user information 50A. For example, the recommended gift is a gift that has been gifted many times. Specifically, the recommended gift is a gift that has been gifted many times from a predetermined time point to the present.
For example, the management means 52 refers to the historical information of the user information 50A and identifies the top three gifts (the gifts ranked highest) that have been gifted the most between a specified point in time (e.g., 24 hours ago) and the present as recommended gifts.

Further, for example, a recommended gift is a gift that has been gifted a small number of times. Specifically, a recommended gift is a gift that has been gifted a small number of times from a predetermined point in time to the present.
For example, the management means 52 refers to the historical information of the user information 50A and identifies the three gifts (gifts with the lowest rankings) that have been gifted the least number of times between a specified point in time (e.g., one hour ago) and the present as recommended gifts.

The management means 52 also identifies recommended gifts based on the history information of gifts that have been gifted by each user in the video being distributed. For example, the management means 52 refers to the history information of the user information 50A and identifies as the recommended gift the gift (the gift with the lowest ranking) that has been gifted the least number of times in the video (video ID) that the user is watching from the start of distribution to the present.

The management means 52 also identifies recommended gifts based on the history information of gifts that each user has gifted to performer objects displayed in the video. For example, the management means 52 refers to the history information of the user information 50A and identifies as the recommended gift the gift that has been gifted the most times (the gift with the highest ranking) to a performer object (performer object ID) appearing in the video the user is watching, including videos distributed in the past.

In the first embodiment, the management means 52 reduces the consideration for gifting the recommended gift by less than normal. For example, the management means 52 reduces the consideration for gifting the identified recommended gift by 30%. Specifically, the management means 52 refers to the consideration in the gift information 50B, and when 10 units of paid currency are required to gift the recommended gift, the management means 52 changes the amount of paid currency required for the gifting to 7 units.

The display means 54 is a functional means for displaying videos, various information areas, etc. on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by each user.

In the first embodiment, when a user makes a gifting request for a certain gift from among a plurality of gifts, the display means 54 displays the certain gift in the vicinity of a performer object in the video (live screen). The display means 54 may also display the certain gift superimposed on the performer object in the video.

For example, when a certain gift is selected from a plurality of gifts by the user, the display means 54 assumes that an instruction to pay the price associated with the certain gift (gifting request) has been given, and displays the gift in the video being viewed by the user. For example, the display means 54 refers to the display time of the gift information 50B, and when the display time of the certain gift has elapsed, erases the gift from the video (live screen). Next, the display means 54 erases the recommended gift information area, the gift selection area, and the gift selection area from the video (live screen), and displays the notification information area (displays the normal live screen).

In the first embodiment, the display means 54 displays the recommended gifts before a gifting request is made by the user. For example, the display means 54 displays the recommended gifts specified by the management means 52 in response to an instruction by the user to display a gift selection area (for example, an instruction on a gift button). The recommended gifts are displayed, for example, in a recommended gift information area of a video (live screen).
The display means 54 may display the recommended gifts in the video (live screen) regardless of a user instruction (for example, an instruction on the gift button).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the display means 54 displays recommended gifts when the user has paid a specified fee. For example, the display means 54 refers to the membership information in the user information 50A and displays recommended gifts when the user is a special member.

The control means 56 is a functional means that controls the entire video distribution system 1.

In the first embodiment, the control means 56 consumes the value associated with the gift (the value required to purchase the gift) in response to an instruction (gifting request) from a user to select a gift for a performer object. Also, in the first embodiment, the control means 56 performs various determinations.

<Processing flow>
Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means shown in Fig. 4 in the video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the following steps is started, for example, when a certain user selects one video (live) from a plurality of videos being distributed in which different performer objects appear, and the management means 52 stores a user ID in the viewing user information of the video information 50C corresponding to the one video. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP10)
The display means 54 displays a live screen of one moving image (live) selected by a certain user.

Figure 6 shows an example of a normal live screen 60 in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the live screen 60 is provided with a performer object P, a stage ST, a notification information area 62, a message button 64, a gift button 66, an exit button 68, and the like.
The notification information area 62 displays text information indicating the latest information including the actions of each user watching a video and the performer object P. This latest information includes the start of watching a video (entry), the end of watching a video (exit), sent messages, gifting, etc. The various information displayed in the notification information area 62 is displayed in the same content on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by each user watching a video.
The message button 64 is an input area for inputting a message and a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to display a send button for sending the input message.
The gift button 66 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to display a gift selection area for selecting a gift.
The exit button 68 is a button for issuing an instruction to end viewing of one video.

Returning to FIG. 5, processing proceeds to step SP12.

(Step SP12)
The control means 56 determines whether or not a gift button has been designated by a certain user on the live screen.
If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP14, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP26.

(Step SP14)
The management unit 52 identifies one recommended gift. For example, the management unit 52 refers to the history information of the user information 50A and identifies a recommended gift that has been gifted the most times in one video (video ID) from a predetermined time point (e.g., 10 minutes ago) to the present.
Then, the process proceeds to step SP16.

(Step SP16)
The display means 54 displays a live screen including a gift selection area for a user to select a gift to be gifted.

Figure 7 shows an example of a live screen 60 on which gifts can be selected in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the live screen 60 is provided with a recommended gift information area 72, an owned currency information area 74, a gift selection area 76, a slide bar SB, and the like.
A gift image 72a indicating the recommended gift specified in step SP14 and the like are displayed in the recommended gift information area 72. For example, the user can gift (present) the recommended gift to the performer object by selecting (pointing) the gift image 72a.
The owned currency information area 74 displays an image indicating the amount of virtual currency (coins and crystals) owned by a certain user.
In the gift selection area 76, gift images 76a including gifts and compensation to be gifted to the performer object are displayed. For example, a user can gift (present) the selected gift to the performer object by selecting (indicating) a gift image 76a. Note that the gift image 76a is displayed in a manner that makes it impossible to select (e.g., grayed out) when the virtual currency owned by a user is less than the compensation for the gift.
The slide bar SB is an instruction area for instructing to scroll the gift image 76a displayed in the gift selection area 76 to the left or right.

Returning to FIG. 5, processing proceeds to step SP18.

(Step SP18)
The control means 56 judges whether a gifting request for selecting a gift has been made. For example, when a gift image is selected (instructed) in the recommended gift area or the gift selection area, the control means 56 judges the judgment as positive, assuming that there has been an instruction (gifting request) to pay the consideration associated with the selected gift. Note that the control means 56 may also judge that there has been an instruction (gifting request) to pay the consideration associated with the gift when a gift image is selected (provisionally selected) by a user and then the user instructs the user to finalize (finally select) the gifting of the gift.
If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP20. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, for example, if a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed without any operation instruction from the user, the process proceeds to step SP26.

(Step SP20)
The control means 56 consumes the value of a gift selected by a certain user from the virtual currency owned by the certain user. For example, the control means 56 subtracts the value of the gift selected in step SP18 from the owned currency information of the user information 50A.
Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

(Step SP22)
The management means 52 updates the history information of the user information 50A. For example, the management means 52 adds (updates) to the history information the date and time when a certain user gave a gift (current date and time), the gift ID of the gift selected in step SP18, the video ID of one video, the performer object ID of the performer object depicted in the one video, and the like.
Then, the process proceeds to step SP24.

(Step SP24)
The display means 54 displays the gift selected in step SP18 on the live screen.

Figure 8 shows an example of a live screen 60 on which a gift is being gifted in the first embodiment.

8, a gifted gift G is displayed on the live screen 60. This gift G is a gift that was gifted by a certain user in step SP18. For example, the gifted gift G is displayed near a performer object P.
In addition, the notification information area 62 displays text information indicating that a certain user has recently gifted (given) a gift G (for example, a fan) to the performer object P.

Returning to FIG. 5, processing proceeds to step SP26.

(Step SP26)
The control unit 56 determines whether or not a certain user has finished watching the live broadcast. For example, the control unit 56 makes a positive determination when a certain user has pressed an exit button.
If the determination is affirmative, the process ends the series of steps shown in Fig. 5. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP10.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in the first embodiment, a program is provided for each user watching a video being distributed to gift gifts by displaying them on the video, and causes a computer to function as a management means 52 for managing historical information of gifts gifted by each user, and a display means 54 for displaying a gift on the video when a user makes a gifting request for a gift from among multiple gifts, with the management means 52 identifying a recommended gift based on the historical information, and the display means 54 displaying the recommended gift before a gifting request is made by the user.

With this configuration, recommended gifts based on the gift history information are displayed before a gifting request is made, allowing the user to easily select a gift to gift.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the management means 52 identifies recommended gifts based on historical information of gifts given by each user in the video being distributed.

With this configuration, gifts that correspond to the gifting trends in the video being streamed are displayed as recommended gifts, allowing the user to easily select a gift to give.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the management means 52 identifies recommended gifts for performer objects displayed in the video based on historical information of gifts given by each user.

With this configuration, gifts that correspond to the gifting trend for the performer object are displayed as recommended gifts, allowing the user to easily select a gift to gift.

In addition, in the first embodiment, recommended gifts are gifts that have been gifted many times.

With this configuration, gifts that have been gifted frequently are displayed as recommended gifts, allowing users to select gifts that are in line with trends.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the recommended gifts are gifts that have been gifted many times between a specified time point and the present.

With this configuration, gifts that have been gifted many times between a specified point in time and the present are displayed as recommended gifts, allowing the user to select gifts that are in line with recent trends.

In addition, in the first embodiment, recommended gifts are gifts that have been gifted less frequently.

With this configuration, gifts that have been gifted less frequently are displayed as recommended gifts, allowing the user to select a gift that goes against the trend and making that user stand out.

In addition, in the first embodiment, a recommended gift is a gift that has been gifted a small number of times between a specified time point and the present.

With this configuration, gifts that have been gifted less frequently between a given point in time and the present are displayed as recommended gifts, allowing the user to select a gift that goes against recent trends and making the user stand out.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the management means 52 sets the compensation for gifting the recommended gift to be less than usual.

With this configuration, the price of the recommended gift is less than usual, which can motivate users to gift the recommended gift.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the display means 54 displays recommended gifts when the user has paid a specified price.

With this configuration, a user who pays a certain fee can select a gift that is in line with the trends, which gives the user a sense of satisfaction.

---Second embodiment---
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the management means 52 manages provisionally selected gifts and the display means 54 displays statistical information regarding the number of users who have provisionally selected gifts. Note that the configuration and functions of the video distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment, which are not described below, are similar to the configuration and functions of the video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the viewing user information of video information 50C includes the gift ID of the gift tentatively selected by the user viewing the video.

In the second embodiment, the management means 52 manages the gifts provisionally selected by each user. For example, the management means 52 tally up statistical information on the provisionally selected gifts in each video. For example, the management means 52 tally up the number of users who have provisionally selected each gift in each video, and the number of users who have provisionally selected any gift (total number), based on the viewing user information in the video information 50C. This tallying is performed, for example, every unit of time (e.g., 1 second or 0.1 second) or every time a provisional selection is made or a provisional selection is cancelled by each user.

For example, when a user provisionally selects a gift in the gift selection area, the management means 52 stores the gift ID of the provisionally selected gift in the viewing user information of the video information 50C.

In the second embodiment, when there is no gifting request from a user who has provisionally selected a gift for a predetermined period of time, the management means 52 cancels the provisional selection of the gift by the user. For example, when there is no instruction (gifting request) to gift the gift from the user who has provisionally selected a gift for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), the management means 52 deletes the gift ID of the gift stored in the viewing user information of the video information 50C.
For example, the higher the value of the gift provisionally selected by the user, the longer this specified time is. For example, if the value of the gift provisionally selected by the user is 200 coins, the specified time is 2 seconds. For example, if the value of the gift provisionally selected by the user is 500 coins, the specified time is 5 seconds. For example, if the value of the gift provisionally selected by the user is 100 crystals, the specified time is 10 seconds. For example, if the value of the gift provisionally selected by the user is 500 crystals, the specified time is 15 seconds.

In addition, in the second embodiment, if a user who has provisionally selected a gift selects another gift before making a gifting request, the management means 52 changes the gift provisionally selected by the user to the other gift. For example, if a user provisionally selects a gift in the gift selection area and then selects another gift from the gift selection area, the management means 52 updates the viewing user information of the video information 50C. Specifically, the management means 52 changes the gift ID of a gift included in the viewing user information of the video information 50C to the other gift ID.

In the second embodiment, the management unit 52 identifies one or more recommended gifts that have been provisionally selected by a small number of users. In other words, the recommended gifts are gifts that have been provisionally selected by a small number of users in the video that the user is watching.
For example, the management means 52 refers to the viewing user information of the video information 50C and identifies the bottom three gifts (gifts with low rankings) with the fewest provisionally selected users as recommended gifts.

In the second embodiment, when a user who has provisionally selected a gift makes a gifting request for the gift, the display means 54 displays the gift in the video (live screen). For example, when a user provisionally selects a gift from among a plurality of gifts and then issues an instruction (gifting request) to pay a price associated with the provisionally selected gift, the display means 54 displays the gift in the video being viewed by the user. Specifically, when a gift image (instruction area) of a gift is selected from a plurality of gift images displayed in the gift selection area, the display means 54 displays a provisionally selected gift presentation area including the gift image of the gift. Next, when a gift image (instruction area) of a gift included in the provisionally selected gift presentation area or a gift image of a gift displayed in the gift selection area is selected, the display means 54 displays the gift in the video as a gifting request.
Also, for example, the display means 54 erases the gift image included in the temporarily selected gift presentation area when the provisional selection of the gift is cancelled by the management means 52. Also, for example, when a gifting request is made for the provisionally selected gift, the display means 54 erases the temporarily selected gift presentation area and the gift selection area from the video (live screen) and displays the notification information area (displays the normal live screen).

In the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays statistical information on the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift for a user before the user who has provisionally selected a gift makes a gifting request. For example, the display means 54 displays statistical information compiled by the management means 52 in response to an instruction from a user to provisionally select a gift from among multiple gifts. This statistical information may be displayed, for example, after the user has instructed the gift button and has not provisionally selected a gift, or may be displayed at a timing after the user has provisionally selected a gift.
The display means 54 may display the statistical information on the video (live screen) regardless of a user instruction (for example, an instruction on the gift button).

This statistical information may also include information regarding the number of users who have provisionally selected the same gift as the gift provisionally selected by the user in the video the user is watching, the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift, the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift with the same type of consideration (coins or crystals) as the gift provisionally selected by the user, and the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift with the same range of consideration as the gift provisionally selected by the user (for example, ±100 coins or ±100 crystals).

In the second embodiment, when the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the display means 54 displays auxiliary information indicating that a gifting request for the gift is not possible. Examples of the predetermined number include three or five users, or a predetermined percentage (e.g., 1%) of the number of users watching the video (live screen). Examples of this auxiliary information include a display in which selection instruction is not possible (e.g., grayed out) in at least one of the provisionally selected gift presentation area and the gift selection area of the video (live screen).
The display unit 54 may display the auxiliary information when the user has not provisionally selected a gift. For example, the display unit 54 displays gift images of gifts that have provisionally selected a predetermined number or more of users among the gifts displayed in the gift selection area of the video (live screen) in a manner that makes it impossible to select and instruct them (for example, grayed out).

In the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays the recommended gifts before a gifting request is made by a user who has provisionally selected a gift. For example, the display means 54 displays the recommended gifts identified by the management means 52 in response to a user's instruction to display a gift selection area (e.g., an instruction on a gift button).

In addition, in the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays a recommended gift when the user provisionally selects a gift associated with a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Examples of this predetermined value include 500 coins or 200 crystals. For example, when a gift image (indication area) of a gift associated with a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount is selected in the gift selection area by referring to the value in the gift information 50B, the display means 54 displays a provisionally selected gift presentation area including the gift image of the gift and an image of a recommended gift.

In the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays recommended gifts when the user has paid a specified fee. For example, the display means 54 refers to the membership information in the user information 50A, and when the user is a special member, displays the recommended gifts identified by the management means 52 in the provisionally selected gift presentation area.

In addition, in the second embodiment, when a user provisionally selects a gift associated with a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the display means 54 displays statistical information regarding the number of users who have provisionally selected the gift to the user. For example, when a gift image (indication area) of a gift associated with a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (e.g., 500 coins or 300 crystals) is selected in the gift selection area by referring to the value in the gift information 50B, the display means 54 displays a provisionally selected gift presentation area including the gift image and statistical information of the gift.

In the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays statistical information when the user has paid a specified fee. For example, the display means 54 references the membership information of the user information 50A, and when the user is a special member, displays in the provisionally selected gift presentation area or the gift selection area statistical information regarding the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift or the same gift as the gift provisionally selected by the user.

<Processing flow>
9 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means in the video distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment. The processing of the following steps is started, for example, when a certain user selects one video (live) from a plurality of videos being distributed in which different performer objects appear, and the management means 52 stores a user ID in the viewing user information of the video information 50C corresponding to the one video. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

(Steps SP30 to SP32)
The processing of steps SP30 to SP32 is the same as the processing of steps SP10 to SP12 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. If the determination in step SP32 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step SP34. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the processing proceeds to step SP50.

(Step SP34)
The display means 54 displays a live screen including a gift selection area for a user to provisionally select a gift to be gifted.

Figure 10 shows an example of a live screen 60 on which a gift can be provisionally selected in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the live screen 60 is provided with a gift selection area 76, a provisionally selected gift presentation area 82, a statistical information area 84, and the like.
The gift selection area 76 displays gifts that a user can provisionally select and gift images 76a including the prices thereof.
An image of a gift provisionally selected by a certain user is displayed in the provisionally selected gift presentation area 82. Here, the provisionally selected gift presentation area 82 indicates that a gift has not yet been provisionally selected by a certain user and is therefore unselected.
The statistical information area 84 displays statistical information on the number (total number) of users who have provisionally selected any gift among all users who are watching a video. This statistical information on the number of users is updated, for example, every unit time (for example, 1 second or 0.1 second).

Returning to FIG. 9, processing proceeds to step SP36.

(Step SP36)
The control means 56 judges whether or not a gift has been provisionally selected in the gift selection area. For example, the control means 56 judges the judgment to be positive when a gift image has been selected (indicated) in the gift selection area.
If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP38, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP50.

(Step SP38)
The management means 52 stores the gift ID of the gift provisionally selected by a certain user in step SP36 in the viewing user information of the video information 50C.
Then, the process proceeds to step SP40.

(Step SP40)
The display means 54 displays a live screen showing the provisionally selected gift.

Figure 11 shows an example of a live screen 60 that includes a provisionally selected gift and statistical information related to the gift in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the live screen 60 is provided with a provisionally selected gift presentation area 82, a statistical information area 84, and the like.
In the provisionally selected gift presentation area 82, a gift image 82a of a gift provisionally selected by a certain user and a release button 82b for releasing the provisional selection of the gift are displayed. For example, a certain user can make a gifting request for the gift by selecting (indicating) the gift image 82a, and can gift (present) the gift to the performer object. Here, the gift image 82a is displayed in a manner that makes it impossible to select and instruct (for example, grayed out) when, for example, the number of users who have provisionally selected the same gift as the gift provisionally selected by a certain user among all users watching one video is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, three). Also, for example, a certain user can release the provisional selection (return to unselected) by selecting (indicating) the release button 82b.
The statistical information area 84 displays statistical information on the number of users (total number) who have provisionally selected a gift among all users watching a video, and on the number of users who have provisionally selected the same gift as a certain user has provisionally selected. This statistical information on the number of users is updated, for example, every unit time (for example, 1 second or 0.1 second).

Returning to FIG. 9, processing proceeds to step SP42.

(Step SP42)
The control means 56 judges whether or not a gifting request (final selection) for the gift has been made in the provisionally selected gift presentation area. For example, when a gift image is selected in the provisionally selected gift presentation area, the control means 56 judges the judgment to be positive, assuming that an instruction to pay the price associated with the gift (gifting request) has been made.
If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP44. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, for example, if a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed without any operation instruction from a certain user, the process proceeds to step SP50.

(Steps SP44 to SP46)
The processing in steps SP44 to SP46 is similar to the processing in steps SP22 to SP24 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

(Step SP48)
The management means 52 deletes the gift ID of the gift that a certain user has provisionally selected from the viewing user information of the video information 50C by gifting the gift.
Then, the process proceeds to step SP50.

(Step SP50)
The control unit 56 determines whether or not a certain user has finished watching the live broadcast. For example, the control unit 56 makes a positive determination when a certain user has pressed an exit button.
If the determination is affirmative, the process ends the series of steps shown in Fig. 9. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP30.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in the second embodiment, a program is provided for gifting, in which each user watching a video being distributed displays a gift on the video, and the computer functions as a management means 52 for managing gifts provisionally selected by each user, and a display means 54 for displaying the gift on the video when a gifting request for the gift is made by the user who has provisionally selected a gift, and the display means 54 displays statistical information regarding the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift for the user before the user who has provisionally selected a gift makes a gifting request.

With this configuration, a user who has provisionally selected a gift is shown statistical information about the number of users who have provisionally selected that gift, which makes it possible to prevent gifting timing between users from overlapping.

In addition, in the second embodiment, if there is no gifting request from a user who has provisionally selected a gift for a specified period of time, the management means 52 cancels the provisional selection of the gift by that user.

With this configuration, if there is no gifting request for a specified period of time, the provisional selection is cancelled, which reduces the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift, thereby preventing the timing of gifting between users from overlapping.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the higher the value of the gift provisionally selected by the user, the longer the specified time.

With this configuration, the higher the value of the provisionally selected gift, the longer the time it takes for the provisional selection to be released, allowing the user time to decide when to gift the high-value gift.

In the second embodiment, the statistical information is the number of users who have provisionally selected the same gift as the gift provisionally selected by the user, and if a user who has provisionally selected a gift selects a different gift before making a gifting request, the management means 52 changes the gift provisionally selected by the user to the different gift.

With this configuration, the user can easily change the provisionally selected gift based on the statistical information of the provisionally selected gift.

In addition, in the second embodiment, if the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the display means 54 displays auxiliary information indicating that a gifting request for the gift is not possible.

This configuration makes it impossible to gift a gift that has been provisionally selected by a large number of users, which helps prevent users from gifting gifts at the same time.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the management means 52 identifies recommended gifts for which a small number of users have provisionally selected gifts, and the display means 54 displays the recommended gifts before a gifting request is made by a user who has provisionally selected a gift.

With this configuration, recommended gifts that have been provisionally selected by a small number of users are displayed, which helps prevent users from gifting gifts at the same time.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays recommended gifts when the user provisionally selects a gift associated with a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

With this configuration, recommended gifts are displayed if the provisionally selected gift is expensive, allowing the user time to consider whether or not to gift the expensive gift.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays recommended gifts when the user has paid a specified price.

With this configuration, a user who has paid a certain fee can learn about recommended gifts that have been provisionally selected by a small number of users, which can prevent the gifting timing from overlapping with that of other users, thereby providing a sense of satisfaction to the user.

In addition, in the second embodiment, when a user provisionally selects a gift associated with a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the display means 54 displays statistical information regarding the number of users who have provisionally selected the gift to the user.

With this configuration, recommended gifts are displayed if the provisionally selected gift is expensive, allowing the user to adjust the timing of gifting the expensive gift.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays statistical information when the user has paid a specified fee.

With this configuration, users who have paid a certain amount of money can avoid overlapping gifting timing, which can give the users a sense of satisfaction.

---Third embodiment---
Next, a third embodiment will be described.

The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the management means 52 restricts the gifting of users. Note that the configuration and functions of the video distribution system 1 according to the third embodiment, which are not described below, are similar to the configuration and functions of the video distribution system 1 according to the first and second embodiments.

In the third embodiment, the management means 52 manages gifting of gifts by each user. For example, the management means 52 temporarily restricts gifting of gifts by a user who is watching a video, or lifts the restriction.

For example, the management means 52 restricts gifting requests from other users who are watching the same video as a certain user until a predetermined time has elapsed after a gifting request is made by a certain user. Gifts for which gifting requests are restricted include all gifts, gifts gifted by a certain user, gifts with the same value as gifts gifted by a certain user, gifts with a lower value than gifts gifted by a certain user, etc.

For example, the higher the value of a gift, the longer this predetermined time is. For example, when the value of a gift is 100 coins with reference to the value in gift information 50B, management means 52 sets the predetermined time to 3 seconds. Also, for example, when the value of a gift is 200 coins with reference to the value in gift information 50B, management means 52 sets the predetermined time to 3 seconds. Also, for example, when the value of a gift is 100 crystals with reference to the value in gift information 50B, management means 52 sets the predetermined time to 4 seconds. Also, for example, when the value of a gift is 200 crystals with reference to the value in gift information 50B, management means 52 sets the predetermined time to 5 seconds.

For example, the specified time is the time during which a certain gift is displayed in a video. For example, the management means 52 refers to the display time of the gift information 50B and restricts gifting by other users who are watching the same video as a certain user from a certain gift request until the display time of the certain gift has elapsed after the request.

For example, the management means 52 also restricts gifting requests for the same gift as a certain gift to other users. Specifically, the management means 52 restricts a certain user from gifting the same gift as a certain gift (a gift with the same gift ID) to other users who are watching the same video as the certain user.

For example, the management means 52 also restricts gifting requests to other users for gifts associated with the same value as that of a certain gift. Specifically, the management means 52 restricts a certain user from gifting a gift associated with the same value as that of a certain gift to other users who are watching the same video as the certain user. The management means 52 may also restrict gifting of gifts associated with values in the same range as that of a certain gift (for example, ±100 coins or ±100 crystals).

For example, the management means 52 also restricts gifting requests for gifts associated with a lower price than the price of a certain gift to other users. Specifically, the management means 52 restricts a certain user from gifting a gift associated with a lower price than the price of a certain gift to other users who are watching the same video as the certain user.

The gift may have a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, such as 500 coins or 300 crystals.
Also, for example, the more users who watch the video, the higher the predetermined amount becomes. For example, the predetermined amount is 300 coins or 100 crystals when the number of users who watch the video is less than 100. For example, the predetermined amount is 400 coins or 200 crystals when the number of users who watch the video is 100 or more and less than 500. For example, the predetermined amount is 500 coins or 300 crystals when the number of users who watch the video is 500 or more.

In addition, some gifts are special gifts that can be gifted a limited number of times to all users who watch the video. For example, the management means 52 refers to the gift type in the gift information 50B, and if a gifted gift is a special gift, it restricts the gift from being gifted to other users who are watching the same video as the certain user. On the other hand, the management means 52 refers to the gift type in the gift information 50B, and if a gifted gift is a normal gift, it does not restrict the gifting of the gift to other users who are watching the same video as the certain user.

In addition, for example, the management means 52 does not restrict gifting requests from users who have a predetermined relationship with a certain user. For example, the management means 52 refers to the friend information in the user information 50A and does not restrict gifting requests from users who have a friend relationship with a certain user, even if the users are watching the same video as the certain user. On the other hand, the management means 52 restricts gifting requests from users who do not have a friend relationship with a certain user.

For example, the management means 52 does not restrict gifting requests from users who have paid a specified fee. For example, the management means 52 refers to the membership information in the user information 50A, and does not restrict gifting requests from users who are special members and who are watching the same video as a certain user. On the other hand, the management means 52 restricts gifting requests from users who are regular members and who are watching the same video as a certain user.

Also, for example, a certain user is a user who has paid a specified fee. For example, the management means 52 refers to the membership information of the user information 50A, and when a certain user is a special member, the management means 52 restricts the gifting requests of other users who are watching the same video as the certain user. On the other hand, when a certain user is a regular member, the management means 52 does not restrict the gifting requests of other users who are watching the same video as the certain user.

In the third embodiment, when a gifting request for a certain gift is made by a certain user, the display means 54 displays the certain gift in the video.

In addition, when a gifting request from a certain user restricts gifting to other users, the display means 54 displays auxiliary information indicating that gifting is restricted on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by the other user. One example of this auxiliary information is that the gift selection area of the video (live screen) is displayed in a manner that makes it impossible to give a selection instruction (e.g., grayed out).

<Processing flow>
12 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means in the video distribution system 1 according to the third embodiment. The processing of the following steps is started, for example, when a certain user selects one video (live) from a plurality of videos being distributed in which different performer objects appear, and the management means 52 stores a user ID in the viewing user information of the video information 50C corresponding to the one video. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

(Steps SP60 to SP74)
The processing of steps SP60 to SP74 is the same as the processing of steps SP10 to SP24 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. If the judgment in step SP62 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step SP64. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, the processing proceeds to step SP80. Also, if the judgment in step SP68 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step SP70. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, the processing proceeds to step SP80.

(Step SP76)
The management means 52 restricts gifting requests for all gifts from other users who are watching the same video as a certain user until a predetermined time (for example, the display time of the gift) has elapsed.
Then, the process proceeds to step SP78.

(Step SP78)
The display means 54 displays auxiliary information indicating that gifting is restricted on the live screen of the other user whose gifting is restricted in step SP76.

Figure 13 shows an example of a live screen 60 in which gifting requests are restricted in the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the live screen 60 is provided with a recommended gift information area 72, an owned currency information area 74, a gift selection area 76, a timer T, a slide bar SB, and the like.
Gift images 76a including gifts and compensations that the user can gift to the performer object are displayed in the gift selection area 76. Here, when the gifting request is restricted, the gift images 76a are displayed as auxiliary information that indicates that selection is not possible (e.g., grayed out).
The timer T includes a timer area Ta that indicates the time elapsed until the gifting restriction is lifted. For example, the timer area Ta expands (expands) in a clockwise direction as time passes, and indicates that the gifting restriction will be lifted when the timer area Ta has completed one revolution (formed a circle).

Returning to FIG. 12, processing proceeds to step SP80.

(Step SP80)
The control unit 56 determines whether or not a certain user has finished watching the live broadcast. For example, the control unit 56 makes a positive determination when a certain user has pressed an exit button.
If the determination is affirmative, the process ends the series of steps shown in Fig. 12. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP60.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in the third embodiment, a program is provided for each user watching a video being distributed to gift gifts by displaying them on the video, and causes a computer to function as a management means 52 that manages the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means 54 that displays a certain gift on the video when a gifting request is made by a certain user, and the management means 52 restricts gifting requests to other users until a predetermined time has elapsed after a gifting request is made by a certain user.

With this configuration, when a certain user requests a gift to be gifted, gifting requests to other users are restricted until a specified time has elapsed, thereby preventing the timing of gifting by different users from overlapping.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the management means 52 restricts gifting requests for the same gift to other users.

With this configuration, when a certain gift is requested by a certain user, gifting requests for the same gift from other users are restricted until a certain time has elapsed, thereby preventing the gifting timing of certain gifts from overlapping.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the management means 52 restricts gifting requests to other users for gifts that are associated with the same value as the value of a certain gift.

With this configuration, when a certain gift is requested by a certain user, gifting requests for gifts associated with the same value as the certain gift are restricted from other users until a certain time has elapsed, thereby preventing the timing of gifting from overlapping with gifts associated with the same value.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the management means 52 restricts gifting requests to other users for gifts that are associated with a lower value than the value of a certain gift.

With this configuration, when a certain gift is requested by a certain user, gifting requests for gifts associated with a lower value than the certain gift are restricted for other users until a certain time has elapsed, thereby preventing the timing of gifting from overlapping with gifts associated with a lower value than the certain gift.

In addition, in the third embodiment, a gift has a value equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

With this configuration, when a high-value gift is gifted, it is possible to prevent the timing of gifting between users from overlapping, thereby providing a sense of satisfaction to the user who gifted the gift.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the specified amount becomes higher the more users watch the video.

With this configuration, the more users who watch a video, the less frequently gifting requests are restricted, allowing each user to gift without stress.

In addition, in the third embodiment, a certain gift is a special gift that can be gifted a limited number of times to all users who watch the video.

With this configuration, when a special gift is gifted, it is possible to prevent the timing of gifting between users from overlapping, thereby giving a sense of satisfaction to the user who gifted the special gift.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the higher the value of a gift, the longer the specified time.

With this configuration, when a high-value gift is gifted, the time during which gifting by other users is restricted is extended, providing a sense of satisfaction to the user who gifted the gift.

In the third embodiment, the specified time is the time during which a certain gift is displayed in the video.

With this configuration, when a certain gift is gifted by a certain user, gifting by other users is restricted during the time that the certain gift is displayed, so that the certain user can be given a sense of satisfaction.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the management means 52 does not restrict gifting requests for users who have a specified relationship with a certain user.

With this configuration, gifting is not restricted for users who have a specific relationship with a certain user, so users who have a specific relationship can overlap in gifting timing to liven up the video.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the management means 52 does not restrict gifting requests for users who have paid a specified fee.

With this configuration, users who have paid a certain amount of money can have a sense of satisfaction because their gifting requests are not restricted.

In the third embodiment, a user is a user who has paid a specified fee.

With this configuration, when a user who has paid a certain price requests a gift, gifting requests to other users are restricted until a certain time has elapsed, providing a sense of satisfaction to the certain user.

---Fourth embodiment---
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that the management means 52 returns the consideration. Note that the configuration and functions of the video distribution system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, which are not described below, are similar to the configuration and functions of the video distribution system 1 according to the first to third embodiments.

In the fourth embodiment, when two or more users make gifting requests within a specified time, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration (e.g., virtual currency or money) to each of the two or more users. For example, when a certain user makes a gifting request for a first gift within a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the time when another user makes a gifting request for a second gift, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration for the first gift (e.g., 300 coins) to the certain user, and returns a part or all of the consideration for the second gift (e.g., 100 crystals) to the other user. Note that the certain user and the other user are users watching the same video.

Also, for example, the more users who make gifting requests within a specified time, the more compensation the management means 52 returns to each user. For example, if the number of users who make gifting requests within a specified time is two, the management means 52 returns 10% of the compensation for the gifts gifted by each user. Also, for example, if the number of users who make gifting requests within a specified time is three or more but less than five, the management means 52 returns 20% of the compensation for the gifts gifted by each user. Also, for example, if the number of users who make gifting requests within a specified time is five or more, the management means 52 returns 30% of the compensation for the gifts gifted by each user.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, when two or more users make gifting requests within a predetermined period of time, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration to some of the two or more users.
For example, the management means 52 returns all or a part of the compensation to some users who made a gifting request early within a predetermined time, and does not return all or a part of the compensation to the remaining users. Specifically, the management means 52 returns all or a part of the compensation to one user who made a gifting request earliest within a predetermined time.
The management means 52 may return all or a part of the consideration to some users who made a gifting request late within a predetermined time, and may not return all or a part of the consideration to the remaining users. Specifically, the management means 52 returns all or a part of the consideration to two users who made a gifting request late within a predetermined time.

Also, for example, the management means 52 returns part or all of the consideration to some users who paid the most in their gifting requests among users who made gifting requests within a specified time period, and does not return part or all of the consideration to the remaining users. Specifically, the management means 52 returns part or all of the consideration to the top three users who paid the most in their gifting requests among users who made gifting requests within a specified time period.
In addition, the management means 52 may refund part or all of the consideration to some of the users who made a gifting request within a specified period of time and paid a small amount in that gifting request, and not refund part or all of the consideration to the remaining users.

The management means 52 also returns a part or all of the consideration paid in a gifting request to users who have made a gifting request within a specified time period, depending on the type of consideration paid in the gifting request.

For example, if some users have paid crystals in their gifting requests, the management means 52 will return all or part of the payment, and if the remaining users have paid coins in their gifting requests, the management means 52 will not return all or part of the payment.

In addition, for example, if the consideration paid by some users in their gifting requests is coins, the management means 52 will return part or all of the consideration, and if the consideration paid by the remaining users in their gifting requests is crystals, the management means 52 will not return part or all of the consideration.

For example, when the consideration paid by some users in their gifting requests is paid crystals, the management means 52 returns part or all of the consideration, and when the consideration paid by the remaining users in their gifting requests is free crystals, the management means 52 does not return part or all of the consideration. Note that the consideration to be returned may be free crystals.

For example, if the consideration paid by some users in their gifting requests is free crystals, the management means 52 will return all or part of the consideration, and if the consideration paid by the remaining users in their gifting requests is paid crystals, the management means 52 will not return all or part of the consideration.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns part or all of the consideration paid in the gifting request to a user out of two or more users who have made a gifting request within a specified period of time, and who has paid a consideration equal to or greater than a specified amount in the gifting request.
Also, for example, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration to a user who, among two or more users who have made a gifting request within a specified time period, paid less than a specified amount in the gifting request.
This predetermined amount may be, for example, 500 coins or 300 crystals.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns all or part of the compensation if the total amount of compensation paid by each of two or more users who made gifting requests within a specified time period is equal to or exceeds a certain amount. This certain amount can be, for example, 1,000 coins or 500 crystals.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration if the number of users who watch the video is equal to or exceeds a certain number. This certain number may be, for example, 100 or 200 people.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, when two or more users who have made gifting requests within a specified time period make gifting requests to pay the same amount, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the amount. For example, when the amount associated with a gift for which a certain user has made a gifting request within a specified time period is 100 coins, and the amount associated with a gift for which a different user has made a gifting request is 100 coins, the management means 52 returns 10 coins to the certain user and/or the different user.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, when two or more users make gifting requests for the same gift within a specified time, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration. For example, when a certain user and another user each make a gifting request for a certain gift within a specified time, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration for the certain gift to the certain user and/or the other user.

<Processing flow>
14 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means in the video distribution system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The processing of the following steps is started, for example, when a certain user selects one video (live) from a plurality of videos being distributed in which different performer objects appear, and the management means 52 stores a user ID in the viewing user information of the video information 50C corresponding to the one video. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

(Steps SP90 to SP104)
The processing of steps SP90 to SP104 is similar to the processing of steps SP10 to SP24 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. If the judgment in step SP92 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step SP94. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, the processing proceeds to step SP112. Also, if the judgment in step SP98 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step SP100. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative, the processing proceeds to step SP112.

(Step SP106)
The control means 56 judges whether or not there are overlapping gifting requests from one or more other users watching a video within a predetermined time period after a gifting request from a certain user in step SP98.
If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP108, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP112.

(Step SP108)
The management means 52 returns a portion of the value of the gift to each user who has made duplicate gifting requests within a predetermined time period. For example, the management means 52 adds the portion of the value to the owned currency information in the user information 50A.
Then, the process proceeds to step SP110.

(Step SP110)
The display means 54 displays a live screen indicating that a portion of the consideration has been returned.

Figure 15 shows an example of a live screen 60 including information that a portion of the consideration has been returned in the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, a live screen 60 displays a notification information area 62, a gift G1, a gift G2, and the like.
The notification information area 62 indicates that a portion of the value of the gift has been returned to each user with whom the gifting took place at the same time.
Gift G1 is a gift gifted by a certain user (e.g., user A) in step SP98, and gift G2 is a gift gifted by another user (e.g., user B).

Returning to FIG. 14, processing proceeds to step SP112.

(Step SP112)
The control unit 56 determines whether or not a certain user has finished watching the live broadcast. For example, the control unit 56 makes a positive determination when a certain user has pressed an exit button.
If the determination is affirmative, the process ends the series of steps shown in Fig. 14. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP90.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, a program is provided for each user watching a video being distributed to gift a gift by displaying the gift on the video, and the program causes a computer to function as a management means 52 for managing the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means 54 for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request made by a user to pay the value of the gift, and when two or more users make gifting requests within a specified period of time, the management means 52 returns part or all of the value to each of the two or more users.

According to this configuration, if two or more users make gifting requests within a specified period of time, a part or all of the consideration is returned to each of the two or more users, thereby reducing disappointment felt by users due to overlapping gifting requests.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns a larger amount of compensation to each user the more users who make gifting requests within a given time period.

With this configuration, the more users who make gifting requests within a given period of time, the more compensation is returned, reducing disappointment felt by users due to overlapping gifting requests.

In the fourth embodiment, a program is provided for each user viewing a video being streamed to gift a gift by displaying the gift on the video, and causes a computer to function as a management means 52 for managing the gifting of gifts by each user, and a display means 54 for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request made by a user to pay the value of the gift, and when two or more users make gifting requests within a specified period of time, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the value to some of the two or more users.

According to this configuration, if two or more users make gifting requests within a specified period of time, some or all of the compensation is returned to some of the two or more users, thereby reducing disappointment felt by users due to overlapping gifting requests.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration to a user who, among two or more users who have made a gifting request within a specified time period, paid a consideration equal to or greater than a specified amount in the gifting request.

This configuration can reduce disappointment felt by a user who has paid a large amount of money among two or more users who have made gifting requests within a specified time period.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the consideration to a user who, among two or more users who have made a gifting request within a specified time period, paid less than a specified amount in the gifting request.

This configuration can reduce disappointment felt by users who have paid a smaller amount of gifting requests among two or more users who made gifting requests within a specified time period.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns all or part of the compensation if the total amount of compensation paid by each of two or more users who made a gifting request within a specified time period in the gifting request is equal to or exceeds a certain amount.

This configuration can reduce disappointment felt by users whose gifting timing overlaps when the total amount paid within a given time period is large.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 refunds part or all of the payment if the number of users watching the video is equal to or greater than a certain number.

With this configuration, when a certain number of users or more are watching a video, even if the gifting is not recognized by other users due to a duplicate gifting, the disappointment of the user who received the duplicate gifting can be reduced.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, when two or more users make gifting requests to pay the same amount within a specified period of time, the management means 52 returns a part or all of the amount.

This configuration can reduce disappointment for users even when gifts of the same value are given twice.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns part or all of the consideration when two or more users make gifting requests for the same gift within a specified period of time.

This configuration can reduce disappointment for users even if they receive the same gift twice.

---Modifications---
The present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. In other words, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately modifies the above specific examples, the present invention will include the features of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment, a performer object is displayed on the live screen, but the avatar of each viewing user may also be displayed.

In the first embodiment and other embodiments, a case has been described in which a gift that is common to each video can be selected in the gift selection area, but different gifts may be selectable depending on the performer object that appears in the video. Also, when multiple performer objects appear, the user may be able to select which performer object to gift to.

In addition, in the first embodiment and the like, a case has been described in which different performer objects appear in multiple currently-distributed videos, but the same performer object may appear. For example, at least two currently-distributed videos may have some or all of the performer objects in common, but may have different performance programs.

In the first embodiment and other embodiments, the gifting request is described as an instruction to pay a price associated with a gift, but it may also be an instruction to give a gift that the user has purchased in advance.

In addition, in the first embodiment and the like, a case has been described in which a user who has a predetermined relationship with a user is a friend user, but the user may also be a user who belongs to the same team (guild) as the user.

In the first embodiment, the management means 52 identifies one or more recommended gifts based on the history information of the user information 50A. However, the management means 52 may identify one or more recommended gifts based on owned currency information of the user information 50A. For example, the management means 52 may identify only recommended gifts that can be purchased with free currency or paid currency owned by the user.

In the first embodiment, the management means 52 has been described as setting a lower price for gifting a recommended gift than usual, but the price for gifting a recommended gift may be higher than usual. The management means 52 may also accept registration of the price (range) of gifts to be identified (recommended) as recommended gifts from the user in advance, and identify recommended gifts according to the price. The management means 52 may also identify recommended gifts based on statistics (e.g., average value, median value, etc.) of the prices of gifts gifted by users in the past.

In the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays the number of users as statistical information, but this statistical information may be abstract information such as a range of the number of users (e.g., 1 to 5 people, 6 to 10 people, etc.), or "many" or "few," or may be information in the form of a graph, color, mark, etc.

In the second embodiment, the management means 52 stores the gift ID of the provisionally selected gift in the viewing user information of the video information 50C when the user provisionally selects a gift in the gift selection area. However, multiple gifts displayed in the gift selection area may be treated as provisionally selected gifts. For example, the management means 52 updates the viewing user information of the video information 50C by treating multiple gifts displayed in the gift selection area as provisionally selected gifts in response to an instruction (scroll) on a slide bar displayed in the gift selection area.

In the second embodiment, the display means 54 displays statistical information regarding the number of users who have provisionally selected a gift for a user before the user who has provisionally selected a gift makes a gifting request. However, it is also possible to display recommended gifts (gifts that have been provisionally selected by a small number of users) identified by the management means 52 without displaying the statistical information.

In the second embodiment, the management means 52 identifies one or more recommended gifts for which a small number of users have provisionally selected the gift. However, a gift that a large number of users have provisionally selected may be identified as a recommended gift. This allows users watching a video to gift the same gift (recommended gift) at the same time, thereby creating excitement for the video.

In the second embodiment, the management unit 52 identifies one or more recommended gifts that have been provisionally selected by a small number of users, but the management unit 52 may increase the value of a gift that has been provisionally selected by a large number of users.The management unit 52 may also decrease the value of a gift that has been provisionally selected by a small number of users.
The management unit 52 may also decrease the value of a gift that is provisionally selected by a large number of users, or increase the value of a gift that is provisionally selected by a small number of users.

In the third embodiment, the specified time is longer the higher the value of a gift, but the specified time may be shorter the higher the value of a gift.

In the third embodiment, the specified time is the time during which a certain gift is displayed in the video, but it may be a time obtained by adding or subtracting a certain time to or from the display time of a certain gift, or by multiplying the time by a specified coefficient (e.g., a value greater than 0).

In the third embodiment, the management means 52 has been described as restricting gifting requests for gifts associated with a lower value than the value of a certain gift for other users, but it may also restrict gifting requests for gifts associated with a higher value than the value of a certain gift for other users.

In the third embodiment, a gift is described as having a price equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, but the price may be less than the predetermined amount.

In the third embodiment, the management means 52 does not restrict gifting requests from users who have a specified relationship with a certain user. However, it is also possible to restrict gifting requests from users who have a specified relationship with a certain user, and not restrict gifting requests from users who do not have the specified relationship.

In the third embodiment, the management means 52 does not restrict gifting requests from users who are special members, but it is also possible to restrict gifting requests from users who are special members and not restrict gifting requests from users who are regular members.

In the third embodiment, the management means 52 has been described as restricting the gifting requests of other users who are watching the same video as a certain user when the certain user is a special member, but it may be possible not to restrict the gifting requests of other users who are watching the same video as the certain user when the certain user is a special member.

In the third embodiment, the management means 52 does not restrict gifting requests from users who have a predetermined relationship with a certain user. However, when any user or a specific user (e.g., a friend user) performs a gifting, automatic gifting (automatic gifting) may be performed at the same time. For example, a user can set in advance the user (e.g., a friend user) that will trigger automatic gifting, the user's action that will trigger the automatic gifting (e.g., gifting a gift of a predetermined amount or more, gifting a predetermined gift, etc.), the type or value of the gift that the user will gift, etc. This allows each user watching the video to gift gifts at the same time, thereby livening up the video.

In the fourth embodiment, the management means 52 returns part or all of the consideration when two or more users make gifting requests within a specified time period. However, the management means 52 may reduce the consideration consumed without returning part or all of the consideration. For example, the management means 52 may reduce the consideration consumed for some users who make gifting requests late within a specified time period.

In addition, when a predetermined number of users (two or more) make gifting requests within a predetermined time period, the management means 52 may return a part or all of the consideration to each of the users. Examples of this predetermined number include three or five users.

In the fourth embodiment, when two or more users make gifting requests within a specified time period, the management means 52 returns some or all of the consideration to some of the users and does not return some or all of the consideration to the remaining users. However, the amount (proportion) of the consideration returned may be different depending on whether the some or the remaining users are gifted. For example, the management means 52 returns 50% of the consideration paid to some of the users and 10% of the consideration paid to the remaining users.

In addition, for example, the management means 52 may change the type of compensation returned between some users and the remaining users. For example, the management means 52 may return the same type of compensation (e.g., coins) as the compensation paid (e.g., coins) to some users, and return a compensation (e.g., coins) different from the compensation paid (e.g., crystals) to the remaining users.

In addition, when two or more users make gifting requests within a specified period of time, the management means 52 may return (grant) the same amount of compensation to each user (e.g., 100 coins or 50 yen) regardless of the compensation paid by each user.

10... Server device 12... Terminal device 50... Storage means 52... Management means 54... Display means

Claims (11)

A program for allowing each user who watches a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video,
Computer,
A management means for managing the gifting of gifts by each user;
a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request by the user to pay a price for the gift;
Function as a
When two or more users make the gifting request within a predetermined time, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration to each of the two or more users.
program. the management means increases the amount of compensation returned to each user as the number of users who have made gifting requests within the specified time period increases;
The program according to claim 1. A program for allowing each user who watches a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video,
Computer,
A management means for managing the gifting of gifts by each user;
a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request by the user to pay a price for the gift;
Function as a
When two or more users make the gifting request within a predetermined time, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration to some of the two or more users.
program. The management means returns a part or all of the consideration paid in the gifting request to a user who has paid a predetermined amount or more, among the two or more users who have made a gifting request within the predetermined time period.
The program according to claim 3. The management means returns a part or all of the consideration to a user who has made a gifting request within the specified time period and paid less than a specified amount in the gifting request.
The program according to claim 3. The management means returns a part or all of the compensation paid by each of two or more users who have made a gifting request within the specified time period when the total amount of the compensation paid in the gifting request is equal to or exceeds a certain amount.
The program according to claim 1 or 3. The management means returns a part or all of the compensation when the number of users watching the video is equal to or greater than a certain number.
The program according to claim 1 or 3. When the two or more users make gifting requests to pay the same amount within the predetermined time period, the management means returns a part or all of the amount.
The program according to claim 1 or 3. The management means returns a part or all of the consideration when the two or more users make a gifting request for the same gift within the predetermined time period.
The program according to claim 1 or 3. An information processing device for allowing each user who watches a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video,
A management means for managing gifting of gifts by each user;
a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request by the user to pay a price for the gift;
Equipped with
When two or more users make the gifting request within a predetermined time, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration to each of the two or more users.
Information processing device. An information processing device for allowing each user who watches a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video,
A management means for managing gifting of gifts by each user;
a display means for displaying the gift on the video in response to a gifting request by the user to pay a price for the gift;
Equipped with
When two or more users make the gifting request within a predetermined time, the management means returns a part or all of the consideration to some of the two or more users.
Information processing device.

Images