Patent ID: 12220644

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and can be changed according to the configuration of an apparatus to which the present invention is applied or according to various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

First Embodiment

As illustrated inFIG.1, a watching system100in which a game video is distributed to display devices of a plurality of watching users has a management server10. Furthermore, the watching system100has a reproduction terminal20for viewing a game video, a distributing server30for distributing the game video, a game server60, and a game terminal70as one example of a game device. The reproduction terminal20can be connected to the management server10via a predetermined network50. As one example, the watching user uses the reproduction terminal20at a venue of a game tournament, the user's home, or the like. Furthermore, the game terminal70can be connected to the game server60via a predetermined network50. As one example, a user who plays a game uses the game terminal70at a predetermined facility such as a venue of a game tournament or a store.

The management server10, the distributing server30, and the game server60are configured as one logical server device by combining server units as a plurality of computers. However, the management server10, the distributing server30, and the game server60may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the management server10, the distributing server30, and the game server60may be logically configured using cloud computing.

The management server10manages, with respect to the reproduction terminal20or the user of the reproduction terminal20, a watching service that allows the watching user to watch the game video. The watching service includes a distributing service for distributing and updating a program or data for the reproduction terminal20via the network50. Through this distributing service, the management server10appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for watching the game video to each reproduction terminal20.

For example, the management server10provides a web service to the user of the reproduction terminal20via the network50. The web service includes a video distributing service that distributes a video reproduced through the watching service when the watching service is provided via the reproduction terminal20. Note that the web service may include other services such as an information provision service for providing various information relating to video, a community service for providing a place for interaction such as transmission, exchange, and sharing of information by users, and a service that grants a user ID for identifying each user.

The distributing server30provides a service for distributing a game video to the reproduction terminal20or the user of the reproduction terminal20via the management server10. As one example, the distributing server30distributes the game video generated by the game server60to the reproduction terminal20via the management server10. The game video includes a game screen distributed by the distributing server30and is displayed at the same time as a watching screen managed by the management server10. Note that the distributing server30may distribute a video other than the video received from the game server60. As one example, the distributing server30may distribute a game video created by a user who plays a game. In this case, the distributing server30distributes the game video uploaded by the user to the reproduction terminal20via the management server10.

The game server60provides various services for the game device to the game terminal70or the user of the game terminal70. This service includes a distributing service for distributing and updating a program or data for the game terminal70via the network50. Through this distributing service, the game server60appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing the game service to each game terminal70.

The game server60provides, as one example, a service for a sports game. For example, as a sports game, the game server60provides a service for a baseball game including a training part for training a baseball player and a competition part in which a team to which the trained baseball player belongs is played against an opponent team. Note that the game server60may provide services for other games, such as an FPS (first person shooting) game, a TPS (third person shooting) game, an RTS (real-time strategy) game, a MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) game, and an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game), a fighting game, a racing game, a puzzle game, a trading card game, and an online strategy game. Hereinafter, a case in which the game server60provides a service for a baseball game will be described as an example.

Also, the service for the game device provided by the game server60may include a service in which the game server60receives user identification information of the user from the game terminal70and authenticates the user. Furthermore, the service for the game device may include a service in which the game server60receives and stores a video of the game screen or play data including the play results of the authenticated user from the game terminal70. Moreover, the service for the game device may include a service for providing the play data stored in the game server60to the game terminal70. In addition, the service for the game device may include a service in which, when a plurality of users play the same game via the network50, the game server60matches the users. Furthermore, the service for the game device may include a service in which the game server60collects a fee from the user.

The network50is configured such that the game terminal70and the reproduction terminal20can be connected to the management server10, the distributing server30, and the game server60, respectively. As one example, the network50is configured to realize network communication using TCP/IP protocol. Specifically, a LAN52connects each of the management server10, the distributing server30, and the game server60to the internet51. Then, an internet51acting as a WAN and the LAN52are connected via the router53. The reproduction terminal20and the game terminal70are also configured to be connected to the internet51. The management server10, the distributing server30, the game server60, and the reproduction terminal20and the game terminal70may be connected to each other by the internet51in place of or in addition to the LAN52.

The reproduction terminal20and the game terminal70are computer devices that can be connected to a network. For example, the reproduction terminal20and the game terminal70include a stationary or foldable personal computer54and a mobile terminal device55such as a mobile phone (including smartphones). Various other computer devices such as a stationary home-use game device, a portable game device, and a portable tablet terminal device are included in the reproduction terminal20and the game terminal70. By installing various computer software, the reproduction terminal20and the game terminal70can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the management server10and the game server60. Specifically, the reproduction terminal20functions as a game video display terminal through video reproduction software. Furthermore, the game terminal70functions as a game device through software for the game device. Note that the reproduction terminal20and the game terminal70may be arcade game machines.

As one example, in the watching system100, the game server60provides a game service to the game terminal70. Then, the game server60records a game video of the game being played using the game terminal70, a game video created by capturing a game screen, or the like. The game video may be a video related to the game, such as a video capturing a user playing the game or an audience member watching the game. The game server60transmits the acquired or created game video to the distributing server30. Then, the distributing server30distributes the received game video. The management server10combines a watching screen with the game video to be distributed by the distributing server30and provides this to the reproduction terminal20.

A watching user who watches the game video can input a viewer operation using the reproduction terminal20. Then, the management server10outputs an operation effect, which is an effect corresponding to the viewer operation, to the reproduction terminal20together with the game video. For example, when the watching user touches an operation button for displaying a cheering message, the management server10accepts the operation as the viewer operation. Then, the management server10combines a cheering message with the game video and displays this on the reproduction terminal20. Note that at least two of the management server10, the distributing server30, and the game server60can be provided in one server. For example, the management server10can also function as the distributing server30. Furthermore, the game server60can also function as the management server10and the distributing server30.

A watching user who watches the distributed video may wish to exhibit an effect that affects the distributed video in response to the watching user's own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a watching user may wish to output performances such as audio of applause and an image of a cheering message at the same time as the game video in order to cheer on the player playing the game. In this case, since the watching user performs each operation, the performance corresponding to each operation is also outputted at respective timings. Therefore, it is difficult for the watching user to obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users.

Therefore, in a first embodiment, the mutual relationship between the inputs of the viewer operations by each of the plurality of watching users is evaluated, and the operation effect changes according to the evaluation result. As a result, it is possible to give relevance to the effects exhibited in response to the operations by the plurality of watching users. Therefore, the watching user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users, and the watching user's desire to watch is improved.

[Control System of Watching System]

Next, a control system of the watching system100will be described with reference toFIG.2. Firstly, the management server10includes a server control unit11, a server memory unit12, and an unillustrated communication unit. The server control unit11executes various controls for combining the watching screen with the game video received from the distributing server30and for transmitting this to the reproduction terminal20. Furthermore, the server memory unit12stores a control program of the management server10, a watching program PG as a computer program for providing the watching service, and a watching data OD used for creating the watching screen.

The distributing server30includes a distributing control unit31, a distributing memory unit32, and an unillustrated communication unit. The distributing control unit31executes various controls for distributing the game video received from the game server60. Furthermore, the distributing memory unit32stores the control program of the distributing server30and the game video received from the game server60. As long as a distributing format for distributing to each user simultaneously, the game video may be distributed in a real-time video distributing (live distributing) format, or in a distributing format for not distributing in a real-time, (for example, a format for distributing an edited video).

The game server60includes a game control unit61, a game memory unit62, and an unillustrated communication unit. The game control unit61executes various controls for providing a game service to the game terminal70. Furthermore, the game control unit61records a video of the game screen, stores it in the game memory unit62, and uploads it to the distributing server30as the game video. Furthermore, the game memory unit62stores the control program of the game server60, user data which is information related to the user, and game data which is information related to the game. As one example, the user data includes user identification information, personal information of the user, and the like. Furthermore, the game data includes various data such as image data, BGM data, and play data of the user. The play data is data for inheriting the contents unique to each user, such as the user's play history (past achievements), to the next time onward.

The server control unit11, the distributing control unit31, and the game control unit61are configured as a computer combined from a processor for executing various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined program, an internal memory necessary for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. As one example, these processors are CPUs (central processing unit) or MPUs (micro-processing unit), control the entire device based on a predetermined program, and also comprehensively control various processes.

The server memory unit12, the distributing memory unit32, and the game memory unit62are memory devices including a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. Also, the server memory unit12, the distributing memory unit32, and the game memory unit62include RAM (random access memory), which is system work memory for the processor to operate, ROM (read-only memory) for storing the program and the system software, an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), and other memory devices. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculation, control, and determination according to the control program stored in the ROM or the HDD. Note that the server memory unit12, the distributing memory unit32, and the game memory unit62may keep all of the data in one memory device or may store the data in a distributed manner in a plurality of memory devices.

A display device that displays an input state, a setting state, a measurement result, and various information of the device is connected to the server control unit11, the distributing control unit31, and the game control unit61by wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, an operation device including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data is connected to the server memory unit12, the distributing memory unit32, and the game memory unit62by wire or wirelessly. Note that the server control unit11, the distributing control unit31, and the game control unit61can also perform control according to a program stored on a portable recording medium such as a CD (compact disc), a DVD (digital versatile disc), a CF (compact flash) card, a USB (universal serial bus) memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the internet.

The reproduction terminal20includes a reproduction control unit21, a reproduction memory unit22, an operation unit23as an operation device, a display unit24as a display device, a speaker25as an audio output device, and an unillustrated communication unit. The reproduction memory unit22stores the control program of the reproduction terminal20and a reproduction program of the game video. The reproduction control unit21controls the reproduction terminal20and executes the reproduction program to display the game video on the display unit24. Furthermore, the operation unit23is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel and receives an input of a viewer operation by a watching user. Furthermore, the display unit24is a display device such as a television, a display, or a touch panel, and displays a game video to be viewed by the user. The speaker25outputs related audio such as game audio as the game video is reproduced. Note that the operation unit23, the display unit24, and the speaker25may be integrated with or separate from the reproduction terminal20.

The game terminal70includes a terminal control unit71, a terminal memory unit72, a game operation unit73, a game display unit74, and an unillustrated communication unit. The terminal memory unit72stores the control program of the game terminal70and the game program. The terminal control unit71controls the game terminal70and executes a game program to allow the user to play the game. Furthermore, the game operation unit73is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel and receives an input of a game operation by a user. The game display unit74is a display device such as a display or a touch panel and displays the game screen of the game to be played by the user. The game operation unit73and the game display unit74may be integrated with or separate from the game terminal70. Furthermore, the game terminal70includes an unillustrated audio output device. Note that although the terminal control unit71controls the progress of the game by executing the game program, the terminal control unit71may control the progress of the game in cooperation with the game control unit61. For example, the game control unit61may control the progress of at least part of the game, and the terminal control unit71may display the result thereof on the game display unit74. Furthermore, the server control unit11collects play data from the game terminal70and manages the collected play data. Moreover, the server control unit11collects a game video, key information for reconstructing the game video, and the like from the game terminal70.

The reproduction control unit21and the terminal control unit71are configured as a computer combined from a processor for executing various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined program, an internal memory necessary for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. As one example, these processors are CPUs or MPUs, control the entire device based on a predetermined program, and also comprehensively control various processes. Note that the reproduction control unit21and the terminal control unit71may also perform control according to a program stored on a portable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, CF card, or USB memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the internet.

The reproduction memory unit22and the terminal memory unit72are memory devices including a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. The reproduction memory unit22and the terminal memory unit72include RAM, which is system work memory for the processor to operate, and a memory device such as ROM, an HDD, or an SSD for storing programs and system software. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculation, control, and discrimination according to the control program stored in the ROM or the HDD. Note that the reproduction storage unit22and the terminal storage unit72may keep all of the data in one storage device or store the data in a plurality of storage devices in a distributed manner.

[Management Server]

The server control unit11of the management server10has an operation accepting unit111as operation accepting means, an evaluation unit112as evaluation means, an effect control unit113as effect control means, a compensation accepting unit114as compensation accepting means, a screen generation unit115as screen generation means, and a distributing unit116as distributing means, as logical devices. These logical devices are realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the server control unit11and the watching program PG as software resources.

The operation accepting unit111accepts viewer operations from the plurality of watching users inputted into the reproduction terminal20. Therefore, the operation accepting unit111executes a guidance instruction for guiding at least one of the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed and the operation position where the viewer operation should be performed. Specifically, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24of the reproduction terminal20to display the guidance image as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As a result, the input timings of the viewer operations by different watching users can be aligned, and thus the exhibition timings of the operation effects exhibited in response to the viewer operations can be aligned as much as possible. Furthermore, the evaluation result by the evaluation unit112can be enhanced according to the result that the input timings of the viewer operations are aligned. As one example,FIG.3shows a state in which a guidance image GI1is displayed in an operation guide field OG1on the watching screen displayed together with the game video. The guidance image GI1moves toward an operation position OP1as time passes.

Then, the watching user touches the operation position OP1at the timing at which the guidance image GI1reaches the operation position OP1and the two overlap each other. As a result, the operation accepting unit111acquires the input timing and the input position of the viewer operation from the operation unit23of the reproduction terminal20. Note that instead of displaying on the display unit24, the operation accepting unit111may cause the speaker25to output audio indicating the operation timing and the operation position OP1or cause the reproduction terminal20to execute output in another aspect (for example, vibration and the like) indicating the operation timing.

Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111may guide only the operation position using the guidance image GI1. For example, when the watching user touches the operation position OP1instructed by the guidance image GI1at a desired timing while a cheering song is being played, audio of clapping is outputted. In this case, the timing of touching the operation position OP1is arbitrarily determined by the watching user. When an operation timing such as the timing of clapping is known to a large number of watching users, the operation accepting unit111can omit the guidance of the operation timing. In this case, even when the watching user decides this arbitrarily, the input timing of the viewer operation by the plurality of watching users can be aligned.

Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display an input field IF for displaying the guidance image GI2as an operation button in order to execute the guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As one example, a plurality of guidance images GI2including character strings of “Cheer”, “Cheer 300 Pt”, and “Cheer 5000 Pt” are displayed in the input field IF ofFIG.3. In order to guide the operation timing, the operation accepting unit111displays the operation button at the timing of displaying the cheering message. In the example ofFIG.3, the operation accepting unit111displays the operation button at the timing when a pitcher performs a pitching operation. When the watching user touches the operation button, the operation accepting unit111accepts the input of the viewer operation, and a predetermined message is displayed as an effect image.

The evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship of the inputs of the viewer operations by each of the plurality of watching users. As one example, the mutual relationship is a relationship in which the input timings of a plurality of watching users are close to each other. Specifically, the evaluation unit112compares the input timings of the viewer operations by the plurality of watching users and evaluates the mutual relationship. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112compares the input timings of the viewer operations by the plurality of watching users based on the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction by the operation accepting unit111. As a result, it is possible to match the input timings of the viewer operations by the plurality of watching users based on the reference timing.

As one example, the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction is the operation timing guided by the guidance instruction. Alternatively, the reference timing is a timing at which the operation position is planned to be touched, such as a timing at which applause should be performed, and is set in response to a guidance instruction. Note that the evaluation unit112may evaluate one viewer operation in comparison with other viewer operations, or may compare and evaluate a plurality of viewer operations. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112may evaluate the viewer operation by one watching user in comparison with the viewer operation by another watching user. Moreover, the evaluation unit112may compare and evaluate viewer operations specified from among a plurality of viewer operations by one watching user.

The evaluation unit112can identify the input timing with reference to the time when the reproduction of the game video is started or the operation timing instructed by the operation accepting unit111. For example, when the viewer operation is inputted when 10 minutes have elapsed from the start of reproduction of the game video, the evaluation unit112identifies that the input timing is after 10 minutes have elapsed. Furthermore, when the viewer operation is inputted 1 second after the operation timing, the evaluation unit112identifies that the input timing is 1 second later. Similarly, when the viewer operation is inputted 1 second before the operation timing, the evaluation unit112identifies that the input timing is 1 second before.

As one example, the evaluation unit112acquires the input timing of each viewer operation of the plurality of watching users from the operation accepting unit111. Then, the evaluation unit112evaluates that the input timings are simultaneous, or that a plurality of viewer operations included in a predetermined time range are in a close relationship. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship according to the number of viewer operations in a close relationship. As a result, when the number of viewer operations in close proximity is higher than the predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit112determines a high evaluation (GOOD inFIG.3) as the evaluation result. Conversely, when the number of viewer operations in close proximity is lower than the predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit112determines a low evaluation (POOR inFIG.3) as the evaluation result. In this case, the evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship of the inputs of the viewer operations by dividing these into a plurality of levels. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112may determine the evaluation result based on the ratio of the number of viewer operations in a close relationship to the total number of viewer operations inputted within a predetermined time range. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112may evaluate the mutual relationship numerically or may determine a high evaluation as the evaluation result when the cumulative evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

Note that the predetermined time range is, for example, a range of 0 to 30 seconds from a predetermined reference. In this case, the evaluation unit112determines that a viewer operation inputted within 30 seconds after the first input timing is a close viewer operation. Alternatively, the evaluation unit112determines that a viewer operation inputted within 15 seconds before and after the operation timing is a close viewer operation. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112may use the median value or the mean value of the input timings of the plurality of viewer operations as a reference.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit112outputs the evaluation result to the reproduction terminal20together with the game video. In the example ofFIG.3, the evaluation unit112causes the display unit24to display, in the evaluation result field ER1, an image of a needle that is displaced in conjunction with the evaluation so as to face to the right inFIG.3, so as to indicate “GOOD” as the evaluation result. Alternatively, the evaluation unit112may display a character string, a number, an image, or the like indicating the evaluation result. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to displaying on the display unit24, the evaluation unit112may cause the speaker25to output audio indicating the evaluation result or cause the reproduction terminal20to execute output in another aspect (for example, vibration and the like) indicating the evaluation result.

The effect control unit113causes the reproduction terminal20to output an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation. As one example, the effect control unit113causes the display unit24to display an operation effect or causes the speaker25to output audio. Specifically, the effect control unit113, based on the evaluation result, executes display of an effect image as the operation effect at the same time as the game video. The effect image is a character string such as “Go for it” and “GOOD,” an image of a megaphone, a musical instrument, a balloon, or the like, and other images. Furthermore, the effect control unit113may superimpose the effect image on the game video, or may display the effect image so as not to overlap with the game video. Furthermore, the effect control unit113, based on the evaluation result, executes output of effect audio as the operation effect at the same time as the game video. The effect audio is a cheering song, a musical instrument playing sounds, clapping on beat, clapping, cheering, shouts such as “Go for it,” and other audio.

Note that the effect control unit113may display a message from the watching user, a meter that changes according to the number of inputs of the viewer operation to indicate the degree of cheering, or an animation as an operation effect. Furthermore, when superimposing the operation effect on the game video, the effect control unit113may superimpose the operation effect on a specific part of the game video, for example, an image of a large display included in the game video. Furthermore, the effect control unit113may superimpose the wipe image for displaying the operation effect on the game video. Note that the effect control unit113may exhibit a negative effect on the game video, such as a character string, an image, or audio indicating a boo, as an operation effect.

Furthermore, the effect control unit113controls the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation so as to change based on the evaluation result of the mutual relationship from the evaluation unit112. Moreover, the effect control unit113changes the operation effect when the evaluation result from the evaluation unit112satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the effect control unit113controls the operation effect such that the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect audio changes. For example, when the input timings of a large number of viewer operations are close to each other and a high evaluation result is obtained, the effect control unit113changes the operation effect by image, audio, vibration, or the like so as to emphasize it. Specifically, the effect control unit113displays the image large, in high number, darkly, or brightly, and blinks or moves the image greatly. Alternatively, the effect control unit113increases the volume of the audio or repeats the audio. Alternatively, the effect control unit113increases the vibration or repeats the vibration. Furthermore, the effect control unit113may additionally output a particular performance. For example, the effect control unit113may display a performance video.

In the example ofFIG.3, the effect control unit113displays a small image of a megaphone and a small character string of “Go for it” as an effect image EI1. Also, the effect control unit113displays a large image of the megaphone and a large character string of “Go for it” as an effect image EI2emphasized with respect to the effect image EI1. Furthermore, the effect control unit113displays a message as effect images EI3and EI4. Moreover, the effect audio may be outputted while displaying an effect image or without displaying an effect image. For example, the effect control unit113may cause the speaker25to output a quiet “Go for it” sound together with the effect image EI1. Furthermore, the effect control unit113may cause the speaker25to output loud “Go for it” audio together with the effect image EI2as a more emphasized effect audio.

As one example, the predetermined conditions for changing the operation effect are satisfied when a high evaluation result is obtained, when the high evaluation result continues for a predetermined time, when the high evaluation result is achieved a predetermined number of times, or the like. Furthermore, the predetermined conditions may be satisfied when a compensation accepting unit114determines that the payment of compensation is completed. Also, the effect control unit113may exhibit a previously changed operation effect or may change an already exhibited operation effect. For example, the effect control unit113may display an effect image emphasized in advance or may change the displayed effect image so as to be emphasized. Furthermore, when the predetermined conditions are satisfied by completing the payment of the compensation, the degree of change may be different depending on the amount of the compensation. For example, when the amount of compensation is large, the degree of emphasis may be stronger, and when the amount of compensation is small, the degree of emphasis may be weaker. When the degree of change is varied according to the amount of compensation, it may be changed for each viewer according to the amount of compensation paid by one viewer, or changed according to the total amount of compensation paid by a plurality of viewers.

The compensation accepting unit114accepts the payment of the compensation for the viewer operation. As one example, the compensation accepting unit114determines that the compensation will be paid when the watching user selects the operation button of the input field IF. Then, the compensation accepting unit114causes the display unit24of the reproduction terminal20to display a payment screen (not illustrated) for the compensation for the viewer operation. The watching user selects a viewer operation desired to be selected from among the displayed viewer operations via the payment screen. Then, the reproduction terminal20transmits payment information including unique billing target information that identifies the selected viewer operation to an unillustrated payment server. The payment server performs payment processing for consuming the charge target compensation corresponding to the charge target information and transmits the result of the payment processing to the reproduction terminal20and the management server10.

When the payment is completed, the reproduction terminal20causes the display unit24to display the result of the payment processing. When the settlement is completed and the compensation is paid, the compensation accepting unit114determines that the payment of the compensation is completed, and notifies the effect control unit113of the completion of the payment. Then, the effect control unit113exhibits an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation. In the example ofFIG.3, the effect control unit113displays the effect image EI4as an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation for which the compensation has been paid. Note that the watching user can pay the compensation using a consumption medium such as token money, virtual currency, cryptographic assets, electronic money, or points. Furthermore, the consumption medium can be purchased in advance or can be purchased after or before the input of the viewer operation.

The viewer operation includes operations that are conditional on consumption of compensation and operations that do not require compensation. By performing the viewer operation on the condition that the compensation is consumed, the operation effect can be exhibited, or the operation effect can be changed. In the example ofFIG.3, the watching user can select an operation button including the character string of “Cheer” displayed in the input field IF and execute a viewer operation that does not require compensation. In this case, the effect control unit113displays the message “Cheer from user A” as a normal effect image. Furthermore, the watching user can pay, for example, 300 Pt as a compensation after executing a viewer operation that does not require a compensation for selecting an operation button including the character string of “Cheer” displayed in the input field IF. Alternatively, the watching user can select an operation button including the character string of “Cheer 300 Pt” displayed in the input field IF and execute a viewer operation on the condition that compensation is consumed. In this case, the effect control unit113changes the normal effect image and further displays the paid compensation “300 Pt”. Note that the effect control unit113may change the operation effect in other modes and may, for example, highlight the message.

The effect control unit113may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect audio when the compensation is paid for the viewer operation. For example, the effect control unit113changes so as to emphasize the operation effect using the image, audio, vibration, or the like when the compensation is paid. In the example ofFIG.3, when the operation accepting unit111accepts the operation of the watching user with respect to the operation button displayed in the input field IF, the effect control unit113displays the emphasized message as the effect image EI4.

At this time, when the compensation is paid, the effect control unit113changes the display mode such that the effect image is emphasized. In the example ofFIG.3, the effect control unit113displays a large character string of “5000 Pt” as the effect image EI4emphasized with respect to the effect image EI3. Alternatively, the effect control unit113may, when the compensation is paid, change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect audio according to the amount of the compensation. In the example ofFIG.3, the effect control unit113changes the display mode of the effect image so as to display the amount of compensation. Furthermore, when an area for inputting a message is provided, the effect control unit113may display the message inputted by the watching user via the operation unit23.

The screen generation unit115acquires various data such as images from the operation accepting unit111, the evaluation unit112, the effect control unit113, and the compensation accepting unit114and generates a watching screen displayed at the same time as the game video. The watching screen is generated as an image or a video. For example, the screen generation unit115generates a watching screen in various formats, such as an MPEG format. In the example ofFIG.3, the screen generation unit115includes a game video display area PB, an unillustrated control area, and the watching screen (FIG.4). As shown inFIG.4, the watching screen includes effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, the evaluation result field ER1, the operation guide field OG1, and the input field IF.

The screen generation unit115disposes the generated watching screen superimposed on the game video. As one example, an upper layer including the watching screen is superimposed on a lower layer including the display area of the game video. The upper layer is configured as a transparent image so as to not interfere with the display of the game video. Then, on the upper layer, each image is displayed at the timing of displaying each of the effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, the evaluation result field ER1, the operation guide field OG1, and the input field IF. For example, when a viewer operation is inputted, the effect images EI1, EI2, and EI3are displayed on the upper layer. Alternatively, when the watching user performs a predetermined operation, the effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, the evaluation result field ER1, the operation guide field OG1, or the input field IF may be displayed on the upper layer. Alternatively, the screen generation unit115may dispose the watching screen so as to not overlap with the game video.

The distributing unit116distributes the game video and the watching screen to the reproduction terminal20in order to provide the watching service. As one example, the distributing unit116displays the game video and the watching screen on a web page to be accessed by a watching user.

[Flow of Processing by Watching System]

The flow of processing by the watching system100will be described with reference toFIG.5. The watching system100starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. For example, in the case of live distributing, the watching system100starts processing when video capture starts.

The server control unit11of the management server10acquires the game video from the distributing server30(S101). Then, the screen generation unit115acquires data for displaying the operation guidance field OG1from the operation accepting unit111, and further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result field ER1from the evaluation unit112, to generate the watching screen (S102). Subsequently, the distributing unit116distributes the game video and the watching screen to the reproduction terminal20(S103). Then, the reproduction terminal20causes the display unit24to display the game video and the watching screen.

When the timing of accepting the viewer operation, for example, the timing of distributing a competition part is reached, the operation accepting unit111executes an operation accepting process for accepting the viewer operation (S104) and displays a guidance image GI1in the operation guide field OG1to guide the operation timing and the operation position OP1. Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111displays a guidance image GI2in the input field IF. Therefore, the screen generation unit115generates a watching screen such that the guidance images GI1and GI2are displayed. Then, the distributing unit116distributes the generated watching screen.

Note that the operation accepting unit111may use audio included in the game video, a game status, an elapsed time from the start of reproduction, a timestamp, or timing information added by the person uploading or distributing the game video to specify timing for accepting the viewer operation. Additionally, the timing for accepting the viewer operation may be as timing at which the game status has changed, for example, when the bottom of a seventh inning starts, when a match opponent is winning or losing, when a score is added, when a game character appears, or the like.

In the operation accepting process, the operation accepting unit111uses watching data OD stored in the server memory unit12. As one example, the watching data OD includes image data, music data, and sequence data. The image data includes, for example, data such as icons, various objects, and a background in addition to the guidance images GI1and GI2. Furthermore, the music data includes data such as musical tones, music pieces, and sound effects. Also, the sequence data is data that defines an operation procedure and includes, for example, data such as a display timing of the guidance image GI1, a type of the guidance image GI1, and the operation timing.

Then, the operation accepting unit111guides the operation timing and the operation position OP1using the guidance image GI1moving toward the operation position OP1. For example, in the example ofFIG.3, the operation accepting unit111reads from the sequence data the operation timing at which each of the plurality of operation positions OP1should be touched. Then, the operation accepting unit111determines by back-calculating the timing at which the guidance image GI1appears at the appearance position while referencing information on a movement speed of the guidance image GI1. Afterward, the operation accepting unit111moves the guidance image GI1toward the operation position OP1according to the referenced movement speed. Then, when the watching user touches the operation position OP1, the operation accepting unit111acquires the input timing and the input position of the viewer operation. Note that although the act of the watching user touching the operation position OP1is a viewer operation that does not require compensation in the present specification, it may be a viewer operation that requires compensation.

When the watching user, for example, touches the operation position OP1without touching the operation button of the input field IF as a viewer operation for cheering, the compensation accepting unit114does not determine that the compensation will be paid (NO in S105). Then, the evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship of the inputs of the viewer operations by each of the plurality of watching users (S106). Furthermore, the effect control unit113determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by referencing the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit112(S107). When a predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S107), the effect control unit113changes the operation effect (S108) and, for example, exhibits an emphasized operation effect. Conversely, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in S107), the effect control unit113exhibits a normal operation effect (S109).

Afterward, when the distributing is terminated due to a reason such as the game video being reproduce to the end (YES in S110), the watching system100ends the process. Conversely, when the distributing is continued (NO in S110), the watching system100repeats the processing. Note that the effect control unit113uses the watching data OD stored in the server memory unit12in order to exhibit or change the operation effect. As one example, the watching data OD includes image data of the effect image and music data of the effect audio.

Furthermore, in the operation accepting process, when the watching user touches the operation button of the input field IF, the operation accepting unit111acquires the type of the viewer operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the viewer operation. The compensation accepting unit114acquires the type of the viewer operation from the operation accepting unit111and determines that the compensation may be paid (YES in S105). Then, the compensation accepting unit114causes the display unit24to display the payment screen. Furthermore, the compensation accepting unit114determines whether the payment of the compensation is completed through the settlement process (S111). Then, when the compensation accepting unit114determines that the payment of the compensation is completed (YES in S111), the compensation accepting unit114notifies the effect control unit113of the completion of the payment.

When the compensation is thus paid, the effect control unit113changes the operation effect (S112) and, for example, exhibits an emphasized operation effect. Conversely, when the compensation is not paid (NO in S111), for example, when the watching user selects a type of viewer operation that does not require compensation, depending on the type of viewer operation acquired from the operation accepting unit111, the effect control unit113exhibits a normal operation effect (S113). Afterward, when the distributing is terminated due to a reason such as the game video being reproduce to the end (YES in S110), the watching system100ends the process. Conversely, when the distributing is continued (NO in S110), the watching system100repeats the processing.

According to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to give relevance to the effects exhibited in response to the operations by the plurality of watching users. That is, the mutual relationship between the inputs of the viewer operations by each of the plurality of watching users is evaluated, and the operation effect changes according to the evaluation result. Therefore, the watching user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users, and the watching user's desire to watch is improved. Furthermore, when the mutual relationship receives a high evaluation, for example, when the inputs of the viewer operation by each of the plurality of watching users are close to each other, the operation effect changes and, for example, the cheering content is emphasized. Therefore, the watching user can get a reward in that the effect of the cheering act is improved. As a result, it is possible to give watching users a motivation to cooperatively perform the cheering act. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the watching user with a simulated experience as when a plurality of watching users perform the cheering act as one.

Note that when the watching user pays the compensation, a benefit may be given to the distributor of the game video, the watching user, the player of the game, or the team playing the game. For example, at least a part of the compensation paid by the watching user may be used to be given to the player of the game as a benefit. Additionally, a benefit for advancing the game in an advantageous manner may be given to the player of the game according to the amount of compensation paid by the watching user. Benefits for advancing the game are, for example, experience points consumed when training characters of the game, and improvement of abilities of the characters of the game. The details of these benefits can be determined by the game control unit61based on information of the amount of compensation provided from the management server10to the game server60. Note that examples of cases in which at least part of the compensation is given as a benefit are a case in which the compensation is directly given and a case in which the compensation is converted into a currency that can be used in the game, or the like.

Furthermore, depending on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit112, a benefit may be given to the distributor of the game video, the watching user, the player of the game, or the team playing the game. For example, when a high evaluation result is obtained, a benefit for advancing the game in an advantageous manner may be given to the player of the game. The game server60can acquire the evaluation result by the evaluation unit112from the management server10and determine the contents of the benefit according to the evaluation result.

Furthermore, the effect control unit113may exhibit the operation effect at the same time as the viewer operation or may exhibit the operation effect when a predetermined time has elapsed from the viewer operation. Moreover, the effect control unit113may exhibit an operation effect for when the predetermined condition is satisfied at the same time as the timing when the condition is satisfied or when a predetermined time elapses from the timing when the condition is satisfied. Additionally, the effect control unit113may exhibit an operation effect in association with a progress status of the game. For example, the evaluation unit112may evaluate in advance a plurality of viewer operations inputted at the operation timing guided by the guidance image GI1, and the effect control unit113may exhibit an operation effect according to the evaluation result at a specific timing determined by the progress status of the game. As one example, the specific timing is a timing in a baseball game from after an end of the top of a seventh inning to a timing before a start of the bottom of the seventh inning, and the effect control unit113displays an operation effect of making a balloon fly at the timing.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.6and7. Note that in the description of the second embodiment, mainly differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numbers may be assigned to the components already described and the description thereof are omitted. Unless otherwise specified, components assigned the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operation and function, and the operations and effects thereof are also substantially the same.

A watching user who watches the distributed video may wish to exhibit an effect that affects the distributed video in response to the watching user's own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a watching user may wish to output performances such as audio of applause and an image of a cheering message at the same time as the game video in order to cheer on the player playing the game. In this case, since the watching user performs each operation, the performance corresponding to each operation is also outputted at respective timings. Therefore, it is difficult for the watching user to obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users.

Also, in the second embodiment, the operation accepting unit111accepts a subordinate operation when a main operation is accepted. As a result, a plurality of watching users can cooperatively realize a cheering action composed of an operation effect by the main operation and an operation effect by the subordinate operation. Therefore, the watching user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users, and the watching user's desire to watch is improved.

The operation accepting unit111of the second embodiment accepts the main operation on the condition of consumption of compensation as the viewer operation, and when the main operation is accepted, the operation accepting unit111accepts the subordinate operation as the viewer operation. In the example ofFIG.6, the main operation is a viewer operation for outputting a cheering song on the condition that a compensation of 5000 Pt is consumed. Furthermore, the subordinate operations are a viewer operation for outputting audio of a shout on the condition that a compensation of 300 Pt is consumed and a viewer operation for outputting a sound of a drum without requiring a compensation.

The operation accepting unit111displays a guidance image GI3, which is also an operation button, in the input field IF as a guidance instruction for the main operation. As one example, the guidance image GI3including a character string of “Cheering song 5000 Pt” is displayed in the input field IF ofFIG.6. The character string of “5000 Pt” displayed by the operation accepting unit111indicates the amount of compensation to be consumed. Furthermore, when the operation accepting unit111accepts the main operation from the watching user, the operation accepting unit111displays guidance images GI4and GI5, which are also operation buttons, in the input field IF as the guidance instruction of the subordinate operation. As one example, in the input field IF ofFIG.6, the guidance image GI4including a character string of “Shout 300 Pt” and the guidance image GI5including a character string of “Drum” are displayed.

The operation accepting unit111displays a guidance instruction for a subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. As one example, the operation accepting unit111acquires the subordinate operation associated with the accepted main operation from the server memory unit12. Then, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display the guidance image of the associated subordinate operation. Alternatively, when the operation accepting unit111accepts the main operation, the selection button may be displayed on the watching screen of the watching user who has executed the main operation. The watching user can select a subordinate operation to be associated with the main operation by touching a selection button. Then, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display a guidance image of a subordinate operation associated by the watching user. Thus, the operation accepting unit111can execute the guidance instruction of the subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. As a result, the operation accepting unit111can accept the subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. Alternatively, the operation accepting unit111may be configured to not accept the subordinate operation even when the guidance image of the displayed subordinate operation is selected when the main operation is not accepted.

Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display a guidance image GI6that guides the operation timing at which the subordinate operation should be performed in coordination with the determination line L as a guidance instruction for the subordinate operation. Then, the operation accepting unit111instructs the operation timing of the subordinate operation using the guidance image GI6, which is a guidance instruction. In the example ofFIG.6, the operation accepting unit111moves the determination line L from the left to the right inFIG.6in an operation guide field OG2as time passes. Then, the watching user performing the subordinate operation touches the guidance images GI4and GI5at the timing when the determination line L reaches each guidance image GI6and the two overlap. As a result, the operation accepting unit111acquires the input timing and the input position as the input operation from the operation unit23of the reproduction terminal20. Alternatively, the position touched by the user may be set to a position where the guidance image GI6and the determination line L overlap, another button image, and an arbitrary position of the display unit24. For example, when the position touched by the user is the position where the guidance image GI6and the determination line L overlap, the watching user touches either the guidance image GI4or the guidance image GI5before starting the touch to the overlapping position, and it is possible to set whether the viewer operation to be performed incurs compensation. That is, when the guidance image GI4is touched and there is such a setting, it may be configured such that compensation is incurred by the first touch operation on the overlapping position during a cheering period (for example, until the performance of one cheering song is completed), and compensation is not incurred by the touch operation on the overlapping position thereafter. Furthermore, it may be configured such that when the overlapping position is touched in a situation where either of the guidance images GI4and GI5are not touched, no compensation is occurred as a default.

The evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship of the inputs corresponding to the subordinate operations by each of the plurality of watching users. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship according to the number of subordinate operations in a close relationship. In the example ofFIG.6, the evaluation unit112accumulates points corresponding to the number of subordinate operations in a close relationship as the evaluation result. Then, the evaluation unit112displays the evaluation result in an evaluation result field ER2on the reproduction terminal20together with the game video. The evaluation unit112determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result when the cumulative evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

The effect control unit113causes the display unit24to display the operation effects corresponding to the main operation and the subordinate operation, or causes the speaker25to output audio. In the example ofFIG.6, when the watching user selects the guidance image GI3as the main operation, the effect control unit113causes the speaker25to output the audio of the cheering song. Here, the effect control unit113may further cause the display unit24to display lyrics of the cheering song. Furthermore, when the watching user selects the guidance image GI5as the subordinate operation, the effect control unit113causes the speaker25to output audio of a playing sound of a drum. Moreover, when the watching user selects the guidance image GI4as the subordinate operation, the effect control unit113causes the speaker25to output audio of a shout (for example, a shout of a player's name). When the subordinate operation is selected, the effect control unit113further causes the display unit24to display an image indicating audio (for example, a character string of “Bang” indicating the sound of a drum and a character string of “Aoi” indicating a shout).

The subordinate operation may be an operation for executing a particular performance. For example, the operation accepting unit111displays a guidance image including a character string of “Balloon” as a guidance instruction for a subordinate operation. Then, when the watching user touches the guidance image, the effect control unit113displays a performance image of making a balloon fly. As a result, a plurality of watching users can cooperate to exhibit a plurality of operation effects in different forms such as audio output of a cheering song and displaying a performance image. Therefore, the watching users can cooperatively execute cheering composed of a plurality of operation effects of different forms.

Furthermore, the effect control unit113controls the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation so as to change based on the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit112. Moreover, the effect control unit113changes the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit112satisfies a predetermined condition. In the example ofFIG.6, the evaluation unit112determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result when synchronization points, which are the cumulative evaluation result, reach a predetermined value. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit113additionally outputs a particular performance as a changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit113repeats the outputted cheering song again. As a result, the watching user can input the subordinate operation again.

The compensation accepting unit114accepts the payment of the compensation for the viewer operation. As one example, the compensation accepting unit114determines that the compensation will be paid when the watching user selects the operation button of the input field IF. Then, the compensation accepting unit114causes the display unit24of the reproduction terminal20to display a payment screen (not illustrated) for the compensation for the viewer operation. When the settlement is completed and the compensation is paid, the compensation accepting unit114determines that the payment of the compensation is completed, and notifies the effect control unit113of the completion of the payment.

Then, the effect control unit113controls the operation effect of the subordinate effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the form of output of the effect audio when the compensation is paid for the subordinate operation. For example, the effect control unit113emphasizes and outputs more loudly the audio of the playing sound of the drum or the audio of the shout as the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation for which the compensation has been paid. Furthermore, the effect control unit113may repeat the outputted cheering song again as a particular performance. As a result, the watching user can input the subordinate operation again.

The screen generation unit115acquires various data such as images from the operation accepting unit111, the evaluation unit112, the effect control unit113, and the compensation accepting unit114and generates a watching screen displayed at the same time as the game video. In the example ofFIG.6, the screen generation unit115generates a watching screen including the evaluation result field ER2, the operation guide field OG2, and the input field IF.

[Flow of Processing by Watching System]

The flow of processing by the watching system100in the second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.7. Note that inFIG.7, illustration of the flow of some of the processing already described is omitted for convenience of description.

The watching system100starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit11of the management server10acquires the game video from the distributing server30(S201). Then, the screen generation unit115acquires data for displaying the operation guidance field OG2from the operation accepting unit111, and further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result field ER2from the evaluation unit112to generate the watching screen (S202). Subsequently, the distributing unit116distributes the game video and the watching screen to the reproduction terminal20(S203). As a result, the reproduction terminal20causes the display unit24to display the game video and the watching screen.

When the timing for accepting the main operation is reached, the operation accepting unit111executes an operation accepting process (S204) and displays the guidance image GI3in the input field IF. Furthermore, the screen generation unit115generates a watching screen such that the guidance image GI3is displayed. Then, the distributing unit116distributes the generated watching screen. For example, the timing of accepting the main operation is a timing at which a competition part is distributed, a timing at which the bottom of the seventh inning starts, a timing at which a bout ends, and the like.

In the operation accepting process, when the watching user touches the operation button of the input field IF, the operation accepting unit111acquires the type of the viewer operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the viewer operation. The compensation accepting unit114acquires the type of the viewer operation from the operation accepting unit111, and when it is determined that this is a main operation (YES in S205), determines that payment of compensation may be incurred. Then, the compensation accepting unit114causes the display unit24to display the payment screen. Furthermore, the compensation accepting unit114determines whether the payment of the compensation is completed through the settlement process (S206). Then, when the compensation accepting unit114determines that the payment of the compensation is completed (YES in S206), the compensation accepting unit114notifies the effect control unit113of the completion of the payment.

When the compensation is paid, the effect control unit113exhibits the operation effect of the main operation (S207). For example, the effect control unit113causes the speaker25to output a cheering song. Conversely, when it is not a main operation (NO in S205), for example, when a viewer operation other than touching the operation button in the input field IF is performed, the effect control unit113exhibits a normal operation effect. Afterward, when the distributing is terminated due to a reason such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S211), the watching system100ends the process. Conversely, when the distributing is continued (NO in S211), the watching system100repeats the processing. Furthermore, the same applies when the compensation has not been paid (NO in S206). That is, the watching system100ends the process when the distributing is terminated (YES in S211). Conversely, the watching system100repeats the process when the distributing is continued (NO in S211).

Furthermore, when the compensation for the main operation is paid, the operation accepting unit111displays the guidance image GI6in the operation guide field OG2to guide the operation timing of the subordinate operation (S208). Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111displays the guidance images GI4and GI5in the input field IF to guide the operation position of the subordinate operation (S208). Moreover, the screen generation unit115generates a watching screen such that the guidance images GI4and GI5are displayed. Then, the distributing unit116distributes the generated watching screen.

When the watching user touches the guidance images GI4, GI5of the input field IF, the operation accepting unit111acquires the type of the selected viewer operation according to the input position of the viewer operation. Then, the effect control unit113exhibits the operation effect of the subordinate operation according to the type of the viewer operation acquired from the operation accepting unit111(S210). Here, the effect control unit113may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the form of output of the effect audio when the compensation is paid for the subordinate operation.

Furthermore, in the operation accepting process, the operation accepting unit111uses watching data OD stored in the server memory unit12. In the example ofFIG.6, the operation accepting unit111guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation using the determination line L and the guidance image GI6. Then, when the watching user touches the guidance images GI4, GI5of the input field IF, the operation accepting unit111acquires the input timing and input position of the viewer operation. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship of the inputs of the viewer operations by each of the plurality of watching users.

Also, the effect control unit113determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by referencing the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit112. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when cumulative synchronization points reach a predetermined value, the effect control unit113changes and exhibits the operation effect of the subordinate operation (S210). Conversely, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the effect control unit113exhibits a normal operation effect (S210). Afterward, when the distributing is terminated due to a reason such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S211), the watching system100ends the process. Conversely, when the distributing is continued (NO in S211), the watching system100repeats the processing.

According to the second embodiment described above, it is possible to give relevance to the effects exhibited in response to the operations by the plurality of watching users. That is, the operation accepting unit111accepts the subordinate operation when the main operation is accepted. As a result, a plurality of watching users can cooperatively realize a cheering action composed of an operation effect by the main operation and an operation effect by the subordinate operation. Therefore, the watching user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users, and the watching user's desire to watch is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the watching user with a simulated experience as when a plurality of watching users perform the cheering act as one.

Note that in the second embodiment, the evaluation unit112may or may not evaluate the mutual relationship between the inputs of the viewer operations. Furthermore, a subordinate operation may be executed by the watching user who executed the main operation. For example, the watching user who executed the main operation may execute the subordinate operation together with another user. Alternatively, the operation accepting unit111may be configured to not accept the subordinate operation from the watching user who executed the main operation. For example, the operation accepting unit111need not display the input field IF of the subordinate operation on the watching screen being viewed by the watching user who has executed the main operation. Furthermore, when main operations by a plurality of watching users are redundant, the operation accepting unit111may accept only the earliest main operation received by the management server10. In this case, an image indicating an error may be displayed for subsequent main operations. Furthermore, when the main operations are redundant, the operation accepting unit111may accept a plurality of main operations that have arrived within a predetermined time from the earliest received main operation. In this case, the compensation accepting unit114may charge each watching user an amount obtained by equally dividing the compensation for the main operation by the number of the plurality of watching users who have inputted the accepted main operation. Note that the redundancy of the main operation refers to, in a state in which a main operation is received and an operation effect corresponding to the main operation (for example, the performance of a cheering song) is not completed, additionally receiving main operation from a one of watching users.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.8and9. Note that in the description of the third embodiment, mainly differences from the first and second embodiments will be described, and the same reference numbers may be assigned to the components already described and the description thereof are omitted. Unless otherwise specified, components assigned the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operation and function, and the operations and effects thereof are also substantially the same.

A watching user who watches the distributed video may wish to exhibit an effect that affects the distributed video in response to the watching user's own operation. For example, when a game video is distributed, a watching user may wish to output performances such as audio of applause and an image of a cheering message at the same time as the game video in order to cheer on the player playing the game. In this case, since the watching user performs each operation, the performance corresponding to each operation is also outputted at respective timings. Therefore, it is difficult for the watching user to obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users.

In the third embodiment, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As a result, it is possible to give relevance to the effects exhibited in response to the operations by the plurality of watching users. That is, the input timings of the viewer operations by different watching users can be aligned, and thus the exhibition timings of the operation effects exhibited in response to the viewer operations can be aligned as much as possible. Therefore, the watching user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users, and the watching user's desire to watch is improved.

Furthermore, when the performance is outputted irregularly, it gives a complicated impression to the watching users watching the game video and reduces the desire to watch. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the effect control unit113exhibits the operation effect based on the input timing of the viewer operation. As a result, it is possible to align the timing of exhibiting the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to avoid giving a complicated impression to the watching users who are watching the game video.

The operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. In the example ofFIG.8, the operation accepting unit111displays an image including a character string of “Balloon” as a guidance image GI7for guiding the operation timing. Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111displays a guidance image GI8including a character string of “Red balloon” and a guidance image GI8including a character string of “Blue balloon” in the input field IF as guide instructions for the viewer operation to exhibit the operation effect of causing a balloon to fly. The watching user can exhibit the operation effect by touching the guidance image GI8at the target operation timing. For example, the operation accepting unit111outputs a cheering song from the speaker25at the start of the bottom of the seventh inning. Then, the operation accepting unit111guides the watching user by coordination between the guidance image GI7and the determination line L2with the timing at which the cheering song ends as the operation timing.

As one example, the operation accepting unit111uses the watching data OD stored in the server memory unit12to guide the operation timing. The operation accepting unit111reads the operation timing at which the guidance image GI8should be touched from the sequence data of the watching data OD. Then, the operation accepting unit111determines by back-calculating the timing at which the guidance image GI7appears at the appearance position while referencing information on a movement speed of the determination line L2. Afterward, the operation accepting unit111moves the determination line L2from the left to the right inFIG.8toward the guidance image GI7according to the referenced movement speed.

The watching user causes a team-colored balloon of the team the watching user is cheering on to fly according to the guided operation timing. For example, when the team color is red, the watching user touches the guidance image GI8including the character string of the “Red balloon” at the timing when the determination line L2reaches (overlaps) the guidance image GI7. Then, the operation accepting unit111acquires the input timing and the input position of the viewer operation. When the watching user follows the guidance instruction, the input timings of the viewer operations by different watching users can be aligned as much as possible. As shown inFIG.8, when the timings of the viewer operations of a large number of watching users are concentrated at the same time, the effect images EI5of a large number of balloons are displayed at the same timing. Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111may give a guidance instruction in another form. For example, when it is decided to applaud at a specific timing during the performance of the cheering song, the operation accepting unit111may guide the operation timing of the viewer operation to output audio of applause. Note that instead of the guidance image GI8, the watching user may be required to set a team to cheer on in advance, and an operation button including a character string of “Balloon” which does not include a color may be displayed. In this case, when the watching user touches the operation button, a balloon of a color corresponding to the set team to be cheered on may be displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent operation mistakes by the watching user, and it is possible to prevent the watching user from cheering for the opponent team due to a mistaken operation.

Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111may accept a main operation on the condition of consumption of compensation as the viewer operation. In the example ofFIG.8, the operation of selecting the guidance image GI3in order to output the cheering song is the main operation. Then, when the operation accepting unit111accepts the main operation, the subordinate operation is accepted as the viewer operation. In the example ofFIG.8, the operation of selecting the guidance image GI8to display the image of flying a balloon is a subordinate operation. Then, the operation accepting unit111guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation during the period in which the operation effect corresponding to the main operation is executed. In the example ofFIG.8, the operation accepting unit111displays the guidance image GI7that guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation during the period in which the audio of the cheering song is outputted as the operation effect corresponding to the main operation. Note that in this case, the audio of the cheering song is not automatically outputted, but is outputted on the condition that the main operation is accepted.

Note that the watching user may set the operation timing of the subordinate operation. For example, the watching user who performed the main operation inputs specific information (for example, the elapsed time from the start of the cheering song) indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation via the reproduction terminal20. The server control unit11inserts data for indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation into the sequence data based on the inputted specific information. By referencing this sequence data, the operation accepting unit111gives a guidance instruction such that the determination line L2reaches the guidance image GI7at the timing inputted by the watching user who performed the main operation.

The evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship of the inputs of the viewer operations by each of the plurality of watching users. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship according to the number of viewer operations in a close relationship. In the example ofFIG.8, the evaluation unit112accumulates points corresponding to the number of viewer operations in a close relationship as the evaluation result. Then, the evaluation unit112displays the evaluation result on the reproduction terminal20together with the game video in an evaluation result field ER2. The evaluation unit112determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result when the cumulative evaluation result reaches a predetermined value.

The effect control unit113exhibits the operation effect based on the input timing of the viewer operation. Specifically, the effect control unit113causes the display unit24to display the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation, or causes the speaker25to output audio. In the example ofFIG.8, the effect control unit113displays the effect image EI5as the operation effect. Note that in the example ofFIG.8, the effect control unit113displays the effect image EI5so as to represent a balloon flying. Simultaneously, the effect control unit113may cause the speaker25to output audio of a whistle as a performance sound when the balloon flies.

Furthermore, the effect control unit113changes the operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation when the evaluation result from the evaluation unit112satisfies a predetermined condition. In the example ofFIG.8, the evaluation unit112determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result when synchronization points, which are the cumulative evaluation result, reach a predetermined value. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit113additionally outputs a particular performance as a changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit113increases the number of displayed balloons.

As a result, when the input of the viewer operation by each of the plurality of watching users is strongly related, for example, when there are many viewer operations in a close relationship, the effect control unit113exhibits a predetermined operation effect or exhibits a greater operation effect. Therefore, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing of the viewer operation. Thus, it is possible to guide a plurality of watching users to operate at close timings, and as a result, it is possible to strengthen the relevance of the input of the viewer operation by each of the plurality of watching users. Conversely, when the viewer operation of each watching user is evaluated by comparison with the guided operation timing, each watching user cannot match the input timing of the viewer operation with other watching users. Therefore, it becomes difficult to obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users.

[Flow of Processing by Watching System]

The flow of processing by the watching system100in the third embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.9. Note that inFIG.9, illustration of the flow of some of the processing already described is omitted for convenience of description.

The watching system100starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit11of the management server10acquires the game video from the distributing server30(S301). Then, the screen generation unit115acquires data for displaying the operation guidance field OG2from the operation accepting unit111, and further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result field ER2from the evaluation unit112to generate the watching screen (S302). Subsequently, the distributing unit116distributes the game video and the watching screen to the reproduction terminal20(S303). As a result, the reproduction terminal20causes the display unit24to display the game video and the watching screen.

When the timing for accepting the viewer operation approaches, the operation accepting unit111executes the operation accepting process (S304). In the example ofFIG.8, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display the guidance image GI7that guides the operation timing of the viewer operation and moves the guidance image GI7toward a bar. For example, the timing at which the guidance image GI7reaches the bar is the timing at which the cheering song ends. Furthermore, the operation accepting unit111displays the guidance image GI8in the input field IF. Moreover, the screen generation unit115generates a watching screen such that the guidance images GI7and GI8are displayed. Then, the distributing unit116distributes the generated watching screen. Note that when the operation accepting unit111accepts the main operation, the steps S204to S209shown inFIG.7are executed instead of the step S304.

In the operation accepting process, the operation accepting unit111acquires the input timing and the input position of the viewer operation when the watching user touches the operation button of the input field IF. Then, the evaluation unit112evaluates the mutual relationship of the inputs of the viewer operations by each of the plurality of watching users (S305). Also, the effect control unit113determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by referencing the evaluation result of the mutual relationship by the evaluation unit112(S306). When a predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S306), the effect control unit113changes the operation effect (S307) and, for example, exhibits an emphasized operation effect. Conversely, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in S306), the effect control unit113exhibits a normal operation effect (S308). Afterward, when the distributing is terminated due to a reason such as the game video being played to the end (YES in S309), the watching system100ends the process. Conversely, when the distributing is continued (NO in S309), the watching system100repeats the processing.

According to the third embodiment described above, it is possible to give relevance to the effects exhibited in response to the operations by the plurality of watching users. That is, the operation accepting unit111causes the display unit24to display a guidance image that guides the operation timing of the viewer operation as a guidance instruction for the viewer operation. As a result, a plurality of watching users can cooperatively realize a cheering action composed of a plurality of operation effects by viewer operations having aligned timings. Therefore, the watching user can obtain a sense of solidarity with other watching users, and the watching user's desire to watch is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the watching user with a simulated experience as when a plurality of watching users perform the cheering act as one. Moreover, it is possible to align the timing of exhibiting the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to avoid giving a complicated impression to the watching users who are watching the game video.

Note that in the third embodiment, the main operation may be executable without the condition of consumption of compensation. That is, the watching user may be able to execute the main operation without paying the compensation. Even in this case, it is possible to align the timing of exhibiting the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation as much as possible. Furthermore, the evaluation unit112need not evaluate the mutual relationship between the inputs of the viewer operations. Moreover, the effect control unit113may exhibit the same operation effect as the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect audio regardless of the evaluation result by the evaluation unit112.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The present invention also includes inventions modified to the extent not contrary to the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention. Additionally, each embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined insofar as it does not contradict the present invention.

For example, the evaluation unit112may evaluate the input timing of the viewer operation by each watching user. That is, the evaluation unit112may evaluate the viewer operation by each watching user based on the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction by the operation accepting unit111. For example, the reference timing is an operation timing. In this case, the effect control unit113may control the operation effect such that the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect audio changes based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit112. Furthermore, the effect control unit113may control the operation effect so as to affect the video distributed to each watching user or may control the operation effect so as to affect the video distributed to all watching users.

As one example, the operation accepting unit111acquires the input timing and the input position of the viewer operation from each watching user. Then, the evaluation unit112evaluates the viewer operation based on the comparison between the acquired input timing and input position and the operation timing and operation position guided by the guidance image. Then, when the evaluation unit112determines that the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, the evaluation unit112evaluates the viewer operation such that the evaluation result becomes higher. For example, the evaluation unit112adds points for each watching user. When the evaluation result by the evaluation unit112satisfies a predetermined condition, the effect control unit113exhibits an operation effect or changes the operation effect.

Furthermore, in the above description, the management server10combines the watching screen with the game video to be distributed. However, by executing a program downloaded to the reproduction terminal20in advance, the reproduction control unit21may display a fixed portion such as a frame of the watching screen. In this case, the management server10or the distributing server30may distribute a dynamic portion such as a cheering message of the watching user or an operation effect by the viewer operation. Furthermore, each of the game server60, the distributing server30, and the management server10may belong to different systems or may be operated by different managers. For example, the management server10may be configured to acquire a game video from the outside, combine a watching screen with the game video, and distribute the game video. In this case, the management server10may receive information on the progress status of the game from the game server60at any time or may receive a signal from the game server60notifying the accepting timing that enables the viewer operation to be accepted. Alternatively, an operator who monitors the progress status of the game may input information on the progress status of the game or a signal notifying the accepting timing.

Hereinafter, various aspects derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described. Additionally, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals shown in the accompanying drawings are added. However, the reference numerals are not added with the intention of limiting the present invention to the illustrated aspect.

A watching system (100) by which a game video is distributed to display devices (24) of a plurality of watching users, the watching system comprises: operation accepting means (111) accepting viewer operations by the plurality of watching users; evaluation means (112) evaluating a mutual relationship of input of the viewer operation by each of the plurality of watching users; and effect control means (113) controlling an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation so as to change based on evaluation result of the mutual relationship.

Furthermore, a computer program (PG) for a watching system (100) by which a game video is distributed to display devices (24) of a plurality of watching users and which has a computer (11), the computer program causes the computer to function as: operation accepting means (111) accepting viewer operations by the plurality of watching users; evaluation means (112) evaluating a mutual relationship of input of the viewer operation by each of the plurality of watching users; and effect control means (113) controlling an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation so as to change based on evaluation result of the mutual relationship.

Moreover, a control method of a watching system (100) by which a game video is distributed to display devices (24) of a plurality of watching users, the control method comprises: accepting viewer operations by the plurality of watching users, evaluating a mutual relationship of input of the viewer operation by each of the plurality of watching users, and controlling an operation effect corresponding to the viewer operation so as to change based on evaluation result of the mutual relationship.

The evaluation means (112) compares input timings of the viewer operations by the plurality of watching users to evaluate the mutual relationship, and the effect control means (113) changes the operation effect when the evaluation result by the evaluation means satisfies a predetermined condition.

Furthermore, the effect control means (113) controls the operation effect based on the evaluation result such that a display mode of an effect image or an output mode of an effect audio changes.

The operation accepting means (111) executes a guidance instruction for guiding at least one of an operation timing at which the viewer operation should be performed and an operation position where the viewer operation should be performed.

Furthermore, the evaluation means (112) compares the input timings of the viewer operations by the plurality of watching users based on a reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction by the operation accepting means (111).

The watching system (100) further comprises compensation accepting means (114) accepting payment of compensation for the viewer operation.

Furthermore, when the compensation is paid for the viewer operation, the effect control means (113) controls the operation effect so as to change a display mode of an effect image or an output mode of an effect audio.

Moreover, the operation accepting means (111) accepts a main operation as the viewer operation on the condition that the compensation is consumed, and accepts a subordinate operation as the viewer operation when the main operation is accepted.