JP7529245B2 - Distribution system, distribution system control method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a distribution system that distributes playback data based on game events, a control method for the distribution system, and a computer program.

Patent Document 1 discloses a video posting and viewing app that has a tipping effect function that accepts a display instruction from a viewing user's mobile device to display a tipping effect image that decorates a singing video being distributed, and superimposes the tipping effect image on the singing video. The tipping effect function superimposes a tipping effect image on the singing video displayed on the screen after an operation icon displayed on the screen of the mobile device used by the viewing user is clicked. The effect-superimposed singing video is stored on a server and distributed so that it can be viewed not only by the viewing user who inputted a tip via the video posting site, but also by other viewing users.

Patent Document 2 discloses a game system that is provided with a message content control function that automatically selects message candidates according to the user's game status and sends them to a destination designated by the user. The destination can be a specific user, an opponent user, or a registered friend user, etc., as appropriate. In addition, message candidates can be set according to the type of game status, such as the user's match results, the state of the game during the game, the relationship with the opponent, the time of day or day of the week when the user is playing the game, or the weather conditions during play.

Patent Document 3 discloses a game system equipped with a distribution information processing unit configured to generate and transmit distribution information during a game. When a specific situation occurs in a game being played, a list of registered comments corresponding to the specific situation is displayed on a transmission comment screen. A registered comment selected by a player selection operation is set as a transmission comment. Next, when a transmission operation is performed on the transmission instruction unit with the transmission comment set, the set transmission comment is transmitted to a center server as distribution information. A control unit of the center server that receives the distribution information identifies a distribution destination of the received distribution information. The control unit then distributes the distribution information to the distribution destination address. An external user can view the distribution information via a personal computer or a mobile phone.

JP 2020-017870 A JP 2014-176424 A JP 2013-165910 A

In services that distribute video to viewers, game video of sports games such as baseball games or soccer games may be distributed. In this case, for example, when a home run is hit in a baseball game or a goal is scored in a soccer game, a replay of the scene may be displayed during the game. For example, the scene from when the pitcher throws the ball to when the batter hits the home run, or the scene from before a player shoots the ball to when he scores a goal, is displayed on the game screen as a special effect within the game. Such replay effects are displayed on the game screen for the player. However, since they are also distributed as game video, viewers can also watch the replay effects.

Since such replay effects are used to liven up the game, they are monotonous for viewers. Therefore, it is difficult for the replay effects themselves to attract the viewer's interest. Furthermore, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, images, messages, comments, etc. may also be distributed. However, these images, messages, comments, etc. are displayed regardless of game events. Therefore, it is difficult for these displays to attract the viewer's interest.

A distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention is a distribution system that distributes game footage to the respective user terminals of a plurality of users who are viewers, and includes an event detection means that detects an event that occurs in a game being played by a player, a determination means that determines playback data to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event, and a data distribution means that distributes the determined playback data and the game footage to each user terminal.

A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a distribution system that distributes game footage to each user terminal of a plurality of users who are viewers, and detects an event that occurs in a game being played by a player, identifies playback data to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event, and distributes the identified playback data and the game footage to each user terminal.

A computer program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer program for a distribution system that includes a computer and distributes game footage to each user terminal of a plurality of users who are viewers, and causes the computer to function as an event detection means for detecting an event that occurs in a game being played by a player, a determination means for determining playback data to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event, and a data distribution means for distributing the determined playback data and the game footage to each user terminal.

This allows you to deliver playback data based on events that occur in the game, garnering interest from viewers.

1 is a schematic overall diagram of a distribution system. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a distribution system. FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a data group of playback data. 13 is a flowchart of distribution of playback data.

Below, 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 components described in the following embodiments can be set arbitrarily and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[Embodiment]
As shown in Fig. 1, a distribution system 100 that distributes game footage to each user terminal of a plurality of users who are viewers includes a playback terminal 20, which is an example of a user terminal, a distribution server 30 that distributes the game footage, a game server 60 that transmits the game footage, and a game terminal 70, which is an example of a game device. The playback terminal 20 can be connected to the distribution server 30 via a predetermined network 50. As an example, a user uses the playback terminal 20 at a venue of a game tournament, at the user's home, or the like. In addition, the game terminal 70 can be connected to the game server 60 via the predetermined network 50. As an example, a game player uses the game terminal 70 at a venue of a game tournament, or at a predetermined facility such as a store.

The distribution server 30 and the game server 60 are configured as a single logical server device by combining multiple server units as computers. However, the distribution server 30 and the game server 60 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the distribution server 30 and the game server 60 may be configured logically using cloud computing. The distribution server 30 and the game server 60 may be provided in a single server. For example, the game server 60 may also function as the distribution server 30. Furthermore, the game server 60 may also function as the distribution server 30.

The distribution server 30 provides a distribution service that allows the playback terminal 20 or a user who owns the playback terminal 20 to view game footage. For example, the distribution server 30 acquires game footage from the game server 60 and distributes it to the playback terminal 20. Alternatively, the distribution server 30 may distribute game footage received from a device other than the game server 60. As an example, the distribution server 30 may distribute game footage created by a player of the game or another distributor. In this case, the distribution server 30 distributes game footage uploaded by a player or another distributor to the playback terminal 20. The distribution server 30 also stores playback data that is distributed based on an event that occurs in the game. Then, when the distribution server 30 identifies playback data based on the event, it distributes the playback data and the game footage to the playback terminal 20.

The distribution service also includes a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for the playback terminals 20 via the network 50. The distribution server 30 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for viewing game footage to each playback terminal 20 through this distribution service. The game footage also includes game-related footage, such as footage of the game screen of the game being played by the game terminal 70, camera footage created by capturing the game screen, and camera footage of the game players or spectators watching the game.

For example, the distribution server 30 provides a web service to a user of the playback terminal 20 via the network 50. In this web service, when the distribution server 30 provides a distribution service, game video is distributed to be played on the playback terminal 20. Note that the web service may include other services such as an information providing service that provides various information related to the game video, a community service that provides a place for users to communicate, such as sending, exchanging, and sharing information, and a service that assigns user identification information to identify each user.

The game server 60 provides various services for game devices to game terminals 70 or users of game terminals 70. These services include a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for game terminals 70 via the network 50. Through this distribution service, the game server 60 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary to provide game services to each game terminal 70.

The game server 60 provides services for sports games, for example. For example, the game server 60 provides services for a baseball game, which is a sports game, including a training part for training baseball players and a match part for playing a match between a team to which the trained baseball players belong and an opposing team. The game server 60 may also provide services for other games, such as FPS (first-person shooter) games, TPS (third-person shooter) games, RTS (real-time strategy) games, MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games, MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing games), fighting games, racing games, puzzle games, trading card games, and online strategy games.

The service for the game device provided by the game server 60 may include a service in which the game server 60 receives player identification information of a player from the game terminal 70 and authenticates the player. The service for the game device may include a service in which the game server 60 receives and stores play data including game screen images or play results of an authenticated player from the game terminal 70. The service for the game device may also include a service in which the game server 60 provides the game terminal 70 with the play data stored by the game server 60. In addition, the service for the game device may include a service in which the game server 60 matches players together when multiple players play a common game via the network 50. The service for the game device may also include a service in which the game server 60 collects fees from players.

The network 50 is configured to connect the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 to the distribution server 30 and the game server 60, respectively. As an example, the network 50 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP/IP protocol. Specifically, the LAN 52 connects the distribution server 30 and the game server 60 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51 and the LAN 52 as a WAN are connected via a router 53. The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are also configured to be connected to the Internet 51. The distribution server 30 and the game server 60, and the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 may be connected to each other by the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the LAN 52. In FIG. 1, thin lines indicate connections to the Internet 51, and thick lines indicate services provided and information transmitted, etc. The thick lines do not indicate that the devices communicate directly with each other, but the devices may be configured to communicate directly with each other.

The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are computer devices that can be connected to a network. For example, the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 include a stationary or notebook type personal computer 54 and a mobile terminal device 55 such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone). In addition, various computer devices such as a stationary home game device, a portable game device, and a portable tablet terminal device are included in the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70. By implementing various computer software, the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 can allow users to enjoy various services provided by the distribution server 30 and the game server 60. Specifically, the playback terminal 20 functions as a display terminal for game images through software for video playback. In addition, the game terminal 70 functions as a game device through software for the game device. The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 may be an arcade game machine.

As an example, in the distribution system 100, the game server 60 provides a game service to the game terminal 70. The game server 60 then records game footage of the game being played by the game terminal 70, or game footage created by capturing the game screen, etc. The game footage may be footage related to the game, such as footage of the game players or spectators watching the game. The game server 60 transmits the acquired or created game footage to the distribution server 30. The distribution server 30 then distributes the received game footage to the playback terminal 20.

[Distribution service overview]
In the distribution service in the distribution system 100, the distribution server 30 distributes playback data based on a detected game event. For example, in a baseball game, when an event that a batter hits a home run is detected, the distribution server 30 distributes an advertisement video of the team to which the batter belongs as playback data. Note that the playback data is not limited to video, and may be images such as character strings or banner advertisements, or audio. Furthermore, the content of the playback data is not limited to advertisements, and may be introductions or support for the team, or commentary on an event, etc. Examples of advertisements include promotions of products or services, or notifications of benefits such as discount information for products or services. Furthermore, if a sponsor is present for a player of the game or the team to which the player belongs, the sponsor may prepare the playback data as advertisements.

The game server 60 acquires a game screen from the game terminal 70 on which the player is playing the game. For example, when a battle game is being played, the game server 60 acquires a game screen from one or both of the two game devices. Furthermore, the game server 60 generates a game image based on the acquired game screen and transmits it to the distribution server 30. Then, the distribution server 30 processes the acquired game image, such as by compositing a distribution screen for image operation, and distributes it to the playback terminal 20. Furthermore, the game terminal 70 transmits the game screen to the game server 60, and a predetermined event occurs in the game. Furthermore, the game terminal 70 transmits an event ID to the game server 60 as event identification information for identifying the event, in order to notify the game server 60 that an event has occurred. Furthermore, the game server 60 may receive game operation information by the player, NPC control information when an NPC is present, and the like from the game terminal 70. In this case, the game server 60 generates the game image by starting the game and regenerating the game screen based on the received game operation information and the like. This reduces the amount of communication from the game terminal 70 to the game server 60. Alternatively, the distribution server 30 may obtain game operation information and the like from the game terminal 70 via the game server 60. In this case, the distribution server 30 generates the game video by regenerating the game screen.

For example, in the case of a baseball game, when a home run, a cycle hit, a no-hitter, a predetermined number of consecutive strikeouts, or a double play occurs, the game terminal 70 transmits an event ID corresponding to each to the game server 60. The game terminal 70 stores preset event IDs. Then, upon acquiring the event ID, the game server 60 transmits the event ID to the distribution server 30. Alternatively, the game server 60 may determine the event based on information acquired from the game terminal 70. In this case, the game server 60 transmits an event ID corresponding to the determined event to the distribution server 30.

The distribution server 30, which has acquired the event ID, identifies playback data corresponding to the event ID and distributes it to the playback terminal 20. In this way, the occurrence of an event in the game is used as a trigger to distribute the playback data. As an example, the distribution server 30 associates playback data with the nature of the event with the event ID and stores it in advance. For example, for a home run event, a video of a player pumping his fist and a video of the player eating and drinking products from a sponsoring company, or, if there is a real player corresponding to a player in the game who hit a home run, a video of the real player eating and drinking products from a sponsoring company, etc. are prepared as playback data. Alternatively, the distribution server 30 may determine the event based on information acquired from the game terminal 70 via the game server 60. In this case, the distribution server 30 identifies the playback data based on the event ID corresponding to the determined event.

The distribution server 30 distributes the playback data so as to be superimposed on a part of the game video, or distributes the playback data so as to be displayed in an area that does not overlap with the game video. The game video and the playback data are combined by the distribution server 30, and the distribution server 30 streams the game video combined with the playback data. Alternatively, the distribution server 30 may distribute the game video and the playback data separately to the playback terminal 20. In this case, the playback terminal 20 displays the received game video and playback data separately, or combines the playback data with the game video and displays it. Furthermore, the playback terminal 20 may store the distributed playback data and display the playback data together with or in place of the game video at any timing, such as immediately before the end of the distribution of the game video.

For one event, one piece of playback data may be prepared, or multiple pieces of playback data may be prepared. Furthermore, common playback data may be prepared for multiple events. When multiple pieces of playback data are prepared for one event, the distribution server 30 identifies at least one piece of playback data. For example, the distribution server 30 may identify the playback data at random. Alternatively, a rarity may be set for each piece of playback data, and the distribution server 30 may identify the playback data by performing a lottery based on the set rarity. Furthermore, when there is playback data that has been distributed once during the distribution of game video, the distribution server 30 may identify the playback data so as to avoid the distributed playback data.

A data group including a plurality of playback data associated with attributes such as the type of event, the type of data, the player name, or the sponsor name may be prepared. In this case, the distribution server 30 acquires attribute identification information (hereinafter also referred to as event information) that identifies the attribute of the event from the game server 60 in addition to the event ID. Then, the distribution server 30 identifies the attribute based on the acquired event information and identifies playback data from the data group associated with the identified attribute. For example, when acquiring the type of event as the event information, the distribution server 30 identifies playback data for a successful event or a failed event according to the type of event. Furthermore, the distribution server 30 may acquire attribute identification information (hereinafter also referred to as user information) that identifies the attribute of the user from the playback terminal 20. The distribution server 30 identifies the attribute based on the acquired user information and identifies playback data from the data group associated with the identified attribute. For example, when acquiring gender as the user information, the distribution server 30 identifies playback data for men, women, or both genders according to gender. In addition, if multiple types of attributes match, the distribution server 30 may identify the playback data according to a preset priority order for which attribute is to be prioritized.

[Distribution system control system]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a control system of the distribution system 100 that distributes game video to each of the reproduction terminals 20 of a plurality of users who are viewers will be described. First, the distribution server 30 includes a distribution control unit 31, a distribution storage unit 32, and a communication unit (not shown). The distribution control unit 31 executes various controls for distributing the game video received from the game server 60. The distribution storage unit 32 stores a distribution program PG1, which is a control program for the distribution server 30, and distribution data DD including the reproduction data PD. The distribution of the game video by the distribution server 30 may be in the form of a live distribution in which the video is distributed in real time, or in the form of a non-real time distribution of edited video, for example. The distribution is not limited to the form of a simultaneous distribution, and may be in the form of an on-demand distribution in which the video is distributed individually by the operation of each user. For example, the distribution control unit 31 processes the game video so that the reproduction data PD is displayed at an appropriate timing, such as immediately after an event occurs, and distributes the processed game video to the reproduction terminal 20 on demand.

The game server 60 includes a game control unit 61, a game storage unit 62, and a communication unit (not shown). The game control unit 61 executes various controls for providing game services to the game terminal 70. Furthermore, the game control unit 61 records game screens, stores them in the game storage unit 62, and uploads them to the distribution server 30 as game images. The game storage unit 62 also stores a game program PG2, which is a control program for the game server 60, player data (not shown), which is information related to the player of the game, and game data GD, which is information related to the game. As an example, the player data includes player identification information and personal information of the player. Furthermore, the game data GD includes event data VD, which is information related to an event. As an example, the event data VD is information such as a player name, a team name, an event name, and the occurrence time of an event that has occurred, which are associated with event identification information (e.g., an event ID) that identifies an event. Furthermore, the game data GD includes data necessary for providing various games, such as image data, BGM data, and player play data. Play data is data that is unique to each player, such as the player's play history (e.g. past achievements), and is carried over to future games.

The distribution control unit 31 and the game control unit 61 are configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various calculation processes and operation controls according to a specified program, internal memory required for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. As an example, these processors are a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), which control the entire device based on a specified program and also provide overall control over various processes.

The distribution storage unit 32 and the game storage unit 62 are storage devices including a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The distribution storage unit 32 and the game storage unit 62 include storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive), which store programs and system software. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculations, controls, and judgments according to the programs stored in the ROM or HDD. The distribution program PG1 and the game program PG2 work together to function as the computer program of the distribution system 100. The distribution storage unit 32 and the game storage unit 62 may store all data in one storage device, or may store data in a distributed manner in multiple storage devices.

A display device that displays the input state, setting state, measurement results, and various information of the device is connected to the distribution control unit 31 and the game control unit 61 via a wired or wireless connection. In addition, an operating device including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data is connected to the distribution storage unit 32 and the game storage unit 62 via a wired or wireless connection. The distribution control unit 31 and the game control unit 61 can also perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CF (Compact Flash) card, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The playback terminal 20 includes a playback control unit 21, a playback storage unit 22, an operation unit 23 as an operation device, a display unit 24 as a display device, a speaker 25 as an audio output device, and a communication unit (not shown). The playback storage unit 22 stores a control program for the playback terminal 20 and a playback program for game images, which is an example of an application program. The playback control unit 21 controls the playback terminal 20 and executes the playback program to display the game images on the display unit 24. The operation unit 23 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and accepts input of user operations by the user. The display unit 24 is a display device such as a television, a display, or a touch panel, and displays the game images viewed by the user. The operation unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be integrally configured as a display operation unit such as a touch panel. The speaker 25 outputs related sounds such as game sounds in association with the playback of the game images. The operation unit 23, the display unit 24, and the speaker 25 may be integral with the playback terminal 20 or may be separate.

The game terminal 70 includes a terminal control unit 71, a terminal memory unit 72, a game operation unit 73, a game display unit 74, and a communication unit (not shown). The terminal memory unit 72 stores a control program for the game terminal 70. The terminal control unit 71 controls the game terminal 70 and executes the control program to allow the player to play the game. Furthermore, when an event occurs, the terminal control unit 71 transmits, for example, an event ID to the game server 60 as event identification information corresponding to the event that has occurred. The event ID is set for each event and is stored in advance in the terminal memory unit 72. Furthermore, the game operation unit 73 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and accepts input of game operations by the player. The game operation unit 73 and the game display unit 74 may be integrally configured as a display operation unit such as a touch panel. Furthermore, the game terminal 70 may include a camera that captures the player, etc. In this case, the game terminal 70 transmits the camera image captured by the camera to the game server 60 together with the game screen. Alternatively, the camera may be provided separately from the game terminal 70. In this case, the camera may transmit camera footage to the distribution server 30 instead of the game server 60.

The game display unit 74 is a display device such as a display or a touch panel, and displays the game screen of the game played by the player. The game operation unit 73 and the game display unit 74 may be integrated with the game terminal 70 or may be separate. Furthermore, the game terminal 70 is equipped with an audio output device (not shown). The terminal control unit 71 controls the progress of the game by executing a control program, but may also control the progress of the game in cooperation with the game control unit 61. For example, the game control unit 61 may control the progress of at least a part of the game, and the terminal control unit 71 may display the results on the game display unit 74. Furthermore, the game control unit 61 collects play data from the game terminal 70 and manages the collected play data. Furthermore, the game control unit 61 of the game server 60 collects key information, etc. for reconstructing the game screen from the game terminal 70.

The playback control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 are configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a specified program, an internal memory required for the processor's operation, and other peripheral devices. As an example, these processors are a CPU or an MPU, and control the entire device based on a specified program, as well as overall control of various processes. The playback control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 can also perform control according to a program stored in portable recording media such as a CD, DVD, CF card, and USB memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The playback storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 are storage devices including a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The playback storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 include RAM, which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as storage devices such as ROM, HDD, and SSD that store programs and system software. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculations, control, and discrimination according to a control program stored in the ROM or HDD. The playback storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 may hold all data in a single storage device, or may store data in a distributed manner across multiple storage devices.

[Game Server]
The game control unit 61 of the game server 60 includes a detection unit 161, which is an example of an event detection means for detecting an event that occurs in a game being played by a player. As an example, the event includes a home run in a baseball game, a goal in a soccer game, defeating an enemy in a shooting game, and clearing a course in a puzzle game. The game control unit 61 also includes a transmission unit 162, which is an example of a transmission means for transmitting a game image and event information related to the event, such as event identification information, to the distribution server 30. The transmission unit 162 controls a communication unit (not shown) to transmit various information to the distribution server 30. The detection unit 161 and the transmission unit 162 are logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the game control unit 61 and the game program PG2 as a software resource.

The detection unit 161 acquires an event ID from the game terminal 70 as event identification information for identifying an event that has occurred in the game. Then, when the detection unit 161 receives the event ID, it detects the occurrence of an event corresponding to the event ID. Furthermore, the detection unit 161 passes the event ID to the transmission unit 162. Note that the event identification information may be the name of the event, or the like. Alternatively, the detection unit 161 may analyze an image of the game screen to detect the occurrence of an event. For example, the detection unit 161 may detect the occurrence of an event from a character string or an image, or the like, included in the game screen. As an example, if the game screen includes the character string "home run", the detection unit 161 detects that a home run event has occurred. Furthermore, the detection unit 161 refers to the event data VD to identify an event ID corresponding to the detected event. Then, the detection unit 161 passes the identified event ID to the transmission unit 162.

The transmission unit 162 acquires game footage from the game control unit 61 and transmits it to the distribution server 30. As an example, the game control unit 61 acquires game screens from each of the two game terminals 70 on which the competitive game is being played. The game control unit 61 then generates game footage in which the game screens are lined up side by side, and passes it to the transmission unit 162. The transmission unit 162 also acquires an event ID from the detection unit 161 and transmits it to the distribution server 30. Furthermore, the transmission unit 162 may refer to the event data VD to search for attribute identification information that identifies the attributes of the event corresponding to the event ID. In this case, the transmission unit 162 transmits event information in which the attribute identification information is associated with the event ID to the distribution server 30.

[Distribution server]
The distribution control unit 31 of the distribution server 30 includes a specification unit 131 as an example of a specification means for specifying the playback data PD to be distributed to each playback terminal 20 based on the event detected by the detection unit 161 of the game server 60. Furthermore, the distribution control unit 31 includes a distribution unit 132 as an example of a data distribution means for distributing the specified playback data PD and game video to each playback terminal 20. The specification unit 131 and the distribution unit 132 are logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the distribution control unit 31 and the distribution program PG1 as a software resource. As an example, the specification unit 131 specifies the playback data PD based on an event ID as event identification information. Here, the playback data PD is video, audio, image, a combination of these, etc. It should be noted that the specification unit 131 may specify multiple playback data PD, and in this case, the distribution unit 132 distributes multiple playback data PD.

As an example, the identification unit 131 randomly selects one of the first playback data, the second playback data, and the third playback data associated with event ID1 in FIG. 3. Specifically, the distribution storage unit 32 stores data identification information (e.g., a data ID) that identifies each playback data PD. Then, when the identification unit 131 acquires event ID1 from the game server 60, it randomly identifies a data ID from the first playback data, the second playback data, and the third playback data associated with event ID1 using a random number table or the like. Then, the identification unit 131 identifies the playback data PD that corresponds to the identified data ID. Thereafter, the distribution unit 132 distributes the playback data PD identified by the identification unit 131 to each playback terminal 20.

The identification unit 131 may also identify at least one piece of playback data PD from among a plurality of pieces of playback data PD associated with different attributes. The identification unit 131 acquires attribute identification information for identifying an attribute from the game server 60. Then, the identification unit 131 identifies an attribute based on the attribute identification information, and identifies the playback data PD associated with the identified attribute. For example, the identification unit 131 acquires an attribute ID from the transmission unit 162 of the game server 60 as attribute identification information included in the event information. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first playback data, the second playback data, and the third playback data constituting the plurality of pieces of playback data PD is associated with data ID1 to data ID3 for identifying the respective pieces of playback data, event ID1 for identifying the corresponding event, and attribute ID1 or attribute ID2 for identifying the attribute. This allows the identification unit 131 to identify a plurality of pieces of playback data PD corresponding to event ID1. Furthermore, the identification unit 131 can identify the first playback data associated with a specific attribute, for example, attribute ID1, from among the first playback data, the second playback data, and the third playback data associated with event ID1.

For example, the attributes are divided based on the event type, such as a successful event such as a home run, or a failed event such as a double play. In this case, the identification unit 131 identifies the event type based on the attribute identification information. Then, the identification unit 131 identifies the playback data PD associated with the identified event type. Note that the event type may be assigned an attribute for each player. For example, the attribute identification information for a double play corresponds to the attribute of the failed event of the offensive player and the attribute of the successful event of the defensive player. Then, the identification unit 131 identifies the playback data PD associated with the attribute of the failed event from the playback data PD related to the offensive player, and identifies the playback data PD associated with the attribute of the successful event from the playback data PD related to the defensive player. Also, the attributes may be divided based on the data type of the playback data PD, such as the content of the data, such as advertisement or support, or the format of the data, such as video or image. In this case, the identification unit 131 identifies the data type based on the attribute identification information. Then, the identification unit 131 identifies the playback data PD associated with the identified data type. Additionally, the attributes may be attributes such as the player name or sponsor name, or attributes based on user information.

The multiple playback data PD may be divided into data groups consisting of multiple playback data PD associated with the same attribute. In this case, the identification unit 131 identifies an attribute based on the attribute identification information, and identifies at least one playback data PD from the data group associated with the identified attribute. Note that the attributes associated with the data groups may be partially common. For example, the data group shown in FIG. 3 includes a data group including second playback data and third playback data associated with attribute ID2. Upon acquiring attribute ID2, the identification unit 131 identifies at least one of the second playback data and the third playback data.

The distribution unit 132 distributes the game video and the playback data PD to the playback terminal 20. As an example, the distribution unit 132 processes the game video so that the playback data PD identified by the identification unit 131 is superimposed and distributes it to the playback terminal 20. In this case, the distribution unit 132 displays the game video and the playback data PD on a web page accessed by the user. The distribution unit 132 may also distribute the playback data PD separately from the game video, or may distribute the playback data PD without combining it with the game video.

When the playback data PD and the game video are separate, the area in which the playback data PD is displayed does not need to overlap with part of the game video. For example, the playback data PD may be displayed alongside the game video in a position that does not overlap with the game video. Furthermore, when the playback data PD and the game video are separate, the distribution server 30 may distribute the game video and the playback data PD separately. In this case, the playback terminal 20 may display the game video and the playback data PD separately, or may display the game video by combining the playback data PD with the game video. Furthermore, the distribution unit 132 may distribute the playback data PD so that the playback data PD identified by the identification unit 131 is displayed simultaneously with the game video. For example, the distribution unit 132 distributes the playback data PD so that the playback data PD is superimposed on the game video or so that the playback data PD is alongside the game video.

The distribution storage unit 32 may store the data ID of the playback data PD distributed to the user in association with the user identification information of the user. Once the user logs in from the playback terminal 20, the user can view the playback data PD once distributed at any time. The playback terminal 20 may store only the data ID, or may store the playback data PD corresponding to the data ID together with the data ID. The user may be able to view the playback data PD at any time for a certain period of time after the playback data PD is selected.

When the playback data PD is synthesized with the game video, the distribution unit 132 also functions as a screen generation means. The screen generation means acquires screen configuration data and the like contained in the distribution data DD in the distribution storage unit 32, and generates a distribution screen that is displayed simultaneously with the game video. The distribution screen is generated as an image or video. For example, the screen generation means generates the distribution screen in various formats such as MPEG format. As one example, the screen generation means arranges the generated distribution screen by superimposing it on the game video.

Specifically, the screen generating means overlays an upper layer including the distribution screen on a lower layer including a display area for the game video. The upper layer is configured as a transparent image so as not to interfere with the display of the game video. Then, when the identification unit 131 identifies the playback data PD, the screen generating means overlays the upper layer including the identified playback data PD on the lower layer including the display area for the game video. In this way, the playback data PD is displayed so as to be superimposed on a portion of the game video. Alternatively, the screen generating means may position the playback data PD so that it does not overlap with the game video.

The distribution system 100 may further acquire related video captured by a camera (not shown), which is an example of an imaging device, and distribute it to each playback terminal 20. For example, a camera and a transmission device that transmits game-related video, such as camera video, player video, and live video, which are examples of related video, are installed at the venue of a game tournament. As an example, the transmission device is a computer device that can be connected to a camera and a network 50, and transmits the related video acquired from the camera to the distribution server 30. The distribution server 30 then distributes the acquired related video to each playback terminal 20. Alternatively, the imaging device may be a camera installed in the game terminal 70. The game terminal 70 transmits the related video to the distribution server 30 directly or via the game server 60.

[Processing flow by distribution system]
The processing flow by the distribution system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The distribution system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. For example, in the case of live distribution, the distribution system 100 starts processing when the distribution server 30 acquires game video from the game server 60.

The transmission unit 162 of the game server 60 transmits the game video to the distribution server 30 (S201), and the distribution control unit 31 of the distribution server 30 acquires the game video from the game server 60 (S101). The distribution unit 132 of the distribution server 30 then processes the game video to generate game video for distribution (S102). For example, the distribution unit 132 generates game video for distribution by manipulating the playback speed of the video, or by combining a distribution screen for posting comments, etc., with the game video. Next, the distribution unit 132 distributes the game video to the playback terminal 20 (S103). The playback terminal 20 then displays the game video on the display unit 24.

When the detection unit 161 of the game server 60 detects the occurrence of an event (YES in S202), the transmission unit 162 transmits the event ID to the distribution server 30 (S203). Then, when the game ends (YES in S204), the game server 60 ends the processing, and if the game does not end (NO in S204), the transmission of the game video continues (S201). Also, if the detection unit 161 does not detect the occurrence of an event (NO in S202), the transmission of the game video continues (S201).

When the event ID is acquired from the game server 60 (S104), the identification unit 131 of the distribution server 30 identifies the playback data PD (S105). Then, the distribution unit 132 of the distribution server 30 distributes the identified playback data PD to the playback terminal 20 (S106). Thereafter, if the distribution is to end because the game video has been played to the end (YES in S107), the distribution system 100 ends the processing. On the other hand, if the distribution is to continue (NO in S107), the distribution unit 132 continues processing the game video (S102) and distributing the game video (S103).

According to the embodiment described above, playback data PD identified based on events that occur in the game being played by the player is distributed to each user's playback terminal 20. This makes it possible to attract the interest of viewers by distributing playback data PD based on events that occur in the game.

The detection unit 161 may be provided in the distribution server 30. In this case, the detection unit 161 of the distribution server 30 may analyze the image of the game screen to detect the occurrence of an event. As an example, the detection unit 161 of the distribution server 30 detects the occurrence of an event from a character string or an image included in the image of the game screen. Then, the detection unit 161 of the distribution server 30 identifies an event ID corresponding to the detected event and passes it to the identification unit 131.

The present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Inventions that have been modified without going against the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form can be appropriately combined without going against the present invention.

For example, at least a portion of each functional unit may be provided in the distribution server 30, the game server 60, or another external server. The functional units provided in different servers work together to function as the distribution system 100. In this case, the control programs of the servers work together to function as the computer program of the distribution system 100.

Various aspects derived from the above-described embodiments and modified examples are described below. In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference symbols shown in the attached drawings are used. However, the reference symbols are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated forms.

The distribution system 100, which distributes game footage to the respective user terminals 20 of multiple users who are viewers, includes an event detection means 161 that detects an event that occurs in the game being played by the player, a specification means 131 that specifies playback data PD to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event, and a data distribution means 132 that distributes the specified playback data and the game footage to each user terminal.

The control method of the distribution system 100 that distributes game footage to the user terminals 20 of multiple users who are viewers detects an event that occurs in the game being played by the player, identifies playback data PD to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event, and distributes the identified playback data and the game footage to each user terminal.

Computer programs PG1 and PG2 of a distribution system 100 that includes computers 31 and 61 and distributes game footage to the respective user terminals 20 of multiple users who are viewers cause the computers to function as event detection means 161 that detects events that occur in a game being played by a player, identification means 131 that identifies playback data PD to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected events, and data distribution means 132 that distributes the identified playback data and the game footage to each user terminal.

In this way, playback data PD identified based on events that occur in the game being played by the player is distributed to each user's playback terminal 20. Therefore, by distributing playback data PD based on events that occur in the game, it is possible to attract the interest of viewers.

The identification means 131 identifies at least one piece of playback data from among a plurality of playback data PD each associated with a different attribute, and further acquires attribute identification information that identifies the attribute, and identifies the attribute based on the attribute identification information and identifies the playback data associated with the identified attribute. The attributes are also classified based on the event type of the event, and the identification means 131 identifies the event type based on the attribute identification information and identifies the playback data PD associated with the identified event type. The attributes are also classified based on the data type of the playback data PD, and the identification means 131 identifies the data type based on the attribute identification information and identifies the playback data associated with the identified data type. In this way, playback data PD related to an attribute is identified and distributed, which can be more interesting to the user.

The data distribution means 132 distributes the playback data PD identified by the identification means 131 so that the playback data PD is superimposed on the game video. The data distribution means 132 also distributes the playback data so that the playback data PD identified by the identification means 131 is displayed simultaneously with the game video. The event detection means 161 acquires event identification information that identifies an event that has occurred in the game, and the identification means 131 identifies the playback data PD based on the event identification information. As a result, the playback data PD is distributed in response to the event that has occurred in the game and is displayed on the playback terminal 20. Therefore, the user can enjoy viewing the playback data PD along with the game video.

20: playback terminal (user terminal)
31: Distribution control unit (computer)
61: Game control unit (computer)
100: Distribution system 131: Identification unit (identification means)
132: Distribution unit (data distribution means)
161: Detection unit (event detection means)
PG1: Distribution program (computer program)
PG2: Game program (computer program)
PD: Playback data

Claims (7)

A distribution system that distributes game video of a game being played by a player on a game terminal to user terminals of a plurality of users who are viewers , the user terminals being different from the game terminal, comprising:
an event detection means for detecting an event that occurs in the game and that results in a replay effect in which a specific scene of the game video is redisplayed on the game terminal ;
A determination means for determining playback data to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event;
a data distribution means for distributing the identified playback data and the game video to each user terminal ;
The data distribution means distributes the identified playback data and the game video to each user terminal so that the identified playback data is superimposed on the game video including the replay effect, or is displayed simultaneously with the game video including the replay effect. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the identification means identifies at least one piece of playback data from among a plurality of pieces of playback data each associated with a different attribute, further acquires attribute identification information that identifies the attribute, identifies the attribute based on the attribute identification information, and identifies the playback data associated with the identified attribute. The attributes are classified based on the event type of the event,
The distribution system according to claim 2 , wherein the specifying means specifies the event type based on the attribute specifying information, and specifies the playback data associated with the specified event type. the attributes are classified based on the data type of the reproduction data,
3. The distribution system according to claim 2, wherein said specifying means specifies said data type based on said attribute specifying information, and specifies playback data associated with said specified data type. The event detection means acquires event identification information for identifying the event,
The distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying unit identifies the playback data based on the event identification information. 1. A method for controlling a distribution system that distributes game video of a game being played by a player on a game terminal to user terminals of a plurality of users who are viewers , the user terminals being different from the game terminal, comprising:
detecting an event that has occurred in the game and that results in a replay effect in which a specific scene of the game video is redisplayed on the game terminal ;
Identifying playback data to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event;
A control method for distributing the identified playback data and the game video to each user terminal so that the identified playback data is superimposed on the game video including the replay effect or is displayed simultaneously with the game video including the replay effect . A computer program for a distribution system including a computer, the computer program being configured to distribute game video of a game being played by a player on a game terminal to user terminals of a plurality of users who are viewers, the user terminals being different from the game terminal, the computer program comprising:
The computer,
an event detection means for detecting an event that occurs in the game and that results in a replay effect in which a specific scene of the game video is redisplayed on the game terminal ;
A determination means for determining playback data to be distributed to each user terminal based on the detected event;
functioning as a data distribution means for distributing the identified playback data and the game video to each user terminal ;
The data distribution means is a computer program that distributes the identified playback data and the game video to each user terminal so that the identified playback data is superimposed on the game video including the replay effect, or is displayed simultaneously with the game video including the replay effect .

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