U.S. Pat. No. 9,990,437

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Several embodiments of the invention may make it possible to provide novel game play video-sharing technology.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a server system comprising:

a communication section that communicates with a video database through a communication line, the video database providing a game play video through the communication line so as to be viewable, the game play video being linked video-related information, the video-related information being at least one of 1) information that was input by an uploader and 2) information that was input automatically;

a search target information management section that manages search target information that is used to search the video database for the game play video based on the video-related information;

a reception section that receives a search request from a first user terminal;

a search section that searches the video database for the game play video while searching for the search target information that corresponds to the search request; and

a return section that returns access information to the first user terminal, the access information being information that is used to access the video database for viewing the game play video found by the search section.

In the server system,

wherein the search section may search the video database for the game play video while searching for the video-related information that corresponds to game play information about game play performed using the first user terminal based on the search target information.

In the server system,

wherein the search target information management section may manage the search target information based on the video-related information.

In the server system,

wherein the video database may manage viewing information that includes at least a view count of each game play video, and

the search target information management section may manage the search target information based on the viewing information.

According to the above configurations, the server system communicates with the video database, and automatically collects the access information about the game play video. When the server system has received the game play video search request from the player, the server system provides the access information that has been collected. This makes it possible to provide novel game play video-sharing technology, and improve convenience.

In the server system,

wherein the return section may return at least the access information about the game play video of which the view count has satisfied a given higher-order condition.

According to this configuration, it is possible to return the access information about the game play video having a large (high) view count (i.e., popular game play video), and further improve convenience.

In the server system,

wherein the search section may search the video database for the game play video while searching for the search target information that corresponds to the search request based on the viewing information.

According to this configuration, it is possible to search for the search target information based on the viewing information.

The server system may further comprise:

an upload request reception section that receives an upload request from a second user terminal, the upload request designating an upload target video and upload target video-related information, the upload target video being the game play video that is desired to be uploaded, and the upload target video-related information being the video-related information that is linked to the upload target video; and

an upload section that uploads the upload target video and the upload target video-related information to the video database.

According to this configuration, it is possible to upload the upload target video and the upload target video-related information received from the second user terminal to the video database.

In the server system,

wherein the upload target video-related information may include information that represents the uploader who desires to upload the upload target video.

According to this configuration, it is possible to use the upload target video-related information that includes the information that represents the uploader when uploading the upload target video to the video database.

The server system may further comprise:

a compatibility determination section that determines whether or not the upload target video and the upload target video-related information designated by the upload request received by the upload request reception section satisfy a given compatibility condition,

wherein the upload section may upload the upload target video and the upload target video-related information that have been determined by the compatibility determination section to satisfy the compatibility condition to the video database.

According to this configuration, it is possible to ensure compatibility between the upload target game play video (upload target video) and the video-related information (upload target video-related information) linked to the upload target game play video.

In the server system,

the server system may have a game server function, and may further comprise:

an upload target video generation section that generates an upload target video based on game play performed using a second user terminal managed by the game server function, the upload target video being the game play video that is to be uploaded;

an upload target video-related information generation section that generates upload target video-related information, the upload target video-related information being the video-related information that is linked to the upload target video; and

an upload section that uploads the upload target video and the upload target video-related information to the video database in a linked manner.

According to this configuration, it is possible to generate the upload target video and the video-related information based on game play performed using the user terminal, and upload the upload target video and the video-related information. This makes it possible to further improve convenience.

The server system may further comprise:

a first bonus-giving processing section that performs a first bonus-giving process that gives a given bonus to the uploader who uploaded the game play video when management information about the game play video managed by the video database has satisfied a given bonus-giving condition.

In the server system,

wherein the management information may include at least a view count of the game play video, and

the first bonus-giving processing section may determine whether or not the management information has satisfied the bonus-giving condition using the view count, and may give the given bonus to the uploader who uploaded the game play video for which the management information has satisfied the bonus-giving condition.

According to this configuration, it is possible to give a bonus to the user who is the player of the uploaded game play video (i.e., uploader (i.e., a user who performed the game play included in the video)). This makes it possible to further motivate the user to more positively upload and share the game play video.

In the server system,

the server system may have a game server function, and may further comprise:

a reproduction determination section that determines whether or not game play performed using the first user terminal managed by the game server function after the return section has returned the access information to the first user terminal has satisfied a given reproduction condition referring to the video-related information linked to the game play video, the given reproduction condition being satisfied when the game play performed using the first user terminal is identical or similar to game play included in the game play video that is linked to the video-related information; and

a reproduction determination result notification control section that notifies the first user terminal that the game play performed using the first user terminal has satisfied the given reproduction condition when the reproduction determination section has determined that the game play performed using the first user terminal has satisfied the given reproduction condition.

According to this configuration, when it has been determined that the game play included in the game play video viewed by the user of the first user terminal was reproduced by the user, the user of the first user terminal is notified that the game play included in the game play video was reproduced by the user. Specifically, it is possible to confirm that the game play included in the game play video could be reproduced by the user. This makes it possible to motivate the user to play the game, and share the game play video.

In the server system,

the server system may have a game server function, and may further comprise:

a reproduction determination section that determines whether or not game play performed using the first user terminal managed by the game server function after the return section has returned the access information to the first user terminal has satisfied a given reproduction condition referring to the video-related information linked to the game play video, the given reproduction condition being satisfied when the game play performed using the first user terminal is identical or similar to game play included in the game play video that is linked to the video-related information; and

a second bonus-giving processing section that performs a second bonus-giving process that gives a given bonus to a user of the second user terminal who is linked to the game play video when the reproduction determination section has determined that the given reproduction condition has been satisfied, and the game play video subjected to the determination is a video that was uploaded by the upload section.

According to this configuration, it is possible to give a bonus to the user who uploaded the game play video when it has been determined that the game play included in the game play video was reproduced by the user who viewed the game play video. This makes it possible to further motivate the user to more positively upload and share the game play video.

In the server system,

the server system may have a game server function, and may further comprise:

a value determination section that determines whether or not game play performed using the first user terminal managed by the game server function after the return section has returned the access information to the first user terminal has satisfied a given value condition referring to the video-related information linked to the game play video, the given value condition being satisfied when a play result of the game play performed using the first user terminal was identical to, or better than, that of game play included in the game play video that is linked to the video-related information; and

a third bonus-giving processing section that performs a third bonus-giving process that gives a given bonus to a user of the second user terminal who is linked to the game play video when the value determination section has determined that the given value condition has been satisfied, and the game play video subjected to the determination is a video that was uploaded by the upload section.

According to this configuration, it is possible to give a bonus to the user who is the player of the viewed game play video when the viewed game play video was useful for another user to play the game. This makes it possible to further motivate the user to more positively upload and share the game play video.

In the server system,

the server system may have a game server function, and may further comprise:

a trial determination section that determines whether or not game play performed using the first user terminal managed by the game server function after the return section has returned the access information to the first user terminal has satisfied a given trial condition referring to the video-related information linked to the game play video, the given trial condition being satisfied when the game play performed using the first user terminal was in line with game play included in the game play video that is linked to the video-related information; and

a fourth bonus-giving processing section that performs a fourth bonus-giving process that gives a given bonus to a user of the second user terminal who is linked to the game play video when the trial determination section has determined that the given trial condition has been satisfied, and the game play video subjected to the determination is a video that was uploaded by the upload section.

In the server system,

wherein the fourth bonus-giving processing section may change the bonus that is given to the user corresponding to a trial play time or a trial play count of the game play performed using the first user terminal for which the trial determination section has determined that the given trial condition has been satisfied.

According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the user of the first user terminal tried to reproduce the game play included in the viewed game play video, and give a bonus to the user who uploaded the game play video when the user of the first user terminal tried to reproduce the game play included in the viewed game play video. This makes it possible to further motivate the user to more positively upload and share the game play video.

Note that the details of the video-related information can be appropriately set.

In the server system,

wherein the video-related information may include at least one of a game title, a game category, a game stage, and play result information.

According to this configuration, the server system can be applied to various types of games, and it is possible to improve versatility.

The server system may further comprise the video database.

According to this configuration, the video database can be implemented as part of the server system.

In the server system,

wherein the video-related information may be stored in the video database in an encoded state,

the server system may further comprise a decoder section that decodes the encoded video-related information.

According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately encode the video-related information.

Exemplary embodiments to which the invention is applied are described below taking an example in which players share a game play video of an online game.

FIG. 1is a view illustrating an example of the configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment of the invention. The game system according to the first embodiment includes a server system1100, a video database1200, and a user terminal1500that can connect to a communication line9, and exchange data (perform data communication).

The communication line9is a data communication channel. Specifically, the communication line9includes a communication network such as a local area network (LAN) using a private line (private cable) for direct connection, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like, a telecommunication network, a cable network, and the Internet. The communication method may be either or both of a cable communication method and a wireless communication method.

The server system1100includes a control board1150. The control board1150is provided with a microprocessor (e.g., central processing unit (CPU)1151, graphics processing unit (GPU), and digital signal processor (DSP)), an IC memory1152(e.g., VRAM, RAM, and ROM), and a communication device1153. Note that part or the entirety of the control board1150may be implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

The server system1100is configured so that the control board1150performs a calculation process based on a given program and data to implement 1) a user management function (e.g., user registration function), and 2) a game management function that provides data necessary for the player (i.e., user) to play the game using the player terminal1500. Specifically, the video game according to the first embodiment is implemented as a client-server online game.

The server system1100according to the first embodiment also implements 3) a function that cyclically checks the video database1200, and automatically collects information about a game play video relating to the online game provided by the server system1100, 4) a video posting function that posts a game play video to the video database1200, 5) a function that provides the player with access information about the game play video posted to the video database1200, 6) a function that gives a bonus to the player who posted the game play video to the video database1200based on the results of access to the game play video posted to the video database1200, and 7) a function that gives a bonus to the player who posted the game play video viewed using the user terminal1500based on the relationship between the game play video viewed using the user terminal1500and the game play result.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the server system1100is provided as a single server system. Note that the server system1100may have a configuration in which a plurality of blade servers that take charge of part of the functions are provided, and connected to each other so as to be able to exchange data through an internal bus. Alternatively, the functions of the server system1100may be implemented by causing a plurality of independent servers provided in remote locations to exchange data through the communication line9.

The video database1200is a server system that provides a video site or a video-sharing service. A known video database may be used as the video database1200, or a dedicated database that is implemented as a function of the server system1100may be used as the video database1200.

The user terminal1500(1500a,1500b, . . . ) is a computer that is used by the player to play the game, and can access the server system1100through the communication line9to execute the online game. Note that the user terminal1500can also access the video database1200, and the player can view the video posted to the video database1200.

The user terminal1500is not particularly limited. For example, the user terminal1500may be a device that is classified as a smartphone, a portable game device, a stationary consumer game device, a game controller for a stationary consumer game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

Outline of Functions

FIG. 2is a view illustrating the function of the server system1100according to the first embodiment that cyclically checks the video database1200, and automatically collects information about a game play video relating to the online game provided by the server system1100.

The video database1200assigns specific access information401(e.g., URL, IP address, or route information) to each video posted (uploaded) to the video database1200to generate and manage a posted video data set400.

The configuration of the posted video data set400is appropriately set by the video database1200. For example, the posted video data set400includes access information401, video data402(i.e., the posted video data or video data that is generated by converting/compressing the posted video data into a given data format), video-related information403, a view count404that represents the results of access to the video, and cumulative evaluation result data405.

The video-related information403is a group of information (metadata) that indexes the video data402. The video-related information403includes at least information input by the poster (uploader) or information input automatically. Examples of the information input by the poster include a video title, a poster's account, a tag, and poster's comments (e.g., explanation of the video and impressions of the video (input by the poster)). Examples of the information input automatically include a video classification, viewer's comments on the video, and the like.

AlthoughFIG. 2illustrates an example in which the video-related information403and the video data402are provided separately, the video-related information403may be included in the video data402depending on the configuration of the database or the data management method.

The cumulative evaluation result data405includes the results of evaluation by the viewer(s) after the video has been published. For example, the cumulative evaluation result data405may include the total number of times that the viewer(s) performed a given praise operation input while viewing the video, the distribution and the cumulative value of the evaluation points input by the viewer(s) after viewing the video, and the like.

The server system1100stores a cyclic check keyword list630.

The cyclic check keyword list630is appropriately set corresponding to the game so as to be suitable for searching the video database1200for a game play video relating to the online game provided by the server system1100. For example, when the online game is a role-playing game (RPG), the cyclic check keyword list630may include a game title, the names of characters and items that appear in the game, the name of a dungeon, the name of a stage and the name of a place where a key trap or mechanism is provided, a highlight scene term, and the like.

The server system1100regularly (periodically) accesses the video database1200.

For example, when the video database1200is a video site based on Internet connection, the server system1100accesses the video site using automatic web browsing technology. When the server system1100has accessed the video site, the server system1100acquires page description data (e.g., HTML data). The server system1100performs a search process on the text data included in the page description data using the cyclic check keyword list630to find a web page for viewing the target game play video.

The server system1100automatically accesses the web page found by the search process. The data such as the page description data acquired by accessing (reading) the web page includes the access information401, the video-related information403, the view count404, and the cumulative evaluation result data405(that correspond to the video posted to the web page), and the server system1100generates and stores cyclic check result data640in which the above information and the cyclic check keyword are linked.

Specifically, the cyclic check result data640is generated corresponding to each game play video. The cyclic check result data640includes a cyclic check date/time643, a used cyclic check keyword644, access information645, video-related information646, a view count647, and cumulative evaluation result data650. Note that the cyclic check result data640may appropriately include additional data.

The stored cyclic check result data640(i.e., one piece or a plurality of pieces of cyclic check result data640) is provided to answer an inquiry about the game play video from the user terminal1500. Specifically, the server system1100can collect the information about the game play video posted to the video database1200in place of the player, and provide the collected information to the player. This makes it unnecessary for the player to search each video database1200for the desired game play video. Therefore, it is convenient to the player.

FIG. 3is a view illustrating a first video posting function that is implemented by the server system1100according to the first embodiment, and posts the game play video to the video database1200.

A user2(player) of the user terminal1500accesses the server system1100using a user ID acquired in advance, and plays the online game. The server system1100stores replay data during game play.

The term “replay data” used herein refers to various types of data that are necessary for replaying the game play. For example, the replay data includes data that represents the history of operation inputs (operation inputs that operate the player character) performed by the user2(player), and data that represents the history of operation inputs (operation inputs that operate the non-player character (NPC)) automatically performed by the computer.

The server system1100refers to the replay data, automatically generates a game play video562that corresponds to a scene in which the play state satisfies a given video generation condition, and automatically generates video-related information570that is attached to the game play video. The server system1100then posts (uploads) the game play video562and the video-related information570to the video database1200.

The term “video generation condition” used herein refers to a condition that defines a play state that corresponds to a highlight scene. The video generation condition can be appropriately set taking account of the details of the game and the like. The term “video generation condition” used herein may be interchangeably referred to as “definition of highlight”. The video generation condition that corresponds to the highlight scene may be appropriately set corresponding to the details of the game. For example, the video generation condition corresponds to a scene in which the game stage has been cleared, a scene in which a special technique has been used, a scene in which super play that is very difficult to use or reproduce has been used, or the like.

The details of the video generation condition is described using one parameter or a plurality of parameters selected from the names of the characters and the items that appear in the game, the name of the dungeon, the name of the stage and the name of the place where the key trap or mechanism is provided, and the highlight scene term that are included in the cyclic check keyword list630(seeFIG. 2).

The video-related information570is information that represents the origin and the contents of the game play video (i.e., information that represents the player who posted the game play video, the date/time at which the game play video was posted, the play condition, and the contents of the game play video).

For example, the video-related information570includes 1) the game genre, 2) the game title, 3) the play date/time, 4) the user ID of the player, 5) information about the play state (e.g., the stage ID, and the type and the number of enemy characters that appeared), 6) the video category (i.e., the genre that corresponds to the contents of the game play video), 7) a description that simply describes the contents of the game play video (e.g., the name of the technique used, the number of combos, and the item used), 8) the replay timing, and the like. Note that the video-related information570may appropriately include additional information (e.g., effect display, effect sound, second sound channel, and comments that represent the player's impressions).

When the game play video562and the like are posted (uploaded) to the video database1200, the video database1200sets and returns the access information about the game play video. The server system1100links the video-related information570to the received access information590, and generates (stores) upload history data550.

The access information590is information (e.g., URL, IP address, and route information) that makes it possible to directly locate the target game play video. The access information590may be appropriately set taking account of the configuration of the video database1200.

FIG. 4is a view illustrating a second video posting function that is implemented by the server system1100according to the first embodiment, and posts the game play video to the video database1200.

The user2(player) can access the server system1100using the user terminal1500, and play the online game in the same manner as described above in connection with the first video posting function, but the user terminal1500generates the game play video and the video-related information corresponding to an operation input performed by the user2(player).

When the user2(player) has edited the posting target game play video (upload target video) and the video-related information (upload target video-related information) about the posting target game play video, and performed a given posting request operation using the user terminal1500, the user terminal1500transmits the game play video, the video-related information, and a posting request to the server system1100.

When the server system1100has received the posting request from the user terminal1500, the server system1100determines the compatibility between the contents of the game play video and the contents of the video-related information received from the user terminal1500(compatibility determination process), and posts the game play video and the video-related information to the video database1200when it has been determined that the contents of the game play video and the contents of the video-related information are compatible with each other. The server system1100then acquires the access information from the video database1200, and generates and stores the upload history data550.

FIG. 5is a view illustrating the function that provides the player with the access information about the game play video posted to the video database1200.

The player can query the server system1100regarding the access information about the game play video posted to the video database1200using the user terminal1500, and easily view the desired game play video.

More specifically, when the user terminal1500has detected a given search request operation input during game play, the user terminal1500displays a video category (search keyword) selection menu30(see screen example W6).

The video category is the category of the contents of the game play video562. The categories are provided in advance corresponding to the details of the game. For example, categories “success in technique”, “boss character was captured”, “trap was avoided”, “rare item was found”, and the like may be appropriately set.

When an arbitrary video category has been selected from the video category selection menu30, the user terminal1500transmits a search request for the access information about the game play video using the selected video category as the search keyword to the server system1100.

The server system1100performs a search process on the cyclic check result data640(seeFIG. 2) and the upload history data550(seeFIGS. 3 and 4) in response to the search request from the user terminal1500, and returns the access information about the game play video included in the video database1200that falls under the video category selected by the player.

When the server system1100performs the search process, the server system1100refers to the video category selected by the player and the play data (game play information (e.g., current game stage ID, type of enemy character, name of dungeon, position within game space, type of item, and elapsed time from play start) about the game that is played using the user terminal1500, and searches the video database1200for the video-related information that corresponds to the progress of the game (as described in detail later).

The user terminal1500displays an access information list32that includes the acquired access information (see screen example W8).

When the user2(player) has selected arbitrary access information from the access information list32, the user terminal1500accesses the video database1200according to the selected access information, and displays the game play video that corresponds to the access information selected using the access information list32within a video player screen34(see screen example W10). The video database1200increments the access counter (view count) of the game play video that has been viewed by the user2(player) by “1”.

FIG. 6is a view illustrating the function that gives the bonus to the user2(player) who posted the game play video based on the results of access to the game play video posted to the video database1200.

The server system1100cyclically checks the video database1200, and evaluates (monitors) the game play video of the online game that is played using the user terminal1500. In one embodiment of the invention, the server system1100checks the results of access (view count) to the previously posted game play video562based on the history (upload history data550) of the previously posted game play video. When the view count satisfies a given bonus-giving condition, the server system1100gives the bonus to the user2(player) who posted the game play video562. This makes it possible to motivate the user to more positively upload and share the game play video.

Note that the details of the bonus may be appropriately set. For example, the bonus may be an item, in-game money, an event participation right, a lottery right, or the like that can be used in the online game that is played using the user terminal1500. When the server system1100can provide another game as the online game, the bonus may be an item or the like that can be used in the other game.

The bonus need not necessarily be given to the user based on the view count. When the video database1200can deal with comments, the comments that were added by the viewer may be analyzed, and the bonus may be given to the user based on the number of favorable comments.

FIG. 7is a view illustrating the function that gives the bonus to the player who posted (uploaded) the game play video that was viewed using the user terminal1500based on the relationship between the game play video that was viewed using the user terminal1500and the result of game play using the user terminal1500.

The server system1100performs a reproduction determination process that determines whether or not the user2(2b) (second player) who viewed the game play video562posted by the user2(2a) (first player) could reproduce the game play in (approximately) the same manner as in the game play video562(as described in detail later). The server system1100also performs a trial determination process that determines whether or not the user2(2b) tried to reproduce the game play (as described in detail later). When the user2(2b) could reproduce the game play, or tried to reproduce the game play, the server system1100gives the bonus to the user2(2a) (first player) who posted the game play video562that was viewed by the user2(2b) (second player). This makes it possible to further motivate the user to more positively upload and share the game play video.

Functional Configuration

FIG. 8is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the server system1100according to the first embodiment. The server system1100according to the first embodiment includes an operation input section100s, a server processing section200s, an image display section392s, a communication section394s, and a server storage section500s.

The operation input section100sis a means for performing an operation input for managing the server system1100. A keyboard or the like may be used as the operation input section100s.

The server processing section200sis implemented by electronic parts such as a microprocessor (e.g., CPU and GPU) and an IC memory. The server processing section200sperforms a data input-output control process on each functional section (e.g., operation input section100sand server storage section500s). The server processing section200sperforms various calculation processes based on a given program, data, an operation input signal from the operation input section100s, and data received from the user terminal (e.g., user terminal1500) to control the operation of the server system1100. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the control board1150corresponds to the server processing section200s.

The server processing section200saccording to the first embodiment includes a user management section202, a search target information management section210, a search request reception control section212, a search execution section214, a return control section216, a game management section218, an upload target video generation section220, an upload target video-related information generation section222, an upload request reception control section224, a compatibility determination section226, an upload control section228, a reproduction determination section230, a reproduction determination result notification control section232, a value determination section234, a trial determination section236, a bonus-giving section238, an image generation section292s, and a communication control section294s.

The user management section202performs a user registration process, and performs a registration-management process on various types of data that are linked to the registered user. For example, the user management section202performs a process that issues a specific user ID to the user who has performed a given registration process. The user management section202may also appropriately perform an electronic payment medium link process, an electronic payment account setting process, an account payment process using cash or a credit card, a payment process (e.g., payment of play fee), a payment history storage-management process, and the like. When the game is designed so that the player character can be used in the game by registering the card ID of a game card (trading card), the user management section202may also perform a game card registration process.

The search target information management section210cyclically checks the video database1200, acquires the video-related information and the view count of the video stored in (posted (uploaded) to) the video database1200, and manage the information (search target information) used to search the video database1200for the game play video562(seeFIG. 2). In one embodiment of the invention, the search target information includes the cyclic check result data640(seeFIG. 15) and the upload history data550(seeFIG. 9).

The search request reception control section212performs a control process that receives the search request for the game play video562from the user terminal1500. In one embodiment of the invention, when the user terminal1500that executes the game has detected a given search request operation input, a search condition input screen (i.e., video category selection menu30illustrated inFIG. 5) is displayed on the user terminal1500, and the search request reception control section212acquires the result of selection.

The search execution section214searches the video database1200for the cyclic check result data640(seeFIG. 2) and the upload history data550(seeFIGS. 3 and 4) that meet the search request to find the game play video562that meets the condition set by the player. The search execution section214refers to the play data (game play information) that represents the game that is played using the user terminal1500during the search process.

In one embodiment of the invention, the search execution section214extracts the cyclic check result data640and the upload history data550that meet the video category selected using the video category selection menu30(seeFIG. 5), and then extracts the access information. The search execution section214sets a return priority level corresponding to the extracted access information based on the degree of similarity between the video-related information that corresponds to the extracted access information and the play data, and extracts a given number of game play videos to which a higher priority level is assigned to obtain the search results.

The return control section216performs a control process that returns the access information about the game play video562(posted to the video database1200) found by the search execution section214to the user terminal1500that issued the search request. In one embodiment of the invention, the access information is displayed in the access information list32(seeFIG. 5) so that the desired access information can be selected.

The game management section218performs various game play-related processes.

When implementing a client-server online game, the game management section218performs a control process that starts the game according to the first embodiment upon reception of an execution request from the user terminal1500, and provides data necessary for game play to the user terminal1500while communicating with the user terminal1500. Specifically, the game management section218performs a game preparation process and a game control process. The game management section218stores various types of data necessary for controlling game play in the server storage section500sas play data700. When implementing the game in a PvP mode, the game management section218may be provided with a player matching function.

The upload target video generation section220performs a process that generates and prepares the upload target video (i.e., the game play video to be uploaded) based on the game play performed using the user terminal1500.

The upload target video-related information generation section222performs a process that generates and prepares upload target video-related information that is linked to the upload target video.

The upload request reception control section224performs a control process that receives a posting request (upload request) that designates the upload target game play video (upload target video) and the video-related information (upload target video-related information) linked to the upload target video from the user terminal1500(seeFIG. 4).

The compatibility determination section226determines whether or not the upload target video and the upload target video-related information satisfy a given compatibility condition (seeFIG. 4).

The upload control section228performs a control process that uploads (posts) the automatically generated game play video and the video-related information about the game play video as well as the upload target video and the upload target video-related information that have been determined to satisfy the given compatibility condition by the compatibility determination section226to the video database1200. The upload control section228also performs a control process that generates and stores the upload history data550.

The reproduction determination section230determines whether or not the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies a given reproduction condition (i.e., whether or not the game has been reproduced (approximately) in the same manner as in the game play video) referring to the video-related information linked to the game play video after the return control section216has returned the search results to the user terminal1500.

The reproduction determination result notification control section232performs a control process that notifies the user terminal1500that the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies the given reproduction condition when the reproduction determination section230has determined that the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies the given reproduction condition.

The value determination section234determines whether or not the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies a given value condition (i.e., whether or not the play result of the game play performed using the user terminal1500was identical to, or better than, that of the game play video) referring to the video-related information linked to the game play video after the return control section216has returned the search results to the user terminal1500.

The trial determination section236determines whether or not the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies a given trial condition (i.e., whether or not the game play performed using the user terminal1500was in line with the game play video) referring to the video-related information linked to the game play video after the return control section216has returned the search results to the user terminal1500.

The bonus-giving section238performs a control process that gives the bonus that corresponds to the evaluation state of the game play video to the player who posted the game play video to the video database1200. In one embodiment of the invention, the bonus-giving section238performs the following first to fifth bonus-giving processes.

1) When the view count of the game play video uploaded under control of the upload control section228has satisfied a given bonus-giving condition, the bonus-giving section238gives a given bonus to the user who uploaded the game play video (uploader (i.e., the player of the game play video)) (first bonus-giving process).
2) When the reproduction determination section230has determined that the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies the given reproduction condition, and the game play video is a video uploaded under control of the upload control section228, the bonus-giving section238gives a given bonus to the user who uploaded the game play video (uploader (i.e., the player of the game play video)) (second bonus-giving process).
3) When the value determination section234has determined that the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies the given value condition, and the game play video is a video uploaded under control of the upload control section228, the bonus-giving section238gives a given bonus to the user who uploaded the game play video (uploader (i.e., the player of the game play video)) (third bonus-giving process).
4) When the trial determination section236has determined that the game play performed using the user terminal1500satisfies the given trial condition, and the game play video is a video uploaded under control of the upload control section228, the bonus-giving section238gives a given bonus to the user who uploaded the game play video (uploader (i.e., the player of the game play video)) (fourth bonus-giving process).
5) When the cumulative evaluation results for the game play video uploaded under control of the upload control section228have satisfied a given bonus-giving condition, the bonus-giving section238gives a given bonus to the user who uploaded the game play video (uploader (i.e., the player of the game play video)) (fifth bonus-giving process).

The image generation section292sis implemented by a processor (e.g., GPU and digital signal processor (DSP)), a video signal IC, a program (e.g., video codec), a drawing frame IC memory (e.g., frame buffer), or the like. The image generation section292sgenerates data for displaying the game screen (image) on the user terminal1500based on the processing results of the game management section218. The image generation section292sgenerates an image necessary for the system management process, and outputs the resulting image signal to the image display section392s.

The image display section392sdisplays various images necessary for the system management process based on the image signal input from the image generation section292s. The image display section392smay be implemented by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode-ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display.

The communication control section294sperforms a data communication process, and exchanges data with an external device through the communication section394s.

The communication section394sconnects to the communication line9to implement communication. The communication section394sis implemented by a transceiver, a modem, a terminal adapter (TA), a jack for a communication cable, a control circuit, and the like. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the communication device1153corresponds to the communication section394s.

The server storage section500sstores a system program that causes the server processing section200sto control the server system1100, a game management program, various types of data, and the like. The server storage section500sis used as a work area for the server processing section200s, and temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the server processing section200saccording to various programs. The function of the server storage section500sis implemented by an IC memory (e.g., RAM and ROM), a magnetic disk (e.g., hard disk), an optical disk (e.g., CD-ROM and DVD), an online storage, or the like. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the storage medium (e.g., IC memory1152and hard disk) corresponds to the server storage section500s.

FIG. 9is a view illustrating an example of a program and data stored in the server storage section500saccording to the first embodiment.

The server storage section500sstores a system program501, a server program502, a client program507, stage-basis game initial setting data510, highlight definition data530, the cyclic check keyword list630, first bonus definition data671, second bonus definition data672, third bonus definition data673, fourth bonus definition data674, and fifth bonus definition data675.

The server storage section500salso stores user management data600, the play data700, the upload history data550, and the cyclic check result data640that are successively generated and updated. The server storage section500smay also appropriately store additional information (e.g., timer value, counter value, and flag).

The system program501is a basic program that is read and executed by the server processing section200sto implement a basic input-output function necessary for a computer.

The server program502is a program that causes the server processing section200sto implement the functions of the user management section202, the search target information management section210, the search request reception control section212, the search execution section214, the return control section216, the game management section218, the upload target video generation section220, the upload target video-related information generation section222, the upload request reception control section224, the compatibility determination section226, the upload control section228, the reproduction determination section230, the reproduction determination result notification control section232, the value determination section234, the trial determination section236, and the bonus-giving section238.

The client program507is a program that is executed by the user terminal1500to execute the game. The client program507may be implemented by a dedicated program, for example. When implementing the game according to the first embodiment as a web game, the client program507may be implemented using web technology that actively controls the screen display based on a web browser utilizing HTML, Java (registered trademark), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and the like, and a plug-in such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash. Note that another method may also be used.

The stage-basis game initial setting data510is provided on a game stage basis, and includes various types of initial setting data necessary for executing the game that corresponds to each stage. Part of the stage-basis game initial setting data510may be distributed to the user terminal1500.

The user management data600is provided corresponding to each user registered as a player of the online game provided by the server system1100. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the user management data600includes a user ID601, save data602that includes data that represents the progress of the game up to the latest play, return history data610, and video viewing history data620, for example. Note that the user management data600may appropriately include additional data.

The return history data610is generated corresponding to the history of each return to the game play video search request from the user terminal1500operated by the user. The return history data610includes a return target user ID611(that is identical to the user ID601), a return date/time612, and a returned access information list613that includes the access information that was transmitted as the search results in order of the priority level. Note that the return history data610may appropriately include additional data. For example, the return history data610may include identification information for referring to the cyclic check result data640and the upload history data550that correspond to the access information so that the identification information is linked to each access information included in the returned access information list613.

The video viewing history data620is generated corresponding to each game play video that was viewed. For example, the video viewing history data620includes a viewing date/time621and viewed video access information622. Note that the video viewing history data620may appropriately include additional data.

Again referring toFIG. 9, the play data700is provided corresponding to the game that is being played, and includes various types of data that represent the progress of the game.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the play data700includes a user ID701that represents the player, a login date/time702, a game title704, a game stage ID706that represents the game stage, and a player character type708that represents the type of character used as the player character, for example.

The play data700also includes operation input history data710that represents information about the operation inputs performed by the player in time series, NPC control history data712that represents control information in time series corresponding to each NPC that is automatically controlled by the computer, game space control data714, player character control data716, and NPC control data718.

When the replay data refers to data for reconstructing the game play that has been performed, the game stage ID706, the player character type708, the operation input history data710, and the NPC control history data712correspond to the replay data.

The play data700also includes search-related data720, video viewing control data730, upload target video editing data740, notification control data760that includes data for controlling the display of various notifications within the game screen, and play result data770. Note that the play data700may appropriately include additional data.

The search-related data720is generated each time the game play video is searched, and includes information about the latest search request. For example, the search-related data720includes a selected video category721that represents the result of selection using the video category selection menu30(seeFIG. 5), and a returned access information list722that represents the access information returned in response to the search request.

The video viewing control data730includes data necessary for replaying or viewing the game play video during game play. In one embodiment of the invention, the video viewing control data730includes data necessary for controlling the display of the video player screen34(seeFIG. 5).

The upload target video editing data740includes various types of information about the posting target game play video editing process performed by the player.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the upload target video editing data740includes a manual/automatic editing selection flag741that represents the result of selection by the player as to whether to cause the server system1100to automatically edit the upload target video, or manually edit the upload target video, upload target candidate video data743that is generated corresponding to each upload target candidate video, video editing data745that includes data relating to the manual editing process performed by the player, and upload target video-related information editing data747that includes various types of information about the upload target video-related information editing process during the posting target game play video editing process performed by the player. Note that the upload target video editing data740may appropriately include additional data.

The upload target candidate video data743is game play video data generated by reconstruction from the replay data (e.g., game stage ID706to NPC control history data712illustrated inFIG. 11) corresponding to each scene that corresponds to the highlight definition data530(seeFIG. 13) (described later). The upload target candidate video data743is a material (candidate) for the uploaded target game play video (play target video).

The upload target candidate video data743includes a user ID743a, a specific upload target candidate video ID743b, a game play video743cthat includes the images and the sound of the upload target candidate video, and a corresponding highlight ID743dthat represents the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the upload target candidate video. Note that the upload target candidate video data743may appropriately include additional data.

When the server system1100has automatically edited the game play video, the upload target candidate video data743is automatically generated, and presented to the player. When the player has selected the desired upload target candidate video data743, the video data represented by the selected upload target candidate video data743is determined to be the play target video, and posted (uploaded) to the video database1200.

Again referring toFIG. 9, the highlight definition data530defines the highlight scene during game play that is determined to be appropriate for posting the game play video. The highlight definition data530is provided corresponding to each highlight scene (highlight play state). The highlight definition data530also serves as reproduction determination reference data for determining whether or not the game play included in the game play video could be reproduced. The highlight definition data530further serves as trial determination reference data for determining whether or not the player tried to reproduce the game play included in the game play video.

The highlight scene can be appropriately set taking account of the details of the game. Examples of the highlight scene include “stage clear”, “five successive combo”, “use of killer shot A”, “success in shooting over 1000 m”, “discovery of new path for avoiding trap”, “appearance of concealed door”, and the like.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the highlight definition data530includes an applied game title531that represents the game to which the highlight scene is applied, a specific highlight ID532, a definition parameter value list533, a corresponding video category list535, a state explanation list537, and reproduction difficulty level points539. Note that the highlight definition data530may appropriately include additional data.

The definition parameter value list533includes highlight scene definition data that uses a parameter value that describes the control of the progress of the game.

For example, the definition parameter value list533includes 1) a play time range condition533athat limits the range of the elapsed time from the start of game play, 2) a play state condition533bthat limits the play state (e.g., game stage, scenario, and play mode), 3) game space position information533cthat limits the range of the position of the player character corresponding to each game stage, 4) an operation input history condition533dthat limits the operation input pattern of the player, 5) a used technique type condition533ethat limits the type of technique that has been used, 6) an NPC control condition533fthat limits the state, the type, the number, and the like of NPC, and 7) a play result condition533gthat limits the play result. The highlight scene is defined using one parameter value or a plurality of parameter values among these parameter values.

The corresponding video category list535is a list of video categories that correspond to the highlight scene. The video category is defined in the same manner as the type of highlight scene. Examples of the video category include “stage clear”, “five successive combo”, “use of killer shot A”, “success in shooting over 1000 m”, “discovery of new path for avoiding trap”, “appearance of concealed door”, and the like.

The state explanation list537is a list of options that represent the state explanation text and the state explanation sound suitable for the highlight scene, and the state that corresponds to the highlight scene.

The reproduction difficulty level points539are a numerical value that represents the highlight scene reproduction difficulty level. The reproduction difficulty level points539are appropriately set by the game producer.

Again referring toFIG. 9, the upload history data550is generated each time the game play video is uploaded.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the upload history data550includes an upload destination video database ID551, an upload date/time553, a poster user ID555, upload target video data560, upload target video-related information570, access information590, a view count592, a reproduction count594, a value determination count596, and a trial determination count598, for example. Note that the upload history data550may appropriately include additional data.

The poster user ID555is the user ID of the player (user) who uploaded the game play video (user ID701included in play data700(seeFIG. 11)).

The upload target video data560includes a specific upload target video ID561, an uploaded game play video562, and a corresponding highlight ID563that is the highlight ID532of the corresponding highlight definition data530, for example.

The upload target video-related information570includes an upload target video ID571that represents the upload target video that corresponds to the upload target video-related information, a play date/time572, a game genre573, a game title574, a poster user ID575, a play state576, a video category577, a state explanation578, a corresponding highlight ID579, and a poster's comments580. Note that the upload target video-related information570may appropriately include additional data.

The access information590represents the access information that was assigned by the video database1200when the game play video was uploaded, and returned from the video database1200.

The view count592represents the view count of the uploaded game play video.

The reproduction count594represents the cumulative number of times that the game play included in the uploaded game play video was determined to be reproduced by another player. The initial value of the reproduction count594is set to “0”.

The value determination count596represents the number of times that the uploaded game play video was determined to be valuable for another player. The initial value of the value determination count596is set to “0”.

The trial determination count598represents the number of times that the game play included in the uploaded game play video was determined to be tried by another player. The initial value of the trial determination count598is set to “0”.

Again referring toFIG. 9, the cyclic check keyword list630includes information about the search keyword for extracting the game play video of the online game provided by the server system1100from the videos posted to the video database1200. The cyclic check keyword is appropriately set taking account of the details of the game (e.g., game genre, game title, game stage, name of scenario, name of technique or magic used by player character, name of item, name of weapon, name of summoned beast, name of boss character, or name of place within game space).

The cyclic check result data640includes information about each game play video of the online game provided by the server system1100that has been posted to the video database1200and found by cyclically checking the video database1200.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the cyclic check result data640includes a specific cyclic check result ID641, a video database ID642that represents the cyclic check target video database, the cyclic check date/time643, the used cyclic check keyword644that represents the cyclic check keyword used to obtain the cyclic check result, the access information645for accessing the game play video that was found, the video-related information646, the view count647, and the cumulative evaluation result data650, for example. Note that the cyclic check result data640may appropriately include additional data.

Again referring toFIG. 9, the first bonus definition data671defines the first bonus that is given to player of the game play video (i.e., the player who posted the game play video) corresponding to the view count of the game play video posted by the server system1100, and is provided corresponding to the first bonus. The first bonus definition data671includes an applied view count range (i.e., the range of the view count) and the first bonus in a linked manner, for example.

The second bonus definition data672defines the second bonus that is given to the player of the game play video (i.e., the player who posted the game play video) when the game play included in the game play video posted by the server system1100was reproduced by another player, and is provided corresponding to the second bonus. The second bonus definition data672includes a reproduction count range (i.e., the range of the reproduction count) and the second bonus in a linked manner, for example.

The third bonus definition data673defines the third bonus that is given to the player of the game play video (i.e., the player who posted the game play video) when the game play included in the game play video posted by the server system1100was determined to be valuable for another player, and is provided corresponding to the third bonus. The third bonus definition data673includes an applied value determination count range (i.e., the range of the value determination count) and the third bonus in a linked manner, for example.

The fourth bonus definition data674defines the fourth bonus that is given to the player of the game play video (i.e., the player who posted the game play video) when the game play included in the game play video posted by the server system1100was tried by another player, and is provided corresponding to the fourth bonus. The fourth bonus definition data674includes an applied trial determination count range (i.e., the range of the trial determination count), an applied trial play time range (i.e., the range of the play time required for trial (trial play time)), and the fourth bonus in a linked manner, for example.

The fifth bonus definition data675defines the fifth bonus that is given to the player of the game play video (i.e., the player who posted the game play video) corresponding to the cumulative evaluation results by the viewers for the game play video posted by the server system1100, and is provided corresponding to the fifth bonus. The fifth bonus definition data675includes an evaluation result condition (e.g., the number of praise operations performed by the viewers, a combination of the type and the number of praise operations, the ranges of the number of comments added by the viewers, and the range of the number of comments that use a given term), and the fifth bonus in a linked manner, for example.

Operation

The operation of the server system1100is described below.

FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a cyclic check process that is performed by the server system1100either periodically or intermittently. The flow of the cyclic check process described below is implemented by causing the server system1100to execute the server program502.

The term “cyclic check process” used herein refers to a process that collects the access information about the game play video of the online game provided by the server system1100that has been posted to the video database1200, and regularly monitors the results of evaluation by the viewers.

The server system1100performs a loop A process corresponding to each video database1200selected in advance (steps S2to S10). The loop A process includes accessing the processing target video database1200(step S4), searching the video database1200for the game play video that includes the video-related information403that includes the cyclic check keyword included in the cyclic check keyword list630(seeFIG. 9) (step S6), and generating or updating the cyclic check result data640corresponding to each game play video that has been found (step S8).

When the video database1200is a video site, the server system1100accesses the front page of the video site using known web browsing technology. The server system1100jumps to the web page of the game play video that corresponds to the cyclic check keyword using the page description data and the feed information obtained by reading the page.

When the cyclic check result data640about the access information645that corresponds to the jump destination page is absent, the server system1100generates new cyclic check result data640. The server system1100sets the access information (e.g., URL) about the jump destination page to the access information645, and sets the video-related information646, the view count647, and the cumulative evaluation result data650based on the page description data. The server system1100sets the value determination count658to “0” (initial value).

When the cyclic check result data640about the access information645that corresponds to the jump destination page is present, the server system1100updates the view count647and the cumulative evaluation result data650based on the page description data.

When the server system1100has jumped from the front page to the page of the target game play video, the server system1100searches the site corresponding to each cyclic check keyword using an API provided by the video site, and generates or updates the cyclic check result data640.

When the server system1100has performed the loop A process on all of the video databases1200selected in advance, the server system1100terminates the cyclic check process.

FIGS. 17 to 20are flowcharts illustrating the flow of a game management process that is performed by the server system1100. The flow of the game management process described below is implemented by causing the server system1100to execute the server program502. Note that the following description is given on the assumption that the player has registered himself/herself as a user (i.e., the user management data600has been generated (FIG. 10)), and the user terminal1500operated by the player has executed the client program507to establish data communication with the server system1100.

The term “game management process” used herein refers to a process in which the server system1100causes the user terminal1500to execute the online game.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, the server system1100performs a login process (step S22), and performs a play preparation process (step S24). The play preparation process includes a process that allocates a storage area for the play data700, and sets the game stage and the character used as the player character corresponding to a selection operation input performed by the player. When the game title can also be selected, the server system1100also performs a selection reception-game title setting process.

The server system1100then starts the game control process (step S26).

The operation input history data710, the NPC control history data712, the game space control data714, the player character control data716, and the NPC control data718included in the play data700are generated and updated as the game progresses. Specifically, the replay data is accumulated.

When it has been detected that a given video viewing start operation input has been performed using the user terminal1500(YES in step S40), the server system1100suspends the game control process (step S42), and performs a video category selection reception process in order to set the search condition (step S44).

In one embodiment of the invention, the server system1100causes the user terminal1500to display the video category selection menu30within the game screen (seeFIG. 5), and receives the result of selection using the selection menu30. The server system1100may cause the user terminal1500to display a screen that allows the player to select the desired cyclic check keyword included in the cyclic check keyword list630, and receive the result of selection.

The server system1100then performs an access information search process based on the result of the search condition selection input (steps S30to S38).

Specifically, the server system1100extracts the cyclic check result data640(seeFIG. 15) and the upload history data550(seeFIG. 14) that include the video-related information that satisfies the search condition (step S30), and extracts the cyclic check result data640and the upload history data550for which the view count satisfies a higher-order condition (e.g., higher-order30view counts) (step S32).

The server system1100sets the priority level to each extraction result corresponding to the degree of similarity to (degree of conformity with) the current game play state based on the video-related information included in the cyclic check result data640and the upload history data550(step S34). The server system1100extracts the access information about a given number of pieces of higher-order cyclic check result data640and upload history data550, returns the search results, and causes the user terminal1500to display the access information list32(step S36(seeFIG. 5)). In this case, the access information list32is displayed in a state in which the access information is sorted in descending order of the video-related information (e.g., viewer's comments) addition date/time.

The server system1100generates new return history data610(that is included in the user management data600) based on the search results that have been currently returned by the server system1100(step S38).

Note that the priority level setting method used in the step S34may be appropriately set. In one embodiment of the invention, various parameter values included in the play data700are compared with the definition parameter value list533(seeFIG. 13) included in the highlight definition data530to calculate the degree of similarity (degree of conformity). The degree of similarity is set to “100” when all of the conditions included in the highlight definition data530have been satisfied. The degree of similarity is decreased as the number of conditions that have been satisfied decreases. The degree of similarity is set to “0” when all of the conditions have not been satisfied. The degree of similarity is decreased as the difference from the parameter value defined by each condition increases.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, when the player has selected the desired access information from the access information list32using the user terminal1500, the server system1100determines that it has been detected that a selection operation input that selects the viewing target game play video has been performed (YES in step S50). The server system1100causes the user terminal1500to replay the game play video stored in the video database1200based on the access information selected using the video player screen34(seeFIG. 5), and generates new video viewing history data620(that is included in the user management data600) (step S52(seeFIG. 10)). The server system1100then performs an evaluation entry field display process and an evaluation result input reception process (step S54).

In one embodiment of the invention, the evaluation entry field includes an evaluation category selection field35, an evaluation point entry field36, and a comment entry field37.

The evaluation category selection field35allows the viewer to input (select) a good point of the game play video. The evaluation category can be appropriately set. For example, “play skill”, “poster's comments”, “unpredictable quality”, and the like may be set as the evaluation category.

The evaluation point entry field36allows the viewer to input the evaluation points (e.g., 0 to 100).

Various evaluation entry fields may be used corresponding to the specification of the video database1200. For example, some of the evaluation entry fields may be omitted, or none of the evaluation entry fields may be displayed. A praise operation icon (“LIKE” button icon) may be displayed instead of the evaluation point entry field36.

The server system1100transmits the result of the operation input performed on the operation entry field to the video database1200. The video database1200that has received the result of the operation input performed on the operation entry field updates the cumulative evaluation result data405(seeFIG. 2). When the video database1200is implemented as part of the server system1100, the server system1100updates the cumulative evaluation result data405(seeFIG. 2).

When the server system1100has detected that a given video viewing end operation input has been performed using the user terminal1500(YES in step S60), the server system1100causes the user terminal1500to stop displaying the video player screen34(game play screen) (step S62), and resumes the game control process (step S64).

The server system1100repeats the steps S40to S64until a given play termination condition is satisfied (NO in step S70).

When the play termination condition has been satisfied (YES in step S70), the server system1100stores the save data602(seeFIG. 10) based on the play data700(step S72). The server system1100then compares the play data700and the highlight definition data530(seeFIG. 13). When the server system1100has determined that the current game play includes the highlight scene (YES in step S74), the server system1100performs an upload target video preparation process (step S76).

FIG. 21is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the upload target video preparation process.

The server system1100generates the game play video (upload target candidate video) that corresponds to the highlight scene based on the operation input history data710(seeFIG. 11) (step S100). For example, the server system1100generates the game play video for a given time including the highlight scene as the replay video, and generates the upload target candidate video data743(that is included in the upload target video editing data740) (seeFIG. 12).

The server system1100then causes the user terminal1500to display the selection screen that allows the player to select whether to manually edit the upload target video, or cause the server system1100to automatically edit the upload target video, and receives the result of selection by the player (step S102).

When the automatic editing method has been selected (“AUTOMATIC” in step S104), the server system1100refers to the reproduction difficulty level points539(seeFIG. 13) included in the highlight definition data530, and selects a given number of upload target candidate videos (upload target videos) for which the reproduction difficulty level points539satisfy a given posting reference value (step S106).

Specifically, the server system1100allocates a storage area for the upload history data550, and sets the upload target video data560from the data of the selected upload target candidate videos (seeFIG. 14). More specifically, the server system1100copies the upload target candidate video ID743bincluded in the selected upload target candidate video data743(seeFIG. 12) to the upload target video ID561, and copies the game play video743cincluded in the selected upload target candidate video data743to the game play video562. The server system1100copies the corresponding highlight ID743dincluded in the selected upload target candidate video data743to the corresponding highlight ID563.

The server system1100then generates the upload target video-related information570corresponding to each upload target video (step S108(seeFIG. 14)).

Specifically, the server system1100copies the upload target video ID561included in the upload target video data560to the upload target video ID517. The server system1100sets the current date/time to the play date/time572. The server system1100sets the genre and the game title of the online game that is being played to the game genre573and the game title574, and sets the user ID701(seeFIG. 11) included in the play data700to the poster user ID575.

The server system1100sets the play state576based on the parameter value included in the play data700that represents the play state. For example, the server system1100sets the number or the name of the game stage based on the game stage ID706, the name of the dungeon in which the player character is situated (based on the player character control data716), the name of the place name in the game world, or the like to the play state576. Note that the play state576may be appropriately set taking account of the details of the game.

The server system1100copies the corresponding video category list535included in the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the corresponding highlight ID563to the video category577.

The server system1100randomly selects (sets) one of the state explanations included in the state explanation list537included in the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the corresponding highlight ID563as the state explanation578.

The server system1100copies the corresponding highlight ID563to the corresponding highlight ID579.

The server system1100sets the poster's comments580to be empty.

When the server system1100has generated the upload target video-related information570, the server system1100terminates the upload target video preparation process.

When the manual editing method has been selected in the step S104(“MANUAL” in step S104), the server system1100causes the user terminal1500to display the manual editing screen for the video that is used as the material for the upload target video, and performs a video editing control process and a video-related information editing control process corresponding to the editing operation performed by the player (step S110).

Specifically, the server system1100generates the game replay video based on the replay data (e.g., operation input history data710and NPC control history data712), and edits the video. The server system1100causes the user terminal1500to display the selection fields and the entry fields for the game genre, the game title, the play state, the video category, the state explanation, and the poster's comments included in the upload target video-related information570, and allows the player to select or input each item. The editing data relating to the video and the video-related information is stored as the upload target video editing data740included in the play data700(seeFIGS. 9 and 12). Note that the upload target video ID, the play date/time, and the poster user ID included in the video-related information editing data747are set automatically.

When the video and the video-related information have been manually edited, the server system1100performs a compatibility determination process that determines whether or not the edited video and the edited video-related information are compatible with each other (step S112).

Specifically, the server system1100determines the time zone of the game play that corresponds to the edited video with regard to the play state. The server system1100reads the replay data that corresponds to the time zone from the play data700, and performs the compatibility determination process.

The server system1100determines the time zone of the game play that corresponds to the edited video with regard to the video category and the state explanation. The server system1100reads the replay data that corresponds to the time zone from the play data700, and determines whether or not the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the play state exists. When the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the play state has been found, the server system1100compares the corresponding video category list535and the state explanation list537included in the definition data with the edited video-related information to make a determination. Even if the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the play state has not been found, the server system1100determines that the edited video and the edited video-related information are compatible with each other taking account of the player's intention.

When the edited video and the edited video-related information are not compatible with each other (NO in step S114), the server system1100notifies the player that the edited video and the edited video-related information are not compatible with each other (step S116).

When the edited video and the edited video-related information are compatible with each other (YES in step S114), the server system1100sets the manually edited video to be the upload target video (step S118), and sets the edited video-related information to be the upload target video-related information (step S120).

Specifically, the server system1100allocates a storage area for the upload history data550(seeFIG. 14), automatically sets the upload target video ID561included in the upload target video data560, and copies the manually edited video to the game play video562. The server system1100sets the highlight ID included in the highlight definition data530determined by the step S112to the corresponding highlight ID563. The server system1100copies the manually edited video-related information to the upload target video-related information570.

When the server system1100has set the upload target video data560and the upload target video-related information570, the server system1100terminates the upload target video preparation process.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, when the server system1100has terminated the upload target video preparation process, the server system1100requests the player to indicate whether or not the player agrees to post the game play video using the user terminal1500. When the player has performed an operation input that indicates that the player agrees to post the game play video, the server system1100determines that the upload request has been detected (YES in step S140), and uploads the upload target video to the video database (step S142).

Specifically, the server system1100sets the identification information about the posting destination video database1200to the upload destination video database ID551included in the upload history data550(seeFIG. 14), sets the current date/time to the upload date/time553, and sets the user ID701included in the play data700to the poster user ID555. The server system1100then accesses the posting destination video database1200, and automatically posts the game play video562included in the upload target video data560, and the upload target video-related information570. Note that it is desirable that the server system1100also delete the upload target video data560from the upload history data550to release the storage area.

When the video has been posted to the video database1200, the access information is assigned to the video. The server system1100sets the access information assigned to the video to the access information590included in the upload history data550(step S144).

The server system1100then performs a reproduction determination process on the current game play (step S150).

Specifically, the server system1100refers to the video viewing history data620included in the user management data600of the player (seeFIG. 10), accesses the video database1200using the viewed video access information622, and acquires the video-related information403(seeFIG. 2) that corresponds to the viewed game play video.

When the game play video was previously uploaded by the server system1100, the corresponding highlight ID579(seeFIG. 14) is included in the acquired video-related information403. Therefore, the server system1100compares the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the corresponding highlight ID579with the replay data (seeFIG. 11) included in the play data700, and determines that the game play could be reproduced when the same highlight scene has been detected from the current game play.

When the game play video was uploaded by a computer other than the server system1100, the server system1100compares the acquired video-related information403with the definition included in the highlight definition data530, the corresponding video category list535, and the state explanation list537to determine whether or not the corresponding highlight scene is present.

The server system1100determines that the game play was not reproduced when the corresponding highlight scene has not been found. When the corresponding highlight scene has been found, the server system1100compares the highlight definition data530with the replay data included in the play data700, and determines that the game play could be reproduced when the same highlight scene has been detected from the current game play.

When it has been determined that the game play could be reproduced (YES in step S152), the server system1100causes the user terminal1500to notify the player that the game play could be reproduced (step S154).

When the game play video for which it has been determined that the game play could be reproduced is the game play video that was posted corresponding to the upload request (i.e., the game play video represented by the upload history data550) (YES in step S156), the server system1100increments the reproduction count594included in the upload history data550of the game play video by “1” (step S158).

The server system1100refers to the second bonus definition data672, and changes the save data602included in the user management data600of the player so that the second bonus that corresponds to the reproduction count594is given to the player of the game play video for which the game play was reproduced (step S160).

As illustrated inFIG. 20, the server system1100then performs a value determination process on the game play video viewed by the player during the current game play (step S170).

Specifically, the server system1100refers to the video viewing history data620included in the user management data600of the player, extracts the game play video viewed by the player during the current game play, and performs the value determination process on the extracted game play video to determine whether or not the extracted game play video was valuable for the player. Specifically, the server system1100determines that the game play video viewed by the player during the current game play was valuable for the player when the play result of the current game play is equal to or better than the play result of the game play video that corresponds to the access information search request issued during the current game play.

The server system1100then accesses the game play video viewed during the current game play, and acquires the video-related information403. When the game play video was previously posted by the server system1100, the corresponding highlight ID is included in the acquired video-related information403. In this case, the server system1100reads the reproduction difficulty level points539included in the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the corresponding highlight ID.

The server system1100compares the replay data of the current game play with the highlight definition data530, and generates a list of the reproduction difficulty level points539corresponding to each highlight scene included in the current game play. When the reproduction difficulty level points539corresponding to each highlight scene included in the current game play are higher than the reproduction difficulty level points539of the game play video viewed during the current game play, the server system1100determines that the value condition is satisfied, and the game play video viewed during the current game play was valuable.

When the play result data770(e.g., final game points) is included in the acquired video-related information403as the play result, the server system1100may compare the play result data770included in the acquired video-related information403with the play result data770of the current game play, and determine that the value condition is satisfied, and the game play video viewed during the current game play was valuable when the play result data770of the current game play is better than the play result data770included in the acquired video-related information403.

When it has been determined that the game play video viewed during the current game play was valuable (YES in step S172), and the game play video that has been determined to be valuable is the video that was previously posted by the server system1100(YES in step S174), the server system1100increments the value determination count596(seeFIG. 14) of the game play video by “1” (step S176). The server system1100refers to the third bonus definition data673, and gives the third bonus that corresponds to the value determination count596to the player of the game play video (step S178).

The server system1100then performs a trial determination process that determines whether or not the game play included in the game play video viewed by the player during the current game play was tried (step S190).

Specifically, the server system1100acquires the video-related information403that corresponds to the game play video viewed during the current game play from the video database1200, and determines the highlight scene included in the game play video. The server system1100compares the definition parameter value list533included in the highlight definition data530that corresponds to the highlight scene included in the game play video with the replay data included in the play data700.

The server system1100determines that the game play included in the game play video viewed by the player during the current game play was tried when the replay data is similar to the data included in the definition parameter value list533. More specifically, when 50% or more and less than 100% of the technique command inputs set to the used technique type condition533ehave been detected from the operation input history data710, the server system1100determines that the trial condition is satisfied, and the game play included in the game play video viewed by the player during the current game play was tried.

When the game play video viewed during the current game play includes a video for which the game play was tried (YES in step S191), the server system1100counts the trial count and the total time required for the trial (i.e., trial play time) (step S192), refers to the fourth bonus definition data674(seeFIG. 9), gives the fourth bonus that corresponds to the trial count and the trial play time to the player of the game play video (step S194), and terminates the process.

FIG. 22is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the first bonus-giving process and the fifth bonus-giving process that are periodically performed by the server system1100.

The server system1100performs a loop C process on each video database1200registered in advance (steps S230to S250).

The loop C process includes accessing the processing target video database1200(step S232), and performing a loop D process on each game play video that was previously uploaded by the server system1100(i.e., each video represented by the upload history data550) (steps S234to S248).

The loop D process includes reading the access information590from the upload history data550(seeFIG. 14) that corresponds to the processing target game play video, and accessing the processing target game play video stored in the video database1200using the access information. The view count404(seeFIG. 2) is obtained from the video database1200, and the server system1100stores the view count404as the view count592included in the upload history data550that corresponds to the game play video (step S236).

The server system1100refers to the first bonus definition data671(seeFIG. 9), and gives the first bonus that corresponds to the view count592to the player of the processing target game play video (i.e., the user represented by the poster user ID555included in the upload history data550that corresponds to the processing target game play video) (step S238).

The server system1100then acquires the cumulative evaluation result data405(seeFIG. 2) that corresponds to the processing target game play video from the video database1200(step S240).

The server system1100refers to the fifth bonus definition data675(seeFIG. 9), gives the fifth bonus that corresponds to the acquired cumulative evaluation result data405to the player of the processing target game play video (step S242), and terminates the loop D process (step S248).

When the server system1100has performed the loop D process on all of the game play videos previously uploaded by the server system1100, the server system1100terminates the loop D (step S250). When the server system1100has performed the loop C process on all of the video databases1200registered in advance, the server system1100terminates the first bonus-giving process and the fifth bonus-giving process.

According to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide novel game play video-sharing technology that improves convenience, and improves game playability based on the game play video-sharing process.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment to which the invention is applied is described below. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a function that adds an advertisement to the upload target video is additionally provided. Note that the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described below. The same elements as those described above in connection with the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference signs (symbols), and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 23is a view illustrating a functional configuration example of the server system1100according to the second embodiment.

The server processing section200saccording to the second embodiment includes an advertisement fee-giving section240, and the upload target video generation section220includes an advertisement addition control section221. As illustrated inFIG. 24, the server storage section500saccording to the second embodiment stores a high rating prediction evaluation condition520, advertisement data522, and advertisement fee definition data524.

The advertisement addition control section221determines whether or not the upload target video satisfies the high rating prediction evaluation condition that is satisfied when the upload target video is predicted to be a video that is considered to be viewed constantly. The high rating prediction evaluation condition may be set based on whether or not the poster is a specific poster designated in advance, whether or not the upload target video includes specific super play, whether or not the posting date/time falls within a specific notification encouragement period from the start of the game service, and the like. The high rating prediction evaluation condition520is provided corresponding to each high rating prediction evaluation condition.

The advertisement addition control section221adds (synthesizes) an advertisement defined by the advertisement data522provided in advance to the video when the high rating prediction evaluation condition is satisfied. When the video includes specific super play, the advertisement is added to the super play scene and/or added to precede or follow the super play scene. When the video does not include specific super play, the advertisement is added to be displayed after a given time has elapsed from the start of the video. The advertisement may be a banner-like advertisement image, or may be a scrolling text.

The advertisement addition control section221adds given advertisement addition index information that represents the addition of the advertisement to the video-related information that corresponds to the game play video to which the advertisement is added.

The advertisement fee-giving section240gives an advertisement fee to the player (user) of the game play video to which the advertisement is added. Specifically, the advertisement fee-giving section240refers to the cyclic check result data640(seeFIG. 15), and gives a bonus to the player based on the view count647or the cumulative evaluation result data650of the game play video to which the advertisement is added (i.e., a video that is linked to the video-related information646that includes given information that represents the addition of the advertisement). For example, a better bonus is given to the player as the view count647increases. The advertisement fee definition data524is provided corresponding to each bonus so as to be linked to a bonus selection condition.

FIG. 25is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the upload target video preparation process according to the second embodiment. The flow of the upload target video preparation process according to the second embodiment is basically the same as described above in connection with the first embodiment, except that the server system1100performs a control process that adds an advertisement to the upload target video that satisfies the high rating prediction evaluation condition520, and adds given advertisement addition index information to the upload target video-related information that corresponds to the upload target video (step S122).

FIG. 26is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the first bonus-giving process and the fifth bonus-giving process according to the second embodiment. The flow of the first bonus-giving process and the fifth bonus-giving process according to the second embodiment is basically the same as described above in connection with the first embodiment, except that the server system1100refers to the video-related information that corresponds to the game play video subjected to the loop D process after the step S242, and determines whether or not the game play video is a video to which an advertisement is added in the step S122. When the game play video is a video to which an advertisement is added in the step S122(YES in step S244), the server system1100gives a bonus (advertisement fee) to the player of the game play video (step S246).

Modifications

The embodiments to which the invention is applied have been described above. Note that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications may be appropriately made, such as adding other elements, omitting some of the elements, or changing some of the elements.

Although the above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the invention is applied to an online game, the invention may also be applied to a stand-alone game that can be executed by the user terminal1500alone.

For example, the configuration of the game management section218illustrated inFIG. 8is implemented by the user terminal1500. Specifically, the steps S24to S44illustrated inFIG. 17and the steps S50to S72illustrated inFIG. 18are performed by the user terminal1500. The user terminal1500transmits the replay data to the server system1100after completion of game play, and the server system1100performs the step S74and the subsequent steps illustrated inFIGS. 18 to 20based on the replay data.

Alternatively, the user terminal1500performs the steps S24to S44illustrated inFIG. 17and the steps S50to S76illustrated inFIG. 18. The user terminal1500performs the step S110illustrated inFIG. 21after completion of game play, the player manually edit the posting target game play video using the user terminal1500, and the user terminal1500posts the manually edited game play video to the video database1200. The user terminal1500transmits the access information acquired from the video database1200and the posted video-related information to the server system1100. The server system1100then generates and stores the upload history data550(search target information) based on the received information (the upload target video data560is omitted in this case), and performs the step S150and the subsequent steps illustrated inFIGS. 18 to 20.

Alternatively, the user terminal1500performs the steps S24to S44illustrated inFIG. 17and the steps S50to S76illustrated inFIG. 18. The user terminal1500performs the step S110illustrated inFIG. 21after completion of game play, and the player manually edit the posting target game play video and the video-related information using the user terminal1500. The user terminal1500then transmits the upload request to the server system1100together with the edited game play video (upload target video) and the edited video-related information (upload target video-related information). The server system1100then performs the step S140and the subsequent steps illustrated inFIG. 19.

A function that encodes the video-related information may be provided to the upload target video-related information generation section222(seeFIG. 8). In this case, a function that decodes the encoded video-related information is provided to the search target information management section210and the search execution section214.

Although only some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within scope of this invention.