Direct marketing system

Abstract

To provide a direct marketing system which can make product information fully recognized.SOLUTION: In a marketing system S, a server 1 includes: a video distribution unit 100 for distributing video data to a viewer terminal 3 in real time and displaying the video data; a viewer input information distribution unit 104 for distributing viewer input information as information input to the viewer terminal 3 to a distributor terminal 2 in real time and displaying the viewer input information; a product information determination unit 103 for determining whether the viewer input information includes product information as information on products; a recommendation information recognition unit 105 for recognizing the viewer input information which includes the product information as recommendation information for recommending the name of a viewer A, who input the viewer input information, to be read aloud; and a notification unit 106 for notifying a distributor through the distributor terminal 2 of a fact that the viewer input information is distributed when the viewer input information which is recognized to be the recommendation information is distributed to the distributor information 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a direct marketing system for introducing products included in video data to viewers. [Background technology]

[0002] One effective way for companies to increase customer purchasing power is through direct marketing, where the company communicates directly with customers and encourages them to make purchases. However, this method has the problem that it is difficult to deal with a large number of customers.

[0003] In response to this, advertising systems have been proposed that utilize the video distribution platforms that have emerged in recent years to distribute advertising video data introducing products to an unspecified number of viewers, thereby enabling marketing to a large number of viewers (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-065125 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the advertising system described in Patent Document 1, the viewer simply watches video data that has been prepared in advance, so the product information is transmitted in a one-way manner to the viewer, and there is a risk that the viewer will not be able to fully recognize the product information.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a direct marketing system that makes it easy for viewers of video data to recognize product information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The direct marketing system of the present invention comprises: A direct marketing system for introducing a product included in a video data captured by a distributor terminal used by a distributor to a viewer terminal used by a viewer, and displaying the video data on the viewer terminal, comprising: a video distribution unit that distributes the video data to the viewer terminal in real time and displays the video data; a viewer input information distribution unit that distributes viewer input information, which is information input to the viewer terminal, to the distributor terminal in real time and displays the viewer input information; a product information determination unit that determines whether the viewer input information includes product information that is information about the product; a recommendation information recognition unit that recognizes the viewer input information including the product information as recommendation information that recommends reading out the name of the viewer who input the viewer input information; The present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a notification unit that, when the viewer input information recognized as the recommended information is distributed to the distributor terminal, notifies the distributor via the distributor terminal that the viewer input information has been distributed.

[0008] In the direct marketing system of the present invention, when a viewer inputs any information (i.e., viewer input information) into the viewer terminal used by the viewer while watching video data, if the viewer input information includes product information, the viewer input information is displayed in real time on the distributor terminal.

[0009] At this time, the viewer input information including the product information is recognized as recommendation information that recommends reading out the viewer's name. Then, when the viewer input information is distributed to the distributor terminal, the distributor is notified via the distributor terminal that the viewer input information corresponding to the recommendation information has been distributed. As a result, the name of the viewer corresponding to the viewer input information is read out by the distributor during distribution of the video data.

[0010] Generally, viewers who watch video data distributed by a distributor are highly motivated to have their own names read out loud, and so the viewers will repeatedly and proactively input viewer input information, including product information, into their viewer terminals in order to have the distributor read out their own names.

[0011] Therefore, according to the direct marketing system of the present invention, viewers become fully aware of product information by repeatedly and proactively inputting viewer input information, including product information, into the viewer terminal. Also, viewers who do not themselves input viewer input information can easily become aware of product information by watching the exchange. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a marketing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the marketing system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of video data displayed on a viewer terminal by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an image showing an example of a report image of a reward amount displayed on a distributor terminal by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of video data displayed on a viewer terminal by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1 when the winner of a broadcaster is decided. [Figure 6] 2 is an image showing an example of an image representing a pass transmitted to a viewer terminal by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is an image showing an example of an image transmitted to the organizer terminal by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1, indicating that distribution of the product has been permitted. [Figure 8] 3 is an image diagram showing an example of viewer input information and a notification mode displayed on a distributor terminal by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1 when viewer input information is input to a viewer terminal. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1 when calculating a fee to be paid to a distributor. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1 when deciding a winner among a plurality of distributors. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1 when issuing and authenticating a pass. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the marketing system shown in FIG. 1 when synthesizing an image with video data and distributing the resulting data to a viewer terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A direct marketing system (hereinafter referred to as "marketing system S") according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Marketing system S is used as a marketing technique by which a company marketing a product increases the purchasing desire of its customers (viewers), in which the company's agent (broadcaster) communicates directly with customers (viewers) and encourages them to make a purchase.

[0015] Specifically, in this method, a distributor using the marketing system S first uses his / her own distributor terminal 2 (see FIG. 1) or the like to shoot video data introducing the company's product at the request of the company. The distributor then uses the marketing system S to distribute the video data to an unspecified number of viewers. This allows the company to market (advertise) the product to a large number of viewers all at once.

[0016] [System Overview] Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the marketing system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the marketing system S is a computer system, and is configured with a server 1 owned by a provider of the services provided by the marketing system S.

[0018] The server 1 is configured to be able to communicate information with distributor terminals 2 such as smartphones and tablets used by each of multiple distributors D, viewer terminals 3 such as smartphones and tablets used by each of multiple viewers A, and organizer terminals 4 such as smartphones, tablets, vending machines, etc. used by the organizer of a product promotion event, via the Internet network, public lines, etc. Note that in Fig. 1, one each of the multiple distributor terminals 2 and the multiple viewer terminals 3 is shown as a representative.

[0019] The marketing system of the present invention is not limited to being composed of a single server, but any of the terminals constituting the marketing system may be configured to include a processing unit as described below.

[0020] Therefore, for example, a marketing system may be configured with a plurality of servers. Also, for example, at least one of the distributor terminal, the viewer terminal, and the organizer terminal may be equipped with at least one of the processing units or at least a part of the function of the processing unit, and the marketing system may be configured by the terminal equipped with the processing unit or function working in cooperation with the server, or the marketing system may be configured only with the terminal equipped with the processing unit.

[0021] Also, for example, a processing unit (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the distributor input unit 20 and the distributor output unit 21 provided in the distributor terminal 2 in this embodiment may be provided in a terminal having a processing unit in the present invention (for example, the server 1 in this embodiment) and configured as an independent direct marketing device.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, the distributor terminal 2 includes a distributor input unit 20 and a distributor output unit 21 as functions (processing units) realized by at least one of the implemented hardware configuration and the program. Note that there may be multiple distributor terminals 2, but Fig. 2 shows only one of the multiple distributor terminals 2.

[0023] In this embodiment, the distributor input unit 20 of the distributor terminal 2 is described as a camera and a microphone. Also, in this embodiment, the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 is described as a display panel, a speaker, and a vibration function of the distributor terminal 2 itself.

[0024] However, the distributor input unit 20 and the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 are not limited to the above configuration, and may be any unit capable of receiving information input from a distributor and outputting information for presentation to the distributor. Therefore, for example, the distributor input unit 20 and the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 may be configured using a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0025] The viewer terminal 3 includes a viewer input unit 30 and a viewer output unit 31 as functions (processing units) realized by at least one of the implemented hardware configuration and the program. Note that there may be multiple viewer terminals 3, but only one of the multiple viewer terminals 3 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] In this embodiment, the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 is a touch panel, and the viewer output unit 31 is a touch panel and a speaker.

[0027] However, the viewer output unit 31 of the viewer terminal 3 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be any unit capable of outputting information for presenting to the viewer A. Therefore, for example, the viewer output unit 31 of the viewer terminal 3 may be configured using a keyboard or the like.

[0028] The organizer terminal 4 includes an organizer input unit 40 and an organizer output unit 41 as functions (processing units) realized by at least one of the implemented hardware configuration and the program. Note that there may be multiple organizer terminals 4, but only one of the multiple organizer terminals 4 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the host input unit 40 of the host terminal 4 is a camera, and the host output unit 41 is a display panel.

[0030] However, the organizer output unit 41 of the organizer terminal 4 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be any configuration that can output information to the organizer. Therefore, for example, the organizer output unit 41 of the organizer terminal 4 may be configured to be able to output using a speaker or the like.

[0031] The broadcaster terminal 2, the viewer terminal 3, and the host terminal 4 are not limited to being configured with items in real space, but may be configured with items in virtual space, or may be configured with a combination of items in real space and items in virtual space. When configured using items in virtual space in this way, at least one of the input and output is performed in the virtual space or a space that combines virtual space and real space.

[0032] [Configuration of each processing section] Next, the processing units constituting the marketing system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 includes, as functions (processing units) realized by at least one of the implemented hardware configuration and the program, a video distribution unit 100, an image synthesis unit 101, a viewer information recognition unit 102, a product information judgment unit 103, a viewer input information distribution unit 104, a recommended information recognition unit 105, an alarm unit 106, a tip information recognition unit 107, a reward calculation unit 108, a win / loss information counting unit 109, a win / loss determination unit 110, a pass issuing unit 111, and an authentication permission unit 112.

[0034] The video distribution unit 100 distributes video data captured by the distributor input unit 20 of the distributor terminal 2 used by distributor D in real time to the viewer terminal 3 used by viewer A, and causes the viewer output unit 31 of the viewer terminal 3 to output the video data, as shown in Figure 3.

[0035] The moving image distribution unit 100 may distribute a plurality of pieces of moving image data to a single viewer terminal 3 in real time.

[0036] Here, the "video data" refers to video data in which distributor D, who is an agent of a company that markets products, introduces the products of that company.

[0037] In addition, here, "real time" refers to cases where the shooting of video data at the distributor input unit 20 of the distributor terminal 2 used by distributor D and the output of the video data at the viewer terminal 3 used by viewer A are carried out simultaneously or instantly, as well as cases where there is a certain time lag.

[0038] For example, even if there is a time lag of several minutes between the shooting of video data at the distributor input unit 20 of the distributor terminal 2 used by distributor D and the output of the video data at the viewer terminal 3 used by viewer A, this is still considered "real time" as long as two-way communication about the product can be achieved between distributor D and viewer A.

[0039] The image synthesis unit 101 synthesizes an image related to the product with a video of the video data captured by the distributor input unit 20 of the distributor terminal 2 used by the distributor D. The image to be synthesized may be a background image to be synthesized with the background of the distributor D.

[0040] Here, "images relating to a product" are, for example, images of the product itself, the product's name, the product's catchphrase, or the product's mascot character. Note that the images relating to a product are not limited to the above configuration, and may be images related to the product that a marketing company wants to advertise. Images that change over time (i.e., videos) may also be used.

[0041] The viewer information recognition unit 102 recognizes the viewer input information inputted by the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 used by the viewer A, and determines the type of the viewer input information. Then, the viewer input information is transmitted to a corresponding processing unit for each determined type.

[0042] For example, when the viewer input information inputted in the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 used by the viewer A is linguistic information (text information, audio information, video information) that the viewer A wishes to convey to the distributor D, the viewer input information is transmitted to the product information determination unit 103. When the viewer input information includes information on tips, the viewer input information is transmitted to the tip information recognition unit 107. When the viewer input information includes information on the outcome of a competition between multiple distributors D, the viewer input information is transmitted to the win / loss information counting unit 109.

[0043] The information recognized by the viewer information recognition unit 102 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the information may be information about a gift (present) other than money from the viewer to the distributor.

[0044] The product information determination unit 103 determines whether product information is included in the viewer input information received from the viewer information recognition unit 102. If it is determined that the viewer input information includes product information, the viewer input information is transmitted to the viewer input information distribution unit 104 and the recommended information recognition unit 105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer input information does not include product information, the viewer input information is transmitted only to the viewer input information distribution unit 104.

[0045] In this embodiment, even if it is determined that the viewer input information does not contain product information, product information determination unit 103 transmits the viewer input information to viewer input information distribution unit 104. However, the viewer input information may be configured to transmit the viewer input information to viewer input information distribution unit 104 only when it is determined that the viewer input information contains product information.

[0046] Here, "product information" is a concept that includes not only information in which a specific product name is included in the viewer input information, but also information that does not directly include the product name but includes content related to the product being marketed, such as the price, sales period, sales area, stock status, questions necessary to purchase the product, etc. For example, if the product is food or drink, the product information may be questions about the texture of the product.

[0047] The viewer input information distribution unit 104 distributes the viewer input information received from the product information determination unit 103 in real time to the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 for display. The "real time" here is the same concept as the real time concept described above.

[0048] In this embodiment, the viewer input information is transmitted to the distributor D by displaying it on the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2, but the viewer input information may also be transmitted to the distributor D by outputting the viewer input information as audio by the distributor terminal 2.

[0049] The recommended information recognition unit 105 recognizes the viewer input information received from the product information determination unit 103 as recommended information that recommends reading out the viewer's name. Then, when the viewer input information distribution unit 104 distributes the viewer input information to the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 for display, it transmits a signal to the notification unit 106.

[0050] Here, "viewer's name" is a concept that includes viewer A's real name, pen name, stage name, pseudonym, or abbreviations of these. Also, "recommending reading" is, as the wording suggests, merely a recommendation to distributor D to read out viewer A's name, etc., and is not binding.

[0051] When the notification unit 106 receives a signal from the recommended information recognition unit 105, it notifies the distributor D via the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 that the viewer input information distribution unit 104 has distributed the viewer input information, which is recommended information, to the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 and displayed it.

[0052] The method by which the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 notifies the distributor D may be any method that attracts the attention of the distributor D. Examples of such a method include a method of displaying the viewer input information, which is the recommended information, in a highly eye-catching color (see FIG. 8), a method of outputting sound, a method of vibrating the distributor terminal 2, and the like.

[0053] The tipping information recognition unit 107 first recognizes information regarding tips contained in the viewer input information received from the viewer information recognition unit 102, and transmits the information to the remuneration calculation unit 108.

[0054] Here, "tipping" refers to money transferred from viewer A to distributor D. Furthermore, "money" is a concept that includes not only legal currency, but also virtual currency, or points equivalent to legal currency that can only be used within a specific platform. Furthermore, "information regarding tipping" refers to information for identifying distributor D who receives the tip, and the amount of the tip.

[0055] The remuneration calculation unit 108 calculates the amount of remuneration to be paid to each broadcaster D based on the information on the tip received from the tip information recognition unit 107 and the amount of the basic remuneration set for each broadcaster D stored in a database (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the remuneration calculation unit 108 notifies each broadcaster D of the calculated amount of remuneration via the broadcaster output unit 21 of the broadcaster terminal 2.

[0056] The amount of remuneration paid to each broadcaster D is calculated, for example, taking into account the amount of tipping in addition to the basic remuneration. Here, the "basic remuneration" refers to a predetermined fixed amount paid to each broadcaster D. The amount of remuneration may be calculated based only on the amount of tipping.

[0057] The win / loss information counting unit 109 recognizes information relating to win / loss contained in the viewer input information received from the viewer information recognition unit 102 , and transmits it to the win / loss determination unit 110 .

[0058] Here, "information regarding the outcome" refers to information for identifying the broadcaster D who is awarded points that contribute to the outcome of the game, and the number of points. In this embodiment, the outcome of the game is determined by the number of points awarded to multiple broadcasters D by viewer A. In this embodiment, the number of taps made by viewer A on the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 is used as the "points."

[0059] It should be noted that the "information regarding the outcome" (i.e., the "reward given by inputting into the viewer terminal") is not limited to information that directly contributes to the outcome, such as the number of taps described above, but may be anything that can determine the superiority or inferiority of multiple broadcasters D. Therefore, for example, the amount of tips from viewer A may be used as the reward. In this case, the outcome of the multiple broadcasters D will be determined by the total amount of tips received.

[0060] The winning / losing determination unit 110 determines the outcome of a match between multiple distributors D based on the information regarding the match received from the winning / losing information counting unit 109. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the winning / losing determination unit 110 notifies the distributors D and viewers A of the determined outcome via the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2.

[0061] Here, in the case where there are two broadcasters D, the winner is determined as one broadcaster and the loser as the other broadcaster. In the case where there are three or more broadcasters D, the number of broadcasters D that are determined as winners may be one or more.

[0062] The pass permission unit is concurrently the product information determination unit 103, the tip information recognition unit 107, or the win / loss information count unit 109. When a first condition (a predetermined condition) is satisfied, the pass permission unit transmits an issuance signal to the pass issuing unit 111 to issue a pass.

[0063] Here, the "first condition" is a condition that the administrator of the marketing system S can set arbitrarily.

[0064] In this embodiment, one of the first conditions is that the product information determination unit 103, which is a pass permission unit, has determined that product information is included in the viewer input information. Note that the first condition is not limited to the above-mentioned condition, and may be, for example, that the pass permission unit has recognized multiple times that product information is included in the viewer input information from the same viewer terminal, or that the pass permission unit has simply recognized the viewer input information.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first condition is also that the tipping information recognition unit 107, which is a pass permission unit, recognizes tipping information of a certain amount or more from a specific viewer terminal 3. Note that the first condition is not limited to the above-mentioned condition, and may be, for example, a case where the tipping information recognition unit 107 recognizes tipping information of a specific currency from a specific viewer terminal 3.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one of the first conditions is that the win / loss information count unit 109, which is a pass permission unit, recognizes a certain or more count number from a specific viewer terminal 3. Note that the first condition is not limited to the above-mentioned conditions, and may be, for example, a case where the win / loss information count unit 109 counts a certain or more points from multiple viewer terminals 3.

[0067] Here, the term "pass" refers to an encrypted permit for permitting entry to an event venue where merchandise is distributed. Specifically, it refers to a QR code (registered trademark) for permitting entry to an event venue as shown in FIG. 6. Note that in this embodiment, the pass is a QR code (registered trademark), but it may be any encrypted certificate that can be recognized using the organizer terminal 4 or the like, such as a barcode. Also, in this embodiment, the pass is a permit for permitting entry to the event venue, but the pass may also be, for example, a permit for permitting the distribution of merchandise.

[0068] When the second condition is satisfied, the pass issuing unit 111 transmits a pass to the viewer terminal 3 and also transmits the contents of the issued pass to the authentication permission unit 112.

[0069] Here, the "second condition" is a condition that the administrator of the marketing system S can set arbitrarily.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second condition is that an issue signal is received from the path permission unit. Note that the second condition is not limited to the above-mentioned condition, and may be, for example, that the video data distributed from the video distribution unit 100 to the viewer terminal 3 has exceeded a certain time, or that video data at a specific time (hour) has been distributed from the video distribution unit 100 to the viewer terminal 3.

[0071] In this embodiment, the pass is sent to the viewer terminal 3, but it may be sent to the broadcaster terminal 2 or the host terminal 4.

[0072] When the authentication permission unit 112 authenticates a pass corresponding to the pass issued by the pass issuing unit 111, it transmits an image (permission signal) indicating that entry to the event venue is permitted to the organizer terminal 4. When the organizer terminal 4 receives the signal, the organizer output unit 41 (e.g., a liquid crystal panel) displays an image indicating that entry to the event venue is permitted, as shown in FIG.

[0073] In this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the organizer output unit 41 of the organizer terminal 4 that receives a signal from the authentication permission unit 112 displays an image indicating that entry to the event venue has been permitted. However, if the organizer terminal 4 is a device that has an automatic product distribution mechanism (e.g., a vending machine), the distribution of products may be permitted upon receiving a signal from the authentication permission unit 112, and the products may be distributed automatically.

[0074] [Processing when distributor input information is entered] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 8 and 9, a process executed by the marketing system S when viewer input information is input to the viewer terminal 3 will be described.

[0075] In this process, first, the viewer information recognition unit 102 receives the viewer input information input to the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 (FIG. 9 / STEP 100).

[0076] Next, the viewer information recognition unit 102 judges whether the viewer input information includes language information that the viewer A desires to convey to the distributor D (FIG. 9 / STEP 101).

[0077] If it is determined that the viewer input information contains language information that viewer A wishes to convey to distributor D (Y in STEP 101), the viewer information recognition unit 102 transmits the viewer input information to the product information judgment unit 103 (Figure 9 / STEP 102).

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined that the listener input information does not include the language information that the viewer A wishes to convey to the distributor D (N in STEP 101), the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0079] Next, the product information determination unit 103 that has received the viewer input information determines whether or not the viewer input information includes product information (FIG. 9 / STEP 102).

[0080] If it is determined that the viewer input information includes product information (Y in STEP 103), the product information determination unit 103 transmits the viewer input information to the viewer input information distribution unit 104 and the recommended information recognition unit 105.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer input information does not include product information (N in STEP 103), the marketing system S does not execute the processing in STEP 104 described below, but starts the processing in STEP 105 described below.

[0082] Next, the recommended information recognizing unit 105 that has received the viewer input information recognizes the viewer input information as recommended information that recommends reading out the viewer's name (FIG. 9 / STEP 104).

[0083] Next, viewer input information distributor 104 that has received the viewer input information distributes the viewer input information to distributor terminal 2, and also transmits a signal for displaying the viewer input information (FIG. 9 / STEP 105).

[0084] Next, the recommended information recognition unit 105 determines whether the viewer input information transmitted from the viewer input information distribution unit 104 to the distributor terminal 2 (i.e., the viewer input information to be displayed) is recommended information (FIG. 9 / STEP 106).

[0085] If it is determined that the viewer input information to be displayed is not recommended information (N in STEP 106), the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer information to be displayed is recommended information (Y in STEP 106), the notification unit 106 sends a signal to the distributor terminal 2 to indicate that the viewer input information should be highlighted when displayed on the distributor output unit 21 of the distributor terminal 2 (Figure 9 / STEP 107), and the marketing system S terminates this processing.

[0087] After the above process, the distributor terminal 2, which has received the signal from the notification unit 106, displays the viewer input information as shown in Fig. 8. At this time, if the displayed distributor input information is recommended information, the distributor input information is highlighted by displaying its surroundings in a highly eye-catching color, and the distributor D is notified that it is recommended information.

[0088] As described above, in the marketing system S, when viewer A inputs some information (i.e., viewer input information) to the viewer terminal 3 used by the viewer A while the viewer A is viewing video data, the viewer input information is displayed in real time on the distributor terminal 2. Here, the viewer input information may include product information.

[0089] Therefore, when the viewer input information including the product information is displayed on the distributor terminal, distributor D can directly convey his / her impressions of the product to viewer A. Meanwhile, distributor D can convey the appeal of the product to viewer A while observing viewer A's reaction. In addition, distributor D can easily grasp what aspect of the product included in the video data that distributor D is distributing is of interest to viewer A.

[0090] In other words, by using the display content of the viewer terminal 3 and the display content of the distributor terminal 2, it is possible to support the occurrence of two-way communication in real time between distributor D (and thus an agent of the company marketing the product) and viewer A (i.e., a potential customer), focusing on the content of the product being marketed.

[0091] Therefore, the marketing system S enables two-way communication between distributor D and viewer A, centered on the content of the product, so that a company marketing a product through distributor D can convey appropriate product information to viewer A, who is the marketing target. As a result, it becomes possible to carry out direct marketing that can effectively increase purchasing motivation in an unprecedented way.

[0092] In addition, in the marketing system S, when viewer A inputs any information (i.e., viewer input information) into the viewer terminal 3 used by the viewer A while he or she is watching video data, if the viewer input information includes product information, the viewer input information is displayed in real time on the distributor terminal 2.

[0093] At this time, the viewer input information including the product information is recognized as recommendation information that recommends reading out the name of viewer A. Then, when the viewer input information is distributed to the distributor terminal 2, the distributor D is notified via the distributor terminal 2 that the viewer input information corresponding to the recommendation information has been distributed. As a result, the name of viewer A corresponding to the viewer input information is read out by the distributor D during the distribution of the video data.

[0094] Generally, viewer A who watches video data distributed by distributor D is highly motivated to have his / her name read out loud. Therefore, viewer A will repeatedly and proactively input viewer input information, including product information, into viewer terminal 3 in order to have distributor D read out his / her name.

[0095] Therefore, according to the marketing system S, the viewer A will become fully aware of the product information by repeatedly and proactively inputting viewer input information including product information into the viewer terminal 3. Also, even the viewer A who has not input the viewer input information himself / herself will become more aware of the product information by watching the exchange.

[0096] [Process for calculating the remuneration to be paid to the distributor] Next, with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, 4 and 10, a process executed by the marketing system S when calculating the remuneration to be paid to the distributor D will be described.

[0097] In this process, first, the viewer information recognition unit 102 receives the viewer input information input to the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 (FIG. 10 / STEP 200).

[0098] Next, the viewer information recognition unit 102 determines whether the viewer input information includes information regarding tips (information for identifying the broadcaster D receiving the tip and the amount of the tip) (FIG. 10 / STEP 201).

[0099] If it is determined that the viewer input information includes information regarding tips (Y in STEP 201), the viewer information recognition unit 102 transmits the viewer input information to the tip information recognition unit 107 (FIG. 10 / STEP 202).

[0100] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer input information does not include information regarding tipping (N in STEP 201), the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0101] Next, the tipping information recognition unit 107 that has received the viewer input information recognizes information regarding tipping from the viewer input information, and transmits the information regarding tipping to the remuneration calculation unit 108 (FIG. 10 / STEP 203).

[0102] Next, the reward calculation unit 108, which has received the information regarding the tip, calculates the amount of reward to be paid to each distributor D based on the tip information and the amount of basic reward obtained from a database not shown (FIG. 10 / STEP 204).

[0103] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the remuneration calculation unit 108 notifies each distributor D of the calculated remuneration amount (FIG. 10 / STEP 205), and the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0104] As described above, in the marketing system S, tips given by viewer A to distributor D during distribution of video data are taken into consideration when calculating the remuneration to be paid to distributor D.

[0105] As a result, distributor D will take actions to encourage viewer A, who was originally his fan, to watch more of the video data he distributes in order to receive more tips. In other words, distributor D will proactively take actions (such as prior notice of the distribution) to give viewer A, who did not originally know about the product, the opportunity to watch video data introducing the product.

[0106] Therefore, according to the marketing system S, even viewers A who were not originally aware of the product can be given the opportunity to view video data introducing the product, so that a high advertising effect can be obtained for the viewers A as well.

[0107] [Processing for deciding the winner between multiple streamers] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, and 11, a process executed by the marketing system S when deciding the winner among a plurality of distributors D will be described.

[0108] In this process, first, the viewer information recognition unit 102 receives the viewer input information input to the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 (FIG. 11 / STEP 300).

[0109] Next, the viewer information recognition unit 102 determines whether the viewer input information includes information regarding the outcome of a competition between multiple broadcasters D (information for identifying the broadcaster D who will be awarded points that contribute to the outcome, and the number of points) (Figure 11 / STEP 301).

[0110] If it is determined that the viewer input information includes information regarding winning or losing (Y in STEP 301), the viewer information recognition unit 102 transmits the viewer input information to the win / loss information counting unit 109 (FIG. 11 / STEP 302).

[0111] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer input information does not include information regarding winning or losing (N in STEP 301), the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0112] Next, the win / loss information counting unit 109 that has received the viewer input information recognizes information relating to the win / loss from the viewer input information, and transmits the information relating to the win / loss to the win / loss determining unit 110 (FIG. 11 / STEP 303).

[0113] Next, the winning / losing determination unit 110, which has received the information regarding the win or loss, determines the winner between distributors D based on the information regarding the win or loss (FIG. 11 / STEP 304).

[0114] Specifically, the winner / loser determination unit 110 counts the number of points given to each distributor D, and determines the winner between the distributors D based on the number of points.

[0115] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the winning / losing determination unit 110 notifies the distributor D and the viewer A of the result of the winning / losing (FIG. 11 / STEP 305), and the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0116] As explained above, the marketing system S does not simply use video data to introduce a product, but instead uses video data in which a competition is held between multiple distributors D, with the winner being determined by the number of rewards awarded by viewer A.

[0117] As a result, each of the multiple distributors D takes actions to encourage viewer A, who was originally a fan of the distributor, to watch more of the video data they distribute in order to win against other distributors D. In other words, each of the multiple distributors D proactively takes actions (such as advance notice of the distribution) to give viewer A, who did not originally know about the product, an opportunity to watch video data introducing the product.

[0118] Therefore, according to the marketing system S, even viewers A who were not originally aware of the product can be given the opportunity to view video data introducing the product, so that a high advertising effect can be obtained for the viewers A as well.

[0119] [Processing for issuing and authenticating passes] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 6, 7, and 12, a process executed by the marketing system S when issuing and authenticating a pass for participating in an event for a product marketed using video data will be described.

[0120] Here, the product event for which marketing is carried out using video data refers to a promotional event for the product that is held after the video data is distributed.

[0121] In this process, first, the viewer information recognition unit 102 receives the viewer input information input to the viewer input unit 30 of the viewer terminal 3 (FIG. 12 / STEP 400).

[0122] Next, the viewer information recognition unit 102 judges whether the viewer input information includes predetermined information or not (FIG. 12 / STEP 401).

[0123] In this embodiment, the viewer information recognition unit 102 determines whether the viewer input information includes any of the following: language information that viewer A wishes to convey to broadcaster D, information regarding tips, or information regarding the outcome of a competition between multiple broadcasters D.

[0124] If it is determined that the viewer input information contains specified information (Y in STEP 401), the viewer information recognition unit 102 transmits the viewer input information to the corresponding pass permission unit depending on the type of information (Figure 12 / STEP 402).

[0125] Specifically, when the type of information included in the viewer input information is language information that viewer A wishes to convey to distributor D, the viewer information recognition unit 102 transmits the viewer input information to the product information determination unit 103. When the information included in the viewer input information is information regarding tips, the viewer information recognition unit 102 transmits the viewer input information to the tip information recognition unit 107. When the viewer input information includes information regarding the outcome of a competition between multiple distributors D, the viewer information recognition unit 102 transmits the viewer input information to the win / loss information counting unit 109.

[0126] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer input information includes the predetermined information (N in STEP 401), the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0127] Next, the path permission unit that has received the viewer input information judges whether or not the first condition is satisfied by the input of the viewer input information (FIG. 12 / STEP 403).

[0128] Specifically, when the pass permission unit is the product information determination unit 103, the product information determination unit 103 determines whether the number of times product information was included in the viewer input information exceeds a specified number of times. When the pass permission unit is the tip information recognition unit 107, it determines whether the amount of tipping exceeds a specified amount. When the pass permission unit is the win / loss information count unit 109, it determines whether the number of times information regarding win / loss was included in the viewer input information exceeds a specified number of times.

[0129] If it is determined that the first condition is satisfied (Y in STEP 403), the path permission unit transmits an issuance signal to the path issuing unit 111 to issue a path (FIG. 12 / STEP 404).

[0130] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first condition is not satisfied (N in STEP 403), the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0131] Next, the pass issuing unit 111 that has received the issuance signal issues a pass to the viewer terminal 3, and transmits the contents of the issued pass to the authentication permission unit 112 (FIG. 12 / STEP 405).

[0132] Next, when authenticating the path, the authentication permission unit 112 determines whether or not the authenticated path corresponds to the path issued by the path issuing unit 111 (i.e., whether or not the second condition is satisfied) (FIG. 12 / STEP 406).

[0133] If it is determined that the second condition is not satisfied (N in STEP 406), the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0134] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second condition is satisfied (Y in STEP 406), the authentication permission unit 112 sends an image (permission signal) indicating that entry to the event venue has been permitted to the organizer terminal 4 (Figure 12 / STEP 407), and the marketing system S terminates this processing.

[0135] Specifically, first, the viewer terminal 3 that receives the pass displays the pass as shown in FIG. 6 on the viewer output unit 31, and when the pass displayed on the viewer output unit 31 of the viewer terminal 3 is read by the organizer input unit 40 of the organizer terminal 4, the pass is transmitted by the organizer terminal 4 to the authentication permission unit 112 of the server 1.

[0136] Thereafter, authentication permission unit 112 compares the contents of the transmitted pass with the contents of the pass issued by pass issuing unit 111, and if they match, determines that the pass has been authenticated and transmits a permission signal to organizer terminal 4. Then, on the organizer output unit 41 (e.g., a liquid crystal panel) of organizer terminal 4 that receives the permission signal, an image indicating that entry to the event venue has been permitted, as shown in Fig. 7, is displayed.

[0137] As explained above, the marketing system S has two phases: a phase of distributing video data and a phase of holding an event. A pass for participating in the event is sent to the viewer terminal 3 when viewer A has engaged to a certain extent in the video data of the product (satisfies the first condition (predetermined condition)).

[0138] Here, since distributor D will be directly participating in the event, even if viewer A did not know about the product in the first place, if viewer A was a fan of distributor D, it is expected that he or she will actively watch the video data in order to participate in the event.

[0139] Therefore, according to the marketing system S, even viewers A who were not originally aware of the product can be given the opportunity to view video data introducing the product, so that a high advertising effect can be obtained for the viewers A as well.

[0140] [Processing for synthesizing images onto video data and distributing them] Next, with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 and 13, a process executed by the marketing system S when combining video data with an image relating to a product being marketed will be described.

[0141] In this process, first, the image synthesis unit 101 receives video data captured by the distributor input unit 20 of the distributor terminal 2 (FIG. 13 / STEP 500).

[0142] Next, the image synthesis unit 101 synthesizes an image relating to the product with the video data, and transmits the synthesized image to the video distribution unit 100 (FIG. 13 / STEP 501).

[0143] Next, the moving image distribution unit 100 that has received the moving image data distributes the moving image data to the viewer terminal 3 (FIG. 13 / STEP 502), and the marketing system S ends this processing.

[0144] As explained above, in the marketing system S, images related to the product are synthesized into the video data viewed by the viewer A. Therefore, even if the distributor D's explanation of the product is insufficient, the viewer A can obtain a certain amount of product information contained in the image by viewing the image related to the product. Therefore, a certain amount of product information can be conveyed to the viewer A.

[0145] [Other embodiments] Although the illustrated embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0146] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the marketing system S is one computer system has been described. However, the present invention also includes a marketing program to be executed by a plurality of computers, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded and which is readable by a computer used by a user or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1 Server 2 Distributor terminal 3 Viewer terminal 4 Organizer terminal 20 Distributor input unit 21 Distributor output unit 30 Viewer input unit 31 Viewer output unit 40 Organizer input unit 41 Organizer output unit 100 Video distribution unit 101 Image synthesis unit 102 Viewer information recognition unit 103 Product information determination unit 104 Viewer input information distribution unit 105 Recommended information recognition unit 106 Notification unit 107 Tip information recognition unit 108 Reward calculation unit 109 Winning / losing information counting unit 110 Winning / losing determination unit 111 Pass issuing unit 112 Authentication / permission unit S Marketing system (direct marketing system) D Distributor A. Viewer

Claims

[Claim 1] A direct marketing system for distributing and displaying video data taken by a distributor terminal used by a viewer terminal used by a viewer, and introducing a product included in the video data to the viewer, comprising: a video distribution unit that distributes the video data to the viewer terminal in real time and displays the video data; a viewer input information distribution unit that distributes viewer input information, which is information input to the viewer terminal, to the distributor terminal in real time and displays the viewer input information; a product information determination unit that determines whether the viewer input information includes product information that is information about the product; a recommendation information recognition unit that recognizes the viewer input information including the product information as recommendation information that recommends reading out the name of the viewer who input the viewer input information; a notification unit that, when the viewer input information recognized as the recommended information is delivered to the distributor terminal, notifies the distributor via the distributor terminal that the viewer input information has been delivered.

Images