Moving image distribution server, moving image distribution method, and moving image distribution program

Abstract

To enable people which do not watch a broadcast to participate in an event conducted during the broadcast.SOLUTION: A moving image distribution server 1, which receives images from an originator terminal 3 to distribute the images to a viewer terminal 4, conducts a questionnaire during a broadcast based on an instruction from the originator terminal 3 and causes a web server 2 to provide the same questionnaire. The structure allows people, who are unable to watch the broadcast when the questionnaire is conducted during the broadcast, to answer the questionnaire on the web provided in conjunction with the broadcast and thereby to participate in the questionnaire during the broadcast.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for distributing videos.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, video distribution services that allow individuals to distribute videos via a network without the need for special equipment have become widespread.

[0003] Also, services that can conduct questionnaires on websites are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable a sender who conducts a questionnaire during a live broadcast to widely collect opinions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The video distribution apparatus according to the present invention includes a distribution means for distributing a video to a viewer terminal based on an instruction from a sender terminal, and an execution means for causing the viewer terminal to execute an interactive service and causing the server apparatus to provide the interactive service when a service start request is received from the sender terminal.

[0007] The video distribution method according to the present invention is a video distribution method implemented by a computer, comprising the steps of distributing video to a viewer terminal based on an instruction from a sender terminal, and when receiving a service start request from the sender terminal, causing the viewer terminal to execute an interactive service and causing a server device to provide the interactive service.

[0008] The video distribution program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute a process of distributing video to a viewer terminal based on an instruction from a sender terminal, and when receiving a service start request from the sender terminal, causing the viewer terminal to execute an interactive service and causing a server device to provide the interactive service.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to enable a person who has not watched the broadcast to participate in an event implemented during the broadcast.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Using FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a service cooperation system including the video distribution server of the present embodiment will be described. This service cooperation system is a system that links broadcasting and the web and provides related interactive services in both broadcasting and the web. The service cooperation system shown in the figure has a video distribution server 1 and a web server 2. The video distribution server 1 and the web server 2 are connected via a network. The transmitter terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 are connected to the video distribution server 1 via a network.

[0013] The transmitter terminal 3 is a terminal used by the transmitter to transmit a broadcast. The viewer terminal 4 is a terminal used by the viewer to watch a broadcast. The transmitter terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 can use a personal computer or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. The web browser 5 is connected to the web server 2 via a network. The web browser 5 is for viewing the web page provided by the web server 2 and is executed on a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or the like. In this embodiment, the web browser 5 is a terminal used by a person who is neither the transmitter nor the viewer. In FIG. 1, the number of the transmitter terminal 3, the viewer terminal 4, and the web browser 5 is one each, but actually, the number of these is much larger.

[0014] The video distribution server 1 receives a video for broadcast from the transmitter terminal 3 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 4. The video for broadcast may be, for example, a live broadcast video captured by a camera connected to the transmitter terminal 3, or a pre-recorded video. Alternatively, it may be a still image with added audio. When distributing a pre-recorded video, the video distribution server 1 does not necessarily need to receive the video from the transmitter terminal 3, and may receive and distribute the video from a location specified by the transmitter terminal 3.

[0015] When the video distribution server 1 receives an instruction to conduct a questionnaire from the transmitter terminal 3, it conducts a questionnaire during the broadcast and causes the web server 2 to conduct the same questionnaire. The viewer can answer the questionnaire using the viewer terminal 4. A person who is not watching the broadcast on the viewer terminal 4 can access the web server 2 with the web browser 5 and answer the same questionnaire as the one in the broadcast.

[0016] The web server 2 provides a website having a questionnaire function. The web browser When 5 accesses the Web server 2, it can answer the questionnaire provided by the Web server 2. When the Web server 2 receives an instruction to conduct a questionnaire from the video distribution server 1, the Web server 2 conducts the questionnaire. The Web server 2 transmits the results of the questionnaire conducted based on the instruction of the video distribution server 1 to the video distribution server 1. Since the Web server 2 can conduct the questionnaire independently of the broadcast, not only viewers but also an unspecified number of people can answer the questionnaire provided by the Web server 2.

[0017] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the video distribution server 1 will be described. The video distribution server 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a video distribution unit 11, a questionnaire processing unit 12, a command input unit 13, a Web cooperation unit 14, and a result receiving unit 15. Each unit included in the video distribution server 1 may be configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, etc., and the processing of each unit may be executed by a program. This program is stored in the storage device included in the video distribution server 1, and can also be recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or provided through a network. Hereinafter, each unit will be described.

[0018] The video distribution unit 11 receives video from the sender terminal 3 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 4.

[0019] The questionnaire processing unit 12 conducts a questionnaire in the broadcast based on an instruction from the sender terminal 3. Specifically, the questionnaire processing unit 12 superimposes the questionnaire questions and options on the video distributed by the video distribution unit 11 and displays them on the viewer terminal 4, and receives information on the options selected by the viewer. The questionnaire processing unit 12 receives the questionnaire results in the broadcast and the questionnaire results on the Web from the result receiving unit 15, and announces the questionnaire results in the broadcast. The questionnaire results may be superimposed on the video and displayed on the viewer terminal 4.

[0020] The command input unit 13 receives an input of a command (instruction) from the sender and performs processing according to the input command. Examples of commands related to this embodiment include a command to conduct a questionnaire, a command to end the questionnaire, and a command to display questionnaire results. When the command input unit 13 receives a command to conduct a questionnaire, it controls the questionnaire processing unit 12 to conduct a questionnaire during the broadcast and controls the Web cooperation unit 14 to conduct a questionnaire on the Web server 2.

[0021] The Web cooperation unit 14 coordinates the broadcast and the Web page. Specifically, when a questionnaire is conducted during the broadcast, the Web cooperation unit 14 transmits the questionnaire questions and options conducted during the broadcast to the Web server 2 and causes the same questionnaire to be conducted on the Web server 2.

[0022] The result reception unit 15 receives the questionnaire results in the broadcast and the questionnaire results on the Web respectively. The result reception unit 15 may aggregate the results of each questionnaire.

[0023] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the process of the video distribution server 1 cooperating with the Web server 2 to conduct a questionnaire will be described.

[0024] First, as a preliminary preparation, the video distribution server 1 causes the Web server 2 to prepare a Web page that cooperates with the broadcast based on the instructions of the sender (step S11). In the video distribution server 1, a program ID that identifies a program is generated for each program, which is a unit of a single broadcast. When the video distribution server 1 receives a request to link the broadcast and the Web from the sender terminal 3, it transmits the program ID to the Web server 2 and causes the Web server 2 to prepare a Web page linked to the program ID. The Web page prepared by the Web server 2 may be empty, or may display that the questionnaire has not been conducted yet. Alternatively, an introduction of the corresponding program may be described, or a link to a page introducing the corresponding program may be posted. Note that a user ID for identifying the sender may be used as an identifier for associating the broadcast with the web page.

[0025] The video distribution server 1 receives the URI (Uniform Resource Identifire) of the web page prepared in the web server 2. By the sender displaying the URI on a program preview page or the like, a person who cannot watch at the program broadcast time can be led to the web page corresponding to the program. Also, when the web server 2 provides an interface conforming to the design principle of REST (Representational State Transfer), information can be acquired, created, modified, and deleted using the URI.

[0026] The sender may link the program and the web using the management screen provided by the video distribution server 1, or may link the program and the web using the management screen provided by the web server 2. When linking the program and the web from the web server 2 side, the web server 2 transmits the URI of the web page prepared by the web server 2 and the program ID (which may be a user ID) to the video distribution server 1.

[0027] The video distribution server 1 stores the fact that the program and the web are linked and the information necessary for the link (for example, the URI of the web page).

[0028] Note that the linking of the program and the web may be performed during the broadcast of the program.

[0029] The video distribution server 1 receives an instruction to start the broadcast from the sender terminal 3 and starts the broadcast (step S12). After starting the broadcast, the video distribution server 1 receives video from the sender terminal 3 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 4. During the broadcast, the video distribution server 1 may receive comments from the viewer terminal 4 and display the comments on the sender terminal 3 and other viewer terminals 4. This comment processing may use a comment distribution server separate from the video distribution server 1.

[0030] When the video distribution server 1 receives a questionnaire start command from the sender terminal 3 (step S13), it starts the questionnaire during the broadcast (step S14). When the sender conducts a questionnaire during the broadcast, the sender operates the sender terminal 3 and transmits the content of the questionnaire such as the question text and options to the video distribution server 1. The video distribution server 1 transmits the question text and options received from the sender to the viewer terminal 4, and the viewer terminal 4 creates and displays a questionnaire execution screen using the received question text and options. The video distribution server 1 may create the questionnaire execution screen and transmit it to the viewer terminal 4.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows an example of the display screen displayed on the sender terminal 3. In the video area 101 in the display screen 100, the video being broadcast and the comments input for the broadcast are superimposed and displayed. The video and comments displayed in the video area 101 are the same as the video displayed on the viewer terminal 4. In the comment list area 102 on the right side of the video area 101, a list of comments input for the broadcast is displayed. The comment input field 103 below the video area 101 is used for the sender to input comments. When the sender inputs a comment in the comment input field 103 and presses the comment post button 104, the input comment is posted and displayed during the broadcast.

[0032] The questionnaire area 110 at the bottom of the display screen 100 is an area for inputting questionnaire information. The question text input field 111 is used to input the question text. The option input fields 112a to 112d are used to input options for the question text. When the inventor inputs the question text and options in the question text input field 111 and the option input fields 112a to 112d and presses the question button 113, a questionnaire start command requesting the execution of the questionnaire together with the content of the questionnaire is transmitted to the video distribution serv er 1. When the sender presses the result display button 114, the aggregated result of the questionnaire is displayed.

[0033] Note that it is also possible to start a questionnaire by entering a command in the comment input field 103. When a predetermined character string is entered following " / " in the comment input field 103, the entered character string is interpreted as a command. For example, if the sender enters " / vote start question text option 1 option 2 option 3 option 4" in the comment input field 103 and presses the comment post button 104, a questionnaire start command is sent to the video distribution server 1 together with the question text and options 1 to 4.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows an example of a questionnaire execution screen displayed on the viewer terminal 4. At the top of the display screen 200, a questionnaire question text 201 is displayed. Below the question text 201, option buttons 202a to 202d displaying the contents of each option are displayed. The question text 201 and the option buttons 202a to 202d may be displayed superimposed on the distributed video.

[0035] The viewer can answer the questionnaire by touching any of the displayed option buttons 202a to 202d or selecting with a pointing device such as a mouse. The viewer may also answer the questionnaire by entering the number assigned to the option.

[0036] Returning to Fig. 3, when the video distribution server 1 coordinates broadcasting and the Web, it instructs the Web server 2 to conduct a questionnaire with the same content (step S15). The video distribution server 1 transmits the question text and options received from the sender terminal 3 to the Web server 2 and causes the questionnaire to be conducted on a Web page that coordinates with the broadcast.

[0037] The Web server 2 rewrites the content of the Web page or creates a Web page using the received question text and options.

[0038] When accessing a web page that collaborates with the broadcast on the web browser 5, a web page 300 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. On the web page 300, the same question text 301 and options 302 as those in the questionnaire being conducted in the broadcast are displayed. In the example of FIG. 6, a viewer of the web page can answer the questionnaire by selecting one of the options 302 with the radio button attached to the left of the option 302 and pressing the answer button 303.

[0039] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the process of ending the questionnaire and displaying the results will be described.

[0040] When the video distribution server 1 receives a questionnaire end command from the sender terminal 3 (step S21), it ends the questionnaire in the broadcast (step S22). The sender operates the sender terminal 3 and transmits to the video distribution server 1 that the questionnaire is to be ended. The video distribution server 1 notifies the viewer terminal 4 of the end of the questionnaire. When the viewer terminal 4 receives the notification of the end of the questionnaire, it stops displaying the questionnaire execution screen.

[0041] When ending the questionnaire in the broadcast, the video distribution server 1 also instructs the web server 2 to end the questionnaire (step S23).

[0042] When the web server 2 receives the notification of the end of the questionnaire from the video distribution server 1, it deletes or invalidates the answer button 303 on the web page 300. Alternatively, the web server 2 may make the web page 300 blank.

[0043] When the questionnaire on the web server 2 ends, the video distribution server 1 receives the questionnaire results from the web server 2 (step S24). The questionnaire results received by the video distribution server 1 are, for example, the number of selectors or the ratio of selectors for each option. Note that the video distribution server 1 may receive the results during the questionnaire execution from the web server 2 at any timing even before the end of the questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire are, for example, the number of selectors or the ratio of selectors for each option. Note that the video distribution server 1 may receive the results during the questionnaire execution from the web server 2 at any timing even before the end of the questionnaire.

[0044] When the video distribution server 1 receives the questionnaire results from the web server 2, it may aggregate the results of the questionnaire on air and the results of the questionnaire on the web.

[0045] When the video distribution server 1 receives a result display command from the sender terminal 3 (step S25), it causes the viewer terminal 4 to display the questionnaire results (step S26). The sender operates the sender terminal 3 to transmit a result display command to the video distribution server 1. The video distribution server 1 transmits the questionnaire results to the viewer terminal 4, and the viewer terminal 4 creates and displays a questionnaire result screen for displaying the questionnaire results.

[0046] On the questionnaire result display screen 200 in FIG. 8, a question sentence 201 is displayed at the top, and below the question sentence 201, option buttons 202a to 202d with the contents of each option and the selected ratio are displayed. In the example of FIG. 8, the results of the questionnaire on air and the results of the questionnaire on the web are aggregated and displayed. The viewer terminal 4 may display only the results of the questionnaire on air or only the results of the questionnaire on the web.

[0047] When the video distribution server 1 displays the questionnaire results on air, it may also instruct the web server 2 to display the questionnaire results. The video distribution server 1 aggregates the results of the questionnaire on air and the results of the questionnaire on the web, and transmits the aggregated questionnaire results to the web server 2. The web server 2 displays the received questionnaire results on a web page linked to the broadcast. The video distribution server 1 may transmit only the results of the questionnaire on air, and the web server 2 may aggregate the results of the questionnaire on air and the results of the questionnaire on the web.

[0048] On the web page 300 for displaying the questionnaire results in FIG. 9, a question sentence 301 and options 302 with the questionnaire results on air and on the web are displayed. If the viewer of the web page has answered the questionnaire, the option 302 answered by radio button is shown.

[0049] Thereafter, when the sender poses a new questionnaire during the broadcast, a new questionnaire is implemented in the broadcast, and on the Web server 2, the questionnaire on the web page linked to the broadcast is switched to the new questionnaire.

[0050] (Modification example) Hereinafter, several modification examples of the present embodiment will be described.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the questionnaire questions and options were sent from the video distribution server 1 to the Web server 2, but the video distribution server 1 may receive the questionnaire questions and options from the Web server 2.

[0052] The sender registers the questionnaire questions and options in the Web server 2. Multiple questionnaires may be registered in the Web server 2. Until an instruction is received from the video distribution server 1, the questionnaires registered in the Web server 2 can be set not to be displayed on the web page.

[0053] Suppose the program starts and the video distribution server 1 receives a questionnaire start command. If the questionnaire start command includes an instruction to implement the questionnaire registered in the Web server 2, the video distribution server 1 instructs the Web server 2 to implement the registered questionnaire and receives the questionnaire questions and options of the registered questionnaire from the Web server 2, and starts the questionnaire in the broadcast. When multiple questionnaires are registered in the Web server 2, the questionnaire to be implemented is specified in the questionnaire start command.

[0054] The Web server 2 starts the questionnaire on the web page linked to the broadcast.

[0055] The Web server 2 may implement the pre-registered questionnaire before the program starts. After the program starts, the Web server 2 implements the questionnaire according to the instructions of the video distribution server 1.

[0056] Even after the program ends, the Web server 2 may continue to conduct the questionnaire. The Web server 2 stores the question text and options sent from the video distribution server 1. After the program ends, upon instruction from the video distribution server 1, the Web server 2 continues to conduct the questionnaire using the stored question text and options. The results of this questionnaire can be obtained in a future program.

[0057] The sender may reuse a questionnaire created by a third party. Specifically, when conducting a questionnaire during the broadcast, the sender designates the Web page of the questionnaire to be reused and obtains the question text and options of the questionnaire. At this time, the questionnaire results on the Web page may be obtained simultaneously. The questionnaire results within the program may be reflected on the original Web page. However, in this case, permission to update the questionnaire results on the Web page is required. For example, the questionnaire creator sets it so that anyone can update the questionnaire results on the Web page.

[0058] Also, multiple senders may share a Web page that is linked to the broadcast. The main sender can control the Web page linked to the broadcast. That is, the questionnaire is conducted both within the broadcast and on the Web at the timing of the main sender. Other senders cannot control the main sender's Web page, but they can obtain the question text and options from the Web page linked to the main sender's broadcast in their own programs. When the main sender conducts a questionnaire both within the broadcast and on the Web, in other senders' programs, they receive the question text and options of that questionnaire from the Web server 2 and can conduct the same questionnaire within their own programs.

[0059] When sharing a Web page linked to the broadcast, any one of the multiple senders may be able to control that Web page. In this case, multiple senders can take turns presenting questionnaires.

[0060] Note that the questionnaire response method may not only involve selecting options, but also allow respondents to freely enter text, draw pictures, or import images to provide answers.

[0061] In addition, interactive services provided in cooperation between broadcasting and the Web may include not only questionnaires but also quizzes or games that can be executed on the viewer terminal 4 and the Web browser 5. When providing a game, the video distribution server 1 may receive and aggregate the game scores from the Web server 2.

[0062] (Shopping program) Next, an example of applying the video distribution server of this embodiment to a shopping program will be described.

[0063] In recent years, personal-to-person commodity trading via the network has been booming. By an individual introducing the products they are selling within their own program, it is expected that sales can be promoted. Also, potential purchasers (viewers of the program) have the advantage of being able to directly ask questions about the products within the program to the sellers (program broadcasters). By applying this service cooperation system to a shopping program and linking the program with the Web so that the products introduced in the program are also introduced on the website simultaneously, those who cannot watch the program can still learn about the products introduced in the program by accessing the Web page.

[0064] Hereinafter, as examples of interactive services for linking a shopping program and the Web, a comment function, a cart function, and an auction function will be described.

[0065] First, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an example of providing the comment function on both the program and the Web and linking the program and the Web will be described.

[0066]

[0067] ​In the video of the program in FIG. 10, not only the comments input by the viewer but also the comments input on the web page linked to the program are superimposed. "Product number 1" at the upper part of the display screen 200 in FIG. 10 is information on the product currently being introduced. "Comments from the web" below the display screen 200 are comments input on the web page. Other comments are comments input by the viewer.

[0068] The web page 300 in FIG. 11 is composed of a product image 310, a comment input field 311, a comment posting button 312, and a comment display field 313. The product image 310 is an image of the product being introduced in the program. This image may be one registered in advance on the web server 2 or a screenshot of the program. When the product introduced in the shopping program changes, the product image 310 also changes. The timing of changing the product image 310 displayed on the web page is controlled by the program. In the comment input field 311, comments input by the viewer of the web page 300 are displayed. Comments input by the viewer of the program may also be displayed.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 12, the process flow of the cooperation between the video distribution server 1 and the web server 2 in the shopping program will be described.

[0070] As a preliminary preparation, the video distribution server 1 causes the web server 2 to prepare a web page linked to the shopping program (step S31). The sender may register product information such as an image of the product to be introduced on the web server 2.

[0071] The video distribution server 1 starts broadcasting the shopping program (step S32).

[0072] When the video distribution server 1 receives a product introduction start command from the sender terminal 3 (step S33), it determines that the product introduction has started in the program (step S34). Alternatively, when the video distribution server 1 receives a command to display a sub-screen, a command to display a still image, or a comment to be fixedly displayed on the screen from the sender terminal 3, it may determine to start the product introduction. When the sender streams the video of the product on the sub-screen, shows the product to be introduced with a still image, or displays the product name of the product to be introduced on the screen, the viewer can grasp the product being introduced.

[0073] When the product introduction starts in the program, the video distribution server 1 instructs the web server 2 to start the product introduction (step S35). When receiving the instruction, the web server 2 displays the product information on the web page and further enables the comment function. In the example described later, the cart function and the auction function are enabled.

[0074] Comments entered by the viewers of the program are sent from the viewer terminal 4 to the video distribution server 1. The video distribution server 1 superimposes the received comments on the video of the program and sends the comments to the web server 2. The web server 2 displays the received comments in the comment display column 313.

[0075] Also, when a viewer of the web page 300 enters a comment in the comment input field 311 and presses the comment posting button 312, the web server 2 displays the entered comment in the comment display column 313 and sends the comment to the video distribution server 1. The video distribution server 1 superimposes the received comments on the video of the program.

[0076] In this way, the comments entered in the program and on the web are reflected in each other. Even those who cannot watch the program can comment on the product being introduced in the program. For example, using the comment column, inquiries about the product or price negotiation can be made.

[0077] When the product introduced in the program changes, the product image 310 on the web page 300 is changed. Specifically, when the video distribution server 1 receives a product change command from the sender terminal 3, it instructs the web server 2 to change the product, and the web server 2 changes the product image 310 to the image of the next product. When the video distribution server 1 receives a command to display a sub-screen, a command to display a new still image, or a new comment to be fixedly displayed on the screen, it may determine that the product to be introduced is to be changed.

[0078] Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an example will be described in which a cart function is provided on the program and the web and the program and the web are linked.

[0079] The video distribution server 1 accepts an order for a product from the viewer terminal 4. For example, when the viewer inputs a purchase command (for example, " / buy") in the comment input field, the order for the product may be transmitted. Alternatively, a selectable purchase button may be displayed on the display screen 200 of the viewer terminal 4, and when the viewer clicks the purchase button, an order for the product may be transmitted from the viewer terminal 4 to the video distribution server 1. As in the video of the program in FIG. 13, the fact that the product has been ordered may be superimposed on the video of the program. The viewer can know the sales of the product from the amount of purchase comments displayed on the display screen 200.

[0080] The web page 300 in FIG. 14 is composed of a product image 310 and a purchase button 320. The product image 310 is an image of the product being introduced in the shopping program. A viewer of the web page 300 can order the product by pressing the purchase button 320. The web server 2 transmits to the video distribution server 1 the fact that the product has been ordered on the web. When the video distribution server 1 is notified that an order has been received by the web server 2, the fact that the product has been ordered on the web may be superimposed on the video of the program.

[0081] Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, an example will be described in which an auction function is provided on the program and the web and the program and the web are linked.

[0082] FIG. 15 is an example of a display screen of the viewer terminal 4, and FIG. 16 is an example of a web page.

[0083] The video distribution server 1 receives bids from the viewer terminal 4. When the viewer inputs a bid command and a bid amount in the comment input field, the bid information is transmitted from the viewer terminal 4 to the video distribution server 1. When the bid amount is updated, the video distribution server 1 superimposes the highest bid amount on the video of the program and transmits the information of the highest bid amount to the web server 2.

[0084] The web page 300 in FIG. 16 is composed of a product image 310, an amount input field 330, a bid button 331, and a bid information display field 332. The product image 310 is an image of the product to be bid on. A viewer of the web page 300 can place a bid by inputting a bid amount in the amount input field 330 and pressing the bid button 331. The web server 2 transmits bid information such as the bid amount to the video distribution server 1. When the bid amount is updated by a bid from the web, the video distribution server 1 superimposes the highest bid amount on the video of the program. Also, when the web server 2 receives the information of the highest bid amount from the video distribution server 1, it displays it in the bid information display field 332.

[0085] Note that the web page 300 in FIGS. 14 and 16 may be provided with the comment function in FIG. 12.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the video distribution server 1 that receives video from the sender terminal 3 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 4 conducts a questionnaire during the broadcast based on an instruction from the sender terminal 3, and also causes the Web server 2 to provide the same questionnaire. As a result, even those who cannot watch the broadcast when the questionnaire is conducted during the broadcast can participate in the questionnaire during the broadcast by answering the questionnaire on the Web provided in conjunction with the broadcast. Also, by linking the broadcast and the Web, through the broadcast related to the questionnaire, it is possible to know the intentions and backgrounds of the questioners that cannot be known just by looking at the questions of the questionnaire on the Web. This can motivate even those who usually have no intention of participating in the questionnaire on the Web to answer the questionnaire.

Explanation of Signs

[0087] 1…Video distribution server 11…Video distribution section 12…Questionnaire processing section 13…Command input section 14…Web cooperation section 15…Result receiving section 2…Web server 3…Sender terminal 4…Viewer terminal 5…Web browser

Claims

1. A terminal device serving as a caller terminal used by a caller is a means for transmitting a first video to a distribution device, the distribution device distributing a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal; a means for transmitting a service start request to the distribution device in response to an operation by the sender while the first video is being transmitted; a means for transmitting a result display request in response to an operation from the sender, for displaying on the viewer terminal an answer screen corresponding to an answer provided via a Web browser from the distribution device in response to the service start request to a question from the sender terminal, the answer screen being provided via a Web browser from the distribution device in response to the service start request; The second video includes the answer screen.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising: causing the terminal device to function as a means for transmitting a service termination request for terminating answers to the question to the distribution device in response to an operation from the sender.

3. The program according to claim 2 , wherein the result display request can be transmitted after the service end request is transmitted.

4. A distribution device, means for receiving a first video from a sender terminal and distributing a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal; a means for receiving a service start request from the sender terminal while the second video is being distributed to the viewer terminal; means for providing a question from the sender terminal via a Web browser in response to receiving the service start request; and receiving, via a web browser, an answer to the question provided via the web browser; The second video includes an answer screen corresponding to an answer provided via a web browser to the question.

5. The present invention includes a means for providing a website to a web browser of a terminal device used by a user, the website comprising: a distribution device that distributes a second video corresponding to a first video transmitted from a sender terminal to a viewer terminal displays a question from the sender terminal that is provided in response to a service start request transmitted from the sender terminal while the first video is being transmitted from the sender terminal; Transmitting an answer to the question to the distribution device in response to an operation by the user; Displaying an answer screen according to the answer, The second video includes the answer screen.

6. A terminal device serving as a caller terminal used by a caller, a means for transmitting a first video to a distribution device, the distribution device distributing a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal; a means for transmitting a service start request to the distribution device in response to an operation by the sender while the first video is being transmitted; a means for transmitting a result display request in response to an operation from the sender, for displaying on the viewer terminal an answer screen corresponding to an answer provided via a Web browser from the distribution device in response to the service start request to a question from the sender terminal, The second video includes the answer screen.

7. a first means for transmitting a first video from a sender terminal to a distribution device, and a second video corresponding to the first video being distributed to a viewer terminal by the distribution device; a second means for transmitting a service start request to the distribution device in response to an operation by a sender while the first video is being transmitted; a third means, in response to an operation from the sender, transmitting a result display request for displaying, on the viewer terminal, a response screen corresponding to a response provided via the Web browser from the distribution device to a question from the sender terminal in response to the service start request; The second image includes the answer screen.

8. means for receiving a first video from a sender terminal and distributing a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal; a means for receiving a service start request from the sender terminal while the second video is being distributed to the viewer terminal; means for providing a question from the sender terminal via a Web browser in response to receiving the service start request; means for receiving, via the web browser, a response to the question provided via the web browser; The second video includes an answer to the question provided via a web browser, and an answer screen in response to the answer.

9. A first means receives a first image from a sender terminal and distributes a second image corresponding to the first image to a viewer terminal; a second means capable of receiving a service start request from the sender terminal while the second video is being distributed to the viewer terminal; a third means for providing a question from the caller terminal via a Web browser in response to receiving the service start request; a fourth means for receiving, via the web browser, a response to the question provided via the web browser; The second video includes an answer screen corresponding to an answer provided via a web browser to the question.

10. providing a website to a web browser of a terminal device used by a user, the website comprising: a distribution device that distributes a second video corresponding to a first video transmitted from a sender terminal to a viewer terminal displays a question from the sender terminal that is provided in response to a service start request transmitted from the sender terminal while the first video is being transmitted from the sender terminal; Transmitting an answer to the question to the distribution device in response to an operation by the user; Displaying an answer screen according to the answer, The second image includes the answer screen.

Images