Service methods, apparatus, and programs

Abstract

When content provided by a content provider is delivered to a user from a content distribution site, the input operations performed by the user to the provider are realized as real-world actions on the provider's side. [Solution] The live streaming server 11 displays a webpage provided by it on the user terminal device 13. The user terminal device 13 provides the webpage information to the additional service device 21 using the additional service program PRG2, and displays an additional service screen corresponding to the additional service information generated by the additional service device 21. The additional service device 21 controls the control equipment connected to the live streamer terminal device 15 based on the user operation information received from the user terminal device 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a service method and the like that enable a viewer to receive an additional service while using a predetermined service.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method of a river performing a live broadcast via the Internet is known. A viewer accesses a live broadcast site via a browser of a viewer terminal device and views the live broadcast of a favorite river.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand for receiving an additional service for the service provided by a live broadcast site. However, there are cases where a live broadcast site does not appropriately provide a service that meets such viewer needs.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a service method, a service device, and a program that enable a viewer to receive an additional service while using a predetermined service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The service method of the present invention comprises a first step in which an additional service program associated with a web browser operating on a user terminal device causes the user terminal device to perform a process of transmitting subject identification information contained in a file obtained by the web browser from a first service device to an additional service device different from the first service device; and a second step in which the additional service device performs an additional service process for exchanging information between a subject corresponding to the subject identification information obtained in the first step and the user of the user terminal device without going through the first server device.

[0007] Preferably, the additional service program transmits a first user operation information to the additional service device corresponding to a first user operation performed by the user on the user terminal device with respect to the additional service processing. The additional service processing further comprises: an eleventh step in which the additional service device transmits first additional service information, including the first user operation information received in the third step, to the target terminal device of the target person relating to the target person identification information acquired in the first step, without going through the first service device; a twelfth step in which the additional service device transmits second additional service information received from the target person terminal device to the user terminal device; and a thirteenth step in which the additional service program causes the user terminal device to execute a process that displays the second additional service information received in the twelfth step in association with a service screen provided by the first service device to the user terminal device.

[0008] Preferably, the first additional service information is control information for equipment that can be controlled by the target user terminal device, and the second additional service information is operating status information for the equipment corresponding to the control information.

[0009] Preferably, the additional service processing displays a gift input screen for the user to provide gift information to the target person, the third step transmits the gift information entered via the gift input screen to the additional service device as first user operation information, and the second additional service information is an action from the target person to the user.

[0010] Preferably, the additional service processing involves the user entering a message on the gift input screen in association with the gift information, the first user operation information including the message in association with the gift information, and the second additional service information including the recipient's message in response to the user's message.

[0011] Preferably, the additional service processing displays a tip input screen on the service screen when the target person is performing a live stream, and transmits the tip information entered using the tip input screen to the additional service device.

[0012] Preferably, the first server device is a live streaming server or an SNS server.

[0013] Preferably, the additional service processing is provided by a different service provider than the service screen display processing performed by the first server device.

[0014] The present invention relates to a service device comprising an additional service program associated with a web browser operating on a user terminal device, and an additional service device, wherein the additional service program causes the user terminal device to perform a process of transmitting subject identification information contained in a file obtained by the web browser from a first service device to an additional service device different from the first service device, and the additional service device performs an additional service process for exchanging information between a subject corresponding to the subject identification information obtained in the first step and the user of the user terminal device without going through the first server device.

[0015] The present invention comprises an additional service program associated with a web browser operating on a user terminal device and defining the operation of the user terminal device, and an additional service device program defining the processing of the additional service device, wherein the additional service program causes the user terminal device to perform a process of transmitting subject identification information contained in a file obtained by the web browser from a first service device to an additional service device different from the first service device, and the additional service device program causes the additional service device to perform an additional service process for exchanging information between a subject corresponding to the subject identification information obtained from the user terminal device and the user of the user terminal device without going through the first server device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a service method, service device, and program that enable viewers to receive additional services while using a predetermined service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a content provision system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the equipment controlled by the driver terminal device 15 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the river terminal device 15 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the viewer terminal device 13 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the additional service device 21 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of web page display by the web browser PRG1 in the viewer terminal device 13. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an additional service using the viewer terminal device 13 and the additional service device 21. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a service screen in a browser displayed on the display 51 of the river terminal device 15 shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an extended screen displayed on the service screen shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a river list screen displayed on the river terminal device 15 based on information from the additional service device 21. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a coin - throwing input screen used in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a device operation display screen (additional function screen) for displaying second additional service information used in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a configuration diagram of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] <First Embodiment> This embodiment describes a case where the subject is a live streamer and the user is their viewer. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the additional service processing is exemplified by a process in which the user controls a device that can be controlled by the live streamer's live streamer terminal device, and displays the video status information of that device in association with the service screen of the user terminal device.

[0019] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a content provision system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the equipment controlled by the driver terminal device 15 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the content provision system 1 provides services using a live streaming server 11, a user terminal device 13, a live streamer terminal device 15, and an additional service device 21.

[0020] In content delivery system 1, the web browser PRG1 is running on user terminal device 13. The user terminal device 13 displays a service screen associated with the live streamer based on a file received from the live streaming server 11, using the functions of the web browser PRG1. The service screen displays live streamer video from the live streamer using the live streamer terminal device 15. The user terminal device 13 sends second user operation information to the live streaming server 11, indicating an operation directed at the live streamer 23 based on the service screen. The web browser of the user terminal device 13 reflects the information received from the live streaming server 11 on the service screen in accordance with the second user operation information.

[0021] User 23 enters into a contract with a provider of an additional service device 21, which is different from the provider of the live streaming server 11. The user terminal device 13 transmits to the additional service device 21 the first live streamer identification information (target person identification information: web page information) contained in the file obtained from the live streaming server 11, based on the additional service program PRG2 provided by the operator of the additional service device 21.

[0022] The additional service device 21 executes the additional service processing associated with the acquired first driver identification information (by the operator of the additional service device).

[0023] The user terminal device 13 receives input of a first user operation related to the processing of an additional service from the user 23 through the function of the additional service program PRG2, and transmits the first user operation information to the additional service device 21.

[0024] The additional service device 21 performs the following additional service processing. The additional service device 21 transmits first additional service information, including first user operation information received from the live streamer terminal device 15 and user terminal device 13 of the live streamer related to the live streamer identification information acquired by the functions of the additional service program PRG2, to the additional service device 21 without going through the live streaming server 11. The additional service device 21 transmits the second additional service information received from the driver terminal device 15 to the user terminal device 13. The user terminal device 13, using the functions of the additional service program PRG2, executes a process to display the second additional service information received from the additional service device 21 in association with the service screen.

[0025] The first user operation information and the first additional service information are control information for devices that the driver terminal device 15 can control. The additional service device 21 controls the equipment based on the first additional service information. Furthermore, the Liver terminal device 15 transmits second additional service information, including information on the operating status of the device, to the additional service device 21. The additional service device 21 transmits the received second additional service information to the user terminal device 13. The user terminal device 13 displays the received second additional service information on its service screen, based on the additional service program PRG2.

[0026] The user terminal device 13 and the live streamer terminal device 15 are smartphones, personal computers, etc. The content provided by the live streaming server 11 may be other data besides video, such as audio.

[0027] The functions of each device will be explained in detail below. [Live streaming server 11] The live streaming server 11 is a device managed by the operator of the video streaming site. The live streaming server 11 receives and stores the content data transmitted by the streamer 25 using the streamer terminal device 15. The content data includes first driver identification information that the additional service device 21 uses to uniquely identify a driver. This first driver identification information is unique information that identifies a driver 25 registered by a business operator providing additional services to the additional service device 21. Live streamer 25 includes its own first live streamer identification information in the content data it provides to the live streaming server 11. For example, live streamer 25 inserts its first live streamer identification information into the profile field of the content data it creates.

[0028] The live streaming server 11 sends a file (such as HTML) corresponding to the stored content data to the user terminal device 13 in response to an access made by the user 23 operating the user terminal device 13. The user terminal device 13 outputs video and audio corresponding to the files received from the live streaming server 11, using the functions of the web browser PRG1.

[0029] The live streaming server 11 receives and stores second user operation information entered in response to the actions of user 23 who is viewing the file. Furthermore, the second user operation information is information related to operations provided by user 23 to live streamer 25 using user terminal device 13, such as payment information and comment information. The second user operation information includes the second user identification information assigned to user 23 by the operator of the live streaming server 11, as well as the consideration information such as tip information and gift information provided by user 23, and comment information, etc.

[0030] If the live streaming server 11 contains payment information in the second user operation information from the user terminal device 13, it may process the payment of that payment by the user 23 and also process the payment to the streamer 25.

[0031] In this way, users 23 and live streamers 25 can receive services from the provider of the additional service device 21, independently of the services provided by the provider of the live streaming server 11.

[0032] [Live streamer terminal device 15] The driver terminal device 15 is used by the driver 25. As mentioned above, each driver 25 is assigned driver identification information by the operator of the additional service device 21.

[0033] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the driver terminal device 15 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the Liver terminal device 15 includes, for example, a display 51, a camera 52, an operation unit 53, a communication unit 55, a Bluetooth® communication unit 57, a memory 59, and a processing unit 61.

[0034] The display 51 displays an image based on the signal from the processing unit 61. Camera 52 captures images of the object to be captured. In this embodiment, the live streamer 25 captures a video including himself using camera 52 and transmits it to the user terminal device 13 via the live streaming server 11.

[0035] The operation unit 53 is an operating means such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse. The communications unit 55 communicates with the live streaming server 11 and the additional service device 21. The Bluetooth® communication unit 57 communicates with the infrared controller 19 via Bluetooth®. Memory 59 stores the driver program PRG4 that the processing unit 61 executes. The processing unit 61 executes the driver program PRG4 stored in the memory 59 to perform the processing of the driver terminal device 15 as defined in this embodiment.

[0036] The processing unit 61, in response to the operation of the operation unit 53 by the driver 25, accesses the additional service device 21 via the communication unit 55, downloads the driver program PRG4, and stores it in the memory 59. The processing unit 61 transmits (uploads) the content data connected via the camera 52 to the live streaming server 11. The content data includes video and audio.

[0037] When the processing unit 61 receives control information (first additional service information) from the additional service device 21 via the communication unit 55, it communicates with the infrared controller 19 shown in Figure 2 via the Bluetooth® communication unit 57 based on the control information. The infrared controller 19 converts the control information received from the driver terminal device 15 via Bluetooth® communication and transmits it via infrared communication to the first controlled device 39 that is controlled by the infrared communication. The infrared controller 19 controls a first control target device 39, such as a power outlet, air conditioner, or television, via infrared communication.

[0038] Furthermore, the processing unit 61 may control a second controlled device 38 controlled by Bluetooth® communication via the Bluetooth® communication unit 57, based on control information from the additional service device 21.

[0039] The processing unit 61 sends content data, including the second live streamer identification information of the live streamer 25 in its profile, to the live streaming server 11. The second streamer identification information is information that allows the live streaming server 11 to uniquely identify the streamer 25. Furthermore, the processing unit 61 generates operating status information for the first controlled device 39 and the second controlled device 38, and transmits second additional service information, including this information, to the additional service device 21.

[0040] [User terminal device 13] The user terminal device 13 is used by user 23. Each user 23 is assigned a first user identification piece that is uniquely assigned to the operator of the additional service device 21. Furthermore, user 23 is assigned a second user identification piece that is uniquely assigned to the operator of the live streaming server 11, allowing them to identify the user.

[0041] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the user terminal device 13 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal device 13 includes, for example, a display 31, a camera 32, an operation unit 33, a communication unit 35, a Bluetooth® communication unit 37, a memory 39, and a processing unit 41.

[0042] The display 31 displays an image based on the signal from the processing unit 41.

[0043] The operation unit 33 is an operating means such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse. The communications unit 35 communicates with the live streaming server 11 and the additional service device 21. Memory 39 stores the web browser PRG1 and the additional service program PRG2 executed by the processing unit 41. The user terminal device 13, for example, downloads the additional service program PRG2 from the additional service device 21 and installs it in association with the web browser PRG1. This allows the web browser PRG1 and the additional service program PRG2 to work together to provide services. The processing unit 41 executes the web browser PRG1 and the additional service program PRG2 stored in the memory 39 to perform the processing of the user terminal device 13 as defined in this embodiment.

[0044] The processing unit 41, in response to user operations on the operation unit 33, accesses the additional service device 21 via the communication unit 35, downloads the additional service program PRG2, and stores it in the memory 39. The additional service program PRG2 is associated with the web browser PRG1 and adds predetermined functions to the web browser PRG1. The processing unit 41 displays a service screen (video) on the display 31 that corresponds to the content data contained in the file received from the live streaming server 11. The content data includes video and audio. The processing unit 41 transmits second user operation information, which indicates user 23's actions toward the live streamer 25, to the live streaming server 11 via the communication unit 35, based on the web browser PRG1.

[0045] The processing unit 41 transmits the first live streamer identification information contained in the file acquired by the web browser PRG1 from the live streaming server 11 and the first user operation information acquired from the operation unit 33 to the additional service device 21 based on the additional service program PRG2.

[0046] The processing unit 41 displays an additional service screen corresponding to the second additional service information received from the additional service device 21 on the display 31, based on the additional service program PRG2 and associated with the service screen displayed based on the web browser PRG1.

[0047] The processing unit 41 transmits the first user identification information of user 23 to the additional service device 21 based on the function of the additional service program PRG2.

[0048] [Additional service device 21] The additional service device 21 is used by a different business operator than the operator of the live streaming server 11. The additional service device 21 receives first user operation information from user 23 using user terminal device 13 to the driver 25, includes this information in the first additional service information, and transmits it to the driver terminal device 15 to control the first controlled device 39 and the second controlled device 38 located around the driver 25. Furthermore, the additional service device 21 receives second additional service information from the driver terminal device 15, which includes operating status information of the first controlled device 39 and the second controlled device 38, and causes the user terminal device 13 to perform a process to associate this information with the service screen and display it (by the function of the additional service program PRG2).

[0049] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the additional service device 21 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the additional service device 21 includes, for example, a communication unit 75, a memory 79, and a processing unit 81.

[0050] The communication unit 75 communicates with the user terminal device 13 and the driver terminal device 15. Memory 79 stores the function-adding program PRG3, which is executed by the processing unit 81. The processing unit 81 executes the function-adding program PRG3 stored in the memory 79 to perform the processing of the additional service device 21 as defined in this embodiment.

[0051] When the processing unit 81 receives various information from the user terminal device 13, such as first user operation information, web page information, and first user identification information, it stores this information in the memory 79. When the processing unit 81 receives various information such as operation information and first driver identification information from the driver terminal device 15, it stores this information in the memory 79.

[0052] The processing unit 81, in response to the first user operation information and first live streamer identification information received from the user terminal device 13 by the function of the additional service program PRG2 of the user terminal device 13, transmits control information for the equipment associated with the live streamer 25 to the corresponding live streamer terminal device 15 without going through the live streaming server 11. At this time, the first live streamer identification information is used to identify the live streamer 25. The processing unit 81 receives first additional service information indicating the operating status of each device from the driver terminal device 15 and transmits it to the user terminal device 13.

[0053] The processing unit 81 pre-generates a list of multiple live streamers 25 that have been pre-specified by the user 23 or pre-associated with the user 23 based on the user 23's attributes, and stores this list in the memory 79. The processing unit 81 transmits the list of live streamers information to the user terminal device 13 as second additional service information.

[0054] Based on the first driver identification information received from the user terminal device 13, the processing unit 81 determines whether the driver is registered for the services provided by the additional service device 21, and if it determines that the driver is registered, it provides registration information to the user terminal device 13 to that effect.

[0055] The additional service device 21 acquires information on target devices that can be controlled by the driver terminal device 15 (information on the second control device 38 and the first control device 39 in Figure 2) from the driver terminal device 15 and stores it in the memory 79. The additional service device 21 acquires operating status information of the target equipment from the driver terminal device 15 and transmits it to the user terminal device 13 as second additional service information. The operating status information includes, for example, on / off information and operating level information for each device.

[0056] Based on the first user operation information received from the user terminal device 13, the processing unit 81 generates first additional service information, including control information (commands, signals) for the first control device 39 and the second control device 38 that can be controlled by the driver terminal device 15, and transmits it to the driver terminal device 15.

[0057] The processing unit 81 registers the driver 25 in response to a request from the driver terminal device 15 and causes the driver program PRG4 to be installed on the driver terminal device 15 of the driver 25. Furthermore, the processing unit 81 registers user 23 in response to a request from user terminal device 13 and installs the additional service program PRG2 on user terminal device 13 of user 23.

[0058] The processing unit 81 performs the following processing based on the functions of the additional service program PRG2. In other words, the processing unit 81 receives first control target information from the driver terminal device 15, which indicates a local device that the driver terminal device 15 can control, and stores this information in the memory 79. The processing unit 81 generates a first control command based on the first control target information.

[0059] The first user operation information includes the first user identification information and the payment information and comments provided by the user. Memory 79 stores first correspondence information that shows the correspondence between the consideration information and the operation of the controlled device. The processing unit 81 generates control information based on the first correspondence information.

[0060] The processing unit 81 communicates with the driver terminal device 15 in advance to obtain information about the first control device 39 and the second control device 38 that the driver terminal device 15 can communicate with, and generates device information based on this information and stores it in the memory 79. The device information includes information on the devices that each Liver terminal device 15 can control. The processing unit 81 transmits the device information as second additional service information to the user terminal device 13. The user terminal device 13 performs a process to display information indicating the devices that each driver 25 can control as second additional service information, based on the additional service program PRG2.

[0061] As mentioned above, each driver 25 is assigned driver identification information by the operator of the additional service device 21. The first live streamer identification information is uniquely assigned by the operator of the additional service device 21. The first live streamer identification information is not particularly limited as long as it allows the additional service device 21 to uniquely identify the live streamer, such as a URL related to the live streamer.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first controlled device is a device controlled by infrared communication or a device controlled by Bluetooth® communication.

[0063] The following describes an example of the operation of the content delivery system 1 shown in Figure 1. [Web page display behavior] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how a web page is displayed by the web browser PRG1 on the user terminal device 13. Each step shown in Figure 4 will be explained.

[0064] Step ST11: Based on user 23's actions using a web page displayed by the web browser PRG1 running on user terminal device 13, user terminal device 13 accesses the live streaming server 11. As a result, a file (HTML) is sent from the live streaming server 11 to user terminal device 13, and a service screen corresponding to the file is displayed in the web browser running on user terminal device 13.

[0065] Step ST12: User 23 performs an operation based on the service screen displayed on the user terminal device 13 and transmits second user operation information indicating the details of that operation to the additional service device 21.

[0066] Step ST13: The live streaming server 11 displays an updated service screen on the user terminal device 13 based on the second user operation information received in step ST12.

[0067] [Example of how additional services work] This operation is performed in parallel with the web page display operation described above. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the additional services provided using the user terminal device 13 and the additional service device 21. Let's explain each step.

[0068] Step ST21: As shown in Figure 6, the processing unit 41 of the user terminal device 13 transmits user operation information indicating the user 23's operation toward the live streamer 25 to the live streaming server 11 via the communication unit 35, based on the web browser PRG1, and displays a service screen in the browser corresponding to the file received from the live streaming server 11. Then, based on the additional service program PRG2, the processing unit 41 transmits the live streamer identification information (assigned by the operator of the additional service device 21), user identification information, and web page information, etc., included in the service screen to the additional service device 21 without going through the live streaming server 11, in response to a predetermined operation by the user. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 transmits first user operation information to the additional service device 21 in response to the operation of the user 23's operation unit 33. The first user operation information includes control information for equipment such as the first control device 39 and the second controlled device 38 of the live streamer 25. In addition to equipment control information, messages and tipping information from the user 23 to the live streamer 25 may also be included in the first user operation information.

[0069] Step ST22: When the processing unit 81 of the additional service device 21 receives the first driver identification information and the first user identification information from the user terminal device 13, it associates the additional service screen with the service screen and displays it on the user terminal device 13. At this time, the user terminal device 13 uses the functions of the additional service program PRG2. The additional service device 21 transmits first additional service information, including equipment control information for the first control device 39 and the second control device 38 associated with the driver 25, to the corresponding driver terminal device 15, based on the functions of the additional service program PRG2. Furthermore, the processing unit 81 transmits messages and tipping information received from the user terminal device 13 to the live streamer terminal device 15.

[0070] Step ST23: The processing unit 61 of the driver terminal device 15 controls the corresponding first control device 39 and second control device 38 based on the device control information included in the first additional service information received from the additional service device 21.

[0071] Step ST24: The processing unit 61 of the driver terminal device 15 transmits second additional service information, which indicates the operating status of the first control device 39 and the second control device 38, to the additional service device 21. Furthermore, when the live streamer 25 inputs a message, the live streamer terminal device 15 transmits second additional service information, including that message, to the additional service device 21.

[0072] Step ST25: The processing unit 81 of the additional service device 21 transmits the second additional service information received in step ST24 to the user terminal device 13.

[0073] Step ST26: The user terminal device 13 displays screens and information corresponding to the second additional service information received in step ST25, based on the additional service program PRG2, in association with the service screen displayed in the browser.

[0074] As explained above, according to the content provision system 1, by installing the additional service program PRG2 on the user terminal device 13 and adding a function to the web browser PRG1 that allows it to cooperate with the additional service device 21, the functions of the additional service device 21 can be added to the service screen displayed on the user terminal device 13 based on the web browser PRG1. This makes it possible to provide user 23 with services that the live streaming server 11 and web browser PRG1 cannot provide.

[0075] In other words, according to the content provision system 1, the first control target device 39 located at the home of the live streamer 25 can be controlled in response to input operations on the user terminal device 13 by the user 23 who is viewing the content being distributed by the live streamer terminal device 15 via the live streaming server 11. This enhances the entertainment value.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the user 23 can understand the effects of the compensation they have provided by observing the operating status of the first controlled device 39 and other devices around the driver 25, making it easier for them to perceive the effects of providing compensation.

[0077] <Second Embodiment> In this embodiment, the additional service device 21 provides the user terminal device 13 with a list of drivers associated with the user identification information of user 23. The processing unit 81 of the additional service device 21 manages the driver identification information of the driver 25 related to the user 23, which was obtained from the user terminal device 13, as driver list information in advance.

[0078] The additional service device 21 then transmits second additional service information, including the list of live streamers, to the user terminal device 13. The user terminal device 13 displays the received list of live streamers in association with a service screen (displayed as an additional service screen). The list of streamers includes, for example, information such as login status and available control equipment for each of the 25 streamers. Additionally, the list of live streamers may include information about streamers registered with other services provided by server devices other than the live streaming server 11.

[0079] According to this embodiment, user 23 can obtain and use live streamer list information not provided by the live streaming server 11 from the additional service device 21. For example, by specifying live streamer 25 displayed as part of the live streamer list information, it becomes possible to access server sites other than the live streaming server 11 where that live streamer 25 is appearing.

[0080] <Third Embodiment> The additional service device 21 obtains live streamer identification information from the user terminal device 13, determines from the pre-registration information whether the live streamer 25 of the live streamer identification information is registered for the services provided by the additional service device 21, and if it determines that the live streamer is registered, it transmits registration information indicating that to the user terminal device 13 as second additional service information.

[0081] Based on the second additional service information received from the additional service device 21, the user terminal device 13 displays registration status information indicating whether or not the streamer 25 is registered for the service, in association with the service screen displayed by the web browser PRG1.

[0082] This makes it easy for user 23 to determine whether the streamer 25 broadcasting from the live streaming server 11 is registered with the live streaming server 11's service.

[0083] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the service screen within the browser displayed on the display 51 of the Liver terminal device 15 shown in Figure 3. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the extended screen displayed on the service screen shown in Figure 8. The processing unit 41 of the user terminal device 13 displays the aforementioned service screen in the browser 91 shown in Figure 8, based on the web browser PRG1. This service screen is a screen corresponding to the file (HTML) received from the live streaming server 11.

[0084] Based on the additional service program PRG2, the processing unit 41 displays additional service screens (pop-up screens) 95 and 97, which include the content of the second additional service information received from the additional service device 21, in association with the service screen, as shown in Figure 9. In the example shown in Figure 8, the additional service screens 95 and 97 display information such as the number of tips related to the streamer shown on the service screen 93, the streamer ranking information, a list of devices shown in Figure 2 that the streamer can control, and their operating status (on / off).

[0085] According to this embodiment, by displaying additional service screens 95 and 97 on the user terminal device 13 in association with the service screen 93, the user 23 can obtain information about the live streamer 25 that cannot be obtained from the live streaming server 11 from the additional service device 21.

[0086] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a driver list screen displayed on the driver terminal device 15 based on information from the additional service device 21.

[0087] The processing unit 81 of the additional service device 21 pre-generates a list of multiple drivers 25 that have been pre-specified by the user 23 or pre-associated based on the user 23's attributes, using the user identification information of the pre-registered user 23, and transmits this list to the user terminal device 13. The processing unit 41 of the user terminal device 13 displays, for example, the driver list 103 shown in Figure 10 as the additional service screen 101 on the display 31, based on the driver list information received from the additional service device 21.

[0088] <Sixth Embodiment> In this embodiment, multiple additional service programs PRG2, each accessing a different additional service device 21, are installed on the user terminal device 13 and associated with the browser. In other words, they are made to function as part of the browser's functionality. For example, the first additional service program PRG2 acquires the streamer identification information contained in the file received from the live streaming server 11, and also accesses the first additional service device 21 to display the second additional service information obtained from the first additional service device 21 on the user terminal device 13. Furthermore, the second additional service program PRG2 obtains information from the web page of the live streaming server 11 and accesses the second additional service device 21 to display the second additional service information obtained from the second additional service device 21 on the user terminal device 13.

[0089] At this time, the first additional service program PRG2 and the second additional service program PRG2 share additional service information with each other. This makes it possible to provide a complex service to user 23.

[0090] Then, the first additional service program PRG2 acquires web page information (including live streamer identification information, etc.) from the live streaming server 11 and accesses the first additional service device 21, causing the user terminal device 13 to perform a process of associating the second additional service information obtained from the first additional service device 21 with the web page and displaying it. Furthermore, the second additional service program PRG2 obtains information from the web page of the live streaming server 11 and accesses the second additional service device 21, causing the user terminal device 13 to perform a process of associating the second additional service information obtained from the second additional service device 21 with the service screen (web page) and displaying it. At this time, the first additional service device 21 generates second additional service information based on the information from the second additional service device 21. Furthermore, the second additional service device 21 generates second additional service information based on the information from the first additional service device 21. This makes it possible to provide users with integrated services from the additional service devices 21 operated by multiple businesses.

[0091] <Seventh Embodiment> In this embodiment, we will describe an example that specifically illustrates some of the operations of the first embodiment. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the seventh embodiment. Let's explain each step. Step ST31: The user 23 selects and operates on the additional function icon displayed on the service screen (web screen) corresponding to the file from the live streaming server 11, which is displayed on the user terminal device 13.

[0092] Step ST32: The user terminal device 13 starts the additional service program PRG2, and the first driver identification information of the driver 25 displayed on the service screen and the first user identification information are transmitted to the additional service device 21.

[0093] Step ST33: The additional service device 21 performs the process of displaying a tip input screen, such as the one shown in Figure 12, for users 23 to tip the streamer 25, in association with the service screen of the user terminal device 13.

[0094] Step ST34: User 23 operates the user terminal device 13 to input a tip on the tip input screen. The additional service device 21 transmits first additional service information, including control information corresponding to the input tip, to the live streamer terminal device 15.

[0095] Step ST35: The driver terminal device 15 controls the surrounding equipment based on the first additional service information received in step ST34. This causes the equipment to operate.

[0096] The Liver terminal device 15 transmits second additional service information, including information on the operating status of the equipment, to the additional service device 21. The additional service device 21 transmits the received second additional service information to the user terminal device 13.

[0097] The user terminal device 13 displays a device video display screen showing the received second additional service information (device operating status) in association with the service screen (displayed by PRG1), based on the functions of the additional service program PRG2. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the second additional service information (displays a video of the device) is displayed.

[0098] As described above, according to this embodiment, a user-friendly screen can be provided by associating the tipping input screen and the device operation display screen (additional function screen), as shown in Figures 12 and 13, with the service screen.

[0099] <Eighth Embodiment> In the above-described embodiment, a live streaming server 11 that performs live streaming was exemplified as the first service device of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example is given in which an SNS device 111 that provides SNS such as X (registered trademark), Facebook (registered trademark), and TikTok (registered trademark) is used as the first service device.

[0100] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the subject of the present invention and the user are registered users of the social networking service (SNS). Furthermore, the SNS device 111 sends a file displaying the target person's profile and posts to the user terminal device 13 in response to user operations, and the user terminal device 13 displays the target person's page as a web page service screen.

[0101] Then, when user 23 selects an icon for an additional function displayed on user terminal device 13, a gift input screen (additional service screen: box) is displayed on user terminal device 13, and user 23 uses this gift input screen to input gift information (tip) to live streamer 25. This allows user 23 to communicate with target person 25 using chat and messaging functions. This communication takes place separately from the first service device. The gift information is transmitted from the user terminal device 13 to the additional service device 21 as first user operation information. Furthermore, the additional service device 21 transmits the message from the user 23 to the target terminal device 115 as the first additional service information. The additional service device 21 receives a message from the target person 25 via the target person terminal device 115 as second additional service information. The additional service device 21 transmits the received message to the user terminal device 13.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In this embodiment, the user and live streamer identification information may be issued by the operator of the live streaming server 11 or the additional service device 21, or it may be identification information such as a URL issued by another operator.

[0103] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment illustrates a case where the first server device provides live streaming or SNS services, it is not particularly limited as long as it provides a service screen related to the target audience. [Industrial applicability]

[0104] The present invention is applicable to various systems in which a content distribution site server device provides content to a user device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] PRG1...Web browser PRG2…Additional Service Program PRG3...Additional Service Device Program PRG4... Live Streamer Program 1…Content delivery system 11…Live streaming server 13...User terminal device 15... Liver terminal device 21... Additional service devices 23...User 25... Live streamer 93...Service screen 95, 96... Additional Services Screen 111...SNS device

Claims

1. A first step involves an additional service program associated with a web browser running on a user terminal device causing the user terminal device to perform a process that transmits the subject identification information contained in a file obtained by the web browser from a first service device to an additional service device different from the first service device. The additional service device performs an additional service process for exchanging information between a person corresponding to the person identification information acquired in the first step and the user of the user terminal device without going through the first server device, A service method having

2. A third step in which the additional service program transmits first user operation information to the additional service device in response to a first user operation performed by the user on the user terminal device with respect to the additional service processing. It further possesses, The aforementioned additional service processing is, An eleventh step in which the additional service device transmits the first additional service information, including the first user operation information received in the third step, to the target terminal device of the target person relating to the target person identification information acquired in the first step, without going through the first service device, The twelfth step is for the additional service device to transmit the second additional service information received from the target terminal device to the user terminal device, The additional service program includes a 13th step in which it causes the user terminal device to perform a process that displays the second additional service information received in the 12th step in association with a service screen provided by the first service device to the user terminal device. has The service method according to claim 1.

3. The first additional service information is control information for equipment that can be controlled by the target user terminal device, The second additional service information is information on the operating status of the equipment in accordance with the control information. The service method according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned additional service processing is, The user displays a gift input screen for providing gift information to the target person. The third step involves transmitting the gift information entered via the gift input screen to the additional service device as the first user operation information. The second additional service information is an action from the target person to the user. The service method according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned additional service processing is, The user enters a message on the gift input screen, associated with the aforementioned gift information. The first user operation information includes the message in association with the gift information, The second additional service information includes the target person's message in response to the user's message. The live streaming method according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned additional service processing is, When the aforementioned service screen is showing the aforementioned person performing a live stream, a tipping input screen is displayed for the user to provide a tip to the aforementioned person. The tipping information entered using the tipping input screen is transmitted to the first additional service information to the additional service device. The service method according to claim 2.

7. The first server device is a live streaming server or an SNS server. The service method according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned additional service processing is provided by a different service provider than the service screen display processing performed by the first server device. The service method according to claim 1.

9. An additional service program associated with a web browser running on a user terminal device, Additional service equipment and It has, The additional service program includes a first step of causing the user terminal device to perform a process of transmitting the subject identification information contained in the file obtained by the web browser from the first service device to an additional service device different from the first service device, The additional service device performs an additional service process for exchanging information between a person corresponding to the person identification information acquired in the first step and the user of the user terminal device without going through the first server device, A service device having a

10. An additional service program associated with a web browser running on a user terminal device and defining the operation of the user terminal device, An additional service device program that defines the processing of the additional service device and It has, The additional service program causes the user terminal device to perform a process of transmitting the target identification information contained in the file obtained by the web browser from the first service device to an additional service device different from the first service device. The aforementioned additional service device program causes the additional service device to execute additional service processing for exchanging information between the target person corresponding to the target person identification information obtained from the user terminal device and the user of the user terminal device, without going through the first server device. program.

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