Information provision device, information provision method, and information provision program

Abstract

The ability to easily view information associated with posted videos and images. [Solution] The information provision device according to the present invention comprises a reception unit, an acquisition unit, and a provision unit. The reception unit receives submissions of video images that can be provided to the user's terminal. The acquisition unit acquires information associated with the video images received by the reception unit. The provision unit creates provision information to be provided to the user based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and provides the provision information superimposed on the video image. For example, the video image is related to a real estate property photographed by the user, and the information acquired by the acquisition unit is related to the real estate property.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and an information providing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become easy to watch videos on mobile terminals such as smartphones, and in order to spend leisure time, watching short videos with relatively short video sizes has become popular, especially among young people.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, for example, a short video poster recommends that a viewer of a video make an inquiry about a property (for example, a rental property) shown in the posted video by means of DM (direct mail) on an SNS (social networking service), etc., and there is room for improvement in that the details of the property are unclear.

[0005] In view of the above, the present application has been made, and an object thereof is to provide an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and an information providing program capable of easily confirming information associated with a posted moving image. Another object of the present application is to provide a platform for gathering users who post videos.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information providing device according to the present application is characterized by comprising: a receiving unit that receives submissions of video images that can be provided to a user's terminal; an acquisition unit that acquires information associated with the received video images; and a providing unit that creates provision information to be provided to the user based on the acquired information, and provides the provision information superimposed on the video images. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, information associated with the posted video can be easily confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the information provision method according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the display screen of a user terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information provision system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the information provision method related to a modified embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the display screen of a user terminal in a modified embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of an information provision device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information provision device, information provision method, and information provision program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information provision device, information provision method, and information provision program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [Overview of Information Provision Method] First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, an overview of the information provision method performed by the information provision device according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information provision method according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of a user terminal in the embodiment. The information provision system S shown in Figure 1 includes an information provision device 1, user terminals 2a and 2b, and a business operator terminal 3. The information provision device 1, user terminals 2a and 2b, and business operator terminal 3 are connected to each other via a network N (see Figure 3) by wire or wireless means so that they can communicate with each other. Network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0011] In Figure 1, when business operator A1 distributes video footage of a real estate property posted by user U1 (poster) using user terminal 2a via information provision device 1, it superimposes information about the property onto the video footage. Then, in response to inquiries from user U2 (user) who has viewed the video footage distributed by information provision device 1 using user terminal 2b, business operator A1 introduces user U2 to real estate agent A2. When business operator A1 receives a commission or advertising fee from real estate agent A2, it pays a portion of this to user U1, the poster, as compensation.

[0012] Here, "real estate property" refers to, for example, a property that is the subject of a transaction. "Videos and images" are so-called video content, specifically short videos with a relatively short video size. "Videos and images related to movable property" refers to, for example, videos of a real estate property taken by user U1, showing the current state of the property, the living environment, etc.

[0013] Information provider device 1 is a server device that holds video footage used in a video distribution service. A video distribution service is a service that distributes video content to users who request to view video footage, either for a fee or free of charge. Video distribution services are provided, for example, through video distribution websites. Information provider device 1 creates a partial video (hereinafter referred to as "video thumbnail") that serves as the title of the video by cutting out a portion of the video footage. Note that the video thumbnail may be created by processing a new image instead of by cutting out a portion.

[0014] First, the information provider 1 accepts video submissions related to real estate properties via the user terminal 2a used by user U1 (step S1). Here, the information provider 1 obtains user information about user U1, who is the video submitter. The information provider 1 registers the submitted video for each user account.

[0015] Furthermore, the information provider 1 acquires real estate information associated with the posted video (for example, the location of the property, floor plan, rent, real estate agent A2 handling the property, whether the property has been sold or not, etc.). Here, the real estate information may be, for example, information attached to the video posted by user U1, or it may be obtained from real estate agent A2 via the business terminal 3 based on that information.

[0016] The information providing device 1 creates provided information to be provided to the user based on the acquired real estate information, and superimposes the provided information on the video thumbnail of the moving image for providing (step S2). The provided information to be provided to the user includes, for example, "There is availability" indicating the current situation of the real estate among the acquired real estate information. This provided information, for example, when the real estate property is a rental property and there is availability in the current situation of the rental property, becomes "There is availability". On the other hand, the provided information includes "Occupied", "Contract completed", etc. when the acquired real estate information is updated and there is no availability in the property at the time of inquiry. Further, the provided information includes "Incoming applications overwhelming", "Viewing in progress", etc. when there is availability in the current situation of the property and there are multiple inquiries. And the image superimposed on the video thumbnail is, for example, a character image of "There is availability". Also, the provided information may be displayed by touching the "View details" button 11e in the video thumbnail 11d on the user terminal 2b shown in FIG. 2. In this case, as detailed information of the real estate property, for example, it switches to an image showing the location of the real estate, the floor plan, the rent, the real estate agency A2 handling the property, whether the property has been contracted, etc.

[0017] Also, the information providing device 1 receives information for searching for real estate properties, for example, from the user terminal 2b that has accessed the video distribution site. As shown in FIG. 2, the information providing device 1, for example, displays a search screen 11a on the user terminal 2b on the video distribution site, allows the user U2 to input search conditions (for example, the location of the real estate, the floor plan, the rent, the walking distance from the nearest station, etc.), and searches for moving images that match the search conditions from a plurality of posted videos in response to a touch operation on the search button 11b. Then, when there is a moving image that matches the search conditions, the information providing device 1 displays a list of video thumbnails of the moving image (the video thumbnail list 11c shown in FIG. 2). The information providing device 1, for example, when the video thumbnail 11d is selected from the video thumbnail list 11c displayed on the user terminal 2b, plays the moving image corresponding to the video thumbnail 11d.

[0018] If no results are found that meet the search criteria, the information providing device 1 may broaden the search criteria and display the relevant properties. In this case, the providing unit 123 may, for example, clearly indicate the broadened search criteria by the identification unit 124, and also provide "recommended" images as provided information, superimposed on the video thumbnails on the video thumbnail list 11c or on the video thumbnails 11d in Figure 2.

[0019] Furthermore, when the information provider 1 displays a list of video thumbnails of multiple videos that match the search criteria, if there is a video among the multiple videos that should be displayed preferentially as a PR slot, it may prioritize displaying that video. Here, a PR slot is, for example, a video corresponding to a property specified by real estate agent A2. This PR slot may be a video specified by real estate agent A2, or it may be one that has a relatively high brokerage fee or advertising fee.

[0020] The information providing device 1 causes the user terminal 2b to display (play) a moving image and also displays the provision information to be provided to the user. The user U2 can view the moving image played on the user terminal 2b. For example, when the user U2 touches and operates the provision information (e.g., "View Details" button) displayed on the user terminal 2b, the information providing device 1 determines that an inquiry regarding the real estate property has been made from the user terminal 2b (step S3). Note that step S3 (inquiry determination) may be performed after the user U2 has made a detailed confirmation (e.g., floor plan and various conditions of the property). Also, the information providing device 1 may determine whether to keep the currently displayed moving image (e.g., favorite setting or later viewing setting) according to the operation of the user U2 on the user terminal 2b. For example, the user U2 determines whether to keep the moving image according to the direction in which the display screen of the moving image is swiped. For example, when the user terminal 2b is swiped in the direction to be kept, the information providing device 1 keeps the moving image and sets "favorite" for the real estate information associated with the moving image. Note that the information providing device 1 is configured to enable the user U2 to select whether to keep the currently displayed moving image, but is not limited to this, and may be swiped in any of the four directions and enable selection of options other than whether to keep it.

[0021] Subsequently, when the information providing device 1 determines that an inquiry regarding the real estate property has been made from the user terminal 2b, it acquires the user information necessary for identifying the user U2 who uses the user terminal 2b, and transmits the user information necessary for identifying the user U2 to the business operator terminal 3 to introduce the user U2 to the real estate agent A2 (step S4). Note that step S4 (introduction to the real estate agent A2) may be performed after the user U2 has input the user information necessary for identifying the user U2 (e.g., name, contact information, etc.).

[0022] Real estate agent A2 pays agent A1 a brokerage fee or advertising fee in response to the referral of a user from agent A1 (Step S5). Step S5 (payment of each fee) may be performed at any time, such as when a lease agreement for the property is concluded or when the application fee is accepted.

[0023] Then, business operator A1 pays user U1 a portion of the brokerage fee or advertising fee received as compensation (step S6). Note that step S6 (payment of each compensation) may be performed at any time, such as when a property lease agreement is concluded or when the application fee is accepted.

[0024] Thus, according to the information providing device 1 of this embodiment, information linked to videos and images of posted real estate properties is acquired. Therefore, even if there are many posted videos introducing properties, it is not necessary to watch multiple posted videos until the desired property is found, making property searches easier. With the information providing device 1, it becomes possible to search for properties in the same way as searching for properties on a general real estate website.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the information providing device 1 of this embodiment, since the video images of properties that match the search criteria are displayed in a list as video thumbnails, it is possible to search for properties more easily compared to systems where it is not possible to know whether a property matches the usage conditions (e.g., the location of the property, the year it was built, etc.) without playing the posted video.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the information providing device 1 of this embodiment, information is created to be provided to the user based on the acquired real estate information, and this information is superimposed on the video. For example, if a user is browsing through posted videos and finds a property they are interested in, they can easily check the information provided to confirm details about the property.

[0027] [Example of an information provision system configuration] Next, the configuration of the information provision system S, which includes the information provision device 1 according to the embodiment, will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information provision system S according to the embodiment.

[0028] Furthermore, the number of devices included in the information provision system S shown in Figure 2 is not limited to those illustrated. For example, in Figure 2, only one user terminal each of 2a and 2b is shown for the sake of illustration, but this is merely an example and not limiting; there may be two or more.

[0029] User terminals 2a and 2b are smart devices such as smartphones and tablets used by users U1 and U2, and are mobile terminal devices capable of communicating with any server device (e.g., information provider device 1) via a wireless communication network such as 4G (Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution) (e.g., network N shown in Figure 3). User terminals 2a and 2b also have a screen such as an LCD display with touch panel functionality, and accept various operations on displayed data such as content from users U1 and U2 using their fingers or a stylus, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling. Furthermore, user terminals 2a and 2b may be not only smart devices, but also information processing devices such as desktop PCs (Personal Computers) and notebook PCs, game consoles and AV equipment with communication functions, information appliances and digital appliances, car navigation systems, smartwatches, head-mounted displays, smart glasses, and other wearable devices.

[0030] Information provision device 1 is an information processing device that works in conjunction with each user terminal 2a, 2b to provide each user terminal 2a, 2b with API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as "apps") and various data, and is implemented by a computer or cloud system.

[0031] Furthermore, the information provider 1 may be an information processing device that provides some kind of Web service online to the user terminals 2a and 2b of each user U1 and U2. For example, the information provider 1 may provide services such as internet connection, search services, SNS (Social Networking Service), e-commerce (EC), electronic payment, online games, online banking, online trading, accommodation and ticket reservations, video and music distribution, news, maps, route search, route guidance, route information, service information, and weather forecasts as Web services. In practice, the information provider 1 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above-mentioned Web services and act as an intermediary for Web services, or it may be responsible for processing Web services.

[0032] Information provider 1 can acquire user information about users U1 and U2. For example, information provider 1 acquires attribute information about users U1 and U2, such as gender, age, residential area, purchase history, and service usage history. Information provider 1 then stores and manages the attribute information of users U1 and U2 along with identification information (such as user ID) that identifies users U1 and U2.

[0033] Business terminal 3 is, for example, an information processing device used by a real estate agent. For example, business terminal 3 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a smartwatch, a wearable device, or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0034] [Example of information provision device configuration] Next, the configuration of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 3. The information providing device 1 shown in Figure 3 has a communication unit 100, a storage unit 110, and a processing unit 120.

[0035] (Regarding Communications Unit 100) The communication unit 100 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 100 is also connected to the network N by wired or wireless connection.

[0036] (Regarding memory unit 110) The memory unit 110 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or by a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. The memory unit 110 stores various information that the processing unit 120 refers to when it operates, and various information acquired when the processing unit 120 operates.

[0037] The memory unit 110 stores, for example, user information relating to users U1 and U2. This user information includes, for example, a "User ID (Identifier)". The "User ID" is identification information used to identify users U1 and U2.

[0038] Furthermore, user information includes information such as the type of user terminal 2a and 2b used by users U1 and U2 (smartphone, desktop PC, etc.), identification information, and address information. User information may also include, for example, search conditions entered into user terminal 2b and real estate information linked to played videos. Note that user information is not limited to the above and may include various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, user information may include information such as name, family structure, occupation, job title, income, qualifications, living situation, whether or not you own a car, commuting time, hobbies, and lifestyle.

[0039] (Regarding processing unit 120) The processing unit 120 is a controller, and is realized by executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information provision program) stored in the storage device inside the information provision device 1 using a storage area such as RAM as a working area, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In the example shown in Figure 2, the processing unit 120 has a receiving unit 121, an acquisition unit 122, a providing unit 123, and a specification unit 124.

[0040] (Regarding reception desk 121) The reception unit 121 accepts videos sent via a user terminal (for example, user terminal 2a) as submitted videos. For example, it accepts submitted videos related to real estate properties sent via user terminal 2a used by user U1. The reception unit 121 also receives real estate information associated with the received videos from user terminal 2a. Furthermore, the reception unit 121 has functions to recruit new users U1 who will submit videos and to provide users U1 with information on real estate properties that are currently accepting video submissions. Together with the following functions, it provides an environment in which users U1 can easily submit videos and earn rewards.

[0041] (Regarding acquisition unit 122) The acquisition unit 122 acquires real estate information associated with the posted video. The acquisition unit 122, for example, refers to user information stored in the storage unit 110 and acquires the necessary information from the real estate information contained in the user information.

[0042] (Regarding Section 123) The provision unit 123 creates provision information to be provided to user U2 based on the acquired real estate information, and provides the provision information by superimposing it onto the video. For example, if the relevant real estate property is a rental property and there is currently a vacancy in the rental property, the provision unit 123 creates a "Vacancy Available" image as provision information and provides the provision information by superimposing it onto the video thumbnail of the video.

[0043] (Regarding specific section 124) The identification unit 124 searches for videos that meet the search criteria entered from user terminal 2b of user U2 by referring to information associated with the videos, and displays them in a list on the user terminal. For example, the identification unit 124 searches for videos related to real estate properties that meet the entered rent range and location by referring to multiple real estate information, and displays them in a list on user terminal 2b.

[0044] [Processing Procedure] Next, the processing procedure by the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the processing unit 120 of the information providing device 1.

[0045] First, the reception unit 121 accepts the submission of video (step S101). The reception unit 121 receives video, real estate information associated with the video, and user information from the user terminal 2a via the network N, for example, through the communication unit 100. The processing unit 120 stores the received video, real estate information, and user information in the storage unit 110.

[0046] The acquisition unit 122 acquires real estate information associated with the video (step S102). The acquisition unit 122 reads, for example, the real estate information stored in the storage unit 110 as real estate information associated with the video. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 122 acquires the information from real estate agent A2 via the business terminal 3, obtained from the real estate information report associated with the video.

[0047] The provisioning unit 123 creates provisioning information to be provided to the user based on the acquired real estate information, and provides this provisioning information by superimposing it onto the video thumbnail of the video (step S103). For example, the provisioning unit 123 creates "Vacant" as provisioning information indicating the current status of the property based on the acquired real estate information, and provides this provisioning information by superimposing it onto the video.

[0048] The identification unit 124 searches for videos that meet the search criteria entered from user terminal 2b of user U2 by referring to the real estate information associated with the videos, and displays them in a list on user terminal 2b (step S104), then terminates the process.

[0049] 〔effect〕 As described above, the information providing device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a receiving unit 121, an acquisition unit 122, and a providing unit 123. The receiving unit 121 receives submissions of video images that can be provided to the user terminal 2b of user U2. The acquisition unit 122 acquires information associated with the video images received by the receiving unit 121. The providing unit 123 creates provision information to be provided to user U2 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 122, and provides the provision information by superimposing it on the video image.

[0050] With this configuration, users U2 who watch posted videos can obtain the necessary information by checking the information superimposed on the video, without having to make inquiries about properties using, for example, direct messages (DMs) on social networking services (SNS).

[0051] Furthermore, the information providing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a selection unit 124. The selection unit 124 searches for videos that satisfy the search conditions entered from the user terminal 2b of user U2 by referring to the information associated with the videos and displays them in a list on the user terminal 2b.

[0052] This configuration makes it easier to search for properties compared to traditional systems where information about a property is only available after watching a posted video.

[0053] [Hardware configuration] The information provision device 1, user terminals 2a and 2b, and business operator terminal 3 according to the embodiments described above are implemented by a computer 1000 with a configuration such as that shown in Figure 7. The following explanation will use the information provision device 1 as an example. Figure 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that implements the functions of the information provision device 1, user terminals 2a and 2b, and business operator terminal 3.

[0054] Computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output interface 1060, an input interface 1070, and a network interface 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0055] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device where data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD, flash memory, etc.

[0056] Output IF1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010, such as monitors and printers, and is implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). Input IF1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, and scanners, and is implemented using, for example, USB.

[0057] The input device 1020 may also be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the input device 1020 may also be an external storage medium such as a USB memory stick.

[0058] Network IF1080 receives data from other devices via network N and sends it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0059] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0060] For example, when computer 1000 functions as information providing device 1, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 executes a program (for example, an information providing program) loaded onto the primary storage device 1040, thereby realizing the same functions as the processing unit 120. In other words, the arithmetic unit 1030 works in cooperation with the program (for example, an information providing program) loaded onto the primary storage device 1040 to realize the processing by information providing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0061] [Variation] In the above embodiment, real estate is given as an example of an item, but it is not limited to this. The item may be, for example, interior furnishings, electrical appliances, clothing, shoes, ornaments, household goods, or books. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the information provision method according to a modified embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of a user terminal in a modified embodiment. The information provision system SA shown in Figure 5 includes an information provision device 1A, user terminals 2a and 2b, and a business operator terminal 3A.

[0062] In Figure 5, when business operator B1 distributes a video related to interior design posted by user U1 using user terminal 2a via information provider device 1A, it overlays furniture information related to the furniture contained in the video. Then, when user U2 purchases furniture after viewing the video distributed by information provider device 1A using user terminal 2b, business operator B1 introduces user U2 to e-commerce site B2 (for example, a website selling the furniture) and receives affiliate commission payments from the e-commerce site, it pays a portion of these payments to user U1, the poster, as a reward.

[0063] First, the information provider 1A receives a video related to interior design (video 12a shown in Figure 6) via the user terminal 2a used by user U1 (step S11). Here, the information provider 1A acquires furniture information associated with the submitted video (for example, the type of furniture, price, size, and the e-commerce site that handles the furniture). The furniture information may be information attached to the video submitted by user U1, or it may be obtained from the e-commerce site B2 via the business terminal 3A based on that information.

[0064] Next, the information provider 1A creates information to be provided to the user (information 12b shown in Figure 6) based on the acquired furniture information, and provides this information by superimposing it onto the video (step S12). The information provided to the user includes, for example, the name, material, and size of the furniture from the acquired furniture information. The information provider 1A also receives information for searching for furniture from, for example, the user terminal 2b that has accessed the video distribution site. The information provider 1A displays a search screen on the user terminal 2b on the video distribution site, has the user U2 input search conditions, and searches for video images that match the search conditions from multiple posted videos in response to the user's touch operation of the search button.

[0065] When the information provider 1A determines that user terminal 2b is considering purchasing furniture (step S13), it acquires user information necessary to identify user U2 using user terminal 2b, and transmits the user information necessary to identify user U2 to the business terminal 3A to introduce user U2 to the e-commerce site B2 (step S14). Meanwhile, when business operator B1 receives a furniture purchase request from user U2 via user terminal 2b, for example, it transmits the purchase request to business operator terminal 3A via the information provider 1A to place an order for the furniture.

[0066] EC site B2 pays affiliate commissions to business B1 in response to user referrals from business B1 (Step S15).

[0067] Then, business operator B1 pays a portion of the affiliate commission received as a reward to user U1 (step S16).

[0068] As described above, the information providing device 1A according to a modified version of this embodiment creates information to be provided to the user based on the acquired furniture information, and provides this information by superimposing it onto a video. For example, if a user is browsing through a posted video and finds a piece of furniture that interests them, they can easily confirm that piece of furniture by checking the provided information.

[0069] 〔others〕 Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiments described above.

[0070] Furthermore, while information providing devices 1 and 1A have the function of providing video distribution services, they are not limited to this, and may also post videos to video distribution services performed by other information providing devices (for example, server devices) different from information providing devices 1 and 1A.

[0071] Furthermore, the information providing device 1,1A may, for example, analyze the posted video that user U2 is viewing via user terminal 2b, the information associated with the posted video, and the attribute information of user U2 described above, and display video images of properties found based on the analysis results. This makes it easier for the information providing device 1,1A to narrow down the properties that user U2 desires from multiple posted videos, and also makes it possible to recommend property information that is estimated to be the property that user U2 desires to user U2.

[0072] Furthermore, the information provision device 1,1A may be implemented using multiple server computers, and depending on the function, it may be implemented by calling external platforms, etc., via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing, allowing for flexible configuration changes.

[0073] Furthermore, the information provision device 1,1A and business operator A1 may be the same as the business operator terminal 3 and real estate business operator A2. In other words, the real estate business operator may be business operator A1 who handles the information processing device 1.

[0074] Furthermore, if no results are found that meet the search criteria, the identification unit 124 may be configured to broaden the search criteria and display the relevant properties. In this case, the provision unit 123 may, for example, clearly indicate the broadened search criteria by the identification unit 124 and provide "recommended" images superimposed on moving images as provided information.

[0075] Furthermore, the reception unit 121 may be configured to identify trends in information regarding real estate properties associated with videos that have received good ratings for each poster who has posted a video (e.g., user U1), and to recommend the poster to real estate businesses (e.g., real estate agent A2) that have the identified trends. In this case, the reception unit 121 manages multiple posted videos for each poster, and for example, analyzes real estate information associated with videos that have received a relatively large number of "likes" from video viewers to identify trends (e.g., many locations are in "XX city", many floor plans are "2DK", etc.). Then, the reception unit 121 recommends user U1 who posted the video to real estate businesses that match the identified trends. This makes it possible for real estate businesses to evaluate posters, and when the reward for the poster is increased, it becomes possible to increase the motivation of the poster to post videos. As a result, the present invention makes it possible to provide a platform that gathers users (posters) who post videos.

[0076] Furthermore, each of the processes described in the embodiments above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content does not contradict each other.

[0077] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the processing unit 120 can be replaced with processing means or processing circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Information provision device 2a,2b User terminals 3. Carrier terminals 100 Communications Department 110 Storage section 120 Processing Unit 121 Reception Department 122 Acquisition Department 123 Provision Department 124 Specific part S Information Provision System

Claims

1. A reception desk that accepts submissions of video images that can be provided to the user's device, An acquisition unit that acquires information associated with the received video image, A providing unit that creates providing information to be provided to the user based on the acquired information, and provides the providing information by superimposing it onto the video image, An information providing device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The system includes a specific unit that searches for videos that meet the search criteria entered from the user's terminal by referring to information associated with the videos and displays them in a list on the terminal. The information providing device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned supply unit is, If a user who has viewed the aforementioned video requests the aforementioned information, a portion of the reward obtained for providing the information will be paid to the poster who uploaded the video, and the other portion will be paid to the business that provides the video. The information providing device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned video footage is related to a real estate property photographed by the user. The aforementioned information is information relating to the aforementioned real estate property. The information providing device according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition unit is, The aforementioned information is obtained from a business operator handling the aforementioned real estate property. The aforementioned supply unit is, The aforementioned information is displayed as relatively short text information. The information providing device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned supply unit is, For each poster who uploaded the aforementioned video, the system identifies trends in information about the aforementioned real estate properties associated with the video that received good ratings, and recommends the uploader to businesses that exhibit the identified trends. The information providing device according to claim 4.

7. A method of providing information performed by a computer, A reception process for accepting submissions of video images that can be provided to the user's device, An acquisition step to acquire information associated with the received video image, A provision step of creating provision information to be provided to the user based on the acquired information, and providing the provision information by superimposing it onto the video image, A method of providing information characterized by including the following.

8. On the computer, A procedure for accepting submissions of video images that can be provided to the user's device, A procedure for obtaining information associated with the received video image, A provision procedure which involves creating information to be provided to the user based on the acquired information, and providing the information by superimposing it onto the video image, An information provision program characterized by causing the execution of an action.

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