Distribution management that provides recommended videos based on the topic being watched

Abstract

A delivery management system (101) reproduces, on a screen, a moving image (A) in which a plurality of topics (a1, a2, …) are sequentially dealt with, determines a topic (a1) being dealt with at present on the screen on which the moving image (A) is reproduced, specifies a list (L1) of a recommended moving image (X1) in which a topic related to the determined topic (a1) is dealt with, and provides the specified list (L1) via the screen.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to distribution management that provides recommended videos according to a topic being viewed. [Background technology]

[0002] As lifestyles change, a sales format for goods and services called live commerce is attracting attention. In live commerce, broadcasters distribute videos introducing specific products, etc., and viewers who watch the broadcast can purchase the products, etc. online or comment on them.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that supports buying and selling in live commerce by allowing a broadcasting user to introduce a specific product online and giving benefits to the broadcasting user and viewing users who purchase the product depending on the purchase history of the introduced product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-26152 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in live commerce, unlike conventional face-to-face buying and selling, viewers cannot directly touch or see the products, etc., and therefore viewers may desire more information about the products, such as word-of-mouth reviews and ratings, etc. In this regard, in live commerce, a system is desired that allows viewers to easily and quickly obtain information about products, etc. that they are considering purchasing.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide distribution management that enables viewers to easily and quickly obtain desired information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A distribution management system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: One or more processors; by at least one of the one or more processors, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; Execute the process.

[0008] A distribution management method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: The computer A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; The specified list is provided via the screen.

[0009] A recording medium according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes: On the computer, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; Record the program to make it happen. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, viewers can easily and quickly obtain the information they desire. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the cooperation of devices that realize a distribution management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen during video distribution. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a session diagram showing an exchange between a server and a viewer terminal in the distribution management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of terminal processing executed by a viewer terminal in the distribution management system in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a topic list in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recommendation list. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a purchase page screen. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of control of server processing executed by a server in the delivery management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a session diagram showing the state of communication between the server and the viewer terminal in the distribution management system in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a control flow of terminal processing executed by a viewer terminal in the distribution management system in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a topic list in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of control of server processing executed by a server in the delivery management system in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (Embodiment 1) The following describes embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Note that this embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, a person skilled in the art can adopt an embodiment in which each or all of these elements are replaced with an equivalent, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] (Relationship between terminals, servers and programs) The distribution management system according to the present embodiment is for managing videos distributed by distributors and providing them to viewers. In the distribution management system according to the present embodiment, one or more servers cooperate with terminals such as smartphones, tablet computers, and personal computers to manage videos distributed by distributors and provide them to viewers.

[0014] The server and terminal of this embodiment are generally realized by causing a computer to execute a program, but it is also possible to execute the processing using a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0015] In addition, as an intermediate form between a computer and a dedicated electronic circuit, it is also possible to configure the server and terminal of this embodiment by applying technology such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which compiles a program into a design script for an electronic circuit and dynamically configures the electronic circuit based on the design script.

[0016] The server of this embodiment is realized by one or more server computers that communicate with a terminal that accepts instructions such as access to a video distribution site provided by the server, and executes each function realized by one or more server programs.

[0017] The terminal according to this embodiment is a terminal computer that realizes a smartphone or the like, and can be realized by executing a terminal program provided by a business operator or an administrator through a distribution server or the like.

[0018] As the terminal program, what is equivalent to a so-called "app" can be adopted.

[0019] In addition, a general browser can be used as the terminal program, and a script program that runs on a browser can be used as the terminal program.

[0020] In these cases, the application or browser running on the terminal computer becomes an interface for providing video distribution management services to users by communicating with a server of the distribution management system that functions as an application server or web server.

[0021] In general, programs executed by server computers and terminal computers can be recorded on computer-readable non-transitory information recording media such as compact disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, digital video disks, magnetic tapes, ROMs (Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memories, semiconductor memories, etc. These information recording media can also be distributed and sold independently of the server computers and terminal computers.

[0022] In server computers and terminal computers, programs recorded on non-transitory information recording media such as flash memory and hard disks are read into a temporary storage device called a random access memory (RAM), and then the instructions contained in the read program are executed by a central processing unit (CPU). However, in architectures where ROM and RAM can be mapped and executed in a single memory space, the instructions contained in the program stored in the ROM are directly read and executed by the CPU.

[0023] Furthermore, server programs and terminal programs can be distributed and sold to server computers and terminal computers, etc. from a distribution server, etc. managed by the operator, via a transitory transmission medium such as a computer communication network, independently of the computer on which the program is executed.

[0024] In addition, when a server providing a video distribution management service is composed of multiple computers, the programs running on each computer are multiple different server programs that have different functions and work together. Therefore, the combination of the multiple programs can be considered as a system program for realizing a distribution management system.

[0025] Hereinafter, the distribution management system of this embodiment provides a video distribution service used, for example, in so-called live commerce. The video distribution service provided by the distribution management system is used by video distributors and viewers, and the viewers watch videos that the distributor has distributed as VOD (Video on Demand) or live distributed. VOD distribution is distribution of videos that the distributor has previously distributed live, or videos that have simply been recorded and have never been live distributed, to viewers. Live distribution is distribution of videos that the distributor is distributing to viewers in real time.

[0026] (How the distribution management system of this embodiment was conceived) Conventionally, when viewers were gathering information on a video distribution site and found a topic of interest (such as a product being introduced), they would often leave the video distribution site and move to other word-of-mouth sites or sites offering online shopping services to gather more information. In order to prevent viewers from leaving the video distribution site, it is considered effective to provide recommended videos to viewers. These recommended videos can be identified, for example, based on the topic contained in the video currently being viewed.

[0027] However, if the video being viewed covers multiple topics, it is possible that a video that deals with a topic related to a different topic from the one currently being viewed may be provided as a recommended video. In this case, there is a concern that the viewer will not be interested in the recommended videos and will end up leaving the video distribution site.

[0028] Furthermore, even if a viewer plays a recommended video provided to them, if the recommended video covers multiple topics, it may take a while for the topic that the viewer is interested in to be covered, which raises the concern that the viewer will leave the video distribution site.

[0029] In view of the above circumstances, the present inventors have considered techniques that can keep viewers on video distribution sites for longer periods of time, and have come up with the distribution management system of the present embodiment described below.

[0030] (Overall composition) Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the cooperation of devices that realize a distribution management system. In the distribution management system 101 shown in this figure, a server 102, a distributor terminal 103, and a viewer terminal 104 are communicably connected via a computer communication network 105 such as the Internet. The following description will be made with reference to this figure.

[0031] The server 102 provides a video distribution site. The server 102 manages videos distributed by a distributor from a distributor terminal 103, and distributes the videos in response to requests from a viewer terminal 104.

[0032] The distributor terminal 103 distributes videos that have been shot, edited, etc. by a user who is a distributor of the video to the viewer terminal 104 via the server 102. The distributor terminal 103 also provides actions on the video from viewers. Actions from viewers include comments entered on specific frames of the video, evaluations such as so-called "likes," etc.

[0033] In response to a request from a viewer user, the viewer terminal 104 acquires from the server 102 the moving image distributed from the distributor terminal 103 and plays it. The viewer terminal 104 also accepts actions on the distributed moving image from the viewer user.

[0034] (Transmission of data between server and viewer device) In the video A distributed in this embodiment, multiple topics a1, a2, ... are sequentially handled. If the video distribution service provided by the distribution management system 101 in this embodiment is used for live commerce, for example, the distributed video A sequentially handles topics a1, a2, ... such as multiple products or services.

[0035] The server 102 cooperates with the viewer terminal 104 to determine the topic a1, a2, ... currently being covered on the screen being played on the viewer terminal 104. In other words, if it is used for live commerce, the server 102 cooperates with the viewer terminal 104 to determine which product a1, a2, ... the currently played frame is introducing.

[0036] Then, the server 102, in cooperation with the viewer terminal 104, identifies a list (recommendation list) L1 of recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1, ... that deal with topics related to the topic determined to be currently being dealt with (for example, topic a1), and provides it via the screen of the viewer terminal 104. In other words, if it is used for live commerce, the server 102, in cooperation with the viewer terminal 104, provides the viewer with a plurality of other videos X1, Y1, Z1, ... that introduce products, etc. that are the same as or similar to the product, etc. a1 currently being introduced in the video, as a recommendation list L1. The provided recommendation list L1 is displayed on the screen of the viewer terminal 104 together with thumbnail images of the recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1, ... included in the list.

[0037] A plurality of recommended videos Xn, Yn, Zn, ... are specified for one topic an included in the video being distributed, and the recommendation list Ln is provided to the viewer. In other words, if a plurality of topics a1, a2, ... are dealt with in the video being distributed, a plurality of recommendation lists Ln are specified, and each time the topic an being played changes, the recommendation list Ln displayed on the viewer terminal 104 is also changed.

[0038] The server 102 may transmit the video A in response to a request from the viewer terminal 104 and perform a process of playing the video A. The server 102 may also perform a process of causing the viewer terminal 104 to provide the identified recommendation list Ln.

[0039] Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen in which distributed video A is being played on a viewer terminal 104, which is a tablet terminal. Video A being played in Fig. 2 is a program entitled "P's Special Program: Recommended Infection Prevention Goods" distributed by distributor P. In video A, infection prevention goods such as "crystal mask," "plasma air purifier," "non-contact thermometer," "alcohol disinfectant sheet," and "hypochlorous acid disinfectant" are introduced as topics a1, a2, ...

[0040] The currently playing topic is the product "Crystal Mask." On the right side of the screen, recommended videos such as recommended video X1 introducing the same product "Crystal Mask," recommended video Y1 introducing the same product "KN95 Mask," and recommended video Z1 introducing a similar product "Nonwoven Mask" are displayed as "recommended videos."

[0041] Then, when the topic changes to the product "plasma air purifier," recommended videos featuring the same or similar products as the "plasma air purifier" are displayed as "recommended videos."

[0042] In addition, the distributed video (e.g., video A) may include a section without a topic. For example, an introduction to video A may be included before introducing multiple products a1, a2, ..., or a break may be included between the introduction of a product (e.g., product a1) and the introduction of the next product (e.g., product a2).

[0043] While the introduction or break is being played, a recommendation list L0 of recommended videos X0, Y0, Z0, ... related to the video A itself may be displayed. For example, other videos A distributed by the distributor of the video A, or videos dealing with the same or similar theme as the video A, may be displayed on the screen of the viewer terminal 104 as the recommendation list L0.

[0044] Note that a video (e.g., video A) can be realized by a video element in HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and a thumbnail image of a recommended video (recommended video Xn, etc.) can be realized by the poster attribute in the video element as well as other GUI (Graphical User Interface) elements, etc.

[0045] 3 is a session diagram showing the state of interaction when a viewer selects or changes a video to be viewed in the distribution management system 101. Hereinafter, the state of interaction when a viewer selects or changes a video to be viewed will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In the first embodiment, every time the topic an being played back on the viewer terminal 104 is changed, the server 102 identifies a recommendation list Ln corresponding to the new topic an and provides it to the viewer terminal 104.

[0046] First, when video A is selected on the viewer terminal 104, the viewer terminal 104 transmits a viewing request specifying video A to the server 102 (201).

[0047] When the server 102 receives a viewing request from the viewer terminal 104, it identifies the video A (202). Then, the server 102 identifies the first recommendation list L0 for the video A (203). This first recommendation list L0 may be a recommendation list for the video A itself, and does not have to be a recommendation list Ln for videos Xn, Yn, Zn, ... related to a topic an included in the video A.

[0048] When the server 102 identifies the video A and the first recommendation list L0, the server 102 transmits the identified video A and the first recommendation list L0 to the viewer terminal 104 (204).

[0049] When the viewer terminal 104 receives the video A and the first recommendation list L0 from the server 102, it plays the video A and displays the first recommendation list L0 (205). When the frames of the video A advance and topic a1 starts (206), the viewer terminal 104 transmits an a1 viewing start notification to the server 102 notifying that viewing of topic a1 has started (207).

[0050] When the server 102 receives the a1 viewing start notification from the viewer terminal 104, the server 102 identifies a recommendation list L1 of recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1, ... that deal with topics related to the topic a1 (208). Then, the server 102 transmits the identified recommendation list L1 to the viewer terminal 104 (209).

[0051] When the viewer terminal 104 receives the recommendation list L1 from the server 102, it displays the recommendation list L1 (210). When the frames of the video A progress and topic a2 starts (211), the viewer terminal 104 transmits an a2 viewing start notification to the server 102 notifying that viewing of topic a2 has started (212).

[0052] When the server 102 receives the a2 viewing start notification from the viewer terminal 104, it identifies a recommendation list L2 of recommended videos X2, Y2, Z2, ... that deal with topics related to the topic a2 (213). Then, the server 102 transmits the identified recommendation list L2 to the viewer terminal 104 (214).

[0053] When the viewer terminal 104 receives the recommendation list L2 from the server 102, it displays the recommendation list L2 (215).

[0054] Here, when recommended video X2 included in recommendation list L2 is selected while video A is being played on viewer terminal 104, viewer terminal 104 transmits a viewing request specifying recommended video X2 to server 102 (216).

[0055] Then, when the server 102 receives a viewing request from the viewer terminal 104, it identifies the recommended video X2 (217) and identifies the first recommended list L20 for the recommended video X2 (218). The server 102 transmits the identified recommended video X2 and the first recommended list L20 to the viewer terminal 104 (219). In this manner, the process continues.

[0056] (Terminal processing and server processing) 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of terminal processing executed in the viewer terminal 104 in this embodiment. The following description will be made with reference to FIG.

[0057] The viewer terminal 104 starts terminal processing, for example, when a live commerce video application such as that shown in FIG. 2 is started or a video site is opened.

[0058] In FIG. 4, when the terminal processing starts, the viewer terminal 104 goes into a standby state until any event occurs (step S301).

[0059] First, when the viewer terminal 104 accepts a video selection operation from the user, it transmits a viewing request specifying the video to the server 102 (step S302). At this time, if the user selects a recommended video included in a recommendation list described later, the viewing request may be transmitted specifying the video start position linked to the recommendation list. Then, the process returns to step S301.

[0060] Next, when the viewer terminal 104 receives from the server 102 the video specified in the viewing request and the first recommendation list for that video, it starts playing the received video and displays the first recommendation list (step S303). At this time, the viewer terminal 104 may specify information required for streaming playback of the video. That is, the viewer terminal 104 stores a part of the video in a buffer memory before playing the video. When the video data stored in the buffer memory becomes low, the viewer terminal 104 obtains video data from the server 102, and while playing the video, it accumulates a part of the remaining video that has not yet been played in the buffer memory.

[0061] Furthermore, if a video start position is specified for the received video, the viewer terminal 104 may play the video from that video start position.

[0062] Alternatively, if the viewer terminal 104 has specified a video playback position linked to the recommended video in step S302 and transmitted a request to view the recommended video, the recommended video may be played from the video start position.

[0063] Furthermore, when a video and a recommendation list are received from the server 102, a topic list TL, which will be described later, may also be received. In the topic list TL, as shown in the example of Fig. 5, the topics included in the video are associated with the frames that the topics occupy.

[0064] When the viewer terminal 104 starts playing the received video and displays the recommendation list, the process returns to step S301.

[0065] Next, when the viewer terminal 104 determines that the video is being played, it determines whether the video has switched to a new topic (step S304). For example, the viewer terminal 104 determines whether the video has switched to a new topic each time a counter indicating the playback position of the video goes around.

[0066] When the viewer terminal 104 determines that the video has switched to a new topic (Yes in step S304), it transmits a viewing start notification for the new topic to the server 102 (step S305). The viewer terminal 104 may refer to the topic list TL received together with the video and recommendation list from the server 102 and determine whether the topic has switched to a new topic based on the current playback position.

[0067] Here, the switching to the new topic may occur when the video advances and the new topic arrives, or the user, who is the viewer, may manually change the playback position of the video to the playback position of the new topic. After that, the process returns to step S301.

[0068] On the other hand, if the viewer terminal 104 determines that the video is not part of a new topic (No in step S304), the process returns to step S301.

[0069] Next, when the viewer terminal 104 receives the new recommendation list from the server 102, it updates the recommendation list and displays the new recommended videos (step S306).

[0070] As will be described later, the received recommendation list may include recommended videos, their video start positions, and thumbnail images associated with each other, as shown in the example of FIG.

[0071] The viewer terminal 104 may then display a thumbnail image linked to the recommended moving image in the recommended moving image.

[0072] Once the viewer terminal 104 has updated the recommendation list, the process returns to step S301.

[0073] If another event occurs, the viewer terminal 104 executes another process corresponding to the event that has occurred (step S307).

[0074] For example, in the screen shown in the example of FIG. 2, purchase link buttons 801 to 805, a comment input field 810, a thumbs up button 821, and a thumbs down button 822 are displayed below video A.

[0075] The purchase link buttons 801 to 805 are link buttons associated with the topics that are dealt with in sequence in the video A. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the video A introduces a product "Crystal Mask", a product "Plasma Air Purifier", a product "Non-Contact Thermometer", a product "Alcohol Disinfecting Sheet", and a product "Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant", and the purchase link buttons 801 to 805 are embedded with links to purchase pages for purchasing the respective products. The purchase link button corresponding to the currently played topic may be displayed in a highlighted manner. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, an introduction of the product "Crystal Mask" is being played in the video A, so the purchase link button 801 for the product "Crystal Mask" is highlighted.

[0076] The comment input field 810 is an input field for accepting comments from users who are viewers regarding the video currently being played.

[0077] The thumbs up button 821 and thumbs down button 822 are buttons for receiving ratings from users, who are viewers, for the video currently being played.

[0078] The purchase link buttons 801 to 805 can be realized by HTML send elements and link elements, the comment input field 810 can be realized by an input field element, and the like button 821 and dislike button 822 can be realized by a send element.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 4, for example, when a viewer, who is a user, selects one of the purchase link buttons 801 to 805, the viewer terminal 104 may display the purchase page 700 of the link destination embedded in the purchase link button selected by the user as shown in FIG. 7 while notifying the server 102 in step S307. At this time, while displaying the purchase page 700 of the link destination, the video being played (for example, video A) may be displayed in a small size at the bottom of the screen or the like. Note that the display of the purchase page 700 and the display of the video being played in a small size at the bottom or the like may be performed by the server 102. In this case, the viewer terminal 104 transmits a request to the server 102 specifying that one of the purchase link buttons 801 to 805 has been selected, and receives a response screen from the server 102 and displays it. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301 shown in FIG. 4.

[0080] Also, for example, when a viewer user inputs a comment in comment input field 810 shown in the example of Fig. 2, viewer terminal 104 may transmit the input comment to server 102 in step S307 in Fig. 4. As shown in the example of Fig. 2, comments CM1 and CM2 transmitted to server 102 are embedded in video A by server 102. Viewer terminal 104 may receive video A in which comments CM1 and CM2 are embedded from server 102 and display it. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301 shown in Fig. 4.

[0081] Also, for example, when a viewer user selects the like button 821 or the dislike button 822, the viewer terminal 104 may transmit a notification specifying the rating indicated by the selected button to the server 102 in step S307 in Fig. 4. The ratings transmitted to the server 102 may be tallied by the server 102 and used for confirmation by an administrator or operator of the video distribution site. The ratings tallied by the server 102 may also be transmitted from the server 102 to the distributor terminal 103 and used by the user, who is a distributor, to check the ratings of the video he or she has distributed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301.

[0082] Also, for example, when a viewer user performs an operation to end playback of a video, viewer terminal 104 may transmit a request specifying the end of the video to server 102 in step S307. After that, server 102 ends the video. Then, the processing of viewer terminal 104 may be terminated (not shown).

[0083] Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of server processing executed by server 102 in this embodiment. In Fig. 8, server 102 starts server processing, for example, when the power supply of server 102 is turned on. When the server processing starts, server 102 goes into a standby state until any event occurs (step S401).

[0084] First, when the server 102 receives a viewing request from the viewer terminal 104, it identifies the video specified in the received viewing request (step S402). At this time, the server 102 may also identify a topic list TL in which topics included in the video are linked to frames occupied by the topics. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the topic list TL links a product, which is a topic, to frames in which the introduction of the product is occupied, which are displayed in time. This topic list TL may include an introduction before the distributor starts introducing the product, and a break between the introduction of one product and the introduction of the next product.

[0085] In addition, the division between topics in the topic list TL may be inserted by the distributor pressing a predetermined button during distribution in the case of live distribution, or by the administrator or operator of the video distribution site in the case of VOD distribution.

[0086] Furthermore, if a video start position is specified in the received viewing request, server 102 may specify in step S402 the video start position of the identified video as the specified video start position.

[0087] 8, the server 102 then identifies the first recommendation list (step S403). The server 102 then transmits the identified video, the topic list, and the first recommendation list to the viewer terminal 104 (step S404). After that, the process returns to step S401.

[0088] Next, when the server 102 receives a viewing start notification of a new topic from the viewer terminal 104, the server 102 identifies a new recommendation list corresponding to that topic (step S405).

[0089] This recommendation list may be linked to a recommended video, its video start position, and a thumbnail image. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a recommendation list L1, which is an example of a received recommendation list. The video start position of the recommended video is the first frame among frames in which a topic related to the topic currently being played on the viewer terminal 104 is handled. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, since the product currently being played in the video A is the product "Crystal Mask", the first frame is the frame (12 minutes 34 seconds) in which the same product "Crystal Mask" starts in the recommended video X1, the frame (8 minutes 5 seconds) in which the same product "KN95 Mask" starts in the recommended video Y1, and the frame (4 minutes 46 seconds) in which a similar product "Nonwoven Mask" starts in the recommended video Z1. In addition, the video start position may be the frame of the break immediately before the topic starts.

[0090] In this way, by specifying the start position of a recommended video, when a viewer user selects a recommended video, the video can be viewed from a frame that deals with a topic related to the topic currently being viewed, allowing the viewer to access information easily and quickly.

[0091] The video start position may be determined by using a boundary between topics in the topic list TL. In addition, in the case of live distribution, the video start position may be entered by a distributor pressing a predetermined button during distribution, or in the case of VOD distribution, the video start position may be entered by an administrator or operator of the video distribution site.

[0092] In addition, the starting position of the recommended videos included in the first recommendation list may be the first frame of each recommended video, since they are not included in any topic in the video being played on the viewer terminal 104 and have no related topics.

[0093] Next, the thumbnail image associated with the recommended video is a representative frame in a part of the video in which a topic related to the topic determined to be currently being played is dealt with in the recommended video. That is, similar to video A, the recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1, ... may each include multiple topics, and the representative frame in the part of the video in which a topic related to the topic being played in video A is dealt with becomes the thumbnail image. As shown in the example screen in Figure 2, the thumbnail image is displayed as an image representing the recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1 displayed in the recommended videos.

[0094] In Figure 2, the topic currently being played in video A is the product “Crystal Mask,” so the thumbnail images of recommended videos X1, Y1, and Z1 are representative frames in the topics dealing with the same product “Crystal Mask,” the same product “KN95 Mask,” and a similar product “Nonwoven Mask,” respectively.

[0095] The thumbnail image may be, for example, the first frame or the center frame of the recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1, ... in a part of the video that deals with a topic related to the topic currently being played in video A. In the example of FIG. 6, the thumbnail image is the center frame. The thumbnail image may be the most exciting time in the recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1, .... The "exciting time" may be set by the broadcaster, for example, as "the time when the broadcaster strikes a pose," or may be the frame that is measured as having the highest number of purchases per hour during live broadcasting. The center frame is an example of an "exciting time."

[0096] In this way, by making the thumbnail image the first frame or the center frame of the topic, it is more likely that an image that appropriately expresses the topic will be displayed.

[0097] 2, the thumbnail image may be a frame at the time when actions from users who are viewers were most concentrated, such as the selection of purchase link buttons 801 to 805, input into the comment input field 810, and selection of the like button 821 or the dislike button 822. When the purchase link buttons 801 to 805 are selected, the action may be counted only if the selection is actually settled and leads to the purchase of the product.

[0098] In this way, by using the frame at the time when the actions from the viewer user were most concentrated as the thumbnail image, it is possible to display the thumbnail image that best emphasizes the topic in the recommended video. Also, by using the frame at the time when the user actually makes a payment as the thumbnail image, it is possible to increase the promotional effect of the product that the user is viewing.

[0099] In addition, if the recommended videos X1, Y1, Z1, ... are videos currently being live-streamed, the representative frames up to the live-streamed frame may be used as thumbnail images. In other words, the currently live-streamed videos are recorded sequentially and become candidates for recommended videos, and the representative frames up to the live-streamed and sequentially recorded frames may be used as thumbnail images in the recommendation list L1.

[0100] In the case of live streaming, the representative frame may be the first frame in the part of video A that covers the topic currently being played, or it may be the central frame, or it may be the frame at the point in time when user action is most concentrated.

[0101] In this way, by making live-streamed videos candidates for the recommendation list, the viewer user can access more up-to-date information on the topic he or she is currently watching. Also, by identifying thumbnail images from frames that are live-streamed and recorded sequentially, it becomes possible to adopt representative thumbnail images in real time for live-streamed videos.

[0102] In addition, the thumbnail images linked to the recommended videos in the initial recommendation list are not included in any of the topics in the videos being played on the viewer terminal 104 and have no related topics, so they may be representative frames in each recommended video.

[0103] 8, the server 102 then transmits the identified recommendation list to the viewer terminal 104 (step S406). Then, the process returns to step S401.

[0104] Next, if another event occurs, the server 102 executes another process corresponding to the event that occurred (step S407). For example, when the server 102 receives a notification from the viewer terminal 104 that any of the actions in step S307 shown in Fig. 4 have been performed, the server 102 executes a process corresponding to the received notification. Then, the process returns to step S401.

[0105] As described above, according to the first embodiment, recommended videos dealing with products (the same product, or other similar products) related to the product (topic) currently being played on the viewer terminal 104 are presented. This allows the viewer user, when considering purchasing a product, to easily and quickly reach other videos related to the product, i.e., information such as word-of-mouth reviews. Furthermore, when considering purchasing a product, the viewer user can easily and quickly compare it with other similar products.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, each time the currently played topic changes, the viewer terminal 104 receives a recommendation list related to that topic from the server 102. The viewer terminal 104 does not need to hold all recommendation lists, and does not need to identify recommendation lists, so that memory usage and CPU usage can be reduced.

[0107] (Embodiment 2) The following describes the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and configurations and processes equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] (Transmission of data between server and viewer device) Fig. 9 is a session diagram showing the state of interaction when a viewer selects or changes a video to be viewed in the distribution management system 101. Hereinafter, the state of interaction when a viewer selects or changes a video to be viewed will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the second embodiment, once a video A is selected in the viewer terminal 104, the server 102 identifies recommendation lists Ln related to all topics an dealt with in the video A, and provides the identified bundle of recommendation lists Ln to the viewer terminal 104. The viewer terminal 104 changes the recommendation list Ln every time the topic an changes, based on the bundle of recommendation lists Ln provided.

[0109] First, when video A is selected on the viewer terminal 104, the viewer terminal 104 transmits a viewing request specifying video A to the server (501).

[0110] When the server 102 receives a viewing request from the viewer terminal 104, the server 102 identifies the video A (502). Then, the server 102 identifies all recommendation lists L0 to L3 (503).

[0111] When the server 102 identifies the video A and all the recommendation lists L0 to L3, the server 102 transmits the identified video A and recommendation lists L0 to L3 to the viewer terminal 104 (504).

[0112] When the viewer terminal 104 receives the video A and all the recommendation lists L0 to L3 from the server 102, it plays back the video A and displays the first recommendation list L0 (505).

[0113] As the frames of video A progress and topic a1 starts (506), the viewer terminal 104 determines that the currently played topic has switched to topic a1 (507).Then, the viewer terminal 104 displays a recommendation list L1 related to the determined topic a1 (508).

[0114] As the frames of the video A progress and topic a2 starts (509), the viewer terminal 104 similarly determines the topic (510) and displays the recommendation list L2 (511).

[0115] Here, when recommended video X2 included in recommendation list L2 is selected while video A is being played on viewer terminal 104, viewer terminal 104 transmits a viewing request specifying recommended video X2 to server 102 (512).

[0116] Then, the server 102 similarly identifies the recommended video X2 (513), identifies all the recommendation lists L20 to L23 (514), and transmits them to the viewer terminal 104 (515).

[0117] (Terminal processing and server processing) 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of terminal processing executed in the viewer terminal 104 in this embodiment. The following description will be made with reference to FIG.

[0118] The viewer terminal 104 starts terminal processing, for example, when a live commerce video application such as that shown in FIG. 2 is started or a video site is opened.

[0119] In FIG. 10, when the terminal processing starts, the viewer terminal 104 goes into a standby state until any event occurs (step S601).

[0120] First, when the viewer terminal 104 accepts a video selection operation from the user, it transmits a viewing request specifying the video to the server 102 (step S602). After that, the process returns to step S601.

[0121] Next, when the viewer terminal 104 receives the video specified in the viewing request and the bundle of recommendation lists for that video from the server 102, it starts playing the received video and displays the first recommendation list of the bundle of recommendation lists (step S603). At this time, the viewer terminal 104 may specify information required for streaming playback of the video.

[0122] Furthermore, when the viewer terminal 104 receives a bundle of videos and recommendation lists from the server 102, it may also receive a topic list TL', which will be described later. In the topic list TL', the topics included in the video, the frames occupied by the topics, and the recommendation lists corresponding to the topics are linked together, as shown in the example of Fig. 11. Thereafter, the process returns to step S601.

[0123] Next, when the viewer terminal 104 determines that the video is being played back, it determines whether the video has switched to a new topic (step S604).

[0124] When the viewer terminal 104 determines that the video has switched to a new topic (Yes in step S604), it refers to the topic list TL' and identifies the recommendation list corresponding to the new topic based on the current playback position (step S605).

[0125] The viewer terminal 104 then displays the specified recommendation list in the recommended video (step S606). The viewer terminal 104 may display the recommendation list L0 during an introduction or break that does not have a topic, as shown in the example of the topic list TL' in Fig. 11. Then, the process returns to step S601.

[0126] On the other hand, if the viewer terminal 104 determines that the video has not switched to a new topic (No in step S604), the process returns to step S601.

[0127] If another event occurs, the viewer terminal 104 executes another process corresponding to the event that has occurred (step S607), after which the process returns to step S601.

[0128] Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of server processing executed by the server 102 in this embodiment. In Fig. 12, the server 102 starts the server processing, for example, when the power of the server 102 is turned on. When the server processing starts, the server 102 goes into a standby state until it receives a viewing request from the viewer terminal 104 (No in step S701).

[0129] When the server 102 receives a viewing request from the viewer terminal 104 (Yes in step S701), it first identifies the video specified in the received viewing request (step S702). At this time, the server 102 also identifies the topic included in the video and the frame that the topic occupies.

[0130] Then, the server 102 identifies recommendation lists corresponding to all the topics included in the identified video, that is, a bundle of recommendation lists (step S703). At this time, the server 102 also identifies a topic list TL' as shown in the example of Fig. 11. In the topic list TL', for example, a product as a topic, a frame in which the introduction of the product is occupied by a time display frame, and a recommendation list corresponding to the product are linked. This topic list TL' may include an introduction and a break.

[0131] Then, the server 102 transmits the identified video, the bundle of recommendation lists, and the topic list TL' to the viewer terminal 104 (step S704). After that, the process returns to step S701.

[0132] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the server 102 transmits all recommendation lists related to a selected video when transmitting the selected video to the viewer terminal 104. This eliminates the need for communication between the server 102 and the viewer terminal 104 regarding the display of the recommendation lists during playback of the video, thereby reducing the communication load.

[0133] (Additional Note) [1] One or more processors; by at least one of the one or more processors, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A distribution management system that performs the processing.

[0134] [2] The distribution management system causes a terminal having the screen to play the video, acquires a frame of the video currently being played on the screen from the terminal, determines a topic covered in the frame, and causes the terminal to provide the list. The delivery management system according to [1].

[0135] [3] the terminal having the screen transmits the determined topic to a server and obtains the list from the server, thereby identifying the list; The distribution management system according to [1] or [2].

[0136] [4] When starting playback of the video, the terminal having the screen acquires a plurality of lists from a server, and among the plurality of lists, a list that deals with the determined topic is designated as the identified list. The delivery management system according to [1].

[0137] [5] When any one of the recommended videos is selected from the provided list, the selected recommended video is played on the screen from a frame in which a topic related to the determined topic is dealt with. A distribution management system according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0138] [6] The list provided via the screen includes thumbnail images of the identified recommended videos, the thumbnail images being based on frames in which topics related to the determined topic are addressed; A distribution management system according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0139] [7] The thumbnail image is a representative frame in a portion of a video in which a topic related to the determined topic is dealt with in the recommended video. [6] A distribution management system as described in the above.

[0140] [8] The representative frame is a first frame or a central frame in a part of the recommended video in which the topic is dealt with, The delivery management system described in [7].

[0141] [9] Execute the process of accepting actions from viewers, The representative frame is a frame at a time when the actions from the viewers are most concentrated in a part of the video in which the topic is dealt with in the recommended video. The distribution management system according to [7] or [8].

[0142]

[10] Execute the process of recording live videos one by one, During the live distribution, the sequentially recorded videos are selected as candidates for recommended videos included in the list; A representative frame among the frames that have been live-streamed and sequentially recorded up to that point is set as a thumbnail image in the list. [6] A distribution management system as described in the above.

[0143]

[11] The representative frame is a part of the recommended video in which the topic is dealt with, and is a first frame or a central frame in the frames that are live-streamed and sequentially recorded up to the point in time. The delivery management system described in

[10] .

[0144]

[12] Execute the process of accepting actions from viewers, The representative frame is a frame in a part of the recommended video in which the topic is dealt with, and is a frame at a point in time when the actions from the viewers are most concentrated among the frames up to the point in time when the live distribution and sequential recording are performed. The distribution management system according to

[10] or

[11] .

[0145]

[13] The topic is a product or service that is introduced and sold through live commerce, The action is a purchase of the product or service by the viewer. The distribution management system according to [9] or

[12] .

[0146]

[14] The computer A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; How to manage distribution.

[0147]

[15] On the computer, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the above-mentioned operations.

[0148] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0149] The present disclosure can be suitably adopted for distribution management that allows viewers to easily and quickly obtain desired information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 101 Distribution Management System 102 Server 103 Distributor terminal 104 Viewer terminal 105 Computer Communication Network 700 Purchase Page 801, 802, 803, 804, 805 Purchase link buttons 810 Comment input field 821 Like button 822 dislike button A Video a1, a2 topics, products, etc. CM1, CM2 Comments L0, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L20, L21, L22, L23 Recommendation List TL, TL' Topic List X0, Y0, Z0, X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2, X3, Y3, Z3, X20, Y20, Z20, X21, Y21, Z21, X22, Y22, Z22, X23, Y23, Z23 Recommended Videos

Claims

1. one or more processors; by at least one of the one or more processors, A video in which a plurality of topics are sequentially dealt with is played on a screen of the terminal, each of the plurality of topics being a product name; having the terminal receive a topic list linking topics included in the video with frames occupied by the topics; causing the terminal to determine a topic currently being covered on a screen on which the video is being played based on a currently played frame of the video and the received topic list; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; causing the terminal to provide the identified list via the screen; A distribution management system that performs the processing.

2. the terminal having the screen transmits the determined topic to a server and obtains the list from the server, thereby identifying the list; The distribution management system according to claim 1 .

3. A system comprising one or more processors, by at least one of the one or more processors, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A distribution management system for executing a process, When starting playback of the video, the terminal having the screen acquires a plurality of lists from a server, and among the plurality of lists, a list that deals with the determined topic is designated as the identified list. Delivery management system.

4. A system comprising one or more processors, by at least one of the one or more processors, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A distribution management system for executing a process, When any one of the recommended videos is selected from the provided list, the selected recommended video is played on the screen from a frame in which a topic related to the determined topic is dealt with. Delivery management system.

5. A system comprising one or more processors, by at least one of the one or more processors, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A distribution management system for executing a process, The list provided via the screen includes thumbnail images of the identified recommended videos, the thumbnail images being based on frames in which topics related to the determined topic are addressed; Delivery management system.

6. The thumbnail image is a representative frame in a portion of a video in which a topic related to the determined topic is dealt with in the recommended video. The distribution management system according to claim 5.

7. The representative frame is a first frame or a central frame in a part of the recommended video in which the topic is dealt with, The distribution management system according to claim 6.

8. Execute the process of accepting actions from viewers, The representative frame is a frame at a time when the actions from the viewers are most concentrated in a part of the video in which the topic is dealt with in the recommended video. The distribution management system according to claim 6.

9. Execute the process of recording live videos one by one, During the live distribution, the sequentially recorded videos are selected as candidates for recommended videos included in the list; A representative frame among frames that have been live-streamed and sequentially recorded up to that point is set as a thumbnail image in the list. The distribution management system according to claim 5.

10. The representative frame is a part of the recommended video in which the topic is dealt with, and is a first frame or a central frame in the frames that are live-streamed and sequentially recorded up to the point in time. The distribution management system according to claim 9.

11. Execute the process of accepting actions from viewers, The representative frame is a frame in a part of the recommended video in which the topic is dealt with, and is a frame at a point in time when the actions from the viewers are most concentrated among the frames up to the point in time when the live distribution and sequential recording are performed. The distribution management system according to claim 9.

12. The topic is a product or service that is introduced and sold through live commerce, The action is a purchase of the product or service by the viewer. The distribution management system according to claim 8.

13. The computer A video in which a plurality of topics are sequentially dealt with is played on a screen of the terminal, each of the plurality of topics being a product name; having the terminal receive a topic list linking topics included in the video with frames occupied by the topics; causing the terminal to determine a topic currently being covered on a screen on which the video is being played based on a currently played frame of the video and the received topic list; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; causing the terminal to provide the identified list via the screen; How to manage distribution.

14. On the computer, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A program for executing the above, When starting playback of the video, the terminal having the screen acquires a plurality of lists from a server, and among the plurality of lists, a list that deals with the determined topic is designated as the identified list. program.

15. On the computer, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A program for executing the above, When any one of the recommended videos is selected from the provided list, the selected recommended video is played on the screen from a frame in which a topic related to the determined topic is dealt with. program.

16. On the computer, A video that covers multiple topics in sequence is played on the screen. determining a topic currently being discussed on the screen on which the video is being played; identifying a list of recommended videos that address topics related to the determined topic; providing the identified list via the screen; A program for executing the above, The list provided via the screen includes thumbnail images of the identified recommended videos, the thumbnail images being based on frames in which topics related to the determined topic are addressed; program.

Images