Processing system and program

Abstract

To provide a processing system and the like capable of smoothly setting an item related to a displayed article to a purchase object.SOLUTION: A processing system includes: a video distribution unit which implements video distribution processing; a tag processing unit which, when a user specifies a displayed article displayed in the video, implements display processing of a tag on which information concerning an item related to the specified displayed article is displayed; and a purchase processing unit which, when the user performs a prescribed operation to the tag, implements processing for setting an item corresponding to the tag to a purchase object of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] A processing system that allows a user to purchase a product related to an object displayed on a display screen has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a processing system that displays an image of a game character on the display unit of a terminal device, automatically selects a product based on the characteristics of the character, and allows the user to purchase the product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-12422 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user is asked to purchase a product related to an object displayed on the display screen in this way, if the operation leading up to setting the product as a purchase target is not smooth, a situation may occur in which the user becomes interested in the product, but the product is not set as a purchase target, and the user does not end up purchasing the product.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a processing system, a program, etc. that can smoothly set products related to a display object as purchase targets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a processing system including a video distribution unit that distributes videos, a tag processing unit that, when a user selects an object displayed in the video, displays a tag displaying information about a product related to the selected object, and a purchase processing unit that, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the tag, sets a product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target for the user. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when a user points to a video object, a tag displaying information about a product related to the object is displayed, and when the user performs a predetermined operation on the displayed tag, the product corresponding to the tag is set as a purchase target for the user. Therefore, since a user can set a product corresponding to the object as a purchase target simply by pointing to a video object and performing a predetermined operation on the displayed tag, it is possible to realize a processing system or the like that can smoothly set products related to the object as purchase targets.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the video is displayed in a video area of ​​the display screen, and a payment screen for purchasing the product is displayed in a payment area of ​​the display screen, and when the purchase processing unit determines that the tag displayed in the video area has moved to the payment area, it may instruct a payment system to perform payment processing for the purchase of the product corresponding to the tag.

[0009] In this way, the user can carry out payment processing for the products related to the displayed object simply by pointing to the displayed object to display the tag and performing a predetermined operation to move the displayed tag to the payment area, thereby realizing smooth payment processing for the products related to the displayed object.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the video area may be an area where a webpage of a site of a video distribution system including the video distribution unit is displayed, and the payment area may be an area where a webpage of a site of the payment system is displayed.

[0011] In this way, the video area can display a video on a web page of the video distribution system's site, and the payment area can display a payment screen on a web page of the payment system's site.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the purchase processing unit may perform a linking process to link the video distribution process with the payment process for purchasing the product when the user performs an operation to instruct the linking of the video distribution process with the payment process for purchasing the product.

[0013] In this way, the user can purchase products related to the video display with a simple operation, simply by performing an operation to instruct the linking of video distribution and payment for product purchases.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the purchase processing unit may perform the linking process by associating a viewer ID of the user with a purchaser ID and associating a tag ID with a product ID.

[0015] In this way, it becomes possible to realize a payment process in which a product is identified based on a product ID associated with a tag ID, a purchaser is identified based on a purchaser ID associated with a viewer ID, and the purchaser purchases the identified product.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, when the user logs in to a site of a video distribution system that includes the video distribution unit, the purchase processing unit may perform a login process for the user to a site of a payment system that processes the payment for the purchase of the product.

[0017] In this way, it becomes possible to realize a sign-on process that allows a user who has logged in to the video distribution system site to also log in to the payment system site.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tag processing unit may perform display processing of the tag based on information of another user different from the user.

[0019] In this way, when a user points to a display object, it becomes possible to perform a display process of a tag that reflects information of other users.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tag processing unit may change the display content of the tag based on information about the other user.

[0021] In this way, when a user points to a display object, it becomes possible to change the display content of the tag to reflect information of other users.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tag processing unit may perform a process of displaying the tag on an object displayed in the video that is identified based on input history information of the user or another user.

[0023] In this way, a tag can be displayed on an object identified by the user's or another user's input history information, and the user can perform a specified operation on the tag, thereby setting products related to the object as items that the user can purchase.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, information on a plurality of display objects displayed in chronological order in the video is set in association with information on the video, and the tag processing unit may identify a corresponding display object from the plurality of display objects displayed in chronological order based on information on the user's pointing position and information on the pointing timing, and perform display processing of the tag for the identified display object.

[0025] In this way, it becomes possible to identify the object that the user is pointing to from among a plurality of objects that appear in chronological order in the video, based on information on the user's pointing position and information on the pointing timing, and to display a tag corresponding to the identified object.

[0026] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tag processing unit may change the display content of the tag depending on the viewing status of the video.

[0027] In this way, when a user points to a video display, a tag of the display content that reflects the viewing status of the video is displayed, and the product corresponding to the tag can be set as a purchase target for the user.

[0028] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tag processing unit may change the display content of the tag depending on the viewing history status of the video.

[0029] In this way, the viewing history of the video can be reflected in the displayed content of the tag, and the tag can be displayed.

[0030] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tag processing unit may change the display content of the tag depending on the situation from when the tag is displayed until when the product is set as a purchase target.

[0031] In this way, it is possible to display a tag whose display content reflects the situation from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target.

[0032] In addition, one aspect of the present disclosure may include a notification unit that notifies the distributor of the video of the display status of the tag or the setting status of the product related to the tag as a purchase target (a computer may be made to function as the notification unit).

[0033] In this way, video distributors can easily understand, by looking at the notification, the circumstances under which viewers have displayed tags of video content, and the circumstances under which viewers who have seen the tags have set products as items to purchase.

[0034] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the video may be a live gameplay video of a game being played by a broadcaster on the broadcaster's terminal device, and the display object on which the tag is displayed may be an object that appears in the game.

[0035] In this way, it becomes possible to realize distribution of a game status video in which the video distribution is linked to the purchase of a product corresponding to an object displayed in the video.

[0036] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the video distribution unit may perform a process of stopping playback of the video or slowing down the playback speed of the video during the display period of the tag.

[0037] In this way, the video that the user was watching will be stopped or played back at a slower speed during the display period of the tag, thereby improving user convenience.

[0038] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tag processing unit may change the level of detail of the display content of the tag in response to the passage of time or a predetermined operation.

[0039] In this way, the level of detail of the tag display content changes as time passes or when the user performs a specified operation after the tag is displayed, so that tags with display content of an appropriate level of detail according to the situation can be displayed to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1(A) to 1(F) are explanatory diagrams of a hardware device that realizes the processing system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 6(A) and 6(B) are diagrams showing examples of tags. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for displaying tags according to information of other users. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for displaying tags according to input history information of a user or another user. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a tag display method. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for displaying tags according to the viewing status of a video and the status until a product is set as a purchase target. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for notifying the display status of tags and the purchase target setting status of products. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of stopping playback of a video or slowing down the playback speed during the display period of a tag. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for changing the level of detail of the display content of a tag. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of display control of the video area and the payment area. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of linking a video distribution process and a payment process. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a cooperation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components.

[0042] 1. Processing System First, the hardware device that realizes the processing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(A) to 1(F).

[0043] 1A, a server system 500 is communicatively connected to terminal devices TM1 to TMn via a network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. The processing system and its processing of this embodiment may be realized by the server system 500, or may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn.

[0044] The processing system and processing of this embodiment can also be realized using a blockchain technique. For example, each process of the processing system of this embodiment can be executed using a program called a smart contract that can be executed on Ethereum. In this case, the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be connected peer-to-peer. Furthermore, various information such as game information communicated between the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be transferred using the blockchain. Note that, hereinafter, each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn will be referred to as terminal device TM where appropriate.

[0045] The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or more servers (such as a management server, a service providing server, a game server, a content distribution server, a billing server, an authentication server, a database server, or a communication server). This server system 500 provides various services for operating a product sales site, a community website, or an online game, and can manage data required to provide the services and distribute client programs and various data. This allows, for example, a user to access the server system 500 from a terminal device TM, which is a user terminal, and use various services provided by the server system 500.

[0046] The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path that uses, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN, and can include a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN. The communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0047] The terminal device TM (user terminal) is, for example, a terminal having a network connection function (Internet connection function). These terminal devices TM may be various devices, such as a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone or mobile phone shown in FIG. 1(B), a portable game device shown in FIG. 1(C), a home game device (stationary type) shown in FIG. 1(D), an arcade game device shown in FIG. 1(E), or an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or tablet PC shown in FIG. 1(F). Alternatively, the terminal device TM may be a wearable device (HMD, watch-type device, etc.) worn on the user's head, arm, or other part of the body.

[0048] An example of the configuration of the processing system of this embodiment is shown in Figure 2. Note that the configuration of the processing system is not limited to that shown in Figure 2, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of the components (each section) or adding other components.

[0049] The processing system includes a processing unit 100, a storage unit 170, and a communication unit 196. This processing system can be realized by, for example, a server system 500 shown in Fig. 1(A), and is communicatively connected to terminal devices TM1 to TMn via a network 510.

[0050] The processing unit 100 (processor) performs video distribution processing, tag processing, purchase processing, notification processing, management processing, communication processing, display processing, or sound processing based on various information, programs, or operation information stored in the memory unit 170.

[0051] Each process (each function) of this embodiment performed by each unit of the processing unit 100 can be realized by a processor (a processor including hardware). For example, each process of this embodiment can be realized by a processor that operates based on information such as a program and a memory that stores information such as the program. The functions of each unit of the processor may be realized by separate hardware, or by integrated hardware. For example, the processor may include hardware, which may include at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the processor may be configured with one or more circuit devices (e.g., ICs, etc.) mounted on a circuit board, or one or more circuit elements (e.g., resistors, capacitors, etc.). The processor may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). However, the processor is not limited to a CPU, and various processors such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP) can be used. The processor may also be a hardware circuit using an ASIC. The processor may also include an amplifier circuit, a filter circuit, etc. that process analog signals. The memory (storage unit) may be a semiconductor memory such as an SRAM or a DRAM, or a register. Alternatively, it may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical storage device such as an optical disk drive. For example, the memory stores computer-readable instructions, and the instructions are executed by the processor to realize the processing (function) of each unit of the processing unit 100. The instructions here may be an instruction set constituting a program, or may be instructions that instruct the hardware circuitry of the processor to operate.

[0052] The processing unit 100 includes a video distribution unit 102, a tag processing unit 104, a purchase processing unit 106, a notification unit 108, a management unit 118, a display processing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Note that the configuration of the processing unit 100 is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

[0053] The video distribution unit 102 performs video distribution processing. The tag processing unit 104 performs various processes for tags that display information about products. The purchase processing unit 106 performs various processes for prompting the user to purchase the product corresponding to the tag. The notification unit 108 performs various notification processes for the user. Details of the video distribution unit 102, tag processing unit 104, purchase processing unit 106, and notification unit 108 will be described later.

[0054] The management unit 118 performs, for example, user authentication processing. For example, it performs authentication processing for a user who logs in using a terminal device. This authentication processing is performed based on, for example, a password or account information entered by the user. The management unit 118 also performs various billing processing. For example, it performs processing to determine billing, processing to create and store billing data, etc. The management unit 118 also performs various management processing. For example, it performs processing to manage various services and processing to manage various information. The management unit 118 can be realized, for example, by a management server.

[0055] The display processing unit 120 performs processing for displaying an image on the display unit of the terminal device TM, for example, generating image generation data (HTML data, etc.) for generating the image.

[0056] The sound processing unit 130 performs processing for outputting sound from the sound output unit of the terminal device TM, for example, generating sound generation data for generating the sound (voice, game sound, sound effect).

[0057] The processing unit 100 may perform various game processes for a user to play a game. Examples of game processes include starting a game when a game start condition is met, progressing a started game, ending a game when a game end condition is met, or calculating game results such as game scores. This game process can be implemented by, for example, a game server. Taking a browser game as an example, the processing unit 100 manages various user information for each user, thereby controlling the progress of the game for each user. The user information is stored in the user information storage unit 174. For example, the processing unit 100 displays web pages constituting a website providing game services on the terminal device TM in response to a request from the terminal device TM. Specifically, the web pages are displayed by a web browser included in the terminal device TM. When a hyperlink on the displayed web page is selected by the user, the processing unit 100 transmits new HTML data corresponding to the hyperlink to the terminal device TM, and the web page based on the new HTML data is displayed on the terminal device TM. In this way, web pages are sequentially provided to the terminal device TM in response to the user's operation, allowing the game to progress based on the user's operation on the terminal device TM.

[0058] The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, an HDD, an SSD, an optical disk device, etc. The storage unit 170 includes a video information storage unit 172 and a user information storage unit 174. The video information storage unit 172 stores information about videos distributed by the video distribution unit 102. For example, the video information storage unit 172 stores information about video content such as video data. The user information storage unit 174 stores various information about users. For example, the user information storage unit 174 stores personal information about users (such as name, gender, date of birth, and email address) as user information. For example, user account information (user ID) is also stored as user information. For example, billing information that is the subject of billing processing is associated with each account information of each user.

[0059] The communication unit 196 communicates with external devices, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or by communication firmware. For example, the communication unit 196, which is a communication interface, performs various communication processes for communicating with the terminal devices TM (TM1 to TMn) via the network 510.

[0060] The processing system of FIG. 2 performs each process of this embodiment based on the program of this embodiment. This program (a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit) causes a computer (a device including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment. This program is stored, for example, in an information storage medium. That is, the processing system of this embodiment performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium. The information storage medium, which is a computer-readable medium, stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, etc. Note that the program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment may be distributed via a network from an information storage medium owned by a server system (host device). The use of such an information storage medium by a server system is also within the scope of this embodiment.

[0061] An example configuration of the terminal device TM is shown in Fig. 3. The terminal device TM includes a processing unit 200, an operation unit 260, an interface unit 262, a memory unit 270, an information storage medium 280, a display unit 290, a sound output unit 292, and a communication unit 296. Note that the configuration of the terminal device TM is not limited to that shown in Fig. 3, and various modifications are possible, such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components.

[0062] The processing unit 200 (processor) executes terminal-side processing in the processing system based on operation information and programs from the operation unit 260. For example, it executes video display processing, tag display processing, and user input information reception processing. The processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor or the like, similar to the processing unit 100 in FIG. 2 described above. Note that each process of the processing system of this embodiment may be realized by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device TM.

[0063] The operation unit 260 is used by the user to input various information such as operation information, and its functions can be realized by operation buttons, directional keys, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (angular velocity sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.), a microphone, or a touch panel display. The interface unit 262 performs interface processing with external devices, for example, processing to communicate with external devices according to a predetermined interface standard. The interface unit 262 also performs interface processing with portable information storage media such as IC cards (memory cards), USB memories, or magnetic cards, in which various information about the user is stored. The functions of the interface unit 262 can be realized by hardware such as an interface processing ASIC or interface processing processor, or interface processing firmware.

[0064] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a semiconductor memory, HDD, SSD, optical disk device, etc. The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk, HDD, semiconductor memory, etc. The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. This information storage medium 280 can store programs (programs that cause the computer to execute the processes of each unit) that cause a computer (a device including an operation unit, processing unit, storage unit, and output unit) to function as each unit of this embodiment.

[0065] The display unit 290 outputs images generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, an HMD, etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs sounds generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, etc. The communication unit 296 (communication interface) communicates with external devices such as the server system 500 and other terminal devices via the network 510, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, or communication firmware.

[0066] 2, the processing system (server system) of this embodiment includes a video distribution unit 102, a tag processing unit 104, and a purchase processing unit 106. The program of this embodiment causes a computer to function as the video distribution unit 102, the tag processing unit 104, and the purchase processing unit 106.

[0067] The video distribution unit 102 performs video distribution processing. Specifically, the video distribution unit 102 performs distribution processing for video content so that a user can view it on the terminal device TM. For example, the video distribution unit 102 performs distribution processing for various video content such as video content for product purchases, video content for product advertisements, video content for commercials, and video content for games. For example, the video distribution unit 102 performs streaming distribution of video content. Streaming distribution is video distribution through streaming processing.

[0068] The tag processing unit 104 performs various processes on tags. For example, when a user selects an object displayed in a video, the tag processing unit 104 performs display processing of a tag displaying information about a product related to the selected object. For example, a tag is associated with an object displayed in a video. For example, information about each of a plurality of objects displayed in a video is associated with information about each of a plurality of tags and stored in the storage unit 170. In the tag information, for example, information about a product corresponding to the tag is associated with a tag ID. Information about the product corresponding to the tag may include, for example, product description information, product benefit information (special offer information) such as discount information or purchase point information, or product image information. The tag processing unit 104 performs display processing of a tag corresponding to the video object selected by the user based on the information about the product corresponding to the tag. For example, the tag processing unit 104 performs processing to display, on the user's terminal device TM, an image of a tag displaying text information or image information describing a product related to the tag.

[0069] The purchase processing unit 106 performs various processes related to product purchases. For example, when a user performs a predetermined operation on a tag, the purchase processing unit 106 performs a process of setting a product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target (purchase candidate) for the user. The predetermined operation is an operation that is associated in advance as an operation of setting a product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target. For example, the predetermined operation is an operation of moving the tag to a product payment area on the display screen. Furthermore, the process of setting a product as a purchase target for the user is, for example, a process of setting a product as a purchase candidate for the user, such as a process called cart-in. After the product corresponding to the tag is set as a purchase candidate, a payment process for the purchase of the product is performed, thereby completing the purchase of the product by the user. The payment process for the purchase of the product is, for example, an electronic payment process.

[0070] In this embodiment, a video is displayed in the video area of ​​the display screen, and a payment screen for purchasing a product is displayed in the payment area of ​​the display screen. The display screen is the screen of the display unit 290 of the terminal device TM. A video area and a payment area are set for this display screen, the video is displayed in the video area, and the payment screen is displayed in the payment area. Then, when the purchase processing unit 106 determines that a tag displayed in the video area has moved to the payment area, it instructs the payment system to perform payment processing for the purchase of the product corresponding to the tag. For example, when a user points to an object displayed in the video, a tag for a product related to the pointed object is displayed. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the tag and it is determined that the tag has moved to the payment area, payment processing for the purchase of the product corresponding to the tag is performed. The payment system that performs the payment processing is, for example, a payment server. When the purchase processing unit 106 issues a payment processing instruction, the payment system performs electronic payment processing for the product set as the purchase target. For example, the payment system performs payment processing using a credit card, electronic money, etc.

[0071] In this embodiment, the video area is an area where a webpage of a video distribution system site including the video distribution unit 102 is displayed, and the payment area is an area where a webpage of a payment system site is displayed. A video distribution system that distributes videos is, for example, a video distribution server. Videos are displayed in the video area by displaying webpages that constitute a site managed by the video distribution system. The URL of the video distribution site is assigned to the webpage of the video distribution system site. Furthermore, a payment screen is displayed in the payment area by displaying webpages that constitute a site managed by the payment system. The URL of the payment site is assigned to the webpage of the payment system site.

[0072] Furthermore, when a user performs an operation to instruct the linking of video streaming and product purchase payments, the purchase processing unit 106 performs linking processing to link the video streaming processing and the product purchase payment processing. For example, before video streaming is performed, a selection screen or the like is displayed to the user, prompting the user to select whether or not to link the video streaming processing and product purchase payments, and when the user performs an operation to instruct the linking, the purchase processing unit 106 performs linking processing between the video streaming processing and the payment processing. For example, when such linking processing is not performed, the user receives normal video streaming. On the other hand, when linking processing is performed, when a user points to an object displayed in the video, a tag for purchasing a product related to the object is displayed, and when the user performs a predetermined operation on the tag, the product corresponding to the tag is set as a purchase target. Then, for example, when it is determined that a tag displayed in the video area has moved to the payment area, payment processing is performed in linkage with the video streaming processing.

[0073] Furthermore, as a linking process, the purchase processing unit 106 associates the user's viewer ID with the purchaser ID and associates the tag ID with the product ID. That is, when the user performs an operation to instruct linking of payment for video streaming and product purchase, the purchase processing unit 106 performs a process of, for example, associating the user's viewer ID with the purchaser ID and storing it in the storage unit 170, and associating the tag ID with the product ID and storing it in the storage unit 170. Then, during payment processing, the payment system identifies the purchaser of the product based on the purchaser ID associated with the viewer ID of the user watching the video, and identifies the product to be purchased based on the product ID associated with the tag ID. Then, when the user performs an operation to purchase a product, the payment system executes payment processing to have the purchaser identified by the purchaser ID purchase the product identified by the product ID.

[0074] Furthermore, when a user logs in to a video distribution system site including the video distribution unit 102, the purchase processing unit 106 performs a login process for the user to the payment system site that processes payment for product purchases. For example, when a user logs in to a video distribution site that is a video distribution system site, the user simultaneously enters a logged-in state on a payment site that is a payment system site. That is, the purchase processing unit 106 performs a sign-on process for the user so that the user who has logged in to the video distribution site also enters a logged-in state on the payment site. For example, when a linkage process between the video distribution process and the payment process is performed, the purchase processing unit 106 enables the user to sign on by associating the user ID on the video distribution site with the user ID on the payment site.

[0075] The tag processing unit 104 also performs tag display processing based on information about other users different from the user. For example, the tag processing unit 104 performs display processing that reflects information about other users when displaying tags. For example, the tag processing unit 104 determines whether to display tags, controls tag display, sets tag display content, tag display timing, tag display frequency, or tag display mode based on the information about other users. For example, the tag processing unit 104 determines whether to display tags, changes tag display control, sets tag display content, tag display timing, tag display frequency, or tag display mode based on the information about other users. For example, the tag processing unit 104 determines whether to display tags, changes tag display control, sets tag display content, sets tag display timing or display frequency, and sets tag display mode, such as tag color or brightness, based on the information about other users. The information about other users is, for example, relationship information between the user and other users. Relationship information includes, for example, whether the user and other users are in a friend relationship or a follow / follower relationship, or whether the user and other users belong to the same group (team, organization). The relationship information may also include relationship information about the attributes of the user and other users. Attributes include, for example, age, gender, or place of residence. The relationship information regarding attributes is, for example, information on whether the user and the other user are in the same age group, the same sex, or live in the same place of residence.

[0076] The tag processing unit 104 also changes the display content of the tag based on the information of other users. For example, if the user and the other users have a first relationship, the tag display content is set to a first content, and if the user and the other users have a second relationship, the tag display content is set to a second content. The display content of the tag is the content written in the tag, for example, the content of information about the product displayed in the tag. For example, the tag processing unit 104 changes the discount rate, purchase points, payback rate, and other bonus information for the product corresponding to the tag based on the information of other users. Alternatively, the tag processing unit 104 changes the level of detail of the description of the product corresponding to the tag based on the information of other users.

[0077] Furthermore, the tag processing unit 104 performs tag display processing for objects identified from among objects displayed in a video based on input history information of the user or other users. The input history information is history information about evaluation inputs, such as likes, made by the user or other users to objects in the video, and history information about instruction inputs made by the user or other users to objects in the video. If it is determined that the user or other users have highly rated the object based on the history of evaluation inputs, such as likes, for the object, the tag processing unit 104 performs processing to display the tag for the object. Furthermore, if it is determined that the user or other users have a high level of interest (attention) in the object based on the history of instruction inputs for the object, the tag processing unit 104 performs processing to display the tag for the object.

[0078] In this embodiment, information about a plurality of objects displayed in chronological order in a video is associated with information about the video. For example, information about a plurality of objects displayed in chronological order in a video is stored in the storage unit 170 in association with the video information. In this case, for example, information about each of the plurality of objects displayed in chronological order in a video is also associated with information about the timing at which the object is displayed during playback of the video. Then, based on information about the user's pointing position and information about the pointing timing, the tag processing unit 104 identifies a corresponding object from the plurality of objects displayed in chronological order, and performs tag display processing for the identified object. For example, the tag processing unit 104 compares the display position of the object on the display screen with the user's pointing position and compares the display timing of the object with the user's pointing timing. Then, when the tag processing unit 104 determines that the display position of the object and the user's pointing position match within a given range and that the object is displayed at the user's pointing timing, it performs processing to display a tag corresponding to the object.

[0079] The tag processing unit 104 also changes the display content of the tag depending on the viewing status of the video. For example, the tag processing unit 104 changes the display content of the tag depending on the viewing time of the video, the number of viewers of the video, or information about the viewers of the video (attribute information such as age and gender). For example, the tag processing unit 104 changes the information about the product (e.g., bonus information such as discounts, purchase points, and paybacks, product description information, etc.) and the level of detail of the information, which is the display content of the tag, depending on whether the viewing time of the video is a first time period (e.g., late night) or a second time period (e.g., daytime). The tag processing unit 104 also changes the information about the product (e.g., bonus information (special offer information) and description information, etc., which is the display content of the tag, and the level of detail of the information, depending on whether the number of viewers of the video is less than a predetermined number or more than a predetermined number. The tag processing unit 104 also changes the information about the product (e.g., bonus information and description information, etc.), which is the display content of the tag, and the level of detail of the information, depending on attribute information such as the age and gender of the viewers of the video.

[0080] For example, the tag processing unit 104 changes the display content of the tag depending on the status of the video viewing history, which is one of the viewing conditions of the video. The video viewing history includes the number of times a video has been viewed (the number of times it has been played), the total viewing time of the video (the total playback time), the frequency of viewing the video, etc. For example, the tag processing unit 104 changes information such as bonus information and explanatory information about a product, which is the display content of the tag, and the level of detail of the information, depending on whether the number of times a video has been viewed is high or low, whether the total viewing time is long or short, or whether the viewing frequency is high or low. For example, if the number of times a video has been viewed is high, the total viewing time is long, or the viewing frequency is high, the tag changes the display content of the tag by describing in the tag that the product is popular or by describing information about bonuses that will be more advantageous to the user. Bonuses that will be more advantageous to the user include, for example, a higher discount rate for the product or granting specific points, such as purchase points, to the user when purchasing the product.

[0081] Furthermore, the tag processing unit 104 changes the display content of the tag depending on the situation from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target. For example, the tag processing unit 104 changes information such as bonus information and explanatory information about the product, which is the display content of the tag, and the level of detail of the information, depending on the situation (past history situation) such as the time from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target, the number of times the tag is erased, or the number and frequency of times the tag is displayed but the product is not set as a purchase target. For example, if the time until the product is set as a purchase target is short, the number of times the tag is erased is small, or the number and frequency of times the product is not set as a purchase target is small, the tag processing unit 104 changes the description content, which is the display content of the tag, by adding bonus information that will be more advantageous to the user, for example.

[0082] The processing system of this embodiment also includes a notification unit 108. The notification unit 108 performs processing to notify the video distributor of the tag display status or the status of a product related to the tag being set as a purchase target. The tag display status is, for example, the number of times the tag has been displayed or the display frequency. The tag display count may be the total number of times the tag has been displayed, or the number of times it has been displayed in a recent fixed period. For example, the tag display status may be a history of the number of times the tag has been displayed (a history of the number of times it has been displayed in a recent fixed period). The status of a product related to a tag being set as a purchase target may be the number of times it has been set as a purchase target (the number of times it has been added to a cart), or the ratio of the number of times it has been set as a purchase target to the number of times the tag has been displayed. The status of a product being set as a purchase target may also be a history of the number of times it has been set as a purchase target (a history of the number of times it has been set as a purchase target in a recent fixed period).

[0083] Furthermore, the video may be, for example, a game commentary video of a game played by a broadcaster on the broadcaster's terminal device, and the display object on which the tag is displayed may be, for example, a display object that appears in the game. A game commentary video is a video that allows viewers to watch the broadcaster's gameplay, and is a game demonstration video that allows viewers to watch the broadcaster's gameplay demonstration. A game commentary video may be a video that allows viewers to watch a broadcaster's past gameplay demonstration, or may be a video that allows viewers to watch the broadcaster's gameplay demonstration in real time. Furthermore, the display object that appears in the game may be, for example, a display object that is the subject of the broadcaster's gameplay, such as a character controlled by the broadcaster, or equipment such as a weapon, armor, or item.

[0084] Furthermore, the video distribution unit 102 performs a process of stopping playback of the video or slowing down the playback speed of the video during the period when the tag is displayed. For example, when a user points to an object displayed in the video and a tag corresponding to the pointed object is displayed, the video distribution unit 102 performs a process of stopping playback of the video or slowing down the playback speed of the video, making it easier for the user to purchase the product corresponding to the displayed tag. In this case, the period during which the video is stopped or the playback speed is slowed may be a fixed period, or may be the period from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target, or may be the period from when the tag is displayed until payment for the purchase of the product is completed.

[0085] The tag processing unit 104 also changes the level of detail of the tag display content in response to the passage of time or a predetermined operation. The level of detail of the tag display content is the level of detail of information conveyed by the tag display. For example, the level of detail of the tag display content is the level of detail of explanatory information or bonus information about a product corresponding to the tag. For example, the tag processing unit 104 displays a tag with a low level of detail when the tag is displayed, and displays a tag with a high level of detail as time passes. A tag with a low level of detail may be, for example, an icon. The tag processing unit 104 also changes the level of detail of the tag display content when a user performs a predetermined operation to change the level of detail of the tag. For example, when a predetermined operation is performed, the tag processing unit 104 changes the tag from a tag with a low level of detail to a tag with a high level of detail and displays it.

[0086] The processing system of FIG. 2 described above and each process of this embodiment, such as the video distribution process, tag processing, purchase target setting process, and notification process, can be implemented in various ways, such as by the server system 500 of FIG. 1(A), by a terminal device, or by distributed processing between the server system 500 and the terminal device. For example, the server system may process only the information necessary to perform each process of this embodiment, or may simply transmit that information to the terminal device, with the terminal device performing other processes. For example, a program for performing each process of this embodiment may be installed in the terminal device, and the terminal device may perform each process of this embodiment based on the installed program. The processing system may also be implemented by an information processing system other than the server system 500.

[0087] 2. Method of this embodiment Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0088] 2.1 Direct Cart 4 and 5 show examples of video delivered by the processing system of this embodiment. This video is a video of a game or animation, and in FIGS. 4 and 5, characters appearing in the game or animation are displayed. The characters are equipped with, for example, a sword, belt, and mask. For example, as display objects for the video, a sword display object OBA, a belt display object OBB, and a mask display object OBC are displayed. The video is displayed in a video area ARV of the display screen, and a payment screen displaying a cart icon and the like is displayed in a payment area ARS of the display screen.

[0089] In FIG. 4, the user is interested in the character's sword and points to the sword representation OBA by touching the sword representation OBA. When the sword representation OBA is pointed to in this way, a tag TGA as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. For example, in FIG. 4, the tag TGA is displayed at a position corresponding to the position of the representation OBA. This tag TGA displays information about a Sword SW, which is a product related to the representation OBA pointed to by the user, as shown in FIG. 6(A). For example, the Sword SW is a toy sword modeled after the sword representation OBA. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the tag TGA displays product information and bonus information about the Sword SW. The tag TGA also displays the price and image IMA of the Sword SW. For example, product information describing the Sword SW is described. For example, bonus information includes discount information for purchasing the Sword SW and information about purchase points (bonus points) awarded at the time of purchase.

[0090] In addition, in FIG. 5, the user is interested in the character's belt and points to the belt object OBB by touching the belt object OBB or the like. When the belt object OBB is pointed to in this way, a tag TGB as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. For example, in FIG. 5, the tag TGB is displayed at a position corresponding to the position of the object OBB. This tag TGB displays information about the belt BL, which is a product related to the object OBB pointed to by the user, as shown in FIG. 6(B). For example, the belt BL is a toy belt modeled after the object OBB. As shown in FIG. 6(B), the tag TGB displays product information and bonus information about the belt BL. The tag TGB also displays the price and image IMB of the belt BL. For example, product information such as product description information for the belt BL is described. Furthermore, bonus information such as discount information when purchasing the belt BL and information about purchase points awarded at the time of purchase is described.

[0091] In FIG. 4, the user points to the sword display object OBA and views the displayed tag TGA to check product information and bonus information for Sword SW, a product associated with the display object OBA. In FIG. 4, the user likes Sword SW, so they perform a predetermined operation on the tag TGA to set Sword SW, the product corresponding to the tag TGA, as a purchase target. Specifically, as shown in A1 of FIG. 4, the user drags the tag TGA to move it from the video area ARV to the payment area ARS. Then, the tag TGA is dragged to the position of the cart icon displayed in the payment area ARS, thereby adding Sword SW to the cart and setting Sword SW as a purchase target. That is, the user points to the video display object OBA and moves the displayed tag TGA to the payment area ARS, thereby directly adding Sword SW, the product, to the cart.

[0092] Also, in FIG. 5, the user points to the belt display object OBB and looks at the displayed tag TGB to check product information and bonus information for the belt BL, which is a product related to the display object OBB. In FIG. 5, the user likes the belt BL, so they perform a predetermined operation on the tag TGB to set the belt BL, which is a product corresponding to the tag TGB, as a purchase target. Specifically, as shown in A2 of FIG. 5, the user drags the tag TGB to move it from the video area ARV to the payment area ARS. Then, the tag TGB is dragged to the position of the cart icon displayed in the payment area ARS, thereby adding the belt BL to the cart and setting the belt BL as a purchase target. That is, the user points to the video display object OBB and moves the displayed tag TGB to the payment area ARS, thereby directly adding the product belt BL to the cart.

[0093] 4 and 5, for example, model objects in a virtual space are displayed as display objects, but the video to which the method of this embodiment is applied is not limited to such videos. For example, the method of this embodiment can also be applied to videos of real-space subjects captured by a camera. In this case, when a user gives an instruction such as touching a real-space display object displayed in the video, a tag for a product related to that display object is displayed, and by moving this tag to the payment area ARS, the product can be set as a purchase item.

[0094] 4 and 5, the tags TGA and TGB are displayed near the position designated by the user. For example, the tags TGA and TGB are displayed near the objects OBA and OBB designated by the user. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the user designates the objects OBA, OBB, and OBC, the tags TGA, TGB, and TGC corresponding to the objects OBA, OBB, and OBC may be displayed in a predetermined area of ​​the display screen. For example, in FIG. 7, the tags TGA, TGB, and TGC are displayed together in the area at the bottom right of the video area. In this case, the user drags the tag of the product they desire from the displayed tags TGA, TGB, and TGC to the payment area ARS, as shown at A3 in FIG. 7.

[0095] For example, a processing system in a comparative example of this embodiment may be a system that displays detailed information about a product as a tag when the user indicates (by touching the screen, etc.) the location of the product displayed in the video being viewed by the user. However, even if the user is interested in the product, they must jump to a separate screen to make a payment in order to purchase it, which may result in a missed business opportunity.

[0096] In response to this, the present embodiment provides a system for easily purchasing products related to an object (object) displayed in a video. That is, when a user indicates the position of an object displayed in a video (by touching the screen, etc.), a tag containing information about the product related to the object (information about the object) is displayed at the position of the object or near the user's indicated position. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on this tag (such as moving the tag to a cart area on the screen), a process is performed to make the product related to the object eligible for purchase. For example, the product can be purchased by simply dragging and dropping the tag displayed by the user's touch into a cart area set in an area on the edge of the display screen. This makes it possible to avoid missing an opportunity when a user becomes interested in a product and smoothly guide the user to purchase the product.

[0097] 2.2 Processing example of this embodiment FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of this embodiment. First, the processing system performs video distribution processing (step S1). For example, the processing system performs video distribution processing to allow the user to watch videos such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The processing system then determines whether the user has designated an object displayed in the video (step S2). For example, the processing system determines whether the user has designated any of the objects OBA, OBB, or OBC shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 by touching the screen. If such an object has been designated, the processing system performs display processing of a tag displaying information about a product related to the designated object (step S3). For example, the processing system performs display processing of a tag displaying product description information and bonus information, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). The processing system then determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed on the displayed tag (step S4). Taking FIGS. 4 and 5 as examples, the processing system determines whether an operation has been performed to move tags TGA and TGB to the payment area ARS. If such a predetermined operation has been performed, the processing system sets the product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target for the user (step S5). For example, the processing system determines that the product has been added to the cart.

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, when a video is distributed and a user designates (specifies) an object displayed in the video, a tag display process is performed in which information about a product related to the designated object is displayed. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the tag, a process is performed in which the product corresponding to the tag is set as a purchase target for the user. In this way, when a user designates a video object, a tag displaying information about a product related to the object is displayed. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the displayed tag, the product corresponding to the tag is set as a purchase target for the user. Therefore, a user can set a product corresponding to the object as a purchase target simply by designating a video object and performing a predetermined operation on the displayed tag, thereby realizing a processing system in which products related to an object can be smoothly set as a purchase target.

[0099] Next, various processing examples of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating tag display processing in accordance with information about other users. First, the processing system acquires information about other users, such as the user's friends and followers (step S11). For example, information about other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user, such as a friend relationship or a follower / follow relationship, is acquired. Then, based on the information about other users, the processing system performs processing to determine whether to display tags and to change the display content of the tags (step S12). For example, based on the information about other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user, the processing system performs processing to determine whether to display tags corresponding to an object when the user points to an object, and whether to change the display content of the tag, such as product description information or bonus information. Then, the processing system performs tag display processing in accordance with the result of the determination processing (step S13). For example, processing to display or not display tags is performed in accordance with the result of the processing to determine whether to display tags. Furthermore, processing to change the display content of tags is performed in accordance with the result of the processing to determine whether to change the display content of tags.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, tag display processing is performed based on information about other users different from the user. For example, tag display processing is performed when a user points to an object based on information about other users who are watching the same video as the user. Specifically, whether or not to display a tag is determined, and the display content of the tag is determined based on the information about other users. For example, tag display processing is performed based on information about other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user (friend relationship, follower / following relationship, relationship belonging to the same group, attribute relationship, etc.). In this way, when a user points to an object, tag display processing that reflects information about other users can be performed, and the information about other users watching the same video affects the tag display processing when a user points to an object. Specifically, in this embodiment, processing is performed to change the display content of a tag based on information about other users. For example, processing is performed to change information about a product, which is the display content of a tag, based on information about other users who are watching the same video as the user. For example, based on information about other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user, product description information or bonus information, which is the display content of a tag, or the level of detail of the tag description content can be changed. In this way, when a user points to a display object, it becomes possible to change the display content of the tag that reflects information from other users, and the information from other users who are watching the same video will affect the display content of the tag that is displayed when the user points to the display object.

[0101] For example, in this embodiment, a tag corresponding to an object is displayed when a display condition set based on information of other users is satisfied. For example, whether or not to display a tag when a user points to an object is determined based on information such as whether other users have purchased a product corresponding to the object in the video or have given a predetermined rating (such as a like) to the object. Specifically, whether or not to display a tag when a user points to an object is determined based on information such as whether other users who have a predetermined relationship with the user (such as a friend or follower) have purchased a product corresponding to the object in the video or have given a predetermined rating to the object. For example, a tag is displayed for an object corresponding to a product purchased by another user who is a friend of the user or a product rated by another user (such as a like). When the user performs a predetermined operation such as dragging the tag to the payment area, the product corresponding to the object is set as a purchase target for the user. Furthermore, based on information from other users, the discount rate and purchase points (benefit points), which are bonus information displayed on the tag, are changed. For example, when a user points to an object for which another user who is a friend of the user has displayed a tag and purchased a product, the bonus information of the tag displayed for the object is changed. For example, the information is changed to special benefit information such as a discount on a product related to the displayed object, a change in the discount rate, or the granting of purchase points to the user. Also, for example, if a user points to the displayed object and displays a tag within a predetermined time from the time when another user displays a tag corresponding to the displayed object and purchases a product, processing is performed to change the display content of the tag, such as increasing the discount rate, which is the special benefit information.

[0102] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process of displaying tags in accordance with input history information of the user or other users. First, the processing system acquires input history information (such as likes) from the user or other users for an object displayed in a video (step S21). For example, it acquires history information of instruction inputs and rating inputs from the user or other users for each of multiple objects displayed in a video. The processing system then identifies the object based on the input history information and performs tag display processing for the identified object (steps S22 and S23).

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, a tag display process is performed on an object identified based on the input history information of the user or other users among the objects displayed in the video. For example, for each of a plurality of objects displayed in the video, the user's or other users' instruction input history and rating input history such as "like" are stored as input history information in the storage unit 170. Then, a tag is displayed on the object identified based on this input history information. In this manner, a tag is displayed on an object identified based on the user's or other users' input history information, and the user can set a product related to the object as a purchase target by performing a predetermined operation on the tag. For example, a tag is displayed according to the status of ratings such as "like" for an object in the video. That is, a tag is displayed on an object at a point in the video where a rating such as "like" was input. For example, if there is an object that has been rated with a "like" and is determined to be of interest to the user, that object is identified, and a tag corresponding to that object is displayed. In addition, the display mode of the object may be changed based on input history information such as rating inputs such as "like" and instruction inputs. For example, for display objects that are determined to be of interest to many users based on input history information such as rating inputs and instruction inputs, the display mode is changed to make them stand out more than other display objects by, for example, changing image properties such as color or brightness, or applying effects, etc. Then, when a user points to a display object whose display mode has been changed in this way, a tag corresponding to the display object is displayed.

[0104] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a tag display method. In FIG. 11, the direction of t is the direction of the time axis. As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, information on multiple display objects OB1, OB2, OB3, and OB4 displayed in chronological order in a video is associated with information on the video. For example, after playback of the video starts, display object OB1 is displayed at timing t1, followed by display object OB2 at timing t2. Similarly, display objects OB3 and OB4 are displayed at timings t3 and t4. In this manner, information on multiple display objects OB1, OB2, OB3, and OB4 displayed in chronological order at timings t1, t2, t3, and t4 is stored in the storage unit 170 in association with information on the video. In this embodiment, a corresponding display object is identified from the multiple display objects displayed in chronological order based on information on the user's pointing position and information on the pointing timing, and a tag display process is performed on the identified display object. For example, based on information on the user's pointing position, it can be determined whether the user is pointing at an object displayed in the video. For example, if it is determined that the user is pointing at the display area of ​​an object based on information on the user's pointing position, it is determined that the user is pointing at the object. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether an object is currently being displayed based on information about the timing of the user's pointing. For example, in FIG. 11, an object is displayed at time t2. Therefore, if the user's pointing occurs after time t2 and before the object is hidden, it is possible to determine that the object is currently being displayed. In this manner, in this embodiment, a corresponding object is identified from multiple objects displayed in chronological order based on information about the user's pointing position and pointing timing. In this manner, it is possible to identify the object being pointed to by the user from multiple objects appearing in chronological order in the video based on information about the user's pointing position and pointing timing, and display a tag for the identified object.

[0105] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating tag display processing according to the video viewing status and the status until a product is set as a purchase target. First, the processing system acquires video viewing status, such as the video viewing history, viewing time period, number of viewers, or viewer information (step S31). The video viewing history includes the number of times the viewer has viewed the video and the total viewing time. The viewing time period includes, for example, whether the video was viewed in the morning, afternoon, or evening. The viewer information includes information such as the age group and gender of the viewer watching the video. The processing system also acquires the status from the time the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target (step S32). That is, the status from the time the tag is displayed until the product is added to the cart is acquired. For example, the status includes the time from the time the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target, and the number or frequency of times the tag is displayed but the product is not set as a purchase target. The processing system then changes the tag display content based on the video viewing status and the status from the time the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target (step S33), and performs display processing for the tag with the changed display content (step S34).

[0106] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in steps S31 and S32 of FIG. 12 , the display content of the tag is changed according to the viewing status of the video. Specifically, the display content of the tag is changed according to the viewing history information of the video. For example, if a video has been viewed many times, has a long total viewing time, or is viewed frequently, the display content of the tag is changed to indicate that the product is popular or to include information about benefits that will be more advantageous to the user. For example, if a video is considered to be popular because it has been viewed many times or has a long total viewing time, when a user points to an object of that video, a tag is displayed that includes information about benefits, such as a high product discount rate or many purchase points. In this way, when a user points to an object of the video, a tag with display content that reflects the viewing status of the video is displayed, and the product corresponding to the tag can be set as a purchase target for the user. For example, the viewing history, such as the number of times the video has been viewed or the total viewing time, can be reflected in the display content of the tag to display the tag.

[0107] In this embodiment, as shown in steps S32 and S33 of FIG. 12 , the display content of the tag is changed depending on the situation from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target. For example, the display content of the tag is changed depending on the situation, such as the time from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target, the number of times the user erases the displayed tag, and the number and frequency of times the tag is displayed but the product is not set as a purchase target. For example, if the time from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target is short, a tag containing benefit information that gives the user a greater advantage is displayed, and the product discount rate or the awarded purchase points increase. Alternatively, if the displayed tag is erased many times, it is possible that the user is hesitant to purchase, so a tag containing benefit information that gives the user a greater advantage is displayed. In this way, by displaying a tag whose display content reflects the situation from when the tag is displayed until the product is set as a purchase target, it is possible to motivate the user to set the product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target.

[0108] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a method for notifying a user of a video, such as a game commentary video, of the tag display status or the status of a product related to the tag being set as a purchase target. For example, in FIG. 13, a broadcaster of a video, such as a game commentary video, is notified of the tag display status or the status of a product related to the tag being set as a purchase target. For example, the notification in FIG. 13 displays the history of tag display status for objects in a video broadcast by the broadcaster and the history of the status of viewer users setting products corresponding to the tags as purchase targets. For example, the broadcaster is notified of the status in which a viewer points to an object in a video broadcast by the broadcaster to display a tag, or the status in which a viewer sets a product corresponding to a displayed tag as a purchase target. In this way, the broadcaster can easily understand, by viewing the notification in FIG. 13, the status in which a viewer shows interest in an object in a video and displays a tag, or the status in which a viewer who sees a tag sets a product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target. Note that a process of granting a reward to the broadcaster of the video may be performed according to the tag display status and the status of a product being set as a purchase target, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0109] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the video is a game commentary video of a game played by a broadcaster on the broadcaster's terminal device, and the objects for which tags are displayed are objects that appear in the game. In this way, a viewer watching the game commentary video can point to an object in the game commentary video to display the tag, allowing them to set products related to the objects appearing in the game as purchase targets for the viewer. This can increase the popularity and immersion of game commentary content, and can realize the distribution of game status videos that link video distribution with the purchase of products corresponding to objects in the video.

[0110] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process for stopping video playback or slowing down the playback speed during the tag display period. First, the processing system determines whether the user has selected an object displayed in the video (step S41). If the user has selected an object, the processing system performs a process for displaying a tag displaying information about a product related to the selected object (step S42). Then, the processing system performs a process for stopping video playback or slowing down the playback speed (step S43). For example, the processing system may temporarily stop video playback or play the video at a slower playback speed than normal playback. The processing system then determines whether the tag display time has ended (step S44). If so, the processing system cancels the paused state of video playback or restores the playback speed of the video to its original state (step S45). That is, the processing system stops video playback or slows down the playback speed of the video only during the tag display time.

[0111] In this manner, in this embodiment, during the tag display period, a process is performed to stop video playback or slow down the video playback speed. For example, when a user points to a video display object and a tag is displayed, video playback is stopped or the playback speed is slowed down, and when the tag display period ends and the tag is no longer displayed, the video playback is resumed or the playback speed is restored. In this way, the video the user was watching is stopped or the playback speed is slowed down during the tag display period, allowing the user to carefully check the tag display content and take their time to decide whether to set the product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target. This improves user convenience.

[0112] 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process for changing the level of detail of the displayed content of a tag. When the processing system determines that a tag should be displayed (step S51), it displays a tag displaying simplified information (step S52). That is, it displays a tag displaying simplified information with a low level of detail. After displaying the tag, the processing system then determines whether a predetermined time has passed or whether a predetermined operation has been performed by the user (step S53). When the predetermined time has passed or when a predetermined operation has been performed, the processing system displays a tag displaying detailed information (step S54). That is, it displays a tag displaying detailed information with a high level of detail.

[0113] In this embodiment, the level of detail of the tag display content is changed depending on the passage of time or a predetermined operation. For example, when a tag is displayed, a tag with a low level of detail is displayed. For example, when a tag is displayed, a tag such as an icon displaying only the name of a product is displayed. Then, when a predetermined time has passed since the tag was displayed or when a user performs a predetermined operation, a tag with a high level of detail is displayed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), a tag with detailed product description information, bonus information, etc. is displayed. The predetermined user operation is, for example, an operation to switch the level of detail of the tag display content. In this way, the level of detail of the tag display content changes after the tag is displayed or when the user performs a predetermined operation, so that tags with display content appropriate for the situation can be displayed to the user. For example, displaying a tag with a high level of detail requires a certain amount of display area. If such a tag is displayed, a situation may occur in which video objects are hidden by the tag and cannot be seen. Therefore, for example, when a tag is displayed, a tag with a low level of detail and a small display area is displayed. This prevents video objects from being hidden by the tag and cannot be seen. Then, if a predetermined time has passed since the tag was displayed, or if the user performs an operation to increase the level of detail in the tag's display content, the tag will be displayed with a higher level of detail and a larger display area. This allows the user to easily check the product description information and bonus information in the tag, improving user convenience.

[0114] 3. Payment Processing In this embodiment, a tag is displayed in response to an instruction from a video display object, and when a predetermined operation is performed on the tag, a cart-in process is performed to set the product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target. Payment for the purchase of the product that has become a purchase target is then made, allowing the user to purchase the product. In this case, payment for the purchase of the product is performed by a payment system 220 shown in FIG. 16. This payment system 220 is realized, for example, by a payment server. Meanwhile, video distribution processing is performed by a video distribution system 210 shown in FIG. 16. This video distribution system 210 is realized, for example, by a video distribution server. The video distribution system 210 is realized, for example, by the processing system of this embodiment, and performs the processing of, for example, the video distribution unit 102, the tag processing unit 104, and the purchase processing unit 106 of this embodiment. The payment system 220 may be provided in the processing system of this embodiment, or may be realized by a payment server provided outside the server of the processing system.

[0115] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, a video is displayed in the video area ARV of the display screen of the terminal device, and a payment screen for purchasing a product is displayed in the payment area ARS of the display screen. For example, video distribution processing in the video area ARV is performed by a video distribution system 210 realized by a video distribution server or the like, and payment processing in the payment area ARS is performed by a payment system 220 realized by a payment server or the like. For example, display control in the video area ARV is performed by the video distribution system 210, and display control in the payment area ARS is performed by the payment system 220. For example, in the video area ARV, a video screen of a video distribution website page (URL) managed by the video distribution system 210 is displayed, and in the payment area ARS, a payment screen of a payment website page (URL) managed by the payment system 220 is displayed.

[0116] In this embodiment, a linking process between the video distribution process in the video area ARV and the payment process in the payment area ARS is performed. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the linking process between the video distribution process and the payment process. First, the processing system determines whether the user has performed an operation to instruct the linking of the video distribution process and the payment for the product purchase (step S61). For example, before the video is distributed, a selection screen or menu screen for linking the video distribution process and the payment for the product purchase is displayed, and the user is prompted to select on this selection screen or menu screen whether or not to link the video distribution process and the payment for the product purchase. Then, if an operation to instruct the linking is performed, the processing system executes a linking process to link the video distribution process and the payment process (step S62). For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a linking process is executed in which the video distribution system 210 controls the video area ARV and the payment system 220 controls the payment area ARS. Next, the processing system executes the video distribution process (step S63). For example, if no linking process is performed, normal video distribution process is performed. If linking process is performed, video distribution process is performed in which a video is displayed in the video area ARV and a payment screen is displayed in the payment area ARS, as shown in FIG. 16. The processing system then determines whether the tag displayed in the video area ARV has moved to the payment area ARS (step S64). For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the processing system determines whether the tag has moved to the payment area ARS through a predetermined operation, such as a user dragging the tag. If the tag has moved, the processing system then determines whether linking has been performed, and if linking process is being performed, instructs the payment system 220 to perform payment process for the purchase of the product corresponding to the tag (steps S65 and S66). For example, the processing system instructs the payment system 220 to perform payment process for the purchase of the product, causing the payment system 220 to execute payment process for the purchase of the product. The processing system then determines whether the video has ended (step S67). If the video has not ended, the processing returns to step S63. If the video has ended, the processing system ends the processing.

[0117] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in steps S64 to S66 of FIG. 17, when it is determined that a tag displayed in the video area ARV has moved to the payment area ARS, an instruction to perform payment processing for the purchase of a product corresponding to the tag is given to the payment system 220. In this way, when the user performs a predetermined operation on a tag displayed by pointing at a video display object and the tag moves to the payment area ARS, an instruction to perform payment processing is given to the payment system 220, and payment processing for the purchase of the product corresponding to the tag is performed. As a result, the user can perform payment processing for a product related to the display object simply by pointing at the display object to display the tag and performing a predetermined operation to move the displayed tag to the payment area ARS, thereby realizing smooth payment processing for a product related to the display object.

[0118] The video area ARV is an area where a webpage of the video distribution system 210's website is displayed, and the payment area ARS is an area where a webpage of the payment system 220's website is displayed. For example, when a webpage is displayed on a video distribution site managed by the video distribution system 210, a video such as that shown in FIG. 16 is displayed in the video area ARV, and when a webpage is displayed on a payment site managed by the payment system 220, a payment screen such as that shown in FIG. 16 is displayed in the payment area ARS. For example, the video distribution system 210 controls the display in the video area ARV by updating the webpage of the video distribution site, and the payment system 220 controls the display in the payment area ARS by updating the webpage of the payment site. The URL of the video distribution site is assigned to the webpage of the video distribution site, and the URL of the payment site is assigned to the webpage of the payment site, and these URLs are used to control the display in the video area ARV and the payment area ARS. In this way, a video can be displayed on the video area ARV using the webpage of the video distribution system 210's website, and a payment screen can be displayed on the payment area ARS using the webpage of the payment system 220's website.

[0119] When it is determined that the tag has been moved to the payment area ARS, the video distribution system 210 notifies the payment system 220 that the tag has been moved to the payment area ARS. That is, it notifies the payment system 220 that the product corresponding to the tag has been added to the cart. In response, the payment system 220 performs display control to change the display mode of the cart icon displayed in the payment area ARS to a display mode indicating that the product has been added to the cart. This allows the user to visually recognize that the product has been added to the cart by seeing the change in the display mode of the cart icon. Then, when the user's purchase of the product on the payment site is completed, the payment system 220 notifies the video distribution system 210 that the payment process for the product purchase has been completed.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in steps S61 and S62 of FIG. 18 , when a user performs an operation to instruct the linking of video streaming and payment for product purchases, a linking process is performed to link the video streaming process with the payment process for product purchases. For example, if the user does not perform an operation to instruct the linking of video streaming and payment, a normal video streaming process is performed, but if the user performs an operation to instruct the linking, a video streaming process that allows payment for the purchase of products related to the video display is performed. In this way, for example, a user can purchase products related to the video display with a simple operation, simply by performing an operation to instruct the linking of video streaming and payment for product purchases.

[0121] When the linking process is performed, the benefit information set in the tag is also notified to the payment system 220. As a result, based on the benefit information, discount processing for the product, granting of purchase points when purchasing the product, and the like can be performed.

[0122] In this embodiment, the linking process between the video distribution process and the payment process involves associating the user's viewer ID with the purchaser ID and associating the tag ID with the product ID. For example, when a user performs an operation to instruct linking the video distribution process and the payment process, the linking process between the video distribution process and the payment process involves associating the viewer ID of the user watching the video with the purchaser ID of the user purchasing the product, and storing the association in the storage unit 170, as shown in FIG. 18. Also, the linking process between the video distribution process and the payment process involves associating the tag ID associated with the display object ID with the product ID, and storing the association in the storage unit 170. In this way, it is possible to realize a payment process in which a product is identified based on the product ID associated with the tag ID, a purchaser is identified based on the purchaser ID associated with the viewer ID, and the purchaser is allowed to purchase the identified product. For example, when a tag displayed in the video area ARV moves to the payment area ARS, the payment system 220 can perform payment processing to identify the product based on the product ID associated with the tag ID, identify the purchaser based on the purchaser ID associated with the viewer ID of the video, and have the purchaser purchase the identified product.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user logs in to a video distribution site, the user is logged in to a payment site that processes payment for product purchases. For example, when a user logs in to a video distribution site, the user is also logged in to the payment site. In this way, a sign-on process can be implemented that logs a user who has logged in to a video distribution site into the payment system site as well. In this case, the sign-on process for the user on the video site and the payment site is performed on the condition that, for example, collaboration processing between the video distribution process and the payment process is performed for the user. For example, when collaboration processing is performed, the viewer ID, which is the user ID on the video distribution site, is associated with the purchaser ID, which is the user ID on the payment site. Then, when login processing to the video distribution site is performed using the viewer ID, login processing to the payment site using the purchaser ID is also performed.

[0124] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings with a different term having a broader or equivalent meaning may be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, video distribution processing, tag display processing, product purchase target setting processing, product purchase payment processing, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and equivalent methods are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 100...processing unit, 102...video distribution unit, 104...tag processing unit, 106...purchase processing unit, 108...notification unit, 118...management unit, 120...display processing unit, 130...sound processing unit, 170...storage unit, 172...video information storage unit, 174...user information storage unit, 196...communication unit, 200...processing unit, 210...video distribution system, 220...payment system, 260...operation unit, 262...interface unit, 270...storage unit, 280...information storage medium, 290...display unit, 292...sound output unit, 296...communication unit, 500...server system, 510...network, ARS...payment area, ARV...video area, BL...belt, IMA, IMB...image, OB1 to OB4, OBA to OBC...display object, TGA, TGB, TGC...tag, TM1 to TMn, TM...terminal device

Claims

1. a video distribution unit that performs video distribution processing; a tag processing unit that, when a user designates an object displayed in the video, performs processing to display a tag displaying information about a product related to the designated object; a purchase processing unit that, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the tag, sets the product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target for the user; Including, The purchase processing unit determine whether or not a link instruction operation for instructing linkage between the video distribution and the payment for the purchase of a product has been performed by the user before the distribution process of the video, and if the link instruction operation has been performed by the user, perform a linkage process for linking the video distribution process and the payment process for the purchase of the product; The video distribution unit If the user does not perform the link instruction operation, a normal video distribution process is performed in which a payment screen for purchasing the product is not displayed; The purchase processing unit When the user logs in to a website of a video distribution system including the video distribution unit while the linking process between the video distribution process and the payment process is being performed, a login process for the user to a website of a payment system that performs the payment process for the purchase of the product is performed; A processing system characterized in that when the product corresponding to the tag is set as a purchase target by the specified operation on the tag, the login process performs the linkage process, and the user is logged in to the payment system website, thereby performing a purchase process for the product set as a purchase target.

2. In claim 1, The purchase processing unit As the linking process, a process is performed in which the viewer ID of the user is associated with a purchaser ID and a tag ID is associated with a product ID; A processing system characterized in that when a login to the video distribution system site is performed using the viewer ID, the login process to the payment system is performed using the purchaser ID associated with the viewer ID.

3. In claim 1 or 2, A processing system characterized in that the video is a video of game play, and the product is a product corresponding to a display object that is the subject of the game play.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The video is displayed in a video area of ​​the display screen, and a payment screen for purchasing the product is displayed in a payment area of ​​the display screen, The purchase processing unit A processing system characterized by instructing the payment system to perform the payment processing for the purchase of the product corresponding to the tag when it is determined that the tag displayed in the video area has moved to the payment area.

5. In claim 4, the video area is an area where a web page of a site of the video distribution system including the video distribution unit is displayed, A processing system characterized in that the payment area is an area where a web page of the payment system's site is displayed.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The tag processing unit A processing system that performs display processing of the tag based on information of another user different from the user.

7. In claim 6, The tag processing unit A processing system that changes the display content of the tag based on the information of the other users.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, The tag processing unit A processing system that performs display processing of the tag on an object identified based on input history information of the user or another user from among the objects displayed in the video.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, information on a plurality of display objects to be displayed in chronological order in the video is set in association with information on the video; The tag processing unit A processing system characterized by identifying a corresponding display object from a plurality of display objects displayed in chronological order based on information on the user's pointing position and information on the pointing timing, and performing display processing of the tag for the identified display object.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The tag processing unit A processing system characterized by changing the display content of the tag depending on the viewing status of the video.

11. In claim 10, The tag processing unit A processing system characterized by changing the display content of the tag depending on the viewing history of the video.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, The tag processing unit A processing system that changes the display content of the tag depending on the situation from when the tag is displayed until when the product is set as a purchase target.

13. In any one of claims 1 to 12, a notification unit that notifies a distributor of the video of a display status of the tag or a setting status of the product related to the tag as a purchase target, A processing system comprising:

14. In any one of claims 1 to 13, A processing system characterized in that the video is a live game commentary video of a game being played by a broadcaster on the broadcaster's terminal device, and the display object on which the tag is displayed is a display object that appears in the game.

15. In any one of claims 1 to 14, The video distribution unit A processing system characterized by performing processing to stop playback of the video or slow down the playback speed of the video during the display period of the tag.

16. In any one of claims 1 to 15, The tag processing unit A processing system characterized in that the level of detail of the displayed content of the tag is changed according to the passage of time or a predetermined operation.

17. a video distribution unit that performs video distribution processing; a tag processing unit that, when a user designates an object displayed in the video, performs processing to display a tag displaying information about a product related to the designated object; a purchase processing unit that, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the tag, performs a process of setting the product corresponding to the tag as a purchase target for the user, Make your computer work, The purchase processing unit determine whether or not a link instruction operation for instructing linkage between the video distribution and the payment for the purchase of a product has been performed by the user before the distribution process of the video, and if the link instruction operation has been performed by the user, perform a linkage process for linking the video distribution process and the payment process for the purchase of the product; The video distribution unit If the user does not perform the link instruction operation, a normal video distribution process is performed in which a payment screen for purchasing the product is not displayed; The purchase processing unit When the user logs in to a website of a video distribution system including the video distribution unit while the linking process between the video distribution process and the payment process is being performed, a login process for the user to a website of a payment system that performs the payment process for the purchase of the product is performed; A program characterized by the fact that when the product corresponding to the tag is set as a purchase target by the specified operation on the tag, the login process performs the linking process, and the user is logged in to the payment system website, thereby performing a purchase process for the product set as a purchase target.

Images