Video distribution server, video distribution method, and video distribution program

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] Also, services that enable conducting questionnaires on websites are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

Means for Solving the Problems

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

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

[0008] The video distribution program according to the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to perform the following processes: a process of distributing video to a viewer terminal based on instructions from a sender terminal; and a process of causing the viewer terminal to perform an interactive service and causing a server device to provide the interactive service when a service start request is received from the sender terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to enable people who are not watching the broadcast to participate in events held during the broadcast. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a service collaboration system including a video distribution server in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration for a video streaming server. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the process flow when a video streaming server works in conjunction with a web server to conduct a survey. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the display screen that appears on the caller's device during a program broadcast. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a survey screen displayed on a viewer's device. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a survey screen on a webpage. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process of completing the survey and displaying the results. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of questionnaire results displayed on a viewer terminal. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of a questionnaire result screen on a web page. [Figure 10] This is an example of a display screen of a shopping program displayed on a viewer terminal. [Figure 11] This is an example of a web page linked to the shopping program in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in which a video distribution server and a web server cooperate in a shopping program. [Figure 13] This is another example of a display screen of a shopping program displayed on a viewer terminal. [Figure 14] This is an example of a web page linked to the shopping program in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] This is still another example of a display screen of a shopping program displayed on a viewer terminal. [Figure 16] This is an example of a web page linked to the shopping program in FIG. 15.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] Next, an example configuration of the video distribution server 1 will be described using Figure 2. The video distribution server 1 shown in Figure 2 comprises a video distribution unit 11, a survey processing unit 12, a command input unit 13, a Web integration unit 14, and a result receiving unit 15. Each unit of the video distribution server 1 may be configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic processing unit, storage device, etc., and the processing of each unit may be executed by a program. This program is stored in the storage device of the video distribution server 1 and can be recorded on recording media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, or semiconductor memory, or provided via a network. Each unit will be described below.

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

[0019] The survey processing unit 12 conducts a survey within the broadcast based on instructions from the sender terminal 3. Specifically, the survey processing unit 12 overlays the survey questions and answer choices onto the video distributed by the video distribution unit 11 and displays them on the viewer terminal 4, and receives information on the viewer's selected answer choices. The survey processing unit 12 receives the survey results from the broadcast and the web survey results from the results receiving unit 15 and announces the survey results within the broadcast. The survey results may also be overlaid on the video and displayed on the viewer terminal 4.

[0020] The command input unit 13 receives a command (instruction) from the caller and performs processing according to the input command. Commands relevant to this embodiment include, for example, a command to conduct a survey, a command to end a survey, and a command to display the survey results. When the command input unit 13 receives a command to conduct a survey, it controls the survey processing unit 12 to conduct the survey within the broadcast and controls the Web linkage unit 14 to conduct the survey on the Web server 2.

[0021] The Web Integration Unit 14 links the broadcast with the web page. Specifically, when a survey is conducted during the broadcast, the Web Integration Unit 14 sends the survey questions and answer choices to the Web server 2, and also sends the same survey to the Web server 2.

[0022] The results receiving unit 15 receives both the results of the in-broadcast survey and the results of the web-based survey. The results receiving unit 15 may also aggregate the results of each survey.

[0023] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain the process by which the video distribution server 1 cooperates with the web server 2 to conduct a survey.

[0024] First, as a preliminary step, video distribution server 1 instructs web server 2 to prepare a web page that will be linked to the broadcast, based on the instructions of the sender (step S11). Video distribution server 1 generates a program ID to identify each program, which is a unit of broadcasting. When video distribution server 1 receives a request from sender terminal 3 to link the broadcast and the web, it sends the program ID to web server 2, causing web server 2 to prepare a web page linked to that program ID. The web page prepared by web server 2 may be empty, or it may display that the survey has not yet been conducted. Alternatively, it may contain an introduction to the corresponding program, or it may contain a link to a page introducing the corresponding program. Furthermore, a user ID that identifies the sender may be used as an identifier to link the broadcast and the web page.

[0025] Video distribution server 1 receives the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​of a web page prepared on web server 2. By displaying this URI on a program preview page or similar, the sender can guide people who cannot watch the program during its broadcast time to the corresponding web page. Furthermore, if web server 2 provides an interface that conforms to the design principles of REST (Representational State Transfer), information can be retrieved, created, modified, and deleted using that URI.

[0026] The sender may link the program and the web using the management screen provided by video distribution server 1, or they may link the program and the web using the management screen provided by web server 2. If web server 2 links the program and the web, it sends the URI of the web page it has prepared and the program ID (or user ID) to video distribution server 1.

[0027] Video distribution server 1 stores information necessary for linking the program with the web (for example, the URI of the web page).

[0028] Furthermore, the integration between the program and the web may be done during the program's broadcast.

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

[0030] When the video distribution server 1 receives a survey start command from the sender terminal 3 (step S13), it starts the survey during the broadcast (step S14). If the sender conducts a survey during the broadcast, they operate the sender terminal 3 and send the survey content, such as the questions and answer choices, to the video distribution server 1. The video distribution server 1 sends the questions and answer choices received from the sender to the viewer terminal 4, and the viewer terminal 4 creates and displays a survey screen using the received questions and answer choices. The video distribution server 1 may also create the survey screen and send it to the viewer terminal 4.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of the display screen shown on the sender terminal 3. In the video area 101 of the display screen 100, the broadcast video and comments entered for the broadcast are superimposed. The video and comments displayed in the video area 101 are the same as the video displayed on the viewer terminal 4. In the comment list area 102 to the right of the video area 101, a list of comments entered for the broadcast is displayed. The comment input field 103 at the bottom of the video area 101 is used by the sender to enter comments. When the sender enters a comment in the comment input field 103 and presses the comment submission button 104, the entered comment is submitted and displayed during the broadcast.

[0032] The survey area 110 at the bottom of the display screen 100 is an area for entering survey information. The question text is entered in the question text input field 111. The answer choices are entered in the answer choice input fields 112a to 112d. When the inventor enters the question text and answer choices in the question text input field 111 and the answer choice input fields 112a to 112d and presses the question button 113, the survey start command, requesting the completion of the survey, is displayed on the video streaming service along with the survey content. The message is sent to server 1. When the sender presses the results display button 114, the survey results are displayed.

[0033] Additionally, it is possible to start the survey by entering a command in the comment input field 103. If a specific string is entered in the comment input field 103 following a " / ", the entered string will be interpreted as a command. For example, if the sender enters " / vote start Question Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4" in the comment input field 103 and presses the comment submission button 104, the survey start command will be sent to the video distribution server 1 along with the question and options 1-4.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of a survey screen displayed on the viewer terminal 4. The survey question 201 is displayed at the top of the display screen 200. Below the question 201, option buttons 202a to 202d, each displaying the content of the respective options, are displayed. The question 201 and option buttons 202a to 202d may be displayed superimposed on the streamed video.

[0035] Viewers can answer the survey by touching one of the displayed option buttons 202a to 202d, or by selecting one using a pointing device such as a mouse. They can also answer the survey by entering the number assigned to the option.

[0036] Returning to Figure 3, if the video distribution server 1 is linking broadcasting and the Web, it instructs the Web server 2 to conduct the same survey (step S15). The video distribution server 1 sends the question text and answer choices received from the sender terminal 3 to the Web server 2, causing the survey to be conducted on the Web page linked to the broadcast.

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

[0038] When a user accesses a web page linked to the broadcast using a web browser 5, a web page 300, as shown in Figure 6, is displayed. Web page 300 displays the same question 301 and answer choices 302 as the survey conducted on the broadcast. In the example in Figure 6, the user of the web page can answer the survey by selecting one of the answer choices 302 using the radio buttons located to the left of each choice and then pressing the answer button 303.

[0039] Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain the process of ending the survey and displaying the results.

[0040] When the video distribution server 1 receives a survey termination command from the sender terminal 3 (step S21), it terminates the survey on the broadcast (step S22). The sender operates the sender terminal 3 and sends a message to the video distribution server 1 indicating that they want to terminate the survey. The video distribution server 1 notifies the viewer terminal 4 that the survey has ended. When the viewer terminal 4 receives the notification that the survey has ended, it stops displaying the survey screen.

[0041] When the video distribution server 1 finishes the survey during broadcast, it also instructs the web server 2 to finish the survey (step S23).

[0042] When Web server 2 receives notification from video distribution server 1 that the survey has ended, it deletes or disables the answer button 303 on Web page 300. Alternatively, Web server 2 may make Web page 300 blank.

[0043] When the survey on Web Server 2 is completed, Video Distribution Server 1 receives the survey results from Web Server 2 (Step S24). The results may include, for example, the number of respondents who selected each option or the percentage of respondents who selected each option. Furthermore, video streaming server 1 may receive the results of the ongoing survey from web server 2 at any time, even before the survey is completed.

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

[0045] When the video distribution server 1 receives a result display command from the caller terminal 3 (step S25), it displays the survey results on the viewer terminal 4 (step S26). The caller operates the caller terminal 3 and sends a result display command to the video distribution server 1. The video distribution server 1 sends the survey results to the viewer terminal 4, and the viewer terminal 4 creates and displays a survey results screen that displays the survey results.

[0046] In the survey results display screen 200 in Figure 8, the question text 201 is displayed at the top, and below the question text 201, option buttons 202a to 202d are displayed, each showing the content of the option and the percentage of selections. In the example in Figure 8, the results of the broadcast survey and the web survey are aggregated and displayed. The viewer terminal 4 may display only the results of the broadcast survey or only the results of the web survey.

[0047] When video distribution server 1 displays the survey results on the broadcast, it may also instruct web server 2 to display the survey results. Video distribution server 1 aggregates the survey results from the broadcast and the survey results from the web, and sends the aggregated survey results to web server 2. Web server 2 displays the received survey results on a web page linked to the broadcast. Alternatively, video distribution server 1 may only send the survey results from the broadcast, and web server 2 may aggregate the survey results from both the broadcast and the web.

[0048] The web page 300 displaying the survey results in Figure 9 shows the question 301 and the answer choices 302 containing the results of the broadcast and web surveys. If the web page viewer has answered the survey, the answer choice 302 selected by the radio button is displayed.

[0049] From this point forward, if the broadcaster issues a new survey during the broadcast, the new survey will be conducted during the broadcast, and the survey on the web page linked to the broadcast on Web Server 2 will be switched to the new survey.

[0050] (modified version) Several modifications of this embodiment will be described below.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the video distribution server 1 sent the survey questions and answer choices to the web server 2, but the video distribution server 1 may also receive the survey questions and answer choices from the web server 2.

[0052] The sender registers the survey questions and answer choices on Web Server 2. Multiple surveys may be registered on Web Server 2. Surveys registered on Web Server 2 can be configured not to be displayed on the web page until instructed to do so by Video Streaming Server 1.

[0053] Suppose the program has started and video streaming server 1 has received a survey start command. If the survey start command includes an instruction to run the survey registered with web server 2, video streaming server 1 will instruct web server 2 to run the registered survey. The command is issued, and the questions and answer choices for the survey registered from Web Server 2 are received, and the survey is started via broadcast. If multiple surveys are registered on Web Server 2, the survey to be conducted is specified in the survey start command.

[0054] Web server 2 will start a survey on the web page linked to the broadcast.

[0055] Web server 2 may conduct pre-registered surveys before the program starts. After the program starts, Web server 2 will conduct the surveys according to the instructions of video distribution server 1.

[0056] Web server 2 may continue conducting the survey even after the program ends. Web server 2 stores the questions and answer choices sent from video distribution server 1. After the program ends, Web server 2 will continue conducting the survey using the stored questions and answer choices, as instructed by video distribution server 1. The results of this survey can be obtained in a later program.

[0057] The broadcaster may reuse surveys created by third parties. Specifically, when conducting a survey during a broadcast, the broadcaster may specify the webpage containing the survey to be reused and obtain the survey questions and answer choices. At this time, the survey results from the webpage may also be obtained simultaneously. The results of the survey conducted within the program may also be reflected on the source webpage. However, in this case, permission to update the survey results on the webpage is required. For example, the creator of the survey may set it up so that anyone can update the survey results on the webpage.

[0058] Furthermore, multiple broadcasters may share a web page that is linked to the broadcast. The main broadcaster can control the web page linked to the broadcast. In other words, the survey is conducted both within the broadcast and on the web at the timing set by the main broadcaster. Other broadcasters cannot control the main broadcaster's web page, but they can obtain the survey questions and answer choices from the main broadcaster's linked web page in their own programs. When the main broadcaster conducts a survey within the broadcast and on the web, other broadcasters' programs can receive the survey questions and answer choices from web server 2 and conduct the same survey in their own programs.

[0059] When sharing a webpage linked to a broadcast, any of the multiple senders may be able to control that webpage. In this case, multiple senders can take turns posting survey questions.

[0060] Furthermore, the survey response method can be as follows: respondents can choose from multiple-choice options, freely type in text, draw pictures, or upload images.

[0061] Furthermore, the interactive services provided in conjunction with the broadcast and the web are not limited to surveys; they may also be quizzes or games that can be run on the viewer terminal 4 and web browser 5. If a game is provided, the video distribution server 1 may receive and compile game scores from the web server 2.

[0062] (Shopping program) Next, we will describe an example in which the video distribution server of this embodiment is applied to shopping programs.

[0063] In recent years, peer-to-peer buying and selling of goods via networks has become increasingly popular. Individuals can promote their products by introducing them on their own programs. Viewers (those who watch the program) have the advantage of being able to ask sellers (those who broadcast the program) questions about the products directly within the program.

[0064] By applying this service integration system to shopping programs and linking the program with the web, products featured in the program can be simultaneously showcased on the website. This allows people who cannot watch the program to learn about the products featured in the program by accessing the web page.

[0065] Below, we will describe examples of interactive services that link shopping programs and the web, including comment functions, shopping cart functions, and auction functions.

[0066] First, referring to Figures 10 and 11, we will explain an example of providing a comment function on both the program and the web, and linking the program and the web.

[0067] The program video in Figure 10 overlays not only comments entered by viewers but also comments entered on the linked web page. "Product Number 1" at the top of display screen 200 in Figure 10 shows information about the currently featured product. "Comments from the Web" below display screen 200 shows comments entered on the web page. Other comments are entered by viewers.

[0068] The web page 300 in Figure 11 consists of a product image 310, a comment input field 311, a comment submission button 312, and a comment display field 313. The product image 310 is an image of the product being featured in the program. This image may be one that has been registered in advance on the web server 2, or it may be a screenshot from the program. When the product featured in the shopping program changes, the product image 310 also changes. The timing of changing the product image 310 displayed on the web page is controlled by the program. The comment input field 311 displays comments entered by viewers of the web page 300. Comments entered by viewers of the program may also be displayed.

[0069] Referring to Figure 12, the process flow of the video distribution server 1 and web server 2 working together in a shopping program will be explained.

[0070] As a preliminary step, video distribution server 1 instructs web server 2 to prepare a web page that will be linked to the shopping program (step S31). The broadcaster may also register product information, such as images of the products to be introduced, with web server 2.

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

[0072] When the video distribution server 1 receives a command to start product introduction from the caller terminal 3 (step S33), it determines that product introduction has started in the program (step S34). Alternatively, the video distribution server 1 may determine to start product introduction when it receives a command to display a sub-screen from the caller terminal 3, when it receives a command to display a still image, or when a comment to be fixed on the screen is entered. By the caller playing a video of the product on the sub-screen, showing a still image of the product being introduced, or displaying the product name of the product being introduced on the screen, viewers can understand which product is being introduced.

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

[0074] Comments entered by viewers of the program are sent from the viewer terminal 4 to the video distribution server 1. The video distribution server 1 overlays the received comments onto the program's video and also sends the comments to the web server 2. The web server 2 displays the received comments in the comment display area 313.

[0075] Furthermore, when a viewer of web page 300 enters a comment in the comment input field 311 and presses the comment submission button 312, web server 2 displays the entered comment in the comment display field 313 and also sends the comment to video distribution server 1. Video distribution server 1 overlays the received comment onto the program's video.

[0076] In this way, comments entered on the program and on the website are reflected in each other. Even people who cannot watch the program can comment on the products featured on the program. For example, they can use the comment section to inquire about products or negotiate price reductions.

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

[0078] Next, referring to Figures 13 and 14, we will explain an example of providing a shopping cart function through both the program and the web, and linking the program and the web.

[0079] The video distribution server 1 accepts product orders from the viewer terminal 4. For example, when a viewer enters a purchase command (e.g., " / buy") in the comment input field, a product order may be sent. Alternatively, a selectable purchase button may be displayed on the display screen 200 of the viewer terminal 4, and when the viewer clicks the purchase button, a product order may be sent from the viewer terminal 4 to the video distribution server 1. As shown in the video of the program in Figure 13, the fact that a product has been ordered may be superimposed on the video of the program. Viewers can see how well the products are selling from the number of purchase comments displayed on the display screen 200.

[0080] The web page 300 in Figure 14 consists of a product image 310 and a purchase button 320. The product image 310 is an image of a product being featured in a shopping program. Viewers of web page 300 can order the product by clicking the purchase button 320. The web server 2 sends a notification to the video distribution server 1 that a product has been ordered via the web. When the video distribution server 1 is notified by the web server 2 that an order has been received, it may overlay the information that a product has been ordered via the web onto the program's video feed.

[0081] Next, referring to Figures 15 and 16, we will explain an example of providing an auction function through both the program and the web, and linking the program and the web.

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

[0083] Video distribution server 1 accepts bids from viewer terminal 4. When a viewer enters a bid command and bid amount in the comment input field, the bid information is sent from viewer terminal 4 to video distribution server 1. When the bid amount is updated, video distribution server 1 overlays the highest bid amount onto the program's video and also sends the information of the highest bid amount to web server 2.

[0084] The web page 300 in Figure 16 consists of a product image 310, a price input field 330, a bid button 331, and a bid information display field 332. The product image 310 is an image of the product to be bid on. Viewers of web page 300 can bid by entering a bid amount in the price input field 330 and pressing the bid button 331. The web server 2 sends bid information, such as the bid amount, to the video distribution server 1. When the bid amount is updated by a bid from the web, the video distribution server 1 overlays the highest bid amount onto the program's video. Also, when the web server 2 receives information on the highest bid amount from the video distribution server 1, it displays it in the bid information display field 332.

[0085] Furthermore, the web page 300 shown in Figures 14 and 16 may also be equipped with the comment function shown in Figure 12.

[0086] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the video distribution server 1, which receives video from the sender terminal 3 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 4, conducts a survey within the broadcast based on instructions from the sender terminal 3, and also provides the same survey to the web server 2. This allows people who cannot watch the broadcast when the survey is being conducted to participate in the survey within the broadcast by answering the survey on the web, which is provided in conjunction with the broadcast. Furthermore, by linking the broadcast and the web, viewers can learn about the intentions and background of the questioner through the broadcast related to the survey, which would not be possible by simply looking at the questions on the web. This can motivate people who would normally not be inclined to participate in web surveys to answer the survey. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1…Video streaming server 11…Video Streaming Department 12…Survey Processing Section 13... Command input section 14…Web Integration Department 15...Result receiving unit 2…Web server 3…Caller's terminal 4…Viewer terminal 5…Web browser

Claims

1. The terminal device used by the caller as the caller's terminal is, Means for transmitting a first video to a distribution device, wherein the distribution device distributes a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal; When transmitting the first video, means for transmitting a service start request to the distribution device in response to an operation from the sender, In response to an operation from the caller, the means for transmitting a result display request to the viewer terminal, which displays a response screen on the viewer terminal corresponding to the response via the web browser to the question from the caller terminal provided via the web browser from the distribution device in response to the service start request, The second video is a program including the answer screen.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device functions as a means for transmitting a service termination request to the distribution device to terminate the response to the question in response to an operation from the caller.

3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the request for displaying results can be sent after the request for termination of service has been sent.

4. The distribution device, A means for receiving a first video from a caller terminal and distributing a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal, Means capable of receiving a service commencement request from the sender terminal while the second video is being distributed to the viewer terminal, In response to receiving the aforementioned service commencement request, means for providing questions from the caller's terminal via a web browser, It functions as a means for receiving the answers to the aforementioned questions provided via a web browser, via a web browser. The second video is a program that includes a response screen corresponding to an answer given via a web browser to the question provided via a web browser.

5. The system includes means for providing a website to the web browser of the terminal device used by the user, and the website is: A distribution device that distributes a second video corresponding to a first video transmitted from a caller terminal to a viewer terminal displays a question from the caller terminal provided in response to a service start request transmitted from the caller terminal while the first video is being transmitted from the caller terminal. In response to the user's operation, the answer to the question is transmitted to the distribution device. A response screen corresponding to the above answer will be displayed, The second video is a web server, including the response screen.

6. A terminal device that serves as a caller's terminal used by the caller, Means for transmitting a first video to a distribution device, wherein the distribution device distributes a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal; When transmitting the first video, means for transmitting a service start request to the distribution device in response to an operation from the sender, The system includes means for transmitting a result display request to the viewer terminal, which displays a response screen on the viewer terminal corresponding to the response via the web browser to the question from the caller terminal, provided from the distribution device via the web browser in response to the service start request, in response to an operation from the caller. The second video is a terminal device including the answer screen.

7. The first means transmits a first video from the sender terminal to the distribution device, where the distribution device distributes a second video corresponding to the first video to the viewer terminal. The second means, while transmitting the first video, sends a service start request to the distribution device in response to an operation from the sender. The third means, in response to an operation from the caller, sends a result display request to the viewer terminal to display an answer screen corresponding to the answer provided via the web browser to the question from the caller terminal provided via the web browser from the distribution device in response to the service start request, The second video includes the answer screen, and the method is described above.

8. A means for receiving a first video from a caller terminal and distributing a second video corresponding to the first video to a viewer terminal, Means capable of receiving a service commencement request from the sender terminal while the second video is being distributed to the viewer terminal, In response to receiving the aforementioned service commencement request, means for providing questions from the caller's terminal via a web browser, The system includes means for receiving answers to the aforementioned questions provided via a web browser, The second video includes a response via a web browser to the question provided via a web browser, and a corresponding response screen, provided by the distribution device.

9. The first means receives a first video from the sender terminal and distributes a second video corresponding to the first video to the viewer terminal. The second means is capable of receiving a service commencement request from the sender terminal when the second video is being distributed to the viewer terminal. The third means, in response to receiving the service commencement request, provides a question from the caller terminal via a web browser. The fourth means receives the answer to the question provided via a web browser via a web browser, The second video is a distribution method that includes a response screen corresponding to an answer given via a web browser to the question provided via a web browser.

10. The process includes the step of providing a website to the web browser of the terminal device used by the user, and the website is: A distribution device that distributes a second video corresponding to a first video transmitted from a caller terminal to a viewer terminal displays a question from the caller terminal provided in response to a service start request transmitted from the caller terminal while the first video is being transmitted from the caller terminal. In response to the user's operation, the answer to the question is transmitted to the distribution device. A response screen corresponding to the above answer will be displayed, The second video includes the answer screen, and the method is described above.

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