Video distribution system and video distribution device

Abstract

In the video distribution system 1, a video captured by a seller terminal 2 is streamed to a purchaser terminal 3 by a video distribution device 4. The purchaser terminal 3 has an input reception unit that receives an instruction by a purchaser's touch operation regarding an item that the purchaser wishes to purchase in the video, and an information reception unit that receives input such as the desired purchase price of the item, and transmits the received information as purchase information to the video distribution device 4 by a purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit. The video distribution unit of the video distribution device 4 changes the display mode in the video for the item for which the received purchase information exists, and performs streaming distribution.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic commerce, and more particularly to a video distribution system and a video distribution device using live streaming technology. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of electronic commerce (e-commerce) using the Internet, the opportunities for consumers to purchase products online have increased. Conventional e-commerce was mainly conducted in the form of providing product information via websites, and consumers selecting and purchasing products.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method and device for displaying products in electronic commerce. This technology provides product information via a user interface, allowing consumers to check product details. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6831027 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a seller wishes to trade a product for which there is no sales site to link to, such as a personal possession, recycled goods, or a one-of-a-kind item such as a work of art, the seller must prepare a sales site to link to the product. This requires a lot of labor and expense for the seller, and because it takes time to prepare a sales site, there are problems such as the seller being unable to respond when the seller wants to sell the product immediately, resulting in missed business opportunities.

[0006] Even if a sales website for a product exists, the seller must perform maintenance work to create and update link information within the video. This maintenance work must be performed every time product information is changed, a new product is added, or the URL of the sales link is changed, placing a heavy burden on the seller.

[0007] On the other hand, from the customer's point of view, the accuracy of the link information displayed in the video is important. If a customer clicks on a broken link and the correct product page is not displayed, it may cause them to lose their motivation to purchase.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to enable a seller to conduct a commercial transaction without having to prepare product information in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The video distribution system according to the present invention is a video distribution system that distributes videos related to commercial transactions via a network, the video distribution system comprising a seller terminal, a purchaser terminal, and a video distribution device, the seller terminal having an imaging unit that captures the video, and a video transmission unit that transmits the video to the video distribution device, the video distribution device having a video receiving unit that receives the video captured by the seller terminal from the seller terminal, a video distribution unit that streams the video received by the video receiving unit to the purchaser terminal, a purchase information receiving unit that receives purchase information from the purchaser terminal, a purchase information recording unit that records the purchase information, and a purchase information transmitting unit that transmits the purchase information to the seller terminal, the purchaser terminal being composed of a streaming receiving unit that receives the video streamed from the video distribution unit, a purchaser display unit that displays the video received by the streaming receiving unit, and a touch panel superimposed on the purchaser display unit, and a purchase instruction for purchasing an item that the purchaser wishes to purchase in the video is input to the purchaser terminal, The video distribution device has an input receiving unit that receives input when the purchaser touches a corresponding area of ​​the touch panel; an item image generating unit that extracts the contour of the item present in a frame and area in the video according to the purchase instruction received by the input receiving unit and extracts an image of the item from the frame along the contour; an information receiving unit that displays a screen on the purchaser display unit for allowing the purchaser to input information including the purchase price of the item and receives the information; and a purchaser purchase information transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the item image generated by the item image generating unit, the information received by the information receiving unit, and a transaction status for the item to the video distribution device as the purchase information, and the video distribution unit has a function of comparing the item image in the purchase information recording unit with each frame of the video, extracting an item corresponding to the item image from the video, changing the display mode of the extracted item in the video, and generating a video in which at least one of the purchase price and the transaction status is superimposed on an area adjacent to the item.

[0010] In addition, the video distribution system according to the present invention is characterized in that the purchase information transmitting unit of the video distribution device further has a function of transmitting the purchase information to the purchaser terminal, and the seller terminal further has a seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives the purchase information from the video distribution device, a seller purchase information recording unit that stores the purchase information, and a seller display unit that displays a purchase information confirmation screen to allow the purchaser to input a decision as to whether to approve the sale of the item at the desired purchase price for the purchase information received by the seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit and accepts input from the seller, wherein the seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit updates the transaction status of the previous purchase information based on the result of the previous approval and transmits the previous purchase information to the video distribution device, and the video distribution unit has a function of generating a video in which the display mode of the item in the video is changed according to the transaction status in the purchase information.

[0011] In addition, the video distribution system of the present invention is characterized in that the input receiving unit has a function of displaying the video on the purchaser display unit in a paused state at a frame within the video at the time the purchase instruction is received, and determining that the purchase instruction has been completed when the touch in the area continues for a predetermined period of time.

[0012] In addition, the moving image distribution system according to the present invention is characterized in that the display mode of the object in the moving image distribution section is a mode in which the contour of the extracted object is emphasized.

[0013] In addition, a video distribution device according to the present invention is a video distribution device that distributes videos related to commercial transactions, and has a video receiving unit that receives the video filmed at the seller terminal from the seller terminal, a video distribution unit that streams the video received by the video receiving unit to a purchaser terminal, a purchase information receiving unit that receives from the purchaser terminal purchase information including an image of an item in the video that the purchaser has instructed to purchase via the purchaser terminal and the price of the item, a purchase information recording unit that records the purchase information, and a purchase information transmitting unit that transmits the purchase information of the purchase information recording unit to the seller terminal, and is characterized in that the video distribution unit has a function of comparing the image in the purchase information recording unit with each frame of the video, extracting items in the video that match the image stored in the video, changing the display mode of the extracted items, and generating a video in which information of the purchase information other than the image information is superimposed in an area adjacent to the item. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the video distribution system and video distribution device of the present invention, a commercial transaction can be started immediately without the seller having to set link information related to the product to be sold in advance. Also, the buyer and the seller can communicate interactively with the seller in real time to complete the product transaction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of a video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a seller terminal 2 that forms part of a video distribution system 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a purchaser terminal 3 that forms a part of the video distribution system 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a video distribution device 4 that forms a part of the video distribution system 1. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing a commercial transaction using the video distribution system 1. [Figure 6]1 is a flowchart for price negotiation between a seller and a buyer. [Figure 7] This is an example of a streaming video that a purchaser is watching. [Figure 8] This is an example showing an operation performed when a purchaser selects a product he or she wishes to purchase. [Figure 9] 1 is an example of an information input screen. [Figure 10] This is an example of the video stream after the customer enters their purchase information. [Figure 11] 1 is an example of a purchase information confirmation screen. [Figure 12] This is an example of the video stream after the customer enters their purchase information. [Figure 13] This is an example of a negotiation screen. [Figure 14] This is an example of a proposal approval screen. [Figure 15] This is an example of a proposal approval screen where a negotiated amount can be entered. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [Embodiment 1] A video distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows an overall view of a video distribution system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a seller terminal 2 which forms part of the video distribution system 1 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a configuration diagram of a purchaser terminal 3 which forms part of the video distribution system 1, and Fig. 4 shows a configuration diagram of a video distribution device 4 which forms part of the video distribution system 1.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, a video distribution system 1 according to the present invention is composed of a seller terminal 2 operated by a seller who sells products, a buyer terminal 3 operated by a buyer who purchases products sold by the seller, and a video distribution device 4 that handles various information related to commercial transactions between the seller and the buyer. The seller terminal 2, buyer terminal 3, and video distribution device 4 are connected to each other via a network NT as shown in Fig. 1. The seller terminal 2, buyer terminal 3, and video distribution device 4 will be described in detail below.

[0018] <Seller terminal 2> The seller terminal 2 is a device operated by a seller to introduce products in real time and conduct transactions with purchasers. The seller terminal 2 includes multiple functional units (imaging unit 21, video transmission unit 22, purchase information transmission / reception unit 23, seller purchase information storage unit 24, seller display unit 25) described below. The seller terminal 2 may be a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. Next, the details of each functional unit constituting the seller terminal 2 will be described below.

[0019] (Imaging unit 21) The imaging unit 21 has a function for taking pictures of the product introduced by the seller. The imaging unit 21 may be integrated with other parts constituting the seller terminal 2, for example, in the form of a smartphone, or the imaging unit 21 may be configured in a form in which a video camera, a digital camera, or the like is connected to the distributor terminal 2. For example, by using a video camera, which is a dedicated imaging device, as the imaging unit 21, the viewing angle and zoom function can be improved compared to a smartphone, and the product can be introduced in detail from various angles.

[0020] (Video transmission section 22) The moving image transmission unit 22 transmits in real time the video (moving image) captured by the imaging unit 21 to the moving image distribution device 40. The moving image transmission unit 22 is connected to the network NT by a wired or wireless communication means.

[0021] Moreover, by adopting various data compression techniques, the video transmission unit 22 can transmit high-quality video data to the network while efficiently using line capacity. The seller terminal can be equipped with multiple imaging units 21, and the video transmission unit 22 can edit videos captured by the multiple imaging units 21 into one video for distribution, or transmit multiple videos simultaneously via multiple channels, thereby distributing product introductions from different perspectives at once.

[0022] (Purchase information transmission / reception unit 23) The purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 transmits and receives purchase information to and from the video distribution device 4 via the network NT. The purchase information is composed of the purchaser's user information, information on the product the purchaser wishes to purchase, the desired purchase price, the transaction status, etc. This allows the seller to immediately understand the purchaser's wishes and take appropriate action.

[0023] In addition, the purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 can process information from multiple purchasers simultaneously and manage transactions with multiple purchasers. The received purchase information can be stored in the seller purchase information recording unit 24 and can also be referenced.

[0024] Furthermore, the purchase information can include information such as questions and requests from the purchaser, and the purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 can receive such information to communicate with the seller.

[0025] (Seller purchase information recording unit 24) The seller purchase information recording unit 24 stores the received purchase information. The seller purchase information recording unit 24 is made up of a database, and records multiple pieces of purchase information.

[0026] The seller purchase information recording unit 24 also has a search function and can extract specific purchase information. It can extract purchase information corresponding to a video being distributed, and can refer to the purchase information when shipping a product after the video distribution ends. The seller purchase information storage unit 24 also has a backup function to prevent information loss. In addition, for security and privacy reasons, the purchase information is recorded in an encrypted state.

[0027] (Seller display section 25) The seller display unit 25 displays on the display of the seller terminal 2 the video delivered by the video transmission unit 22 and the purchase information in the seller purchase information storage unit 24. The seller display unit 25 displays the purchase information, inventory status, messages from customers, etc. in an easily viewable arrangement.

[0028] The seller display unit 25 may also have a touch screen function configured to be superimposed on the display, which allows the user to touch the display of the seller terminal 2 to display and confirm purchase information on the display screen, or to input letters and numbers using a software keyboard.

[0029] Furthermore, the seller display unit 25 can be configured according to the seller's preferences, and can be equipped with a function to highlight important information and an alert function, allowing the seller to provide optimal customer service without missing any important information.

[0030] <Purchaser terminal 3> The purchaser terminal 3 is a device operated by a purchaser in the video distribution system 1. The purchaser terminal 3 includes a streaming receiving unit 31, a purchaser display unit 32, an input receiving unit 33, an item image generating unit 34, an information receiving unit 35, a purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 36, and an inventory information receiving unit 37. A personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like can be used as the purchaser terminal 3. Each functional unit will be described below.

[0031] (Streaming receiver 31) The streaming receiving unit 31 receives moving pictures in real time from the moving picture distribution device 4 via the network NT.

[0032] (Purchaser display section 32) The purchaser display unit 32 displays the video and purchase information received from the streaming receiving unit 31 on the display of the purchaser terminal 3 .

[0033] (Input reception unit 33) The input receiving unit 33 receives a purchase instruction given by the purchaser through a touch panel type screen of the purchaser terminal 3. The input receiving unit 33 is composed of a touch panel superimposed on the display of the purchaser display unit 32. The purchaser selects a position in the video corresponding to the item that the purchaser wishes to purchase by touching the display location of the item in the video. In giving a purchase instruction, the purchaser may display a still image of the display on the purchaser display unit in the frame at the time when the purchaser touches the display location of the item in the video, and the input receiving unit may determine that the purchase instruction has been given when it detects that the touch on that area continues for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the purchaser may give a purchase instruction by sliding a finger in a circle around the display location of the item in the video, and the input receiving unit 33 may determine that the purchase instruction has been given when it detects the gesture of the purchaser's finger.

[0034] (Item image generating unit 34) The item image generating unit 34 generates an image of an item in the video based on the purchase instruction received by the input receiving unit 33. The item image generating unit 34 extracts the contour of the surrounding area based on the position in the video selected by the purchaser on the screen, and generates an image of the item that the purchaser wishes to purchase. In extracting the contour, a method of detecting edges around a predetermined position, pattern matching, an object recognition algorithm using machine learning, or the like can be used.

[0035] (Information Reception Department 35) The information receiving unit 35 displays a screen on the purchaser terminal 3 for the purchaser to input information such as the price desired, and receives the information input by the purchaser on the screen. For input, a software keyboard (not shown) is displayed on the screen, and the purchaser operates the software keyboard via a touch panel to input characters. The information input by the purchaser includes the purchaser's user information, the desired purchase price of the product, a message to the seller, etc.

[0036] (Purchase information transmission unit 36) The purchase information sending unit 36 ​​associates the generated product image with the received information and sends it as purchase information to the video distribution device 4. The purchase information includes the purchaser's user information received by the information receiving unit 35, the desired purchase price of the product, a message to the seller, and the like. Furthermore, depending on the function of the purchaser terminal 3, the telephone number, IP address, email address, and the like of the purchaser terminal 3 may be added to the purchaser information. The purchase information sending unit 36 ​​can use encryption technology to ensure privacy and security when transmitting data.

[0037] <Video distribution device 4> The video distribution device 4 is a device that links the seller terminal 2 and purchaser terminal 3 described above. The video distribution device 4 is composed of multiple functional units (video receiving unit 41, video distribution unit 42, purchase information receiving unit 43, purchase information recording unit 44, purchase information transmitting unit 45). As shown in Fig. 1, the video distribution device 4 is connected to the seller terminal 2 and purchaser terminal 3 via a network NT, and multiple purchaser terminals 3 can be connected to one video distribution from one seller terminal 2 to conduct commercial transactions. Each functional unit will be described in detail below.

[0038] (Video receiver 41) The video receiving unit 41 receives video data transmitted from the seller terminal. The video receiving unit 41 has a function of buffering the received video data, and transmits the buffered video data to the video distributing unit 42 as needed.

[0039] (Video Streaming Section 42) The video distribution unit 42 encodes the video data received by the video receiving unit 41 into a video format that can be streamed in real time, and distributes it to one or more purchaser terminals 3. The encoding is performed by dividing the video data every few seconds using a streaming protocol such as HLS or MPEG-DASH, and compressing it into a file size suitable for streaming using the encoding standard H.264. The video distribution unit 42 has a network management function, and can select a compression ratio, resolution, and frame rate according to the network communication environment, and perform encoding and distribution. In addition, it can select the optimal communication environment according to the network situation and perform distribution.

[0040] Furthermore, the video distribution unit 42 has a function of comparing each frame of the video with the image of the item in the purchase information recorded in the purchase information recording unit 44 described later. This comparison function identifies the item in the video that the purchaser wishes to purchase, generates a video in which the display mode of the corresponding item is changed, and distributes it as a stream. Specifically, for the item in the purchase information identified in the video, as shown in FIG. 10, a video is generated in which the outline of the corresponding item is emphasized in the video and information other than the image of the item in the purchase information is superimposed on the adjacent area of ​​the corresponding item. This function enables the purchaser to check detailed information of the item in real time while watching the video, which can increase the purchase motivation.

[0041] (Purchase information receiving unit 43) The purchase information receiving unit 43 receives purchase information transmitted from the purchaser terminal 3. Information on the item the purchaser wishes to purchase, such as price and stock information, is received at this unit. The purchase information receiving unit 43 passes the received information to the purchase information recording unit 44. When receiving purchase information, encryption technology can also be used for communication to protect security and privacy.

[0042] (Purchase information recording unit 44) The purchase information recording unit 44 records the purchase information received from the seller terminal 2 and the buyer terminal 3. The purchase information recording unit 44 saves the purchase information received from the purchase information receiving unit 43 in a database. The saved purchase information is used to generate streaming videos and to notify the seller of the purchase information. In addition, the unit has the function of performing regular backups and checking data consistency to maintain the reliability of the data.

[0043] (Purchase information transmission unit 45) The purchase information notifying unit 45 transmits the recorded purchase information to the seller terminal 2 and the purchaser terminal 3. The purchase information notifying unit 45 can notify the seller and the purchaser of the purchase request information received from the purchaser.

[0044] Next, a series of flows regarding a commercial transaction using the video distribution system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to Fig. 5, an example of the operation from the start of distribution to the selection of a product in the video by a purchaser that he / she wishes to purchase will be described.

[0045] <Step S001: The seller starts distributing the video> The seller terminal 2 accesses the video distribution device 4 and starts streaming distribution to the purchaser terminal 3. The purchaser notifies the destination purchaser terminal 3 in advance of the intention to distribute the content and provides information such as the channel of the video distribution device 4 and the start date and time, and a connection is established by the purchaser terminal 3 accessing the video distribution device 4. Alternatively, the date and time of streaming distribution and information on the destination purchaser terminal 3 may be recorded in advance in the video distribution device 4, and when the start time of distribution arrives, the video distribution device 4 may access the purchaser terminal 3 and start distribution.

[0046] <Step S002: Video capture by seller> A video showing the products is shot using the imaging unit 21 provided in the seller terminal 2. An example of the video to be shot is shown in FIG. 7. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the video is shot after the seller displays five products on a table: a hat, a wristwatch, a book, a coffee cup set, and a digital camera. This is not limiting, and the video may be shot with the seller in the shot picking up the products, or items that the seller does not intend to sell may be included in the shot. The shot video is transmitted to the video distribution device via the video transmission unit 22. The video is transmitted at any time during shooting, and streaming distribution continues during that time.

[0047] <Step S003: Determining Whether Purchase Information Exists> The video receiving unit 41 of the video distribution device 4 receives the video transmitted from the seller terminal 2. Next, the video distribution unit 42 of the video distribution device 4 judges whether or not purchase information for the received video exists in the purchase information recording unit 44. If purchase information does not exist, the received video is encoded into a format suitable for streaming, and is streamed to the purchaser terminal 3, and the process proceeds to step S004. If purchase information exists in the purchase information recording unit 44, the process proceeds to step S031.

[0048] <Step S0031: Delivery of video with purchase information superimposed> The video distribution unit 42 acquires purchase information from the purchase information recording unit 44. The acquired product image of the purchase information is compared with each frame of the video, and if a product corresponding to the product image of the purchase information is present in the frame of the video, a video is generated in which the display mode of the corresponding product is changed. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a video is generated in which the outline of the product corresponding to the purchase information specified in the video is emphasized in the video, and information other than the product image in the purchase information is superimposed on an adjacent area of ​​the corresponding product. Specifically, the information displayed is the purchaser's desired purchase price for the product and the transaction status of the product (transaction completed, under negotiation, etc.). The video distribution unit generates the video so that the information is superimposed on an area around the display location of the corresponding product, and the information to be displayed is not overlapped with the product. In the example of FIG. 10, the hat and the book are displayed with their outlines emphasized, the purchase price of the "hat" is 1500 yen, and price negotiation is in progress, and the price currently being negotiated is displayed in the area to the left of the "hat". Furthermore, the transaction status of the "book" is transaction completed, and the adjacent upper right area is displayed to the effect that the information is "sold out". The video distribution unit encodes the generated video into a format suitable for streaming and distributes it to the purchaser's terminal through streaming.

[0049] The method of highlighting the outline of the relevant item in the video and the display of information other than the item image in the purchase information are not limited to the example in Fig. 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, it is possible to highlight the item by surrounding it with a cursor, or to gray out the item when a negotiation is concluded and the item is sold out.

[0050] <Step S004: The purchaser watches the video> The purchaser terminal 3 receives the video streamed from the video distribution device 4 by the streaming receiving unit 31, and displays the video on the purchaser display unit 31. An example of the video viewed by the purchaser is shown in FIG. 7. The example shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a case where no purchase information exists in the purchase information recording unit 44 of the video distribution device 4. If purchase information exists in the purchase information recording unit 44 of the video distribution device 4, the video is displayed with the display mode of the item for which purchase information exists changed, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0051] The purchaser watches the displayed video and checks whether there is an item in the video that interests him or her. If the purchaser is interested in the item in the video and wishes to purchase it, the process proceeds to step S005. If the purchaser is not interested in the item in the video, the video distribution process continues in steps S001 and S002, and the purchaser's viewing of the video ends when the streaming distribution from the seller's terminal ends.

[0052] <Step S005: The purchaser selects the product he or she wishes to purchase> When a purchaser finds a product that he / she wishes to purchase in the video, he / she touches the area of ​​the product he / she wishes to purchase using the touch panel of the purchaser terminal 3. The input receiving unit 33 of the purchaser terminal 3 detects the purchaser's touch and receives an instruction to purchase the corresponding product. When the input receiving unit 33 receives the purchase instruction, the product image generating unit 34 extracts the outline of the product for which the purchase instruction has been given, and generates an product image.

[0053] An example of a purchaser selecting a product he or she wishes to purchase is shown in Fig. 8. If the purchaser wishes to purchase, for example, a "hat" from among five products displayed on a table in the video, namely a hat, a watch, a book, a coffee cup set, and a digital camera, the purchaser issues a purchase instruction by touching with a finger the area on the screen of a purchaser terminal 3 such as a smartphone where "hat" is displayed. As described above, a purchase instruction may also be issued by a gesture such as continuing to touch the area where "hat" is displayed for a predetermined period of time or sliding a finger to encircle "hat."

[0054] <Step S006: Purchaser inputs purchase information> The information receiving unit 35 of the purchaser terminal 3 displays an information input screen 51 on the purchaser display unit 32 for the purchaser to purchase an item. The purchaser uses this screen to input a user name, a desired purchase price, and the like. The purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 36 ​​compiles the input information together with the item image generated by the item image generating unit 34 as purchase information, and transmits the transaction status in the purchase information as "under negotiation" to the video distribution device 4.

[0055] An example of the information input screen 51 is shown in FIG. 9. When the purchaser selects "hat" on the screen of the purchaser terminal in the video shown in FIG. 8, the information input screen 51 displays an image of the "hat" item along with input fields for the user name, desired purchase price, and message. The purchaser inputs the user name, desired purchase price, and message of the purchaser into the input fields of the information input screen 51 via the input receiving unit 33. Note that the information input screen 51 shows input examples of "User name: Kaito", "Desired purchase price: 1,500 yen", and "Message: Please", but the information input screen 51 may include other items. In other words, the purchase information may include items other than the user name, desired purchase price, and message.

[0056] Furthermore, two options, "Purchase" and "Cancel", are displayed in the lower section of the screen, and the purchaser can make a decision by touching either option. If the purchaser touches the "Purchase" option, the information receiving unit 35 accepts the input information as purchase information. If the purchaser touches "Cancel", the display of the information input screen 51 disappears, and the purchase instruction is canceled. After the purchase instruction is canceled, viewing of the streaming continues.

[0057] <Step S007: Notifying the seller of purchase information> The purchase information receiving unit 43 of the video distribution device 4 receives the purchase information transmitted from the purchaser terminal 3. The received purchase information is recorded in the purchase information recording unit 44 with the transaction status set as "under negotiation". Next, the purchase information transmitting unit 45 transmits the recorded purchase information to the seller terminal 2. The seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 of the seller terminal 2 receives the purchase information transmitted from the video distribution device 4 and stores it in the seller purchase information recording unit 24.

[0058] By the above-mentioned processing from step S001 to step S007, the seller is notified of the product the buyer wishes to purchase and its purchase information. Next, the transaction with the buyer after the seller receives the purchase information will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] <Step S008: Approval of purchase information by seller> The seller display unit 25 acquires the purchase information in the seller purchase information recording unit 24, and displays a purchase information confirmation screen 52 that accepts approval for the purchase information. The purchase information confirmation screen 52 allows the seller to confirm and approve information such as the buyer's user name and desired purchase price.

[0060] An example of the purchase information confirmation screen 52 is shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the purchase information confirmation screen 52 is displayed on the seller display unit 25 of the seller terminal 2. If the seller approves the purchaser's desired purchase price, the seller touches the "Yes" option button displayed in the lower section of the screen, and the transaction is concluded. If the transaction is concluded, proceed to step S014.

[0061] If the seller does not approve the desired purchase price entered by the buyer, the seller touches the "No" option button, and then proceeds to step S009.

[0062] <Step S009: Determination of seller's start of price negotiation> If the seller selects "No" on the purchase information confirmation screen 52, the seller display unit 25 displays a negotiation screen 53 shown in FIG. 13 to accept the buyer's decision to reject the purchase information from the buyer or to negotiate with the buyer.

[0063] The seller enters the proposed price and other information into the negotiation screen 53, and when the "Yes" button is clicked, the seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 transmits the purchase information for the product to the video distribution device 4 with the transaction status set as "under negotiation" and the desired purchase price as a re-proposed price, and proceeds to step S010.

[0064] If "No" is selected, the seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 records the purchase information of the product in question as "negotiation unsuccessful" in the seller purchase information storage unit 24 and transmits it to the video distribution device 4, thereby completing the transaction. After the transaction is completed, the video distribution process in steps S001 and S002 continues, and when the streaming distribution from the seller terminal 2 ends, the purchaser's viewing of the video also ends.

[0065] <Step S010: Receiving negotiated price from seller> The purchase information transmitting unit 45 of the video distribution device 4 receives the purchase information and records the transaction status of the purchase information as "under negotiation" in the purchase information recording unit 44. After recording in the purchase information recording unit 44, the purchase information transmitting unit 45 transmits the purchase information to the purchaser terminal 3. The purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 36 ​​of the purchaser terminal 3 receives the purchase information.

[0066] <Step S011: Purchaser Approves Negotiated Price> The purchaser display unit 32 of the purchaser terminal 3 displays a proposal approval screen 54 shown in Fig. 14. The proposal approval screen 54 accepts the purchaser's decision to either approve or not approve the seller's proposal. If the purchaser approves the seller's proposal on the proposal approval screen 54, the negotiation for the product is concluded, and the process proceeds to step S014. If the purchaser does not approve, the process proceeds to step S012.

[0067] <Step S012: Decision on Purchaser's Re-Proposal> The purchaser display unit 32 changes the display of the proposal acceptance screen 53 and accepts the selection of whether to re-propose the price or to reject the purchase request from the seller (not shown). If "re-propose the price" is selected on the price negotiation screen 53, the process proceeds to step S013.

[0068] If "Reject" is selected on the price negotiation screen 53, the purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit of the purchaser terminal 3 sets the transaction status of the purchase information for the product to "negotiation unsuccessful" and transmits it to the video distribution device 4. The video distribution device 4 receives the purchase information via the purchase information receiving unit 43 and deletes the purchase information for the product from the purchase information recording unit 44. The price negotiation transaction then ends. After the transaction ends, the video distribution process in steps S001 and S002 continues, and when the streaming distribution from the seller terminal 2 ends, the purchaser's viewing of the video also ends.

[0069] <Step S013: Re-propose purchase price> When making a new price proposal, the price negotiation screen 54 displays input fields for the proposed purchase price and a message, and receives input from the purchaser, as shown in Fig. 15. The purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 36 ​​of the purchaser terminal 3 updates the purchase information for the product with the information received on the price negotiation screen 54, and transmits the transaction status of the purchase information to the video distribution device as "under negotiation."

[0070] The video distribution device 4 receives the purchase information through the purchase information receiving unit 43, and updates the information in the purchase information recording unit 44. After that, the process returns to step S008, and the processes from step S008 to step S013 are repeated until the price negotiation is concluded.

[0071] <Step S014: Transaction Completion Processing> When the purchase information is approved by the seller, the seller purchase information recording unit 24 of the seller terminal 2 updates the purchase information and records that the transaction has been completed. At the same time, the buyer purchase information transmitting / receiving unit transmits the updated purchase information to the video distribution device 4. The video distribution device 4 receives the purchase information via the purchase information receiving unit 43, and records the transaction status of the purchase information in the purchase information recording unit 44 as "transaction completed."

[0072] The transaction process is performed according to the above process flow. After the transaction is completed, the video distribution process continues in steps S001 and S002, and the purchaser ends viewing the video when the streaming distribution from the seller terminal ends.

[0073] After the streaming ends, the seller processes the payment for the product using a specified method based on the purchase information entered by the buyer. Once the payment is complete, the seller proceeds with the shipping procedure for the product. The purchase information displayed on the buyer's terminal includes information about the buyer and the price of the product, and the seller refers to this information when processing the order.

[0074] Regarding payment for products, an external service may be linked with the video distribution system so that payment for the purchaser's product and shipping of the product are automatically arranged at the time the transaction is concluded.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, a seller can immediately start a commercial transaction without having to prepare a database or links for products in advance. Also, a buyer can intuitively select an item that he or she sees in a video, which can increase the buyer's desire to purchase.

[0076] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, a one-to-one business transaction between a buyer and a seller has been described, but in this embodiment, the seller can simultaneously conduct business transactions with multiple buyers who wish to purchase multiple products in a streaming video. The seller can conduct business transactions with multiple different buyers for multiple products, and can conduct business transactions with multiple buyers for the same product. In this case, the seller will accept purchase information from multiple buyers, but a transaction will be concluded with the buyer approved by the seller on the purchase information confirmation screen 52. In the example screen shown in FIG. 10, while the seller is conducting a transaction for a "hat," a transaction for the purchase of a "book" is in progress with a different buyer, and it is shown that the transaction for the "book" has been concluded.

[0077] The differences in configuration between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described below.

[0078] The purchase information transmitting unit 45 of the moving image distribution device 4 further has a function of transmitting the updated purchase information to all purchaser terminals 3 when the purchase information in the purchase information recording unit is updated.

[0079] The purchaser terminal 3 further includes a purchaser purchase information recording unit 37. The purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit further includes a function of receiving purchase information transmitted from the video distribution device 4 and recording it in the purchaser purchase information recording unit 37.

[0080] The purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 of the seller terminal 2 further includes a function of transmitting the purchase information to the video distribution device 4 .

[0081] The process flow in this embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6. Steps in which the process content differs from that in the first embodiment will be described below.

[0082] <Step S005: The purchaser selects the desired product> The input receiving unit 33 of the purchaser terminal 3 receives an instruction by touching the purchaser for an item whose display mode has been changed in the video. Since purchase information exists for an item whose display mode has been changed in the video, the information receiving unit 33 acquires purchase information corresponding to the instructed item from the purchaser purchase information recording unit 37.

[0083] Since no new transactions are made for items for which a transaction has already been made, the input reception unit 33 does not accept touch even if the purchaser gives a touch instruction. For example, for the book in FIG. 11, the word "SOLD OUT" is displayed as purchase information indicating that a transaction has already been made, and the display form is changed. Even if the purchaser touches the area in which the book is displayed, the input reception unit 33 does not perform any operation. For items for which a transaction has already been made, the item itself may be grayed out, for example, to make it easier to see that the item cannot be touched.

[0084] <S005: Purchaser enters purchase information> The information reception unit 35 displays, on the purchaser terminal 3, a screen for inputting new purchase information from the purchaser, together with the purchase information acquired from the purchaser purchase information recording unit 37 regarding the designated item, and accepts the input from the purchaser. For example, the current negotiated price is newly displayed on the information input screen 51 in FIG. 9, and input fields for input acceptance items such as user information, desired purchase price, and message are accepted. The input information is compiled as new purchase information together with the item image of the purchase information corresponding to the designated item, and is transmitted to the video distribution device 4 through the purchaser purchase information transmission / reception unit 36.

[0085] <S008: Approval of purchase information by seller terminal> When the purchase information is received by the seller purchase information transmission / reception unit 23, the seller display unit 2 acquires the purchase information in the seller purchase information recording unit 24 and displays a purchase information confirmation screen 52 for accepting approval of the purchase information. In Embodiment 1, the transaction was established by touching the "Yes" option on the purchase information confirmation screen 52. However, when "Yes" is touched, three options of "Approve", "Put on hold", and "Negotiate" are displayed, and the seller's selection is accepted. When "Approve" is touched, the transaction is established and the process proceeds to step S014. When "Negotiate" is touched, the process proceeds to step S009, and price negotiation proceeds in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0086] If "Hold" is touched, the transaction status of the purchase information is updated to "Hold" and recorded in the seller purchase information recording unit 37, and the buyer purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 36 ​​transmits the updated purchase information to the video distribution device 4. After that, the process returns to step S002, and streaming distribution continues. In step S004, an image is generated in which the information "Negotiating for 1500 yen" is displayed in the surrounding area of ​​the "hat" as shown in FIG. 10, and the image is transmitted to the buyer terminal 3. This allows the buyer to refer to the negotiation status of other buyers. If the buyer wishes to purchase the product, he or she can transmit a purchase request by entering new purchase information as in steps S004 and S005. Thereafter, the same steps are repeated until the purchase information is approved by the seller and the transaction is completed.

[0087] As described above, according to this embodiment, multiple buyers can participate in the commercial transaction of this embodiment, and the buyers can check the products and prices that other buyers wish to purchase in real time through streaming video. The buyers can experience participating in a real-time auction, and can enjoy commercial transactions even more. Sellers can expect to sell products at higher prices.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combination, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Video distribution system 2. Merchant terminal 21 Imaging unit 22 Video transmission section 23 Seller purchase information transmission and reception unit 24 Seller Purchase Information Record Section 25 Seller Display Section 3. Purchaser terminal 31 Streaming receiver 32 Purchaser Display Section 33 Input reception section 34 Item image generation unit 35 Information Reception Department 36 Purchaser Purchase Information Transmission Department 37 Purchaser purchase information recording section 4. Video distribution equipment 41 Video receiver 42 Video Distribution Department 43 Purchase Information Receiving Department 44 Purchase Information Record Section 45 Purchase Information Transmission Department 46 Price Negotiation Information Receiving Department 51 Information input screen 52 Purchase information confirmation screen 53 Negotiation screen 54 Proposal approval screen NT Network

Claims

1. A video distribution system for distributing video related to commercial transactions via a network, comprising: The video distribution system includes a seller terminal, a buyer terminal, a video distribution device, Equipped with The seller terminal is An imaging unit that captures the moving image; a video transmission unit that transmits the video to the video distribution device; having The video distribution device includes: a video receiving unit that receives the video captured by the seller terminal from the seller terminal; a video delivery unit that delivers the video received by the video receiving unit to the purchaser terminal through streaming; A purchase information receiving unit that receives purchase information from the purchaser terminal; a purchase information recording unit for recording the purchase information; having The purchaser terminal includes: a streaming receiving unit that receives the video streamed from the video distribution unit; a purchaser display unit that displays the video received by the streaming receiving unit; an input receiving unit configured with a touch panel superimposed on the purchaser display unit, and receiving a purchase instruction for an item that the purchaser in the video wishes to purchase by touching a corresponding area of ​​the touch panel by the purchaser; an item image generating unit that extracts a contour of the item present in a frame and an area in the video according to the purchase instruction received by the input receiving unit, and extracts an image of the item from the frame along the contour; an information receiving unit that displays a screen on the purchaser display unit to allow the purchaser to input information including a desired purchase price of the item, and receives the information; a purchaser purchase information transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the product image generated by the product image generating unit, the information received by the information receiving unit, and a transaction status of the product as the purchase information to the video distribution device; having The video distribution unit has the function of comparing the item image in the purchase information recording unit with each frame of the video, extracting items corresponding to the item image in the video, changing the display manner of the extracted items in the video, and generating a video in which at least one of the desired purchase price and the transaction status is superimposed in an area adjacent to the item.

2. The video distribution device includes: A purchase information transmission unit for transmitting the purchase information between the purchaser terminal and the purchaser terminal is further provided, The seller terminal is a seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting and receiving the purchase information between the video distribution device and the seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit; A seller purchase information recording unit that stores the purchase information; a seller display unit that displays a purchase information confirmation screen for inputting a decision as to whether or not to approve the sale of the item at the desired purchase price with respect to the purchase information received by the seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit, and receives input from the seller; and The seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit updates a transaction status of the purchase information according to a result of the approval and transmits the purchase information to the video distribution device; The video distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the video distribution unit has a function of generating a video in which a display mode of the item in the video is changed according to a transaction status in the purchase information.

3. The input receiving unit is The video distribution system of claim 1 or 2, having a function of displaying the video on the purchaser display unit in a paused state at a frame within the video at the time the purchase instruction is received, and determining that the purchase instruction has been completed when the touch in the area continues for a predetermined period of time.

4. 3. The video distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the display mode of the object in the video distribution unit is a mode in which the outline of the extracted object is emphasized.

5. A video distribution device that distributes videos related to commercial transactions, a video receiving unit that receives the video captured by the seller terminal from the seller terminal; a video delivery unit that delivers the video received by the video receiving unit to a purchaser terminal through streaming; a purchase information receiving unit that receives, from the purchaser terminal, purchase information including an image of an item in the video that the purchaser has instructed to purchase via the purchaser terminal and a price of the item; a purchase information recording unit for recording the purchase information; having The video distribution unit is a video distribution device having the function of comparing the image of the item in the purchase information recording unit with each frame of the video, extracting items in the video that match the image of the item, changing the display mode of the extracted items, and generating a video in which the price of the item from the purchase information is superimposed in an area adjacent to the item.