Method and apparatus for performing personalized settlement for content providers on basis of viewing history information and subscribed services of users

Abstract

Provided is an operation method of a server, comprising the steps of: acquiring viewing history information indicating a viewing history per content item for a preset period for a plurality of users; acquiring, on the basis of the types of services to which the plurality of users subscribe, revenue reference information that serves as a basis for revenue settlement for the preset period; and calculating a settlement amount per content item for the preset period by using the viewing history information and the revenue reference information for each of the plurality of users.

Description

Method and device for performing personalized settlement to content providers based on user viewing history information and subscription services

[0001] It relates to a method and device for settling sales generated based on content.

[0002] With the rapid growth of online and mobile video consumption due to high-speed mobile communications and the widespread adoption of smartphones, OTT (Over-The-Top) services, online streaming platforms for web and mobile devices, are expanding beyond traditional TV-based broadcasting platforms such as terrestrial, cable, satellite, and IPTV. The OTT market is growing annually, and demand for OTT services is expected to further increase as mobile communication technologies advance.

[0003] The variety and quantity of content offered on OTT services are increasing, as are the number of content providers offering content. OTT service providers receive content from content providers and must pay them for it. Therefore, there is a need to develop a system to efficiently settle payments to content providers for content.

[0004] We aim to settle with content providers based on their viewing history and subscription services, with a personalized settlement amount for each piece of content.

[0005] We aim to automate the settlement process for each content provider and efficiently provide and manage settlement information for each content provider.

[0006] According to one aspect, a method of operating a server is provided, including: a step of obtaining viewing history information indicating a viewing history for each content for a preset period of time for a plurality of users; a step of obtaining sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement for the preset period of time based on a service type subscribed to by the plurality of users; and a step of calculating a settlement amount for each content for the preset period of time using the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the server may further include a step of providing settlement information to at least one device based on the settlement amount calculated for each of the plurality of users for each of the contents during the preset period.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the step of calculating the settlement amount may include a step of calculating a personalized settlement amount for each content during the preset period based on the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the viewing history information may include at least one of the following information: content with the viewing history, a playback section for the content with the viewing history, a viewing time, and a viewing date.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the sales criteria information may include at least one of information on a service amount for a service type subscribed to by the plurality of users, a fixed cost allocated to each of the plurality of users, and a settlement ratio of a content provider that provided content with the viewing history.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the step of calculating the settlement amount may include: a step of obtaining, based on first viewing history information indicating a history of content viewed by a first user during the preset period, first revenue proportion information based on the viewing history for each content; a step of obtaining, based on second viewing history information indicating a history of content viewed by a second user during the preset period, second revenue proportion information based on the viewing history for each content; a step of calculating, based on first revenue standard information corresponding to a first service type subscribed to by the first user, the first revenue proportion information, and first settlement ratio information of a content provider that provided the content viewed by the first user, a first settlement amount for the preset period for each content; and a step of calculating, based on second revenue standard information corresponding to a second service type subscribed to by the second user, the second revenue proportion information, and second settlement ratio information of a content provider that provided the content viewed by the second user, a second settlement amount for the preset period for each content.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the server may further include the steps of extracting users without a viewing history for a predetermined period of time from among service subscribers based on the viewing history information; and the steps of excluding the users without a viewing history from the settlement target or calculating the settlement amount for the users without a viewing history using the sales criteria information and settlement criteria information that is not based on the viewing history information.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the step of extracting users without a viewing history may include a step of extracting users without a viewing history for at least one profile among subscribers using a service available with multiple profiles.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the server may further include a step of providing event information to an account of a user without the viewing history.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the step of providing settlement information to the at least one device may include the step of receiving, from the settlement management device, a first input for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers; the step of calculating a personalized settlement amount for each content provided by the first content provider according to the first input; and the step of providing, for each content, settlement amount information for the personalized settlement amount to the device of the first content provider.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the server may further include a step of providing a report including at least one of information on user interest and effective viewers for each content to the at least one device based on information on users who have viewed each content, the viewing history information, and the settlement information.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a server may further include: obtaining information on settlement parameters used for settlement of a predetermined content based on settlement contract information of a first content provider; calculating a sales contribution for each of a plurality of contents provided by the first content provider based on the information on the settlement parameters; and recommending settlement type information for the first content provider based on a sales range corresponding to the sales contribution calculated for each of the plurality of contents provided by the first content provider.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the step of providing settlement information to the at least one device may include the step of providing settlement information of the first content provider based on viewing history information of content provided by the first content provider for each of the plurality of users, the sales standard information, and settlement type information for the first content provider.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the step of recommending settlement type information for the first content provider may include: a step of recommending a settlement type and settlement parameter information that minimize an amount settled when the sales contribution of the first range is in the first range when the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution of the first range is low; and a step of recommending a settlement type and settlement parameter information that maximize an amount settled when the sales contribution of the second range is in the second range when the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution of the first range is high.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the settlement type information includes a first settlement type indicating a method of settling the settlement amount of the first content provider and information on settlement parameters for the first settlement type, and the first settlement type can be set by a combination of at least one of a fixed cost settlement type, a content-specific ratio settlement type, and a fixed-term settlement type.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the server may further include a step of generating a settlement recommendation model that recommends settlement type information based on a result of learning at least two or more pieces of information from among a plurality of pieces of content information, information on content providers that provided the plurality of pieces of content, revenue information of the plurality of pieces of content, and settlement type information of the plurality of pieces of content.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a server may further include a step of obtaining, as first input information, predetermined content information and information on a content provider providing the predetermined content; and a step of obtaining, as first output information, first settlement type information corresponding to the first input information from the settlement recommendation model.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the server may further include the step of requesting information on a lower item of a first upper item in the first input information or information on a second upper item different from the first upper item when the expected profit for the settlement type determined as the first input information is input into the settlement recommendation model does not meet a preset profit condition; and the step of obtaining second settlement type information corresponding to the first input information and the second input information from the settlement recommendation model as second output information when second input information is obtained according to the request.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the server further includes the steps of: providing settlement information to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) server based on the settlement amount calculated for each of the plurality of users for the preset period of time for each of the contents; and receiving information on whether or not to process a settlement generated based on the settlement information from the enterprise resource planning server, wherein the enterprise resource planning server can perform a settlement process including generating at least one of a financial statement and a voucher based on the settlement information.

[0025] According to another aspect, a server is provided, comprising: a communication device for performing communication with an external device; a processor; and a memory for storing commands executable by the processor, wherein the processor, by executing the commands, obtains viewing history information indicating a viewing history for each content for a preset period for a plurality of users; obtains sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement for the preset period based on a service type subscribed to by the plurality of users; and calculates a settlement amount for each content for the preset period using the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

[0026] According to another aspect, a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium for executing a method of operating a server is provided, the method of operating the server comprising: a step of obtaining viewing history information indicating a viewing history for each content for a preset period of time for a plurality of users; a step of obtaining sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement for the preset period of time based on a service type subscribed to by the plurality of users; and a step of calculating a settlement amount for each content for the preset period of time using the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

[0027] According to one aspect, a method of operating a settlement management device is provided, comprising: receiving a first input for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers; obtaining, based on the first input, information on a settlement amount of the first content provider, calculated based on viewing history information indicating a viewing history of a plurality of users for a preset period of time and sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement, for each content provided by the first content provider for a plurality of users; and displaying settlement information including information on the settlement amount.

[0028] According to another aspect, a settlement management device is provided, comprising: a communication device for performing communication with an external device; a user interface device; a processor; and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor, wherein the processor, by executing the instructions, receives, through the user interface device, a first input for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers, and, in response to the first input, obtains information on a settlement amount of the first content provider calculated based on viewing history information indicating a viewing history for a plurality of users for a preset period of time and sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement, for each content provided by the first content provider for a plurality of users, and displays, through the user interface device, settlement information including information on the settlement amount.

[0029] According to another aspect, a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium for executing an operating method of a settlement management device is provided, the operating method of the settlement management device comprising: receiving a first input for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers; obtaining, based on the first input, viewing history information indicating a viewing history for a plurality of users for a preset period of time and sales standard information that serves as a standard for sales settlement, information on a settlement amount of the first content provider; and displaying settlement information including information on the settlement amount.

[0030] Content providers can be paid a personalized settlement amount for each content based on the user's viewing history information and subscription service.

[0031] The process of settling content providers can be automated, and settlement information can be efficiently provided and managed for each content provider.

[0032] The present disclosure can be readily understood by the combination of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals refer to structural elements.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system that calculates a settlement amount for each content and provides settlement information to a content provider, according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server that calculates a settlement amount for a predetermined period of time for each content, according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server that settles for each content viewed by a user, according to an embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process of calculating content-by-content for content viewed by a user, according to an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server that extracts users without viewing history and provides event information, according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 6a is an example screen provided when an administrator performs settlement for multiple content providers in a settlement management device according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 6b is an example screen of a settlement report provided to a content provider, according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server that calculates sales contribution for each content based on the content provider's settlement contract information and recommends settlement type information based on the sales contribution, according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server that recommends settlement type information for a content provider based on a sales range corresponding to a sales contribution, according to one embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server that generates a settlement recommendation model according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an artificial neural network that learns information related to content to generate a settlement recommendation model, according to one embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process for recommending a settlement type as information on content and content providers is input into a settlement recommendation model, according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a server according to one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a settlement management device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a settlement management device according to one embodiment.

[0048] According to one aspect, a method of operating a server is provided, including: a step of obtaining viewing history information indicating a viewing history for each content for a preset period of time for a plurality of users; a step of obtaining sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement for the preset period of time based on a service type subscribed to by the plurality of users; and a step of calculating a settlement amount for each content for the preset period of time using the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

[0049] Below, various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below may be implemented in various different forms. To more clearly explain the features of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of matters commonly known to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain will be omitted.

[0050] Meanwhile, when a component is said to be "connected" to another component in this specification, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected" but also cases where it is "connected with another component in between." Furthermore, when a component is said to "include" another component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0051] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0052] In this specification, the "server" may perform an operation to perform personalized settlement with the content provider based on the user's viewing history information regarding the content viewed and the services to which the user has subscribed. In other words, the server may settle the revenue generated by each user with the content provider on a per-content basis.

[0053] In this specification, "settlement" may refer to the act of distributing revenue or settlement amounts generated from a content service to contributors to the content service according to preset criteria. "Personalized settlement" may refer to the act of distributing settlement amounts to each user for each content based on revenue criteria and viewing history information corresponding to the type of service to which the user subscribed.

[0054] In this specification, a "settlement management device" may be a device used by an administrator to perform settlement for each content provider. A "settlement information receiving device" may be a device that receives settlement information. For example, the settlement information receiving device may be an external device for receiving settlement information. For example, the settlement information receiving device may be a device of a content provider that provides content. For example, the settlement management device and the settlement information receiving device may be, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PC, a TV, a smart TV, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, or a non-mobile computing device.

[0055] In this specification, "content" may refer to information or content provided via the Internet or computer communications, etc. Content may refer to information or content that is digitally produced, processed, or distributed, such as text, symbols, voices, sounds, images, or videos.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system that calculates a settlement amount for each content and provides settlement information to a content provider, according to one embodiment.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the viewing log server (40) can collect and store viewing log data for multiple users. The collected log data can be stored in a distributed storage system. The viewing log data can include data on at least one of a user's access history to an application providing a content service, content viewed by the user, a playback section for content with a viewing history, a viewing time, and a viewing date. The viewing history information can be information obtained by processing or preprocessing the viewing log data. The server (10) can obtain viewing history information including viewing log data from the viewing log server (40). In addition, the server (10) can receive viewing log data from the viewing log server (40) and obtain viewing history information by processing or preprocessing the viewing log data. In addition, the viewing history information can be information obtained by processing the viewing log data according to at least one criterion among a user, content, and a preset period (e.g., a monthly cycle).

[0058] The sales aggregation server (50) can collect and store sales data based on the service types subscribed to by multiple users. The sales data can be stored in a distributed storage system. The sales data may be data related to the service fee for the service type subscribed to by the user. The sales criteria information may include at least one of the following: the fee for the service type subscribed to by the user, a fixed cost allocated to each user, and the settlement ratio of the content provider that provided the content with a viewing history. Here, the fixed cost may be, for example, a commission, an affiliate fee, an electronic payment gateway fee, etc. In addition, it may refer to various miscellaneous costs used to calculate net sales from the sales amount.

[0059] The server (10) can receive sales data from the sales aggregation server (50) and process or preprocess the sales data to obtain sales standard information.

[0060] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the viewing log server (40) and the sales aggregation server (50) are implemented as external devices of the server (10), but at least one of the viewing log server (40) and the sales aggregation server (50) may be implemented by being included in the server (10).

[0061] Meanwhile, the settlement management device (20) can transmit a command required to settle the settlement amount of the content provider to the server (10). The server (10) can transmit information about the process of settling the settlement amount of the content provider or the settlement result to the settlement management device (20). The settlement management device (20) can transmit the settlement information to the settlement information receiving device. Alternatively, the settlement management device (20) can transmit a transmission request for the settlement information to the server (10), and the server (10) can transmit the settlement information to the settlement information receiving device based on the transmission request. The server (10) can calculate the settlement amount for a preset period for each content using viewing history information and sales standard information. The server (10) can provide settlement information about the settlement amount to the settlement information receiving device. The specific operation of the server (10) is described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server (10) that calculates a settlement amount settled for a predetermined period of time for each content and provides settlement information on the settlement amount to a settlement management device (20) or a settlement information receiving device, according to one embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2, in step S210, the server (10) can obtain viewing history information indicating the viewing history for each content for a preset period of time for multiple users. For example, the preset period may be one year, one month, one week, and / or one day. The preset period mentioned in this specification is not limited to the above-described example, and may be set in various ways according to the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, the content provision time, and / or contract information. For example, the viewing history information may include at least one of the following information: content with viewing history, a playback section for the content with viewing history, a viewing time, and a viewing date. For example, the server (10) can receive viewing history information from the viewing log server (10). In addition, the server (10) can receive viewing log data from the viewing log server (10) and obtain viewing history information based on the results of analyzing the viewing log data.

[0064] In step S220, the server (10) may obtain sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement for a preset period based on the types of services subscribed to by multiple users. For example, the service subscribed to by the user may be one of multiple services provided by an application that provides content services. The services may include services based on a payment method for each content, subscription services based on a subscription payment method, etc. In this case, there may be multiple subscription services based on subscription payment methods. The type of subscription may vary depending on the presence of an affiliate, the type of content available, the available devices, the image quality, the presence of a download function, the number of profiles, the number of concurrently connected devices, and whether advertisements are sent.

[0065] For example, revenue-based information may include at least one of the following: a service fee for a service subscribed to by multiple users, a fixed cost allocated to each user, or a settlement ratio for a content provider that provides content with a viewing history. The fixed cost allocated to each user may be a fixed cost incurred in addition to the cost paid to the content provider. The settlement ratio for the content provider may be the ratio of the amount allocated to the content provider to the sales amount generated for a single piece of content.

[0066] For example, the sales base amount for multiple users and content may be the amount obtained by multiplying the amount after deducting fixed costs from the service amount by the settlement ratio, but is not limited thereto. It may also be the amount obtained by multiplying the amount after deducting fixed costs by the settlement ratio, and whether fixed costs are reduced or not may vary depending on the subscription service, etc.

[0067] If the service that the user has subscribed to is a subscription service that uses a subscription payment method, and the user subscribes to the service during the preset period during which sales criteria information is obtained, the sales criteria information that serves as the basis for sales settlement during the preset period can be obtained by pro-rata the amount of the subscription service.

[0068] For example, if the service subscribed to by the first user is a subscription service that pays A amount in monthly units, the preset period is from the 1st of the current month to the last day of the current month, and the first user subscribes to the service on the Nth day of the current month, the sales standard information for the current month for the first user can be calculated as A x (number of days in the current month - (N-1) days) / (valid period of subscription). The valid period of subscription may refer to the period during which the service can be provided according to subscription payment. The valid period of subscription for a subscription paid in monthly units may refer to the number of days from the payment date of the current month to the payment date of the next month. In this case, the valid period of subscription may be calculated including the next payment date or excluding the next payment date. The preset period, payment period of the service, payment amount, and pro rata method are not limited to the examples described above, and may be set in various ways depending on the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, content provision time, and / or contract information.

[0069] If the service that the user has subscribed to is a subscription service that uses a subscription payment method, and the payment amount changes during the preset period during which the sales standard information is obtained, such as when the user changes the type of subscription, the sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement during the preset period can be obtained by pro-rata the amount of the subscription service.

[0070] For example, if the preset period is from the 1st to the last day of the current month, and the first user changes from the first subscription service that pays amount A per month to the second subscription service that pays amount B per month on day N of the current month, the sales standard information for the current month for the first user can be calculated as A x (N days) / (valid period of the first subscription) + B x (number of days in the current month - (N-1) days) / (valid period of the second subscription). The validity period of the subscription may mean the period during which the service can be provided according to the payment of the subscription. The validity period of a subscription paid in monthly units may mean the number of days from the payment date of the current month to the payment date of the next month. In this case, the validity period of the subscription may be calculated including the next payment date or excluding the next payment date. If a user changes the type of subscription service from the first subscription to the second subscription on day N, day N may be considered the end date (i.e., termination date) of the first subscription and the start date (i.e., payment date) of the second subscription service. The preset period, payment period for the service, payment amount, and payment method are not limited to the examples described above and may vary depending on factors such as the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, content provision time, and / or contract information.

[0071] In step S230, the server (10) may calculate a settlement amount for a preset period for each content using viewing history information and sales criteria information for each user. At this time, the content type may be broadcast VOD (Video on Demand), real-time broadcast, movie VOD, etc., and the settlement type, etc. may be set differently depending on the content type to calculate the settlement amount. The preset period may be one year, one month, one week, and / or one day. The preset period is not limited to the above-described example, and may be set in various ways depending on the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, the content provision period, and / or contract information. For example, even if the settlement cycle is one month, the settlement amount for each user may be calculated on a daily basis, and the final settlement amount may be determined by adding up the daily settlement amounts for the one-month settlement cycle. In this case, daily viewing history information and sales criteria information may be used to calculate the daily settlement amount. The settlement cycle and settlement amount calculation cycle are not limited to the examples described above, and may be set in various ways depending on the user's payment cycle, content provision time, and / or contract information.

[0072] The server (10) can provide settlement information to at least one device based on the calculated settlement amount. The settlement information may be categorized by settlement group and may be a settlement amount, but is not limited thereto. The type of settlement group may be predefined based on subscription service, affiliation, etc.

[0073] For example, the server (10) may calculate a personalized settlement amount for each content for a preset period based on viewing history information and sales criteria information for each user. For example, the settlement amount may be calculated annually, monthly, weekly, and / or daily. The calculation timing of the settlement amount is not limited to the above-described example and may be set in various ways depending on the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, the content provision period, and / or contract information. For example, the personalized settlement amount for the first content may be calculated by multiplying the viewing time of the first content by the service fee for the service to which the first user has subscribed to the total viewing time of the first user. The process of calculating the settlement amount for each content is described in FIG. 4.

[0074] Additionally, the server (10) may provide a report containing information on user interest and valid viewers for each content, based on user information, viewing history information, and settlement information for each content, to at least one settlement information receiving device. A description of the report is provided in FIG. 6b.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server (10) that settles for each content viewed by a user according to an embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, in step S310, the server (10) can obtain sales ratio information based on viewing history for each content based on first viewing history information indicating the history of content viewed by a first user among multiple users during a preset period of time.

[0077] For example, assume that a first user views content A for 2 hours, content B for 2 hours, and content C for 6 hours during a preset period. Furthermore, assume that the providers of content A and content B are the first content provider, and the provider of content C is the second content provider. The cumulative viewing time of the first user during the preset period is 10 hours, and sales ratio information can be calculated in proportion to the viewing time for each content. Specifically, the sales ratio of content A can be calculated as 20%, the sales ratio of content B as 20%, and the sales ratio of content C as 60%.

[0078] Meanwhile, the viewing time and / or cumulative viewing time for each content can be calculated based on the actual viewing time of the content.

[0079] For example, actual content viewing time can be calculated by considering the content viewing time and content playback speed. For example, actual content viewing time can be calculated by multiplying the content viewing time by the content playback speed. In the example above, if the first user's viewing time for content A is 2 hours, but the first user watches content A at 2x speed, the actual viewing time for content A can be calculated as 4 hours. In this case, the viewing time can be calculated by considering the content playback section. Sales share information can be calculated by considering the actual content viewing time.

[0080] As another example, the actual content viewing time can be calculated by considering the content playback mode. For example, if content is played in multi-view mode where multiple contents are played simultaneously, only the viewing time for the main content among the multiple contents is included in the actual content viewing time, and the viewing time for contents other than the main content may not be included in the actual content viewing time. In this case, the main content may be a content with sound output, a content with the largest video size, a content with the highest video resolution, and / or a content set as the main content by the user. As another example, if multiple contents are played in multi-view mode, the actual content viewing time can be calculated by multiplying the viewing time for the main content among the multiple contents by a higher ratio value, and multiplying the viewing time for contents other than the main content by a lower ratio value. For a more specific example, if three contents are played simultaneously, the actual content viewing time can be calculated by multiplying the viewing time for the main content by 0.8, and multiplying the viewing time for each non-main content by 0.2 / 2 = 0.1. The ratio values ​​are not limited to the above examples. This is not limited to this, and if multiple contents are played in multi-view mode, the viewing time for each of the multiple contents may be included in the actual content viewing time.

[0081] Meanwhile, when content A is downloaded and played, the viewing history information is stored on the playback device, and when it is connected to the outside, the playback device can transmit the viewing history information to the viewing log server.

[0082] In step S320, the server (10) can calculate a settlement amount for a preset period for each content based on first sales standard information corresponding to the first service type subscribed to by the first user, sales ratio information, and settlement ratio information of the content provider that supplied the content viewed by the first user.

[0083] For example, the first sales standard information may be the sales standard amount for a preset period, which may be, but is not limited to, the service amount of the first service subscribed to by the first user. The preset period for the sales standard information may be one year, one month, one week, and / or one day. The preset period is not limited to the above-described example, and may be set in various ways depending on the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, the content provision period, and / or contract information. For example, even if the service amount for the first service subscribed to by the first user is the amount for one month, the preset period for the sales standard information may be one day. In this case, the sales standard amount may be calculated by dividing the service amount for the first service subscribed to by the number of days in one month. The settlement ratio for the content provider may be preset, and may also be set for each content. Specifically, the settlement amount for content A may be calculated by multiplying the sales standard amount, the sales proportion of content A, and the settlement ratio of the first content provider. The process of calculating the settlement amount for each content provider and content is described in FIG. 4.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process of calculating content-by-content for content viewed by a user, according to an embodiment.

[0085] Figure 4 illustrates a process for settling accounts for each content viewed by a first user over a month. Specifically, it is assumed that the first user watched content A (411) for 2 hours, content B (412) for 2 hours, content C (413) for 3 hours, content D (421) for 5 hours, content E (422) for 2 hours, and content F (423) for 6 hours over a month. In addition, it is assumed that the provider of content A (411), content B (412), and content C (413) is a first content provider (CP) (410), and the provider of content D (421), content E (422), and content F (423) is a second content provider (420). In addition, it is assumed that the settlement rate of the first content provider (410) is 40%, and the settlement rate of the second content provider (420) is 50%. Additionally, we assume that the sales base amount is 10,000 won.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 4, the server (10) can calculate a settlement amount for each content. Specifically, the server (10) can calculate a settlement amount for each content by multiplying a sales standard amount, represented by the first user's monthly sales amount, the sales ratio of the content viewed by the first user, and the content provider's settlement ratio for the content.

[0087] The allocation amount for A content (411) is calculated as 10,000 won * 2 / 20 = 1,000 won, and the settlement amount of the first content provider (410) for A content (411) can be calculated as Settlement amount: 1,000 won * 0.4 = 400 won.

[0088] The allocation amount for B content (412) is calculated as 10,000 won * 2 / 20 = 1,000 won, and the settlement amount of the first content provider (410) for B content (412) can be calculated as Settlement amount: 1,000 won * 0.4 = 400 won.

[0089] The allocation amount for C content (413) is calculated as 10,000 won * 3 / 20 = 1,500 won, and the settlement amount of the first content provider (410) for C content (413) can be calculated as Settlement amount: 1,500 won * 0.4 = 600 won.

[0090] The allocation amount for D content (421) is calculated as 10,000 won * 5 / 20 = 2,500 won, and the settlement amount of the second content provider (420) for D content (421) can be calculated as Settlement amount: 2,500 won * 0.5 = 1,250 won.

[0091] The allocation amount for E content (422) is calculated as 10,000 won * 2 / 20 = 1,000 won, and the settlement amount of the second content provider (420) for E content (422) can be calculated as Settlement amount: 1,000 won * 0.5 = 500 won.

[0092] Similarly, the allocation amount for F content (423) can be calculated as 10,000 won * 6 / 20 = 3,000 won, and the settlement amount of the second content provider (420) for F content (423) can be calculated as Settlement amount: 3,000 won * 0.5 = 1,500 won.

[0093] Figure 4 shows the process of settling for each content viewed over a month, but the settlement period can be set in various ways depending on the settlement cycle, such as one year, one week, and / or one day, the user's payment cycle, the content provision period, and / or contract information.

[0094] Although FIG. 4 illustrates a process in which both the first content provider and the second content provider settle accounts based on user-specific sales criteria and viewing history information, the settlement methods applied to the first content provider and the second content provider may differ. For example, the first content provider may be applied with a settlement method based on user-specific sales criteria and viewing history information as described above, while the second content provider may be applied with a settlement method that is not based on user-specific sales criteria and viewing history information (e.g., a settlement method based on all users' sales criteria and viewing time), or vice versa. In other words, the settlement methods applied to each content provider may differ, and the settlement methods applied to each content provider are not limited to the examples described above.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server (10) that extracts users without viewing history and provides event information according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, in step S510, the server (10) can check whether a user account has a viewing history. For example, based on viewing history information, the server (10) can extract users without a viewing history from among service subscribers.

[0097] If the user account has no viewing history, the server (10) may determine the user for the user account as a user without viewing history and exclude the user from the settlement target according to step S520, or may calculate the settlement amount for the user without viewing history using settlement criteria information that is not based on sales criteria information and viewing history information. The server (10) may provide event information to the account of the user without viewing history according to step S560. For example, the event information may include, but is not limited to, at least one of guide information, discount information, and top ranking information that enable a user without viewing history to view content.

[0098] On the other hand, if the user account has a viewing history, the server (10) can check whether the service subscribed to the user account is a service available with multiple profiles, according to step S530.

[0099] If the service registered under the user's account is not a service available for multiple profiles, the server (10) may include the user in the settlement target for the user account, according to step S570. On the other hand, if the service registered under the user's account is a service available for multiple profiles, the server (10) may check whether there is no viewing history for at least one of the multiple profiles, according to step S540.

[0100] If there is no viewing history for at least one profile, the server (10) may include the user in the user account for settlement purposes, according to step S570. Here, the sales threshold amount per multiple profiles for the service may be inversely proportional to the number of profiles. For example, if the sales threshold amount for a service subscribed to by a user account is A and the user account uses B profiles, the sales threshold amount per profile may be A / B.

[0101] If there is no viewing history for at least one profile, the server (10) may, in step S550, extract a profile without a viewing history from among the multiple profiles and extract the user for the profile without a viewing history as a user without a viewing history. In step S560, the server (10) may provide event information to the account of the user without a viewing history.

[0102] The above-described example describes calculating the sales threshold for each profile when the service subscribed to a user's account is available to multiple profiles. However, this is not a limitation. Even if the service subscribed to a user's account is available to multiple profiles, the sales threshold can be determined on an account-by-account basis. In this case, the viewing history for the user account can be determined by adding up the viewing history for each profile.

[0103] Figure 6a is an example screen provided when an administrator performs settlement for multiple content providers (CPs) in a settlement management device (20).

[0104] Referring to image (610) of FIG. 6A, the settlement management device (20) can display a list of content providers. The list of content providers may include information about the content providers providing the content. For example, the list of content providers may be displayed using icons (611, 612, 613) representing content providers, but is not limited thereto.

[0105] The settlement management device (20) can receive a first input for selecting an icon (611) of a first content provider from a list of content providers. Based on the first input, the settlement management device (20) can request the server (10) to calculate the settlement amount of the first content provider. In addition, the settlement management device (20) can receive the first input and receive a second input of dragging and dropping the icon (611) of the first content provider to the monthly settlement icon (614). Based on the second input, the settlement management device (20) can request the server (10) to calculate the settlement amount of the first content provider.

[0106] The server (10) can calculate a personalized settlement amount for each content provided by the first content provider. The server (10) can provide settlement amount information for the personalized settlement amount for each content to the settlement information receiving device. At this time, the settlement amount information can be generated for each settlement group and can include the total viewing time subject to settlement, the total sales base amount subject to settlement, the viewing time for each content, the sales base amount for each content, the settlement ratio, etc. Meanwhile, the settlement amount information can be calculated for each content provider by adding up the amounts calculated for each content. In addition, the settlement management device (20) can receive a third input for selecting an icon (611) of a first content provider and an icon (612) of a second content provider from among a plurality of content providers, and a fourth input for dragging and dropping the icon (611) and the icon (612) to the monthly settlement icon (614). The settlement management device (20) can request the server (10) to calculate the settlement amount for each of the first content provider and the second content provider, according to the fourth input.

[0107] Additionally, the settlement management device (20) can calculate the settlement amount of the first content provider through a database within the settlement management device (20) or an externally connected database.

[0108] The settlement management device (20) can request the server (10) to transmit settlement amount information to the enterprise resource planning (ERP) server, and the server (10) can transmit the settlement amount information to the enterprise support management server according to the request. The enterprise resource planning server can perform settlement processing including generating at least one of a financial statement and a voucher based on the settlement amount information. The enterprise resource planning server can transmit information on whether settlement processing has been performed to the server (10), and the settlement management device (20) can display information on whether settlement processing has been performed. Based on the information on settlement processing, settlement amount information can be provided to the settlement information receiving device.

[0109] FIG. 6b is an example screen of a settlement report provided to a content provider, according to one embodiment.

[0110] Image (620) of Figure 6b is a diagram illustrating a settlement report of a first content provider. The settlement report may be provided by a settlement information receiving device. For example, the settlement information receiving device may be a device of the first content provider. The settlement report may include information (621) on the total settlement amount to be settled by the first content provider and settlement information (622, 623) for each content provided by the first content provider.

[0111] For example, the settlement information (622) of content A may include information on the settlement amount for content A, the cumulative number of viewers, the cumulative viewing time for the cumulative number of viewers, the top episode within content A, and cumulative statistics. In addition, when a detailed view is selected, information indicating the top episode within content A may be displayed. For example, the detailed view may be displayed as a thumbnail of the top episode, an edited video of the episode, etc. In addition, when the settlement amount trend is selected, the periodic settlement amount trend for content A may be displayed. In addition, the cumulative statistics may include not only the settlement amount trend information, but also viewer information, viewing time for viewers, and statistical information on at least one of the top playback sections.

[0112] Likewise, the settlement information (623) of the B content may include information on the settlement amount for the B content, the cumulative number of viewers, the cumulative viewing time for the cumulative number of viewers, the top episodes within the B content, and cumulative statistics.

[0113] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server (10) that calculates sales contribution for each content based on the content provider's settlement contract information and recommends settlement type information based on the sales contribution, according to one embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 7, in step S710, the server (10) may obtain information on settlement parameters used for settlement of a given content based on the settlement agreement information of the first content provider. For example, the settlement agreement information of the first content provider may be obtained from a document or file containing a settlement agreement between the service provider and the first content provider. However, without limitation thereto, the server (10) may obtain information on settlement parameters entered by a user in the settlement management device (20).

[0115] Settlement contract information may exist for each content provider, but is not limited to, and may exist for each VOD.

[0116] Information on settlement parameters may include at least one of settlement type, contracted content, settlement rate for contracted content, and settlement period.

[0117] In step S720, the server (10) may calculate the sales contribution for each content provided by the first content provider based on the settlement parameter information. For example, the server (10) may calculate the sales contribution for each content provided by the first content provider by calculating the sales ratio of each content to the total sales.

[0118] In step S730, the server (10) may recommend settlement type information for the first content provider based on a sales range corresponding to the sales contribution calculated for each of the plurality of contents provided by the first content provider. For example, the settlement type information may include a first settlement type indicating a method for settling the settlement amount of the first content provider and information on settlement parameters for the first settlement type. The first settlement type may be set by a combination of at least one of a fixed cost settlement type, a content-specific ratio settlement type, and a period-based settlement type. For example, the settlement type may include a MG (Minimum Guarantee) + RS (Revenue Share) type, an RS (Revenue Share) type, a holdback settlement type, a Flat type, etc. In the case of the MG + RS type, an MG amount may be set, and a settlement rate for an amount exceeding the MG amount may be set, and in the case of the RS type, a settlement rate may be set. In the case of the holdback settlement type, a settlement rate corresponding to a period may be set differently. For the Flat type, since it is a pre-settlement case, the settlement rate can be set to 0. There may be various other settlement types.

[0119] The process of recommending a settlement type based on the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution is described in Figure 8.

[0120] Recommending settlement type information for a content provider can be used when a contract period for a content provider expires or a contract period needs to be renewed, and the administrator can set the settlement type information based on the recommendation or refer to the settlement type information.

[0121] The server (10) can obtain settlement information of the first content provider based on the viewing history information of the content provided by the first content provider, sales standard information, and settlement type information for the first content provider for each of a plurality of users.

[0122] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server (10) that recommends settlement type information for a content provider based on a sales range corresponding to a sales contribution, according to one embodiment.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 8, in step S810, the server (10) can verify whether the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution calculated for each content satisfies the low range. In this case, the low range may be a preset range. If the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution satisfies the low range, the server (10) can, in step S820, recommend a settlement type and settlement parameter information that maximizes the amount settled when the sales contribution falls within the low range. For example, if the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution for the first content satisfies the low range, the settlement type for the first content may be a combination of a fixed-cost settlement type and a fixed-term settlement type. Specifically, the settlement cost set in the fixed-cost settlement type may be a preset fixed cost. Additionally, the settlement cost set in the fixed-term settlement type may be a cost based on a preset criterion for a certain period. Here, the preset criterion may be a criterion classified according to the range of the predicted sales contribution. A mixed settlement type of fixed cost settlement and fixed term settlement type may be a form of settlement with fixed costs over a certain period of time.

[0124] If the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution does not meet the low range, the server (10) can, in step S830, determine whether the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution meets the high range. In this case, the high range may be a preset range. If the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution meets the high range, the server (10), in step S840, can recommend a settlement type and settlement parameter information that maximizes the amount settled when the sales contribution meets the high range. For example, if the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution for the first content meets the high range, the settlement type for the first content may be recommended as a ratio settlement type. In this case, the settlement ratio for the first content may be higher than the settlement ratio for other content. Additionally, the settlement type for the first content may be set as a fixed cost settlement type. In this case, the cost settlement amount for the first content may be paid to each user who viewed the first content and may be set higher than the cost settlement amount for other content. By setting the cost settlement amount for primary content higher than that for other content and setting it as a fixed cost, popular content can be maintained and overall revenue can be expected to increase. Furthermore, by setting settlement type and settlement parameter information for each content, content providers and service providers can efficiently manage content.

[0125] Meanwhile, if the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution does not meet the high range, the server (10) can maintain the settlement type and settlement parameter information according to step S850.

[0126] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a server (10) that generates a settlement recommendation model according to one embodiment.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 9, in step S910, the server (10) can collect at least two pieces of information from among information on multiple contents, information on content providers who provided multiple contents, revenue information on multiple contents, and settlement type information on multiple contents.

[0128] In step S920, the server (10) can generate a settlement recommendation model that recommends settlement type information based on the results of learning the collected information. Here, the more types and amounts of collected information there are, the more sophisticated the settlement recommendation model can be. When at least two or more pieces of information are input, including content information, content provider information, content revenue information, and content settlement type information, the settlement recommendation model can output a settlement type customized for the content.

[0129] For example, content information may be at least one of the following: a plot of the content, an actor appearing in the content, background music played in the content, a popular scene in the content, or a popular episode in the content.

[0130] For example, the information of a content provider may be at least one of a profile of the content provider providing the content, performance information of the content provider, sales information, and corporate information.

[0131] For example, revenue information for content may include at least one of the following: revenue rate, content distribution contract period, and so on. Revenue rate may be based on at least one of the following: new paid subscription conversion contribution (e.g., number of subscribers, related revenue), retention contribution (e.g., number of subscribers, related revenue), or attributable revenue. Attributable revenue may refer to revenue directly or indirectly generated by the content. For example, attributable revenue may refer to, but is not limited to, revenue generated by advertising revenue generated by a specific content and / or revenue based on the viewing time of a specific content by a subscriber. The yield may be based on, but is not limited to, actual yield, and may be based on a target yield, the difference between the target yield and the actual yield, etc. Actual yield may be calculated for existing contracts and may be used for future contracts. The target return is a figure related to the expected revenue generated by the content. It can be calculated by the content provider and / or OTT service provider, and can be determined based on various factors (e.g., characters, genre, script, and / or synopsis). The target return can be used for future contracts if there are existing contracts, or for new contracts if there are no existing contracts.

[0132] For example, the settlement type information of the content may be at least one of the following: the type of settlement type, the priority of the settlement type.

[0133] For example, if the information input into a settlement recommendation model is not related to the content or content provider used in the learning process, the settlement recommendation model may output a settlement type corresponding to the input information based on the similarity between the learning information used in the learning process and the input information. The settlement recommendation model may output condition information for the settlement type and revenue information corresponding to the settlement type. The condition information for the settlement type may include information about the settlement type, parameters used for settlement, and values ​​of the parameters. For example, the parameters may be at least one of a settlement rate for content and a contract period.

[0134] Meanwhile, if the expected revenue according to the initially determined settlement type does not meet the preset revenue conditions, the settlement recommendation model may request additional input information used to determine the customized settlement type. For example, the additionally requested information may be information on a lower-level item belonging to a first upper-level item corresponding to previously entered information, or information on a second upper-level item different from the first upper-level item. Specifically, the server (10) may additionally request information, such as actors appearing in the content or background music played in the content, from among the input content information. When additional input information is input to the settlement recommendation model, the settlement recommendation model may output condition information for the settlement type and revenue information corresponding to the settlement type based on the previously entered input information and the additionally input input information.

[0135] For example, if the information input into the settlement recommendation model is related to content or content providers used in the learning process, the settlement recommendation model can output a settlement type corresponding to the input information based on learning information mapped to the input information.

[0136] When a service provider enters into a new contract with a content provider, enters into a contract for new content, or enters into a contract different from an existing contract, by using the settlement recommendation model according to Fig. 9, a settlement type customized for the settlement can be recommended.

[0137] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an artificial neural network that learns information related to content to generate a settlement recommendation model, according to one embodiment.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 10, the artificial neural network may include an input layer (1010), at least one hidden layer (1020, 1030), and an output layer (1040). Additionally, training through the artificial neural network may be performed in a processor within the server (10).

[0139] Additionally, weights between each layer and node can be learned through learning and training performed in the hidden layers (1020, 1030). For example, the server (10) can repeatedly learn the correspondence between at least two pieces of information from among a plurality of content information, information on content providers providing a plurality of content, revenue information on a plurality of content, and settlement type information on a plurality of content, thereby generating a settlement recommendation model that recommends a settlement type of a content provider from the content information and the information on the content provider.

[0140] Additionally, the server (10) can obtain the weight values ​​of parameters that influence the creation of a settlement recommendation model that recommends the settlement type of a content provider. The server (10) can retrain the settlement recommendation model by applying the weight values ​​obtained from the trained artificial neural network. By retraining the settlement recommendation model with the weight values ​​applied, the settlement recommendation model can determine the settlement type of a content provider in a customized manner based on content information and information about the content provider.

[0141] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process for recommending a settlement type as information on content and content providers is input into a settlement recommendation model, according to an embodiment.

[0142] Referring to Figure 11, block 1110, the server (10) can obtain certain content information and information on the content provider providing the certain content. The content information and the content provider information can be input as input information for the settlement recommendation model. Additionally, the content image (1111) can also be input as input information for the settlement recommendation model.

[0143] Referring to blocks 1100 and 1120, the settlement recommendation model can output output information corresponding to input information. The server (10) can obtain settlement type information for a given content from the settlement recommendation model.

[0144] Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a server (10) according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 12, the server (10) may include a communication device (1210), memory (1220), and a processor (1230). However, not all of the illustrated components are essential. The server (10) may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components, or may be implemented with fewer components. The above components will be described below. The server (10) illustrated in FIG. 12 may correspond to the server (10) described in FIGS. 1 to 11 in the same manner.

[0146] The communication device (1210) can communicate with an external device. For example, the communication device (1210) can be connected to a network via a wired or wireless connection and communicate with the external device. Here, the external device may be a settlement management device (20) or a settlement information receiving device.

[0147] The communication device (1210) may include a communication module that supports one of various wired and wireless communication methods. The communication module may be a short-range communication module or a wired communication module.

[0148] The memory (1220) may store at least one program for executing a method on the server (10) of calculating a personalized settlement amount for a predetermined period of time for each content based on viewing history information and sales standard information, and providing settlement information on the settlement amount to the content provider. The at least one program stored in the memory (1220) may be classified into multiple modules according to function.

[0149] The processor (1230) controls the overall operation of the server (10) and may include at least one processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The processor (1230) may include at least one specialized processor corresponding to each function, or may be an integrated processor.

[0150] The processor (1230) may execute a program stored in the memory (1220), read data or files stored in the memory (1220), or store new files in the memory (1220). In addition, the processor (1230) may execute instructions stored in the memory (1220).

[0151] The processor (1230) can obtain viewing history information indicating the viewing history for each content for a preset period of time for multiple users. For example, the preset period may be one year, one month, one week, and / or one day. The preset period is not limited to the above-described examples and may be set in various ways depending on the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, the content provision period, and / or contract information. For example, the viewing history information may include at least one of content with viewing history, a playback section for the content with viewing history, a viewing time, and a viewing date. The playback section for the content may refer to a section of the content during which the user watched the content. The viewing time may refer to the time during which the user watched the content. For example, the communication device (1210) may receive viewing history information from the viewing log server (10). In addition, the communication device (1210) may receive viewing log data from the viewing log server (10), and the processor (1230) may obtain viewing history information based on the viewing log data.

[0152] The processor (1230) can obtain sales criteria information that serves as the basis for sales settlement for a preset period based on the types of services subscribed to by multiple users. For example, the service subscribed to by a user may be one of multiple services provided by an application that provides content services. The services may include services based on payment methods for each content, services based on subscription payments, etc.

[0153] For example, revenue-based information may include at least one of the following: a service fee for a service subscribed to by multiple users, a fixed cost allocated to each user, or a settlement ratio for a content provider that provides content with a viewing history. The fixed cost allocated to each user may be a fixed cost incurred in addition to the cost paid to the content provider. The settlement ratio for the content provider may be the ratio of the amount allocated to the content provider to the sales amount generated for a single piece of content.

[0154] The processor (1230) calculates a settlement amount for a preset period for each content using viewing history information and sales criteria information for each of multiple users, and the communication device (1210) can provide the settlement information to at least one external device.

[0155] For example, the processor (1230) may calculate a personalized settlement amount for each content for a preset period based on viewing history information and sales criteria information for each user. For example, the settlement amount may be calculated annually, monthly, weekly, and / or daily. The calculation time of the settlement amount is not limited to the above-described example and may be set in various ways depending on the settlement cycle, the user's payment cycle, the content provision time, and / or contract information. For example, the personalized settlement amount for the first content may be calculated by multiplying the viewing time of the first content by the service fee for the service to which the first user has subscribed compared to the total viewing time of the first user.

[0156] Additionally, the processor (1230) may provide a report including information on user interest and valid viewers for each content to at least one settlement information receiving device based on information on users who have viewed each content, viewing history information, and settlement information.

[0157] The processor (1230) may obtain first sales ratio information based on the viewing history for each content based on first viewing history information indicating the history of content viewed by a first user over a preset period of time. The processor (1230) may obtain second sales ratio information based on the viewing history for each content based on second viewing history information indicating the history of content viewed by a second user over a preset period of time.

[0158] If the content's playback speed exceeds 1x, the processor (1230) can calculate the actual viewing time of the content by considering the content's playback section. For example, the actual viewing time can be calculated by multiplying the content's viewing time by the content's playback speed. For a more specific example, if the content's viewing time is 2 hours and the content is played at 2x speed, the actual viewing time can be calculated as 4 hours. The processor (1230) can utilize the actual viewing time when calculating cumulative viewing time, viewing time by content, and / or sales ratio information for the content.

[0159] When content is played in a multi-view mode where multiple contents are played simultaneously, the processor (1230) can calculate the actual viewing time of the content by considering which content is played as the main content. For example, the processor (1230) may include only the viewing time for the main content among the multiple contents in the actual viewing time, and may not include the viewing time for content other than the main content in the actual viewing time. In this case, the main content may be a content with sound output, a content with the largest image size, a content with the highest image resolution, and / or a content set as the main content by the user. As another example, the processor (1230) may calculate the actual viewing time by multiplying the viewing time for the main content among the multiple contents by a high ratio value, and multiplying the viewing time for content other than the main content by a low ratio value. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the processor (1230) may include all viewing times for each of the multiple contents in the actual viewing time.

[0160] The processor (1230) may calculate a first settlement amount for a preset period of time for each content based on first sales criterion information corresponding to a first service type subscribed to by a first user, first sales proportion information, and first settlement ratio information of a content provider that provided content viewed by the first user. The processor (1230) may calculate a second settlement amount for a preset period of time for each content based on second sales criterion information corresponding to a second service type subscribed to by a second user, second sales proportion information, and second settlement ratio information of a content provider that provided content viewed by the second user.

[0161] For example, the first sales criterion information may be the sales criterion amount for a preset period, and may be the service fee for the first service subscribed to by the first user. The content provider's settlement rate may be preset and may also be set for each content. Specifically, the settlement amount for content A may be calculated by multiplying the sales criterion amount, the sales proportion of content A, and the first content provider's settlement rate.

[0162] The processor (1230) may, based on viewing history information, extract users without viewing history from among service subscribers. Furthermore, the processor (1230) may extract users without viewing history for at least one profile from among subscribers using a service available with multiple profiles. The processor (1230) may exclude users without viewing history from the settlement target or calculate the settlement amount for users without viewing history using sales criteria information and settlement criteria information that is not based on viewing history information. The processor (1230) may enable event information to be provided to the accounts of users without viewing history.

[0163] The processor (1230) may receive a first input from the settlement management device (20) for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers. Based on the first input, the processor (1230) may calculate a personalized settlement amount for each piece of content provided by the first content provider. The processor (1230) may provide settlement amount information for the personalized settlement amount for each piece of content to the first settlement information receiving device. Here, the first settlement information receiving device may be a device of the first content provider.

[0164] The processor (1230) may obtain information on settlement parameters used for settlement of a given content based on the content provider's settlement contract information. The settlement parameter information may include at least one of the following: settlement type, contracted content, settlement rate for the contracted content, and settlement period.

[0165] The processor (1230) can calculate the sales contribution for each content provided by a content provider based on information regarding the settlement parameters. For example, the processor (1230) can calculate the sales contribution for each content provided by the first content provider by calculating the sales ratio of each content to the total sales.

[0166] The processor (1230) may set settlement type information for a content provider based on a sales range corresponding to the sales contribution calculated for each of the multiple contents provided by the content provider. For example, if the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution satisfies a low range, the processor (1230) may set a settlement type and settlement parameter information that maximizes the amount settled when the sales contribution falls within the low range. In this case, the low range may be a preset range. If the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution satisfies a high range, the processor (1230) may set a settlement type and settlement parameter information that maximizes the amount settled when the sales contribution falls within the high range. In this case, the high range may be a preset range.

[0167] Settlement type information may include information on settlement types and settlement parameters for the settlement types, which indicate how the content provider's settlement amount is settled. The settlement type may be configured as a combination of at least one of a fixed-cost settlement type, a content-specific percentage settlement type, and a fixed-term settlement type. Setting settlement type information for a content provider may be used when the content provider's contract expires or when the contract period requires renewal.

[0168] The processor (1230) can obtain settlement information of a content provider based on viewing history information of content provided by the content provider, sales standard information, and settlement type information for the content provider for each of multiple users.

[0169] The processor (1230) can collect at least two pieces of information from among information on multiple contents, information on content providers who provided multiple contents, information on revenue of multiple contents, and information on settlement types of multiple contents.

[0170] The processor (1230) can generate a settlement recommendation model that recommends settlement type information based on the results of learning the collected information. Here, the more types and amounts of collected information there are, the more sophisticated the settlement recommendation model can be. When at least two or more pieces of information are input, including content information, content provider information, content revenue information, and content settlement type information, the settlement recommendation model can output a settlement type customized for the content.

[0171] For example, if the information input to the settlement recommendation model is not related to the content or content provider used in the learning process, the settlement recommendation model can output a settlement type corresponding to the input information based on the similarity between the learning information used in the learning process and the input information.

[0172] For example, if the information input to the settlement recommendation model is related to content or content providers used in the learning process, the settlement recommendation model can output a settlement type corresponding to the input information based on learning information mapped to the input information.

[0173] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a settlement management device (20) according to one embodiment.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 13, in step S1310, the settlement management device (20) can receive a first input for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers.

[0175] In step S1320, the settlement management device (20) can obtain, based on the first input, information on the settlement amount of the first content provider, calculated based on viewing history information indicating the viewing history of multiple users for a preset period of time for each content provided by the first content provider and sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement.

[0176] In step S1330, the settlement management device (20) can display settlement information including information on the settlement amount.

[0177] Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a settlement management device (20) according to one embodiment.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 14, the settlement management device (20) may include a communication device (1410), a user interface device (1420), a memory (1430), and a processor (1440). However, not all of the illustrated components are essential components. The settlement management device (20) may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components, or may be implemented with fewer components. The above components will be described below. The settlement management device (20) illustrated in FIG. 14 may correspond in the same manner to the settlement management devices (20) described in FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0179] The communication device (1410) can communicate with an external device. For example, the communication device (1410) can be connected to a network via a wired or wireless connection and communicate with the external device. Here, the external device may be a server (10).

[0180] The communication device (1410) may include a communication module that supports one of various wired and wireless communication methods. The communication module may be a short-range communication module or a wired communication module.

[0181] The user interface device (1420) may refer to a device that receives data from an administrator to control the settlement management device (20). The processor (1440) may control the user interface device (1420) to generate and output a user interface screen for receiving a predetermined command or data from a user.

[0182] The user interface device (1420) may include an input unit for receiving inputs for controlling the operation of the settlement management device (20), and an output unit for displaying information such as results according to the operation of the settlement management device (20) or the status of the settlement management device (20). For example, the user interface device (1420) may include an operation panel for receiving user input, a display panel for displaying a screen, and the like.

[0183] Specifically, the input unit may include devices capable of receiving various forms of user input, such as a keyboard, physical buttons, a touch screen, a camera, or a microphone. In addition, the output unit may include, for example, a display panel or a speaker. However, the user interface device (1420) is not limited thereto and may include devices that support various input / outputs.

[0184] The memory (1430) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (SD, XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0185] The memory (1430) can store at least one program for causing the settlement management device (20) to execute a method for the administrator to perform settlement for the content provider. The at least one program stored in the memory (1430) can be classified into multiple modules according to function.

[0186] The processor (1440) controls the overall operation of the settlement management device (20) and may include at least one processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The processor (1440) may include at least one specialized processor corresponding to each function, or may be an integrated processor.

[0187] The processor (1440) may execute a program stored in the memory (1430), read data or files stored in the memory (1430), or store new files in the memory (1430). In addition, the processor (1440) may execute instructions stored in the memory (1430).

[0188] The user interface device (1420) may receive a first input selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers.

[0189] The processor (1440) can obtain, based on the first input, information on the settlement amount of the first content provider, calculated based on viewing history information indicating the viewing history of multiple users for a preset period of time for each content provided by the first content provider and sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement.

[0190] The user interface device (1420) can display settlement information including information on the settlement amount. The user interface device (1420) can display information such as daily status of paid subscribers, settlement group management, contract management, sales management, and settlement management.

[0191] Meanwhile, the settlement management device (20) described in FIGS. 13 and 14 can perform some operations of the server (10) described in FIGS. 1 and 12, and is not limited to the examples described in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0192] The server (10) and the settlement management device (20) described in this disclosure may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. Furthermore, the present disclosure may be provided in the form of a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium to enable the operation method of the server (10) and the settlement management device (20). Furthermore, the present disclosure may be written as a computer-executable program and implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates such a program using a computer-readable storage medium.

[0193] Such computer-readable storage media may be read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RAMs, BD-ROMs, BD-Rs, BD-R LTHs, BD-REs, magnetic tape, floppy disks, magneto-optical data storage devices, optical data storage devices, hard disks, solid-state disks (SSDs), and any device capable of storing instructions or software, related data, data files, and data structures, and providing instructions or software, related data, data files, and data structures to a processor or a computer so that the processor or the computer may execute the instructions.

[0194] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A step of obtaining viewing history information indicating viewing history by content for a preset period of time for multiple users; A step of obtaining sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement during the preset period based on the service types subscribed to by the plurality of users; and A server operation method comprising a step of calculating a settlement amount for each content for the preset period using the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

2. In paragraph 1, A method of operating a server, further comprising the step of providing settlement information to at least one device based on the settlement amount calculated for each of the plurality of users and for each of the contents for the preset period.

3. In paragraph 2, The steps for calculating the above settlement amount are: A server operation method, comprising a step of calculating a personalized settlement amount for each content during the preset period based on the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

4. In paragraph 1, The above viewing history information is: A method of operating a server, comprising at least one piece of information among content with a viewing history, a playback section, a viewing time, and a viewing date for the content with a viewing history.

5. In paragraph 1, The above sales criteria information is: A server operation method comprising at least one piece of information from among a service amount for a service type subscribed to by the plurality of users, a fixed cost allocated to each of the plurality of users, and a settlement ratio of a content provider that provided content with the viewing history.

6. In paragraph 2, The steps for calculating the above settlement amount are: A step of obtaining first sales ratio information based on viewing history for each content, based on first viewing history information indicating a history of content viewed by a first user during the preset period; A step of obtaining second sales ratio information based on the viewing history for each content, based on second viewing history information indicating the history of content viewed by the second user during the preset period; Calculate the first settlement amount for the preset period for each content based on the first sales standard information corresponding to the first service type subscribed to by the first user, the first sales ratio information, and the first settlement ratio information of the content provider that supplied the content viewed by the first user. A method of operating a server, comprising: calculating a second settlement amount for each content for the preset period based on second sales standard information corresponding to the second service type subscribed to by the second user, second sales ratio information, and second settlement ratio information of a content provider that provided the content viewed by the second user.

7. In paragraph 1, A step of extracting users who have no viewing history for a predetermined period of time from among service subscribers based on the above viewing history information; and A server operation method further comprising a step of excluding users without viewing history from the settlement target or calculating a settlement amount for users without viewing history using the sales criteria information and settlement criteria information that is not based on the viewing history information.

8. In paragraph 7, The step of extracting users without the above viewing history is: A method of operating a server, comprising the step of extracting users who have no viewing history for at least one profile among subscribers who use a service available with multiple profiles.

9. In paragraph 7, A method of operating a server, further comprising the step of providing event information to an account of a user without the above viewing history.

10. In paragraph 2, The step of providing settlement information to at least one device is: A step of receiving a first input from a settlement management device for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers; A step of calculating a personalized settlement amount for each content provided by the first content provider according to the first input; and A method of operating a server, comprising a step of providing settlement amount information for the personalized settlement amount to the device of the first content provider, for each of the above contents.

11. In paragraph 1, A method of operating a server, further comprising the step of providing a report including at least one of information on user interest and effective viewers for each content to at least one device based on information on users who have viewed each content, the viewing history information, and the settlement information.

12. In paragraph 1, A step of obtaining information on settlement parameters used for settlement of a given content based on settlement contract information of a first content provider; A step of calculating the sales contribution for each of the plurality of contents provided by the first content provider based on the information of the above settlement parameters; and A server operation method further comprising a step of recommending settlement type information for the first content provider based on a sales range corresponding to the sales contribution calculated for each of the plurality of contents provided by the first content provider.

13. In paragraph 12, The step of providing settlement information to at least one device is: A method of operating a server, comprising the step of providing settlement information of the first content provider to the at least one device based on viewing history information of content provided by the first content provider for each of the plurality of users, the sales standard information, and settlement type information for the first content provider.

14. In paragraph 12, The step of recommending settlement type information for the above first content provider is: A step of recommending a settlement type and settlement parameter information that minimizes the amount settled when the sales range corresponding to the sales contribution satisfies a first range with a low sales contribution set in advance; and A method of operating a server, comprising: a step of recommending a settlement type and settlement parameter information that maximizes the amount settled when the sales range corresponding to the above sales contribution satisfies a second range with a high sales contribution set in advance; 15. In paragraph 12, The above settlement type information is: Includes information on a first settlement type indicating a method for settling the settlement amount of the first content provider and settlement parameters for the first settlement type, The above first settlement type is, A method of operating a server, wherein the method is set by a combination of at least one of a fixed cost settlement type, a content-based ratio settlement type, and a period-based settlement type.

16. In paragraph 1, A method of operating a server, further comprising a step of generating a settlement recommendation model that recommends settlement type information based on a result of learning at least two or more pieces of information from among a plurality of content information, information on content providers that provided the plurality of content, revenue information of the plurality of content, and settlement type information of the plurality of content.

17. In paragraph 16, A step of acquiring predetermined content information and information of a content provider providing the predetermined content as first input information; and A method of operating a server, further comprising a step of obtaining first settlement type information corresponding to the first input information as first output information from the settlement recommendation model.

18. In paragraph 16, When the expected profit for the settlement type determined as the first input information is input into the settlement recommendation model does not meet the preset profit condition, a step of requesting information on a lower item for the first upper item in the first input information or information on a second upper item different from the first upper item; and A method of operating a server, further comprising the step of obtaining second settlement type information corresponding to the first input information and the second input information from the settlement recommendation model as second output information when second input information is obtained according to the request.

19. In paragraph 1, A step of providing settlement information to an enterprise resource planning server based on the settlement amount calculated for each of the plurality of users and for each of the contents for the preset period; and Further comprising a step of receiving information on whether settlement processing has been performed based on the settlement information from the enterprise resource management server; A method of operating a server, characterized in that the enterprise resource management server performs settlement processing including generation of at least one of a financial statement and a voucher based on the settlement information.

20. A communication device that communicates with an external device; processor; and A memory storing instructions executable by the processor, wherein the processor executes the instructions, Obtain viewing history information indicating viewing history by content for a preset period of time for multiple users, Based on the service types subscribed to by the above multiple users, sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement is obtained during the preset period, A server that calculates the settlement amount for the preset period for each content by using the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

21. In a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium for executing a method of operating a server, the method of operating the server is: A step of obtaining viewing history information indicating viewing history for each content for a preset period of time for multiple users; A step of obtaining sales standard information that serves as a basis for sales settlement during the preset period based on the service types subscribed to by the plurality of users; and A computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium, comprising a step of calculating a settlement amount for each content for the preset period using the viewing history information and the sales standard information for each of the plurality of users.

22. A step of receiving a first input selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers; A step of obtaining information on the settlement amount of the first content provider, calculated based on viewing history information indicating the viewing history of the plurality of users for each content provided by the first content provider for a preset period of time and sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement, according to the first input; and A method of operating a settlement management device, comprising a step of displaying settlement information including information on the settlement amount.

23. A communication device that communicates with an external device; User interface device; processor; and A memory storing instructions executable by the processor, wherein the processor executes the instructions, Through the user interface device, a first input is received for selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers, According to the first input, for each of the plurality of users, information on the settlement amount of the first content provider is obtained based on viewing history information indicating the viewing history of the plurality of users for a preset period of time for each content provided by the first content provider and sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement, A settlement management device that displays settlement information including information on the settlement amount through the user interface device.

24. A computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium for executing an operating method of a settlement management device, wherein the operating method of the settlement management device is: A step of receiving a first input selecting a first content provider from a list of content providers; A step of obtaining information on the settlement amount of the first content provider, calculated based on viewing history information indicating the viewing history of the plurality of users for a preset period of time and sales standard information that serves as the basis for sales settlement, for each content provided by the first content provider for each of the plurality of users according to the first input; and A computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium, comprising a step of displaying settlement information including information on the settlement amount.

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