Video streaming system and video streaming device

Abstract

In a video streaming system 1, a video imaged via a seller terminal 2 is streamed to a buyer terminal 3 via a video streaming device 4. The buyer terminal 3 comprises: an input receiving unit that receives a purchase indication of an article within the video which the buyer desires to purchase, via a touch operation by the buyer; and an information receiving unit that receives input of a desired purchase price for the article and the like. The received information is transmitted to the video streaming device 4, as purchase information, via a buyer purchase information transmitting and receiving unit. A video streaming unit of the video streaming device 4 streams while changing the mode of display in the video of the article for which received purchase information exists.

Description

Video distribution system and video distribution device

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

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

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

[0004] Patent No. 6831027

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

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

[0007] However, from the customer's perspective, the accuracy of the link information displayed in the video is important. If a customer clicks on a broken link and the correct product page is not displayed, this could cause them to lose interest in purchasing.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to enable a seller to conduct a commercial transaction without preparing product information in advance.

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

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

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

[0012] In addition, the video distribution system according to the present invention is characterized in that the display mode of the item in the video distribution unit is a mode in which the outline of the extracted item is emphasized.

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

[0014] The video distribution system and video distribution device of the present invention allow a commercial transaction to be started immediately without the seller having to set up link information for the product to be sold in advance. Also, the product transaction can be concluded by the buyer and the seller communicating interactively with the seller in real time.

[0015] 1 is an overall view of a video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a seller terminal 2 that forms part of the video distribution system 1; FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a buyer terminal 3 that forms part of the video distribution system 1; FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a video distribution device 4 that forms part of the video distribution system 1; FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to a commercial transaction using the video distribution system 1; FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating to price negotiation between a seller and a buyer;

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

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

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

[0019] (Image capture unit 21) The image capture unit 21 has a function for capturing images of products introduced by a seller. The image capture unit 21 may be integrated with other components of the seller terminal 2, such as a smartphone, or the image capture unit 21 may be configured in a form in which a video camera, digital camera, or the like is connected to the distributor terminal 2. For example, by using a video camera, which is a dedicated imaging device, as the image capture unit 21, the viewing angle and zoom function can be enhanced compared to a smartphone, allowing the product to be introduced in detail from various angles.

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

[0021] Furthermore, by employing various data compression techniques, the video transmission unit 22 can transmit high-quality video data over the network while efficiently using line capacity. The seller terminal can be equipped with multiple imaging units 21, and the video transmission unit 22 can edit videos captured by the multiple imaging units 21 into a single video for distribution, or can transmit multiple videos simultaneously over multiple channels to distribute product introductions from different perspectives at the same time.

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

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

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

[0025] (Seller Purchase Information Recording Unit 24) The seller purchase information recording unit 24 stores the received purchase information. The seller purchase information recording unit 24 is configured from a database and records multiple pieces of purchase information.

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] (Streaming Receiving Unit 31) The streaming receiving unit 31 receives moving images from the moving image distribution device 4 in real time via the network NT.

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

[0033] (Input Receiving Unit 33) The input receiving unit 33 receives purchase instructions entered by the purchaser via a touch panel screen of the purchaser terminal 3. The input receiving unit 33 is configured with a touch panel superimposed on the display of the purchaser display unit 32. The purchaser selects a position in the video corresponding to the item they wish to purchase by touching the display location of the item in the video. When entering a purchase instruction, the purchaser may display a still image of the display on the purchaser display unit in the frame at the time the purchaser touches the display location of the item in the video, and the input receiving unit may determine that the purchase instruction has been entered when it detects that the touch on that area has continued for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the purchaser may enter a purchase instruction by sliding their finger in a circle around the display location of the item in the video, and the input receiving unit 33 may determine that the purchase instruction has been entered when it detects the purchaser's finger gesture.

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] (Video Distribution Unit 42) The video distribution unit 42 encodes the video data received by the video receiving unit 41 into a video format that allows for real-time streaming distribution and distributes it to one or more purchaser terminals 3. Encoding is performed by dividing the video data into segments every few seconds using a streaming protocol such as HLS or MPEG-DASH, and compressing it to a file size suitable for streaming using the H.264 encoding standard. The video distribution unit 42 has a network management function and can select a compression rate, resolution, and frame rate according to the network communication environment, and then encode and distribute the data. It can also select the optimal communication environment according to the network conditions and distribute the data.

[0040] Furthermore, the video distribution unit 42 has a function of comparing each frame of the video with the image of the item in the purchase information recorded in the purchase information recording unit 44 (described later). This comparison function identifies the item in the video that the purchaser wishes to purchase, and generates and streams a video in which the display mode of the corresponding item is changed. Specifically, for the item in the purchase information identified in the video, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a video is generated in which the outline of the item in the video is emphasized and information other than the image of the item in the purchase information is superimposed adjacent to the item. This function allows the purchaser to check detailed information about the item in real time while watching the video, thereby increasing their desire to purchase.

[0041] (Purchase Information Receiving Unit 43) The purchase information receiving unit 43 receives purchase information transmitted from the purchaser terminal 3. Information on the item the purchaser wishes to purchase, such as price and stock information, is received here. The purchase information receiving unit 43 passes the received information to the purchase information recording unit 44. For security and privacy reasons, encryption technology may be used to communicate the purchase information received.

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

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

[0044] Next, a series of steps relating to a commercial transaction using the video distribution system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the operations from the start of distribution to the point where a purchaser specifies a desired product in the video will be described.

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

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

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

[0048] <Step S0031: Distribution of Video with Purchase Information Superimposed> The video distribution unit 42 acquires purchase information from the purchase information recording unit 44. The video distribution unit 42 compares the item image in the acquired purchase information with each frame of the video, and if an item corresponding to the item image in the purchase information is present in a frame of the video, a video is generated in which the display mode of the corresponding item is changed. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , a video is generated in which the outline of the item corresponding to the purchase information identified in the video is emphasized in the video, and information other than the item image in the purchase information is superimposed adjacent to the corresponding item. Specifically, the displayed information is the purchaser's desired purchase price for the item and the transaction status for the item (transaction completed, under negotiation, etc.). The video distribution unit generates the video so that the displayed information is superimposed around the display location of the corresponding item, but in an area that does not overlap with the item. In the example of FIG. 10 , the hat and book are displayed with their outlines emphasized. The purchase price for the "hat" is 1,500 yen, and price negotiation is underway, with the currently negotiated price displayed in the area to the left of the "hat." Furthermore, the transaction status for the "book" is "concluded," and the adjacent upper right area indicates that it is "sold out." The video distribution unit encodes the generated video into a format suitable for streaming and distributes it to the purchaser's terminal.

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

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

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

[0052] <Step S005: Purchaser Selects Product They Want to Purchase> When a purchaser finds a product they want to purchase in the video, they touch the area of ​​the product they want to purchase using the touch panel of the purchaser terminal 3. The input acceptance unit 33 of the purchaser terminal 3 detects the purchaser's touch and accepts a purchase instruction for the corresponding product. When the purchase instruction is accepted by the input acceptance unit 33, the product image generation unit 34 extracts the outline of the product for which the purchase instruction has been issued and generates a product image.

[0053] An example of a purchaser selecting a product they wish to purchase is shown in Figure 8. If the purchaser wants to purchase, for example, a "hat" from five products displayed on a table in the video, namely, a hat, a watch, a book, a coffee cup set, and a digital camera, the purchaser issues a purchase instruction by touching with a finger the area on the screen of the purchaser terminal 3, such as a smartphone, where the "hat" is displayed. Alternatively, as described above, the purchase instruction may be issued by a gesture such as holding the area where the "hat" is displayed for a predetermined period of time or sliding a finger to surround the "hat."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] If "Reject" is selected on the price negotiation screen 53, the buyer purchase information transmitting / receiving unit of the buyer terminal 3 sets the transaction status of the purchase information for the product to "Negotiation not successful" and transmits it to the video distribution device 4. The video distribution device 4 receives the purchase information via the purchase information receiving unit 43 and deletes the purchase information for the product from the purchase information recording unit 44. The price negotiation transaction then ends. After the transaction ends, the video distribution process in steps S001 and S002 continues, and the buyer's viewing of the video also ends when the streaming distribution from the seller terminal 2 ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, a seller can immediately start a commercial transaction without having to prepare a product database or links in advance. Also, a buyer can intuitively select an item they see in a video, which increases the buyer's motivation to purchase.

[0076] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, a one-to-one transaction between a buyer and a seller was described. However, in this embodiment, a seller can simultaneously conduct transactions for multiple products in a streaming video with multiple buyers who wish to purchase those products. A seller can conduct transactions for multiple products with multiple different buyers, and can conduct transactions for the same product with multiple buyers. In this case, the seller accepts purchase information from multiple buyers, and a transaction is concluded with the buyer who the seller approves on the purchase information confirmation screen 52. In the example screen shown in Figure 10, while the seller is conducting a transaction for a "hat," a transaction for the purchase of a "book" is also in progress with a different buyer, and the transaction for the "book" is shown to have been concluded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0084] <S005: Purchaser Inputs Purchase Information> The information receiving unit 35 displays on the purchaser terminal 3 a screen for the purchaser to input new purchase information together with the purchase information for the specified item acquired from the purchaser purchase information recording unit 37, and receives input from the purchaser. For example, the information input screen 51 in FIG. 9 displays a new price currently under negotiation, and receives input fields for items such as user information, desired purchase price, and a message. The input information is compiled as new purchase information together with an item image of the purchase information corresponding to the specified item, and is transmitted to the video distribution device 4 via the purchaser purchase information transmitting and receiving unit 36.

[0085] <S008: Approval of Purchase Information by Seller Terminal> When the seller purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 23 receives the purchase information, the seller display unit 2 acquires the purchase information from the seller purchase information recording unit 24 and displays the purchase information confirmation screen 52 for accepting approval of the purchase information. In the first embodiment, the transaction was concluded by touching the "Yes" option on the purchase information confirmation screen 52, but when "Yes" is touched, three options are displayed: "Approve," "Hold," and "Negotiate," and the seller's selection is accepted. When "Approve" is touched, the transaction is concluded and the process proceeds to step S014. When "Negotiate" is touched, the process proceeds to step S009, and price negotiations proceed as in the first embodiment.

[0086] If "Hold" is touched, the transaction status of the purchase information is updated to "Hold" and recorded in the seller purchase information recording unit 37, and the buyer purchase information transmitting / receiving unit 36 ​​transmits the updated purchase information to the video distribution device 4. Thereafter, the process returns to step S002, and streaming distribution continues. For the purchase information whose transaction status has been set to "Hold," an image is generated in step S004 displaying the information "Negotiating for 1,500 yen" in the area surrounding the "hat," as shown in FIG. 10, and the image is transmitted to the buyer terminal 3. This allows the buyer to refer to the negotiation status of other buyers. If the buyer wishes to purchase the product, they can transmit their purchase request by entering new purchase information as in steps S004 and S005. Thereafter, the same steps are repeated until the purchase information is approved by the seller and the transaction is completed.

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

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained.

[0089] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Video distribution system 2 Seller terminal 21 Imaging unit 22 Video transmission unit 23 Seller purchase information transmission / reception unit 24 Seller purchase information recording unit 25 Seller display unit 3 Purchaser terminal 31 Streaming reception unit 32 Purchaser display unit 33 Input reception unit 34 Item image generation unit 35 Information reception unit 36 ​​Purchaser purchase information transmission unit 37 Purchaser purchase information recording unit 4 Video distribution device 41 Video reception unit 42 Video distribution unit 43 Purchase information reception unit 44 Purchase information recording unit 45 Purchase information transmission unit 46 Price negotiation information reception unit 51 Information input screen 52 Purchase information confirmation screen 53 Negotiation screen 54 Proposal approval screen NT Network

Claims

1. A video distribution system for distributing videos relating to commercial transactions over a network, the video distribution system comprising: a seller terminal; a purchaser terminal; and a video distribution device; the seller terminal having: an imaging unit for capturing the video; and a video transmission unit for transmitting the video to the video distribution device; the video distribution device having: a video receiving unit for receiving the video captured by the seller terminal from the seller terminal; a video distribution unit for streaming the video received by the video receiving unit to the purchaser terminal; a purchase information receiving unit for receiving purchase information from the purchaser terminal; and a purchase information recording unit for recording the purchase information; the purchaser terminal having: a streaming receiving unit for receiving the video streamed from the video distribution unit; a purchaser display unit for displaying the video received by the streaming receiving unit; and an input receiving unit comprising a touch panel superimposed on the purchaser display unit, for receiving a purchase instruction for an item that the purchaser wishes to purchase in the video by the purchaser touching a corresponding area of ​​the touch panel. a product image generating unit that extracts the outline of the product that exists in the frame and area within the video according to the purchase instruction received by the input receiving unit, and extracts an image of the product from the frame along the outline; an information receiving unit that displays a screen on the purchaser display unit to allow the purchaser to input information including the desired purchase price of the product, and receives the information; and a purchaser purchase information transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the product image generated by the product image generating unit, the information received by the information receiving unit, and a transaction status for the product to the video distribution device as the purchase information, wherein the video distribution unit has the function of comparing the product image in the purchase information recording unit with each frame of the video, extracting products that correspond to the product images in the video, changing the display mode of the extracted products in the video, and generating a video in which at least one of the desired purchase price and the transaction status is superimposed in an area adjacent to the product.

2. The video distribution system described in claim 1, wherein the video distribution device further has a purchase information transmission unit that transmits the purchase information to and from the video distribution device, and the seller terminal further has: a seller purchase information transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives the purchase information to and from the video distribution device; a seller purchase information recording unit that stores the purchase information; and a seller display unit that displays a purchase information confirmation screen for inputting a decision as to whether to approve the sale of the item at the desired purchase price for the purchase information received by the seller purchase information transmission / reception unit and accepts input from the seller, wherein the seller purchase information transmission / reception unit updates the transaction status of the previous purchase information based on the result of the previous approval and transmits the previous purchase information to the video distribution device, and the video distribution unit has the function of generating a video in which the display mode of the item in the video is changed according to the transaction status in the purchase information.

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

4. A video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display mode of the item in the video distribution unit is a mode in which the outline of the extracted item is emphasized.

5. A video distribution device for distributing videos relating to commercial transactions, comprising: a video receiving unit that receives from a seller terminal the video filmed at the seller terminal; a video distribution unit that streams the video received by the video receiving unit to a buyer terminal; a purchase information receiving unit that receives from the buyer terminal purchase information including an image of an item in the video that the buyer has instructed to purchase via the buyer terminal and the price of the item; and a purchase information recording unit that records the purchase information, wherein the video distribution unit has the function of comparing the image of the item in the purchase information recording unit with each frame of the video, extracting items in the video that match the image of the item stored in the video, changing the display mode of the extracted items, and generating a video in which information from the purchase information other than the image information is superimposed in an area adjacent to the item.

Images