JP2012142782A - Moving image distribution device, moving image distribution program, moving image distribution method, and moving image distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new device for a moving image distribution service.SOLUTION: A moving image distribution device 10 transmits information of a display page including a moving image display area 41 to a terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 displays the display page 40. When a request to enlarge a moving image display size from the terminal device 20 is received, the moving image distribution device 10 collects information of compensation for the enlargement request. Then, the moving image distribution device 10 changes the size of the moving image display area 41 into a size corresponding to the enlargement request, based on the collection result of the information of the compensation for the enlargement request.

Description

  The present invention relates to a moving image distribution device, a moving image distribution program, a moving image distribution method, and a moving image distribution system that transmit information about a display page including a moving image display area to a terminal device and display a screen including a moving image on the terminal device.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of broadband environments such as ADSL and optical fiber, moving image distribution services for distributing moving image contents to user terminal devices via the Internet have been developed.

  In such a video distribution service, for example, an advertisement display area for displaying an advertisement is further provided on a display page provided with a video display area for displaying video content, and the right to use the advertisement display area is sold to an advertiser. A business model that uses advertising fees as a source of income is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-056751 A

  In the above-described conventional video distribution service, there is a strong demand for users who use the video distribution service to view video content in a larger size. By satisfying such a request, an increase in the number of users who use the moving image distribution service is expected.

  However, if the size of the moving image display area is increased in response to the user's request, for example, the advertisement display area is narrowed, resulting in a decrease or disappearance of the advertising effect and the advertising opportunity. In such a case, the advertising revenue is reduced on the video delivery service provider side.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new mechanism that enables viewing of video content in a larger size in a video distribution service. .

  Based on the above object, according to one aspect (1) of the present invention, in a video delivery device that transmits information of a display page including a video display region to a terminal device, information on the display page including the video display region is transmitted to the terminal device. A transmitting unit for transmitting, a receiving unit for receiving a request for enlargement of a moving image display size from the terminal device, a collecting unit for collecting information on compensation for the enlargement request, and a size of the moving image display area according to the enlargement request And changing means for changing the size.

  One aspect (10) of the present invention that grasps the above aspect (1) from the viewpoint of a computer program is a moving image distribution program that causes a computer to execute processing for transmitting information of a display page including a moving image display area to a terminal device. Sending display page information including a display area area to the terminal device, receiving a video display size enlargement request from the terminal device, collecting information on consideration for the enlargement request, and setting the size of the video display region to The computer is caused to execute a process of changing to a size corresponding to the enlargement request.

  One aspect (11) of the present invention, which captures the aspect (1) from the viewpoint of a method, is a moving image display method in which a computer is controlled and information on a display page including a moving image display area is transmitted to a terminal device. A procedure for transmitting display page information including an area to the terminal device, a procedure for accepting a request for enlargement of a moving image display size from the terminal device, a procedure for collecting information on consideration for the enlargement request, and the moving image display And a procedure for changing the size of the area to a size according to the enlargement request.

  One aspect (12) of the present invention, which captures the above aspect (1) from the viewpoint of a system, is a moving image distribution system that transmits information about a display page including a terminal device and a moving image display area to the terminal device. The distribution device collects information on a display page including a moving image display area, a means for receiving a request for enlargement of a moving image display size from the terminal device, and information on compensation for the enlargement request. Means for changing the size of the moving image display area to a size corresponding to the enlargement request, the terminal device transmitting the enlargement request to the moving image distribution device, and a price for the enlargement request. Means for transmitting the information, means for receiving the information on the display page from the moving image distribution device, and means for displaying the display page.

  According to the present invention, when a request for enlargement of the moving image display size from the terminal device is received, information on the value for the enlargement request is collected, and the size of the moving image display area on the display page is set to the size according to the enlargement request. Therefore, even if the video display area is expanded and the advertising effectiveness is reduced or the advertising opportunities are reduced, revenue opportunities can be secured by collecting consideration, and new video delivery services that have never existed before. It is possible to provide a mechanism. In addition, since the attractiveness of the video distribution service is improved, more users use the service.

  According to another aspect (2) of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects, the display page includes an advertisement display area, and the changing means increases the moving image display size when the moving image display size is increased. The size or number of the advertisement display areas is changed according to the display size.

  According to the present invention, when the size of the moving image display area is enlarged, the size or number of the advertisement display areas is dynamically changed, so that it is easy to secure the moving image display area on the display page. When the size of the advertisement display area is changed, for example, an advertisement corresponding to the size of the advertisement display area can be performed by changing the type of advertisement content displayed in the advertisement display area.

  According to another aspect (3) of the present invention, in the aspect (2), when the size of the moving image display area corresponding to the enlargement request is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, the changing means starts the advertisement from the display page. The display area is deleted.

  According to the present invention, when the size of the video display area is enlarged, the advertisement display area is not provided if the size of the video display area is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. For example, the advertisement display area is too small to exhibit the advertising effect. Nevertheless, it is possible to avoid the problem that the user feels uncomfortable by displaying.

  According to another aspect (4) of the invention, in any one of the above aspects, the enlargement request includes information on a moving image display size defined according to an operation amount by an operation unit of the terminal device. And

  According to the present invention, since the moving image display size can be adjusted according to the operation amount by the operating means, the user can adjust the size of the moving image display region to a desired size, and the moving image display region suitable for the user It becomes possible to make it the size of. For example, when the operation means is a mouse which is a kind of pointing device, the size of the moving image display area can be freely adjusted by moving the mouse.

  According to another aspect (5) of the present invention, in any one of the aspects described above, the transmission means transmits information on the display page having a plurality of selection buttons for selecting the moving image display size, and the enlargement is performed. The request includes information on a selection button selected by a user of the terminal device.

  According to this invention, since the user can adjust the size of the moving image display area simply by selecting the selection button, the convenience for the user can be improved.

  According to another aspect (6) of the present invention, in any of the above aspects, the consideration information includes billing information, and the transmission means finishes the settlement process based on the billing information In addition, a display page including a moving image display area in which a moving image display size is expanded in response to the expansion request is transmitted to the terminal device.

  According to the present invention, after collecting billing information (for example, information about a credit card or information about points), when payment processing (for example, credit settlement, point settlement) based on the collected billing information is completed. A moving image display area in which the moving image display size is enlarged is provided. Accordingly, even if the size of the moving image display area causes a decrease in the advertising effect and a decrease in the advertising opportunity, it is possible to secure a profitable opportunity.

  According to another aspect (7) of the present invention, the information on the consideration is the questionnaire information input to the user of the terminal device, the profile information of the user, and information on the viewing history of the video by the user. It contains at least one.

  According to the present invention, information other than billing information is collected as consideration for expanding the moving image display area. For example, even for a user who is reluctant to pay for fees, points, etc., the moving image has a larger size. Content can be provided. Therefore, the attractiveness of the moving image distribution service can be improved. Here, the questionnaire information is information on a user's response to the questionnaire, for example, a response to a questionnaire that collects information desired by the advertiser. Further, the user profile information is information indicating a user's biographies, personal images, and the like, and includes, for example, information such as the user's educational background, work history, preference, name, address, sex, and age. In addition, the video viewing history information is, for example, information such as the type, content, viewing date and time, and the number of times of viewing of the video content provided by the video distribution service.

  The questionnaire information, user profile information, and video viewing history are useful for marketing of video distribution services and advertisers. For example, by letting advertisers who place advertisement content in the advertisement display area answer information as a questionnaire, advertisers can obtain the necessary marketing information instead of reducing advertising effectiveness or reducing or eliminating advertising opportunities. . In this way, the advertiser can have not only the aspect of advertisement but also the aspect of collecting information, so it becomes an attractive video distribution service for the advertiser and can increase the value of the advertisement display area. . Also, for example, by collecting user profile information, the provider of the video distribution service can grasp the usage status of the video distribution service, and can be used for providing an attractive service. As described above, even if the advertising fee is reduced due to the increase in the size of the moving image display area, the provider of the moving image distribution service can use the reduced revenue for improving the service.

  According to another aspect (8) of the present invention, in the other aspect (6) of the present invention described above, there is provided storage means for storing settlement information according to the information of the value collected by the collecting means, The collecting means, when receiving the enlargement request by the receiving means, determines whether or not to collect the consideration information based on the settlement information stored in the storage means. .

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to determine whether or not to collect compensation information based on settlement information, it is possible to collect compensation information according to the settlement status. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid the complexity of collecting consideration information for each enlargement request. Also, for example, if the size of the video display area is enlarged and the payment process is completed, then the size of the video display area is temporarily reduced and then restored to the original enlarged size, and the compensation information is collected again. Can be avoided.

  According to another aspect (9) of the present invention, the collecting means collects information of different values depending on the size of the moving image display area.

  According to this invention, since the consideration according to the reduction ratio of the size and number of the advertisement display area can be collected, it is possible to collect appropriate consideration according to the reduction of the advertising effect or the disappearance of the advertising opportunity.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a moving image display area having a larger size to the user.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a moving image distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a moving image distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a web page displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the moving image distribution apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a consideration table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the size information. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a period selection page displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a consideration selection page displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a consideration information input page displayed on the terminal device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the moving image distribution apparatus. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a moving image distribution system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing flow of each server shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of another web page for making an enlargement request.

  Next, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[1. Overview of video distribution system]
First, the outline | summary of the moving image delivery system of one Embodiment which concerns on this invention is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a moving image distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the video distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a video distribution device 10 and a terminal device 20, and the video distribution device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected via a network. Are connected to communicate.

  The video distribution device 10 transmits information on the display page 40 to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 displays the display page 40 received from the video distribution device 10. In addition to the moving image display area 41, advertisement display areas 42 a to 42 c are provided on the display page 40 transmitted from the moving image distribution apparatus 10.

  Therefore, the business operator who provides the moving image distribution service can operate the moving image service using the advertising fee as an income source by causing the advertiser to use the advertisement display areas 42a to 42c.

  Examples of moving image content displayed in the moving image display area 41 include electronic content such as movies and dramas. In addition, as advertisement contents displayed in the advertisement display areas 42a to 42c, there are electronic contents such as still image advertisements and moving image advertisements.

  The display page 40 shown in FIG. 1A shows an example in which two advertisement display areas 42a and 42b are provided on the right side and an advertisement display area 42c is provided on the lower side. Are appropriately changed. The size and position of the moving image display area 41 are also changed as appropriate.

  As described above, the video distribution system 1 provides the terminal device 20 with a display page including the video display area and the advertisement display area. Further, while the video distribution service is established as a business, the video distribution system 1 has a larger size. A mechanism that allows the user to view moving image content in the moving image display area is incorporated.

  That is, in the video distribution system 1, even if the display size and the number of display of the advertising content are reduced or the display location of the advertising content is lost by making the video display area larger, It is possible to operate.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the user of the terminal device 20 can perform an enlargement operation of the moving image display area 41 with respect to the display page 40 provided from the moving image distribution device 10. . The enlargement operation of the moving image display area 41 can be performed by operating an operation unit (for example, a mouse) of the terminal device 20.

  When the enlargement operation of the moving image display area 41 is performed in this manner, the terminal device 20 makes an enlargement request to the moving image distribution device 10. This enlargement request includes information corresponding to the operation amount of the enlargement operation. When receiving the enlargement request from the terminal device 20, the moving image distribution device 10 collects information on the price. Specifically, the moving image distribution device 10 requests the terminal device 20 for the consideration information and causes the terminal device 20 to transmit the consideration information.

  The moving image distribution apparatus 10 can request various information as information on the price. Consideration information is desirable information for businesses and advertisers of moving image distribution services, such as billing information and marketing information.

  The billing information is information for making payment with money or points, and is, for example, credit card information (for example, information such as credit number or time limit) or point information (point card ID or password). Further, when the credit card information, the point information, etc. are registered in the video distribution device 10 in advance, for example, the billing information indicates that the user of the terminal device 20 has accepted the credit card or point settlement. It is information to show.

  Further, the marketing information includes questionnaire information, user profile information, information on the viewing history of moving images by the user, and the like.

  The questionnaire information is information on answers to questionnaires set in advance, and is information necessary for marketing. For example, it becomes marketing information useful for an advertiser of a product by using a questionnaire result regarding a product advertised in an advertisement display area as questionnaire information. Further, for example, by using the questionnaire result regarding the video distribution service as the questionnaire information, the marketing information is useful for the provider of the video distribution service.

  The user profile information is information indicating the user's biographies, personal images, and the like, and includes, for example, information such as the user's educational background, work history, preference, name, address, sex, and age. Moreover, the information of the viewing history of the moving image by the user is, for example, information such as the type, content, viewing date / time, and viewing count of the moving image content viewed using the moving image distribution apparatus 10.

  The moving image distribution device 10 collects information on the value for the enlargement request from the terminal device 20 or the like, and changes the size of the moving image display area 41 to a size corresponding to the enlargement request from the user based on the collection result.

  For example, when the consideration information is billing information, for example, when the payment processing is completed based on the collected billing information, the video distribution device 10 displays the information on the display page 40 in which the video display area 41 is enlarged. It transmits to the terminal device 20. Further, when the consideration information is used as questionnaire information, user profile information, or the like, the video distribution device 10 collects information on the display page 40 in which the video display area 41 is enlarged when the information is collected, for example. Transmit to device 20.

  In addition, when enlarging the moving image display area 41, the moving image distribution apparatus 10 changes the size and number of the advertisement display areas 42a to 42c according to the size and position of the moving image display area 41 to be expanded. For example, FIG. 1B shows an example where the size of the advertisement display areas 42a and 42b is reduced and the arrangement is changed, and the arrangement of the advertisement display area 42c is changed without changing the size.

  From the state shown in FIG. 1B, the user can further perform a further enlargement operation of the moving image display area 41 as shown in FIG. In the moving image distribution device 10, the value is set so as to increase as the size of the moving image display area 41 increases. For this reason, the moving image distribution apparatus 10 further collects information of consideration, and changes the size of the moving image display area 41 to a size according to the enlargement request from the user based on the collection result.

  Here, since the size of the moving image display area 41 requested by the user exceeds the size where the advertisement display areas 42a to 42c can be arranged on the display page 40, as shown in FIG. 1C, the advertisement display area 42a. The display page 40 to which no .about.42c is arranged is transmitted from the moving image distribution apparatus 10.

  As described above, in the moving image distribution device 10 according to the present embodiment, when a request for enlargement of the moving image display size from the terminal device 20 is received, information on the value for the enlargement request is collected and displayed based on the collection result. The size of the moving image display area on the page is set according to the enlargement request.

  Therefore, even when the user performs an operation to increase the moving image display size to reduce the advertising effect or the disappearance of the advertising opportunity, it is possible to secure a revenue opportunity by collecting the consideration. Moreover, since the video content can be viewed in a larger size, the attractiveness of the video distribution service is improved. Therefore, more users will use the service, and as a result, the value of the advertisement display area can be increased.

  In the above description, the video distribution service in the case where the advertisement display area is provided has been described. However, a video distribution service in which the advertisement display area is not provided may be used. That is, when a request for enlargement of the moving image display size from the terminal device 20 is received, it is only necessary to collect information on the price for the enlargement request and set the size of the moving image display area on the display page to the size corresponding to the enlargement request. . For example, the size of the moving image display area is set to a predetermined initial setting size, and compensation information is collected for an enlargement request for a larger size.

[2. Specific configuration and operation of video distribution system]
Next, an example of a specific configuration and operation of the above-described moving image distribution system 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the information on the display page transmitted by the video distribution device 10 will be described as the information on the web page, but the display page is not limited to the web page. That is, any display page may be used as long as the display page can include a moving image display area and an advertisement display area.

  First, the configuration of the moving image distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the moving image distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the moving image distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a moving image distribution device 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n . The moving picture distribution device 10 and the terminal devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n are connected to a network 30 such as the Internet, for example.

Each of the terminal devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n includes a communication unit 21, a browser 22, an operation unit 23, and a display unit 24. The browser 22 transmits and receives information to and from the video distribution device 10 via the communication unit 21 based on a user operation on the operation unit 23, and acquires a web page from the video distribution device 10.

The web page information transmitted from the moving image distribution device 10 to the terminal device 20 includes, for example, an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file, moving image content, and advertisement content. Each of the terminal devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n displays, for example, the web page 43 including the moving image display area 44 and the advertisement display areas 45a to 45c as shown in FIG. To do.

  Specifically, the browser 22 specifies the size and position of the moving image display area 44 based on the meta information included in the HTML file, and specifies the sizes and positions of the advertisement display areas 45a to 45c. Further, the browser 22 transmits a video request signal for requesting transmission of video content and an advertisement request signal for requesting transmission of advertising content to the video distribution device 10 based on the meta information included in the HTML file, Advertisement content is acquired from the moving image distribution apparatus 10.

  The browser 22 incorporates plug-in software for displaying moving image content and advertising content. The browser 22 displays the moving image content in the moving image display area 44 and displays the advertising content in the advertisement display areas 45a to 45c. Let

  The browser 22 incorporates plug-in software for making a request to increase the size of the moving image display area 44 by a user operation on the operation means 23. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the pointer 46 is moved by the user's operation on the operation means 23 (for example, a mouse), and the size of the frame 47 indicating the display size for requesting enlargement is changed. It shows how it is. The size of the frame line 47 is changed in proportion to the operation amount to the operation means 23 (for example, in the example shown in FIG. 3B, the operation amount in the right direction or the operation amount in the downward direction). .

  This frame line 47 is the same size as the moving image display area 44 before the size is changed. Then, when the frame line 47 is changed to a size larger than the moving image display area 44 by an operation on the operation means 23, an enlargement request signal corresponding to the size of the frame line 47 is sent from the browser 22 by processing of the plug-in software. Is transmitted to the moving image distribution apparatus 10 via the communication means 21.

  When the enlargement request made in this way is permitted by the moving image distribution apparatus 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the size of the moving image display area 44 is set to the same size as the enlarged frame 47, and the advertisement is displayed. A web page in which the number, arrangement, and size of the display areas 45a to 45c are changed is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal device 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, the advertisement display area 45c is deleted, and the arrangement and size of the advertisement display areas 45a and 45b are changed.

  Further, when the size of the frame line 47 indicating the display size for which the enlargement request is made is the frame line 47 ′ shown in FIG. 3B, the browser 22 similarly responds to the size of the frame line 47 ′. An enlargement request signal is transmitted to the moving image distribution apparatus 10 via the communication means 21.

  When the enlargement request is permitted by the moving image distribution device 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 3D, a frame in which the advertisement display areas 45a to 45c are deleted and the size of the moving image display area 44 is enlarged. A web page having the same size as the line 47 ′ is displayed on the display means 24 of the terminal device 20.

Thus, the browser 22 of the terminal device 20 ₁ to 20 _n acquires information of a web page containing an advertisement display area from the video distribution device 10 and the moving image display area, the display means a screen displaying the video and advertising 24. Then, the browser 22 can transmit an enlargement request for enlarging the size of the moving image display area to the moving image distribution apparatus 10, and when the enlargement request is permitted by the moving image distribution apparatus 10, the browser 22 The page can be displayed on the display means 24.

Regarding the moving image distribution system 1 configured as described above, first, the structure of the moving image distribution device 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the video distribution device 10 according to the present embodiment. In the following, when referring to any or all of the terminal apparatus 20 ₁ to 20 _n is a terminal device 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the moving image distribution device 10 includes a communication interface (I / F) 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

  The communication I / F 11 is an interface for enabling the moving picture distribution apparatus 10 to be connected to the terminal apparatus 20 via the network 30 and includes, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) adapter. When the network 30 is the Internet, the moving image distribution device 10 is connected to the network 30 via a router or the like.

  The storage unit 12 includes storage areas 12a to 12g. For example, a nonvolatile storage device (nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, etc.), a random accessible storage device (for example, SRAM (Static)) Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)).

  Information on a plurality of moving image contents is stored in the storage area 12a. This moving image content is content that is streamed from the moving image distribution device 10 to the terminal device 20 and displayed in the moving image display area of the web page, and includes electronic content such as movies and dramas, for example.

  Information on a plurality of advertisement contents is stored in the storage area 12b. This advertising content is content that is transmitted from the video distribution device 10 to the terminal device 20 and displayed in the advertisement display area of the web page, and includes, for example, still image advertising and electronic content of video advertising.

  Information of a plurality of types of HTML files is stored in the storage area 12c. This HTML file is transmitted from the moving image distribution device 10 to the terminal device 20 to form a web page.

  Plug-in software incorporated in the browser 22 is stored in the storage area 12d. For example, plug-in software for displaying moving image content and advertisement content on the terminal device 20, plug-in software for requesting the terminal device 20 to increase the size of the moving image display area, and the like are stored in the storage area 12d. The plug-in software is transmitted from the video distribution device 10 to the terminal device 20 and incorporated in the browser 22.

  Marketing information is stored in the storage area 12e. The marketing information includes, for example, questionnaire information, user profile information, and information on video viewing history by the user.

  A consideration table is stored in the storage area 12f. The consideration table is a table that defines the relationship between the size range of the moving image display area 44 and the consideration information, and is stored in the storage area 12f for each type of compensation information. For example, as a consideration table when the consideration information is information related to credit card payment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the table defines the relationship between the range of the size V of the moving image display area 44 and the charge.

  Although not shown, the consideration table in the case where the consideration information is information related to point settlement is a table that defines the relationship between the size V range of the moving image display area 44 and the subtraction points, for example. In this case, for example, the consideration table is defined so that the subtraction point increases stepwise as the size V of the moving image display area 44 increases.

  Although not shown, the consideration table in the case where the consideration information is information related to the questionnaire is, for example, a table that defines the relationship between the range of the size V of the moving image display area 44 and the contents of the questionnaire. In this case, for example, the consideration table is defined so that as the size V of the moving image display area 44 increases, the amount of questions (number of questionnaire items) increases, or the questionnaire is stepped in based on personal information. By changing the amount and quality of the information to be collected according to the size V of the moving image display area 44, information corresponding to the size V of the moving image display area 44 can be collected.

  In addition, the consideration table when the consideration information is information such as a moving image viewing history or a product purchase history is a table that defines the relationship between the range of the size V of the moving image display area 44 and the content of the purchase history, for example. . In this case, for example, as the size V of the moving image display area 44 is increased, the consideration table is defined so that the number of records, the period, and the like as the consideration information can be increased, or the history is stepped in based on personal information. By changing the amount and quality of the information to be collected according to the size V of the moving image display area 44, information corresponding to the size V of the moving image display area 44 can be collected.

  In the storage area 12g, information for each user who uses the video distribution service is stored as user information. Specifically, as user information, payment information, viewing history information, product purchase history information, profile information, point information, and the like are associated with the user ID and stored in the storage area 12g for each user.

  Here, the user information stored in the storage area 12g will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information stored in the storage area 12g, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display size.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the user information includes a user ID, a password, payment information, viewing history information, product purchase history information, profile information, and point information.

  The settlement information is information related to the settlement of the price in response to the size expansion request of the moving image display area 44, and includes whether the settlement has been made or not settled, the contents of the settlement, and the like. The contents of the settlement include information relating to the period and information relating to the moving image display size.

  For example, the information regarding the period includes a year unit, a month unit, a day unit, and a moving image unit. Moreover, the information regarding the moving image display size is information that defines the size of the moving image display area 44, and includes information on types 1 to 5 as shown in FIG.

  For example, for a user whose user ID is “1001”, the settlement of the image display size of type 3 with a fixed monthly amount is completed, and the valid period of the settlement is from January 1, 2011 to February 1, 2011. It shows that there is. Therefore, the user with the user ID “1001” can display the video display size V up to type 3 (≦ size Vc: see FIG. 7) from January 1, 2011 to February 1, 2011 without additional settlement. ) To view video content.

  In addition, regarding the user with the user ID “1002”, it is shown that the payment of the moving image display type 5 is completed for the moving image content “journey of Kyushu”. Therefore, the user with the user ID “1002” can view the moving image content “travel of Kyushu” with the moving image display size V up to type 5 (≦ size Ve: see FIG. 7) without additional payment.

  Further, it is shown that there is no settlement information for the user with the user ID “1003”. Therefore, the user with the user ID “1003” can only move the movie up to the type 1 video display size without additional settlement. The content cannot be viewed.

  The viewing history information is information indicating the history of the moving image content viewed by the user, and includes information for specifying the moving image content viewed by the user, information on viewing date and time, and the like. For example, FIG. 6 shows that the moving image content viewed by the user with the user ID “1001” includes “ΔΔ story” and “XX dream”. Note that the information for specifying the moving image content may be the ID of the moving image content instead of the name of the moving image content as shown in FIG.

  The merchandise purchase history information is a history of merchandise purchased by each user in a shopping server (not shown) for online shopping of various merchandise, and is information acquired from the shopping server. In addition, you may give the function of the shopping server which sells various goods to the moving image delivery apparatus 10. FIG.

  The profile information is information about each user of the terminal device 20, and as shown in FIG. 6, name, age, gender, occupation, work history, educational history, preference (for example, hobbies, favorite foods, favorite products, etc.), etc. Information is included. This profile information is acquired, for example, when the user of the terminal device 20 starts using the video distribution service.

  For example, when the terminal device 20 requests the moving image distribution device 10 to start using the moving image distribution service, the information on the profile information input page is transmitted from the moving image distribution device 10 to the terminal device 20. The user of the terminal device 20 operates the operation means 23 to input profile information on the profile information input page, and transmits the profile information to the moving image distribution device 10. Thereby, the user's profile information is acquired in the moving image distribution device 10 and stored in the storage area 12g in association with the user ID.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, each user information is defined in one table. However, a plurality of user IDs are associated with each of payment information, viewing history information, product purchase history information, profile information, and point information. These tables may be stored in the storage area 12g. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a user ID, payment information, viewing history information, product purchase history information, and profile information will be described as examples of user information, but other information may be included.

  The point information is, for example, information on points that are added according to the use of the moving image distribution service and are added according to the payment amount when a credit payment is made. In addition, the information of the point according to the purchase price of the goods in the shopping server which is not shown in figure may be sufficient.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the configuration of the moving image distribution device 10 will be described. The control unit 13 is a control unit that performs overall control of the video distribution device 10. The control unit 13 further includes transmission means 13a, reception means 13b, request reception means 13c, data acquisition means 13d, and collection means 13e.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the control unit 13, but the control unit 13 physically includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a flash memory, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). ). Then, the CPU reads out the moving image distribution program from the flash memory and executes it using the RAM as a work area, thereby functioning as the above-described means 13a to 13e.

  The transmission unit 13a transmits information to the terminal device 20 via the communication I / F 11. For example, the transmission unit 13 a transmits information on a web page including a moving image display area and an advertisement display area to the terminal device 20. Moreover, the transmission means 13a transmits the information of the web page for collecting the value information to the terminal device 20.

  The receiving unit 13b receives information from the terminal device 20 via the communication I / F 11. For example, the receiving unit 13b receives a file request signal for requesting transmission of an HTML file, a video request signal for requesting transmission of moving image content, an advertisement request signal for requesting transmission of advertising content, and an enlargement requesting enlargement of the moving image display size. A request signal or the like is received from the terminal device 20.

  The receiving unit 13b receives billing information, profile information, and the like transmitted from the terminal device 20, and receives product purchase information transmitted from a shopping server (not shown). The billing information is, for example, information related to credit payment or information related to point payment.

  Further, when there is a plug-in software transmission request from the terminal device 20, the reception unit 13b requests the data acquisition unit 13d to perform plug-in software transmission processing in response to the transmission request. Note that the terminal device 20 sends a plug-in software transmission request to the moving image distribution device 10 when the plug-in software is not incorporated in the browser 22.

  The request receiving unit 13c receives a file request signal, a moving image request signal, an advertisement request signal, an enlargement request signal, and the like received by the receiving unit 13b. For example, when receiving the video request signal, the request receiving unit 13c stores the video content information specified by the video request signal in the storage area 12g as viewing information in association with the user ID, and requests the video acquisition to the data acquisition unit 13d. Requests transmission processing of moving image content according to the signal.

  Further, when receiving the profile information from the terminal device 20, the request receiving unit 13c stores the profile information in the storage area 12g in association with the user ID.

  Further, when receiving the enlargement request signal, the request receiving unit 13c determines whether or not it is necessary to collect information on the price based on the user information stored in the storage area 12g. Specifically, the request accepting unit 13c refers to the payment information associated with the user ID of the user who has made the enlargement request signal, and whether or not the video display size requested by the enlargement request signal has already been settled. Determine whether.

  When it is determined that the requested moving image display size has already been settled, the request receiving unit 13c requests the data acquiring unit 13d to obtain the moving image display size according to the enlargement request signal. On the other hand, the request accepting unit 13c requests the collecting unit 13e to collect information on the price necessary for setting the moving image display size according to the enlargement request signal.

  The request accepting unit 13c functions as a changing unit that changes the size of the moving image display area 44 to a size according to the enlargement request when the necessary consideration is collected by the collecting unit 13e and the settlement processing is completed. Specifically, when the collection process or the like is completed by the collection unit 13e, the request reception unit 13c requests the data acquisition unit 13d to set the size of the moving image display area 44 according to the enlargement request.

  The data acquisition unit 13d causes the transmission unit 13a to transmit the web page information corresponding to the request from the request reception unit 13c to the terminal device 20. For example, when receiving a request corresponding to the file request signal from the request receiving unit 13c, the data acquiring unit 13d causes the terminal unit 20 to transmit the HTML file corresponding to the file request signal from the transmitting unit 13a.

  Further, when the data acquisition unit 13d receives a request according to the image request signal from the request reception unit 13c, the data acquisition unit 13d reads the image content corresponding to the image request signal from the storage area 12a and transmits the image content from the transmission unit 13a to the terminal device 20. . Further, when receiving the request according to the advertisement request signal from the request receiving means 13c, the data acquisition means 13d reads the advertisement content corresponding to the advertisement request signal from the storage area 12b and causes the transmission means 13a to transmit the advertisement content to the terminal device 20. .

  In addition, when the request receiving unit 13c requests the data acquisition unit 13d to set the size of the moving image display area 44 according to the enlargement request, the data acquisition unit 13d is an HTML in which the size of the moving image display region 44 becomes the size according to the enlargement request. The file is read from the storage area 12c and transmitted from the transmission means 13a to the terminal device 20.

  That is, HTML files having different sizes of the moving image display area 44 are stored in the storage area 12c, and the data acquisition unit 13d reads out the HTML file corresponding to the file request signal from the storage area 12c and transmits it from the transmission unit 13a. . Note that the data acquisition unit 13d may generate an HTML file corresponding to the file request signal by changing the description of the HTML file regarding the moving image display area 44, and transmit the HTML file from the transmission unit 13a.

  In addition, when there is a plug-in software transmission processing request from the request reception unit 13c, the data acquisition unit 13d reads out the plug-in software corresponding to the request from the storage area 12d and causes the transmission unit 13a to transmit the plug-in software to the terminal device 20.

  The collecting unit 13e collects information on the price necessary for setting the moving image display size according to the enlargement request based on the request from the request receiving unit 13c. The collection of consideration information is performed by a period selection page, a consideration selection page, a consideration information input page, or the like.

  Specifically, the collection unit 13e requests the data acquisition unit 13d to acquire an HTML file for generating a period selection page. In response to this request, the data acquisition unit 13d reads an HTML file for generating a period selection page from the storage area 12c and causes the transmission unit 13a to transmit the HTML file to the terminal device 20.

  Here, an example of the period selection page displayed on the terminal device 20 is shown in FIG. The period selection page 50 is a web page for allowing the user to input a period for applying the video display size requested to be enlarged. In this period selection page 50, as shown in FIG. 8, check boxes 50a to 50d for selecting only one year, one month, 24 hours, and the current video and a send button 50e are arranged. .

  The user of the terminal device 20 operates the operation means 23 to select any of the check boxes 50a to 50d and presses the transmission button 50e, whereby the information selected by the user is transmitted from the terminal device 20 and received. The information is input to the collecting means 13e via the means 13b.

  Next, the collection unit 13e requests the data acquisition unit 13d to acquire an HTML file for generating a consideration selection page corresponding to the selected information. In response to this request, the data acquisition unit 13d reads an HTML file for generating a consideration selection page from the storage area 12c and causes the transmission unit 13a to transmit the HTML file to the terminal device 20.

  An example of the consideration selection page is shown in FIG. The consideration selection page 51 is a web page for allowing the user to select the type of consideration. As shown in FIG. 9, the consideration selection page 51 includes check boxes 51a to 51d for selecting one of payment by credit card, payment by points, questionnaire input, and transmission permission of personal information, and a transmission button. 51e are arranged.

  The consideration selection page 51 shown in FIG. 9 is a web page that is displayed on the terminal device 20 when the user selects the check box 50d in the period selection page 50 shown in FIG. 8, and corresponds to the period selected by the user. Different price selection pages 51 are displayed on the terminal device 20. For example, when the user selects the check box 50a, only the check boxes 51a and 51b are displayed on the consideration selection page 51, and only payment by credit card or payment by points can be selected.

  The user of the terminal device 20 operates the operation means 23 to select any of the check boxes 51a to 51d and presses the transmission button 51e, whereby the information selected by the user is transmitted from the terminal device 20 and received. The information is input to the collecting means 13e via the means 13b.

  The collection unit 13e reads the consideration table (see FIG. 5) from the storage area 12f and, based on the information about the consideration corresponding to the enlargement request, displays a consideration information input page corresponding to the selected information to the data acquisition unit 13d. Requests acquisition of an HTML file for generation. In response to this request, the data acquisition unit 13d reads the HTML file for generating the consideration information input page from the storage area 12c and transmits the HTML file to the terminal device 20 from the transmission unit 13a.

  Here, an example of the consideration information input page is shown in FIG. The consideration information input page is a web page for allowing the user to input consideration information, and has different contents depending on the check boxes 51a to 51d selected on the consideration page shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of a consideration information input page displayed on the terminal device 20 when the user selects payment by credit card (when the check box 51a is selected). On the consideration information input page 52A, input boxes 53a to 53d and a transmission button 53e for inputting information on the card name, credit company, card number, and expiration date are arranged. In addition, information on the amount based on the consideration table is displayed.

  The user of the terminal device 20 operates the operation means 23 to input necessary information into these input boxes 53a to 53d, and then presses the send button 53e, thereby using the information input to the input boxes 53a to 53d. Certain credit information is transmitted from the terminal device 20 and input to the collecting means 13e via the receiving means 13b.

  The collection unit 13e reads a consideration table (see FIG. 5) relating to credit card settlement from the storage area 12f, and determines information on a charge corresponding to the expansion request. Then, the collecting unit 13e transmits the fee information corresponding to the expansion request and the credit information acquired from the terminal device 20 as the consideration information from the transmitting unit 13a to the payment server (not shown) of the credit company. When receiving the payment completion notification from the payment server of the credit company by the receiving means 13b, the collecting means 13e updates the corresponding payment information in the storage area 12e. In addition, the collection unit 13e requests the data acquisition unit 13d to transmit a web page with an enlarged moving image display area to the terminal device 20.

  For example, when the user with the user ID “1002” shown in FIG. 6 displays a web page displaying the video content “Kyushu no Journey” on the terminal device 20, an enlargement request is made to maximize the video display area. Suppose. Further, by the user's operation, the check box 50d of the period selection page shown in FIG. 8 is selected, the check box 51a of the consideration selection page 51 shown in FIG. 9 is selected, and the consideration information input page shown in FIG. Assume that credit information is acquired by 52A.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the collection unit 13e has the payment information corresponding to the user ID “1002” as “type 5” for information related to the moving image display size and “moving image unit” for information related to the period. Yes, the video content for payment is “Travel in Kyushu”.

  FIG. 10B shows an example of a consideration information input page displayed on the terminal device 20 when the user selects payment by points (when the check box 51b is selected). The consideration information input page 52B displays a selection button 54a for executing point subtraction and a selection button 54b for stopping point subtraction. In addition, information on the subtraction points based on the consideration table is displayed.

  The user of the terminal device 20 operates the operation means 23 and selects the selection button 54a when accepting the subtraction of points. When the selection button 54a is selected, information to that effect is transmitted from the terminal device 20 and input to the collection means 13e via the reception means 13b.

  When the collection means 13e collects information indicating the willingness to accept the subtraction of points as consideration information, the collection means 13e changes the point information stored in the storage area 12g from the point information corresponding to the user who made the enlargement request to the enlargement request. The settlement process is completed by subtracting the corresponding points.

  When the settlement process is completed, the collection unit 13e updates the corresponding settlement information in the storage area 12g, as in the case of credit settlement. Further, the collection unit 13e requests the data acquisition unit 13d to transmit a web page in which the moving image display area 44 is enlarged to the terminal device 20.

  FIG. 10C shows an example of a consideration information input page displayed on the terminal device 20 when the questionnaire input is selected (when the check box 51c is selected). On the consideration information input page 52C, questions for the user are listed in a questionnaire format. The consideration information input page 52C has questionnaire contents according to the size of the moving image display area 44 in response to the enlargement request.

  The user operates the operation means 23 to appropriately select the check boxes 55a, 55b,..., And presses the transmission button 56 when the selection is completed. As a result, questionnaire information (information on answers to questions) appropriately input to the input boxes 55a, 55b,... Is transmitted from the terminal device 20 and input to the collection means 13e via the reception means 13b.

  When collecting the questionnaire information as consideration information, the collecting means 13e stores the questionnaire information in the storage area 12e, and updates the corresponding payment information in the storage area 12g as in the case of credit payment. In addition, the collection unit 13e requests the data acquisition unit 13d to transmit a web page with an enlarged moving image display area to the terminal device 20.

  FIG. 10D shows an example of a consideration information input page displayed on the terminal device 20 when selection is made to permit transmission of personal information (when the check box 51d is selected). The consideration information input page 52D displays a selection button 57a for executing transmission of personal information and a selection button 57b for stopping transmission of personal information.

  In addition, the consideration information input page 52D can change the personal information to be transmitted according to the size of the moving image display area 44 according to the enlargement request. For example, personal information to be transmitted is only a video viewing history in type 2, only a product purchase history in type 3, only a user's profile in type 4, and a video viewing history and product purchase in type 5. It can be a history and a user profile.

  The user operates the operation means 23 to select the selection button 57a when accepting transmission of personal information. When the selection button 57a is selected, information to that effect is transmitted from the terminal device 20 and input to the collection means 13e via the reception means 13b.

  When collecting means 13e collects information indicating that the transmission of personal information has been accepted as compensation information, the collecting means 13e reads the marketing information stored in the storage area 12g and outputs it to a predetermined marketing server (not shown).

  Specifically, the collection unit 13e includes the viewing history information, the product purchase history information, and the profile information corresponding to the user who has requested enlargement among the viewing history information, the product purchase history information, and the profile information stored in the storage area 12g. Is transmitted from the transmission means 13a to a predetermined marketing server. In addition, when the analysis means which collects and analyzes marketing information in the moving image delivery apparatus 10 is provided, marketing information is output to this analysis means.

  When the marketing information output process is completed, the collection means 13e updates the corresponding settlement information in the storage area 12g, as in the case of credit settlement. Further, the collection unit 13e requests the data acquisition unit 13d to transmit a web page in which the moving image display area 44 is enlarged to the terminal device 20.

  Note that the above-described period selection page, consideration selection page, and consideration information input page are merely examples, and if information on consideration can be collected, a web page different from the above can be transmitted to the terminal device 20.

  A specific operation of the moving image distribution apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a processing procedure executed by the control unit 13 of the moving image distribution apparatus 10.

  This process is a process that is started when a predetermined request is received from the terminal device 20, and is executed (implemented) by a microcomputer (CPU) that constitutes the control unit 13 performing a process based on a program. In order to make the relationship with the functional blocks shown in FIG. 4 easy to understand, description will be made using the expression that each functional block is executed for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the moving image distribution apparatus 10, the request reception unit 13 c determines whether or not there is a login request from the terminal device 20 (step S <b> 10). The request receiving unit 13c determines that a login request has been made when a request signal including a user ID and a password is stored in the storage area 12g.

  In this process, if it is determined that there is a login request (step S10, Yes), the data acquisition unit 13d reads out the HTML file forming the TOP page of the video distribution service from the storage area 12c, and the transmission unit 13a The HTML file read by the data acquisition unit 13d is transmitted from the transmission unit 13a to the terminal device 20 that has transmitted the request signal (step S11). Note that a list of reproducible video content is displayed on the TOP page. The user of the terminal device 20 operates the operation means 23 to select moving image content that the user desires to view. Thereby, the moving image request signal is transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the moving image distribution device 10.

  Further, the request accepting unit 13c turns on a flag for logging in to the storage area 12g (hereinafter referred to as “login flag”). This flag is changed to OFF when there is a logoff request from the terminal device 20.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no login request (step S10, No), the request receiving unit 13c determines whether there is a file request from the terminal device 20 (step S12). The request receiving unit 13c determines that there is a file request when receiving a file request signal from a user whose login flag is on. In this process, if it is determined that there is a file request (step S12, Yes), the data acquisition unit 13d reads the HMTL file from the storage area 12c in response to the file request, and the transmission unit 13a is read by the data acquisition unit 13d. The read HTML file is transmitted to the terminal device 20 that made the file request (step S13).

  If it is determined in step S12 that there is no file request (step S12, No), the request receiving unit 13c determines whether an enlargement request is received from the terminal device 20 (step S14). The request receiving unit 13c determines that there is an enlargement request when receiving an enlargement request signal from a user whose login flag is on. In this process, if it is determined that an enlargement request has been made (step S14, Yes), the request receiving unit 13c determines whether or not settlement for the enlargement request has been completed (step S15).

  Specifically, the request accepting unit 13c reads the settlement information (see FIG. 6) of the user who made the enlargement request from the storage area 12g, and determines whether or not the settlement according to the request has been completed. For example, if there is an enlargement request from the user with the user ID “1001” shown in FIG. 6, if the enlargement request is up to type 3 (see FIG. 7), it is determined that the payment has been completed, while the enlargement request If it is type 4 or more, it is determined that payment has not been completed. Note that the period (February 1, 2011) has not elapsed. If there is an enlargement request from the user with the user ID “1003” shown in FIG. Further, if there is an enlargement request from the user with ID “1002” shown in FIG. 6, if the enlargement request is made when viewing the video content “Kyushu no Journey”, it is determined that the payment has been completed. If it is performed when viewing other contents, it is determined that the payment has not been completed.

  If it is determined in step S15 that payment for the enlargement request has not been completed (step S15, No), the collection unit 13e performs processing for collecting consideration information (step S16). When the consideration information is collected, the collection means 13e performs a settlement process (step S17). This settlement processing is performed, for example, by accessing the credit card company server and storing the settlement information in the storage area 12g when the consideration information relates to credit settlement. Further, for example, when the consideration information is questionnaire information, the questionnaire information is stored in the storage area 12e, and the settlement information is stored in the storage area 12g.

  When the settlement process is completed or when it is determined in step S15 that the settlement request has been settled (step S15, Yes), the data acquisition unit 13d stores the HTML file corresponding to the enlargement request in the storage area 12c. The transmission unit 13a transmits the HTML file read by the data acquisition unit 13d to the terminal device 20 (step S18).

  If it is determined in step S14 that there is no enlargement request (No in step S14), the request receiving unit 13c determines whether there is a moving image request (step S19). The request receiving unit 13c determines that a moving image request has been made when a moving image request signal is received from the terminal device 20 of the user whose login flag is on. In this process, if it is determined that there is a moving image request (step S19, Yes), the data acquisition unit 13d reads out the moving image content corresponding to the moving image request from the storage area 12b, and the transmission unit 13a transmits the data acquisition unit 13d. The moving image content read out by is transmitted to the terminal device 20 (step S20).

  If it is determined in step S19 that there is no moving image request (step S19, NO), the request receiving means 13c determines whether or not there is an advertisement request (step S21). The request receiving unit 13c determines that there is a moving image request when receiving an advertisement request signal from the terminal device 20 of the user whose login flag is on. In this process, if it is determined that an advertisement request has been made (step S21, Yes), the data acquisition unit 13d reads out the advertisement content corresponding to the advertisement request from the storage area 12b, and the transmission unit 13a receives the data acquisition unit 13d. The advertisement content read out by is transmitted to the terminal device 20 (step S22).

  If it is determined in step S21 that there is no advertisement request (No in step S21), the data acquisition unit 13d performs processing in response to the request (step S23). When the processes of steps S11, S13, S18, S20, S22, and S23 are completed, the control unit 13 ends the process illustrated in FIG.

[3. Other Embodiments]
In the above description, the moving image distribution apparatus 10 is configured from a single server, but may be configured from a plurality of servers. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the server may be divided into a portal server 101, a moving image distribution server 102, an advertisement distribution server 103, a customer management server 104, and the like. In this case, the processing flow is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Here, the flow shown in FIG. 13 will be briefly described. A request from the terminal device 20 is accepted by the portal server 101 (step S101). The portal server 101 confirms whether the user is registered in the customer management server 104 (step S102). If the user is registered, the portal server 101 transmits a TOP page to the terminal device 20 (step S103). A list of moving image contents is posted on the TOP page, and when a moving image content is selected by the user of the terminal device 20, a request for the moving image page is transmitted from the terminal device 20 (step S104). In response to this request, the portal server 101 transmits an HTML file corresponding to the request to the terminal device 20 (step S105).

  The terminal device 20 requests the moving image content from the moving image distribution server 102 based on the received HTML file (step S106). When the video distribution server 102 confirms whether or not the user has a license with the customer management server 104 (step S107), and determines that the video content can be distributed, the video distribution server 102 transmits the video content requested by the terminal device 20 to the terminal device 20. (Step S108). Further, the terminal device 20 requests advertisement content from the advertisement distribution server 103 based on the received HTML file (step S109). The advertisement distribution server transmits the advertisement content requested from the terminal device 20 to the terminal device 20 (step S110).

  Thereafter, when the user of the terminal device 20 performs an enlargement request operation, the enlargement request is made from the terminal device 20 to the portal server 101 (step S111). In response to this enlargement request, the portal server 101 inquires of the customer management server 104 whether or not the settlement has been completed (step S112). If the payment has been completed, the process proceeds to step S116 without collecting consideration information or performing payment processing. On the other hand, if the payment has not been completed, the portal server 101 requests the consideration information from the terminal device 20 (step S113), and transmits the consideration information from the terminal device 20 (step S114).

  For example, in the case of credit settlement, the portal server 101 accesses the settlement server 105 to perform settlement processing. When the settlement ends, the portal server 101 updates the user settlement information managed by the customer management server 104 (step S115). When the settlement process ends, the portal server 101 transmits an HTML file corresponding to the enlargement request to the terminal device 20 (step S116). The terminal device 20 requests the moving image content from the moving image distribution server 102 based on the HTML file corresponding to the enlargement request (step S117).

  In response to this request, the video distribution server 102 confirms whether or not the user's license exists in the customer management server 104 (step S118), and determines that the video content can be distributed, the video content requested from the terminal device 20 Is transmitted to the terminal device 20 (step S119). Thereby, the user can view the moving image content according to the enlargement request. The user management server 104 and the like manage user profiles, video histories, product purchase histories, and the like.

  In the above description, the size of the moving image display area 44 is changed in the HTML file. However, any method may be used as long as the size of the moving image display area 44 can be changed. For example, the size of the moving image display area 44 can be changed by plug-in software of the browser 22, and the size of the moving image display area 44 is changed by controlling the plug-in software from the moving image distribution device 10. Also good. For example, a command signal for changing the size of the video display area 44 is transmitted from the video distribution device 10, and plug-in software incorporated in the browser 22 changes the size of the video display area 44 based on the command signal. Also good.

  Further, in the above description, based on the HTML file corresponding to the enlargement request, the moving image content with the resolution increased according to the enlargement of the size of the moving image display area 44 may be displayed. Further, the size of the moving image display area 44 may be increased by increasing the resolution of the moving image content.

  In the above description, the web page has been described as an example of information transmitted from the moving image distribution device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, any information on the display page that can display the moving image content and the advertisement content on the terminal device 20 may be used. For example, the information can be displayed by dedicated viewer software. In this case, for example, dedicated viewer software can be transmitted from the video distribution device 10 to the terminal device 20, and the dedicated viewer software can be operated on the terminal device 20.

  In the above description, the enlargement request is made according to the size of the frame line 47. However, a slide bar is arranged on the web page 43, and the enlargement request is made according to the operation amount to the slide bar. May be. Note that the size of the moving image display area 44 can be adjusted in a unit of pixel in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, for example, so that the moving image content can be viewed in a size desired by the user.

  In the above description, the size to be enlarged is selected according to the operation amount to the operation means 23, but the selection of the size to be enlarged is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a plurality of selection buttons 59 a to 59 c for selecting a moving image display size may be arranged on the web page 43 transmitted from the moving image distribution device 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the size of the moving image display area 44 is the smallest “small size”, and the user of the terminal device 20 operates the operation unit 23 to select the selection buttons 59b and 59c. The size of the moving image display area 44 can be enlarged.

  For example, when the selection button 59b is selected, an enlargement request signal including the selection information is transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the moving image distribution device 10. When the enlargement request is permitted in the moving image distribution device 10, the moving image display area 44 is in the middle “sized” state in the terminal device 20. Note that the number of selection buttons is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.

  Further, when more detailed advertisement content can be browsed by selecting the advertisement content displayed in the advertisement display area of the display page, the user can further select as user information stored in the storage area 12g. You may make it add the information of the browsed advertisement content to the storage area 12g by the request receiving means 13c.

  And by making the browsing information of this advertising content into consideration information, marketing information can be made more useful. In addition, since the size of the video display area 44 displaying the video content when the advertisement content is selected is also used as the user information, what kind of advertisement content is often selected in any video display area 44. You can figure out what you are doing.

  In the above description, when the payment process based on the consideration information is completed, the video display area 44 of the web page 43 displayed on the terminal device 20 is expanded. The display area 44 may be enlarged. For example, when receiving an enlargement request from the terminal device 20, the request accepting unit 13 c enlarges the moving image display area 44 by transmitting an HTML file corresponding to the enlargement request to the terminal device 20.

  Thereafter, when it is determined that the collection means 13e cannot collect the payment or the settlement process, the HTML file before expanding the moving image display area 44 is transmitted to the terminal device 20 so that the moving image display area 44 is in a state before the expansion or Set to the maximum size that has been settled. In this way, for a certain period of time until the settlement process is completed, the video is distributed in a size according to the request, and if the settlement process is not completed, it is reduced to the maximum size that has been settled. Thus, the moving image content can be viewed in the expanded moving image display area 44.

  Further, the size of the moving image display area 44 can be freely changed to a size that has already been settled, and when the size becomes larger, it may be selected whether or not an enlargement request is made. In this case, when accepting the enlargement request from the terminal device 20, the request accepting unit 13c determines whether or not the settlement according to the enlargement request has been completed based on the settlement information stored in the storage area 12g. If not, the HTML file forming the web page 43 that displays the selection button for whether or not to enlarge the moving image display area 44 to the size that has been settled and to make an enlargement request is transmitted. Then, when the selection button is subsequently pressed, the moving image distribution device 10 collects information on the price from the terminal device 20.

  Further, when the payment has been completed, the web page 43 in which the moving image display area 44 of the size that has been settled is always displayed may be displayed on the terminal device 20. In this case, each time the user of the terminal device 20 requests the distribution of the moving image content, the request receiving unit 13c confirms the payment information of the user, and the web page 43 in which the moving image display area 44 having a size corresponding to the payment information is arranged. Is transmitted to the terminal device 20.

  In the above, on the consideration selection page, it was decided to select one of payment by credit card, payment by points, questionnaire input and permission to send personal information. The check box 51b for selecting payment with points may not be displayed.

  In addition, the type of consideration can be changed according to the moving image content. For example, a fee is charged for certain moving image contents, and a fee is calculated based on questionnaire information for other moving image contents. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to collect more desirable consideration. For example, when there is advertisement content to be displayed in conjunction with display of a certain video content, and the advertiser of this advertisement content desires questionnaire information rather than money, only the questionnaire information is paid.

  In addition, the type of consideration can be changed according to the type of moving image content (for example, by genre such as a movie, drama, gourmet, sports, etc.) or the time period during which the moving image content is provided.

  In the above description, the example of providing the advertisement display area on the display page has been mainly described. However, it is only necessary to collect information on a request for enlargement of the video display size and expand the video display area. It is not always necessary to provide an advertisement display area.

  As described above, some of the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and various embodiments can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art including the aspects described in the section of the disclosure of the invention. The present invention can be implemented in other forms that have been modified or improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Movie distribution system 10 Movie distribution apparatus 12 Memory | storage part 13 Control part 13a Transmission means 13b Reception means 13c Request reception means 13d Data acquisition means 13e Collection means 20 (201-20n) Terminal device 21 Communication means 22 Browser 23 Operation means 24 Display means

Claims (12)

In a video distribution device that transmits information of a display page including a video display area to a terminal device,
Transmitting means for transmitting information of a display page including a moving image display area to the terminal device;
Accepting means for accepting a request for enlargement of the video display size from the terminal device;
A collecting means for collecting information on a price for the expansion request;
Changing means for changing the size of the moving picture display area to a size according to the enlargement request. The display page is
Including the ad display area,
The changing means is
The video distribution device according to claim 1, wherein when the video display size is enlarged, the size or number of the advertisement display areas is changed according to the enlarged video display size. The changing means is
The moving image distribution device according to claim 2, wherein when the size of the moving image display area corresponding to the enlargement request is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the advertisement display area is deleted from the display page. The expansion request is
The moving image distribution apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising information on a moving image display size defined according to an operation amount by an operation unit of the terminal device. The transmission means includes
Transmitting information on the display page having a plurality of selection buttons for selecting the video display size;
The expansion request is
The moving image distribution apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising information on a selection button selected by a user of the terminal apparatus. The consideration information is
Including billing information,
The transmission means includes
6. A display page including a moving image display area in which a moving image display size is enlarged in response to the enlargement request is transmitted to the terminal device when a settlement process based on the billing information is completed. The moving image distribution device according to any one of the above. The consideration information is
It includes at least one of questionnaire information input to a user of the terminal device, profile information of the user, and information of viewing history of the moving image by the user. The moving image distribution device according to item. Storage means for storing settlement information according to the information of the value collected by the collection means;
The collecting means includes
7. When the enlargement request is accepted by the accepting means, it is determined whether or not to collect the consideration information based on the settlement information stored in the storage means. The moving image distribution device according to any one of the above. The collecting means includes
The moving image distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein pieces of information of different prices are collected according to a size of the moving image display area. In a video distribution program for causing a computer to execute processing for transmitting information of a display page including a video display area to a terminal device,
Send information of the display page including the video display area to the terminal device,
Accepting a video display size enlargement request from the terminal device,
Gather information on compensation for the expansion request,
A moving image distribution program causing the computer to execute a process of changing the size of the moving image display area to a size corresponding to the enlargement request. In a moving image distribution method for controlling a computer and transmitting information of a display page including a moving image display area to a terminal device,
A procedure for transmitting information of a display page including a moving image display area to the terminal device;
A procedure for accepting a request for enlargement of the video display size from the terminal device;
A procedure for collecting compensation information for the expansion request;
And a procedure for changing the size of the moving image display area to a size corresponding to the enlargement request. In a video distribution system that transmits information of a display page including a terminal device and a video display area to the terminal device,
The video distribution device
Means for transmitting information of a display page including a moving image display area to the terminal device;
Means for accepting a request for enlargement of the video display size from the terminal device;
Means for collecting compensation information for the expansion request;
Means for changing the size of the video display area to a size according to the enlargement request,
The terminal device
Means for transmitting the enlargement request to the video distribution device;
Means for transmitting compensation information for the expansion request;
Means for receiving information on the display page from the video distribution device;
A moving image distribution system comprising: means for displaying the display page.

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