JP7623312B2 - Online viewing support system, online viewing support device, and online viewing support program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an online viewing support system, an online viewing support device, and an online viewing support program.

In recent years, with the development of information processing technology, a variety of products and services are now being provided online via networks.

For example, when considering purchasing a house, it was common for a prospective buyer to visit a property to view it (also called a viewing or tour) on-site or in a model room to view the property in person. However, in recent years, influenced by various changes in the social environment, technology has been proposed to enable viewings to be conducted online (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6865992

However, with online viewing technologies such as those described in the above patent documents, although it is possible to view images of the property, it is not possible to view the property together with a representative, receive guidance and explanations about the property from the representative, or ask various questions or consult with the representative, as in traditional viewings. This means that it is difficult for potential buyers to obtain the information, satisfaction, and peace of mind necessary to make the big decision to purchase a home. In addition, there is no system for efficiently arranging the date and making reservations for online viewings, and issuing and sending access information to the system, which results in a large workload for representatives and users before the online viewing can be held.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an online viewing support system, an online viewing support device, and an online viewing support program that can provide prospective buyers with the same information, satisfaction, and peace of mind as a traditional on-site viewing, while reducing the workload of the person in charge and the user in charge of hosting an online viewing.

The above objectives will be achieved by the following means:

The online viewing support system is a system for supporting the implementation of an online viewing in which a user in a remote location views a property online, and includes a user terminal, an acquisition unit, a provision unit, and an output unit. The user terminal is a terminal used by a user participating in the online viewing. The acquisition unit is held by a guide of the property and captures and acquires images of a desired range. This acquisition unit is a photography terminal equipped with a camera, and the photography terminal is held by the guide and fixed to a holding member having multiple rotatable shafts to change and fix the direction or attitude of the camera. The holding member has a gripping part that the guide can easily hold with one hand, a fixing part for fixing the photography terminal by clamping or engaging it, and an arm part for connecting the gripping part and the fixing part, and the arm part has multiple rotatable shafts. The provision unit provides information about the property based on the instructions of the guide. This provision unit is a terminal different from the photography terminal, and is an information provision terminal that is used to provide information including materials about the property based on the instructions of the guide in the online viewing, and can be carried and operated by the guide. The output unit outputs the image acquired by the acquisition unit and the information provided by the provision unit so as to be visualized on the user terminal. The output unit outputs the image acquired by the acquisition unit and the image showing the information provided by the provision unit so as to be switched or at least partially superimposed on each other and displayed on the user terminal. The acquisition unit acquires a video of a desired range in real time, and the output unit outputs the video acquired by the acquisition unit together with the information provided by the provision unit so as to be visualized as live streaming video on the user terminal, and the output unit outputs a predetermined location shown in the live streaming video and a location corresponding to the predetermined location on a drawing of the property, which is the information provided by the provision unit, so as to be displayed in association with each other.
The online viewing support system is a system for supporting the implementation of online viewings in which users in remote locations view a property online, and includes a user terminal, an acquisition unit, a provision unit, and an output unit. The user terminal is a terminal used by a user participating in the online viewing. The acquisition unit acquires in real time video held by the property guide and capturing a desired range. The provision unit provides information about the property based on instructions from the guide. The output unit outputs the video acquired by the acquisition unit together with the information provided by the provision unit so that it is visualized as live streaming video on the user terminal. This output unit outputs a specific location shown in the live streaming video and a location corresponding to the specific location in a drawing of the property, which is information provided by the provision unit, so that they are displayed in association with each other.

The online viewing support device is applied to a system for supporting the implementation of online viewings in which a user in a remote location views a property online, and has an acquisition unit, a provision unit, and an output unit . The acquisition unit acquires in real time video of the property taken by a property guide. The provision unit provides information about the property based on instructions from the property guide. The output unit outputs the video acquired by the acquisition unit together with the information provided by the provision unit so that it is visualized as live streaming video on a user terminal used by the user. This output unit outputs a specific location shown in the live streaming video and a location corresponding to the specific location in a drawing of the property, which is information provided by the provision unit, so that they are displayed in association with each other.

The online viewing support program is configured to cause the information processing device to function as the above-mentioned online viewing support device.

The online viewing support system of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that captures and acquires images of a desired range that are held by the property guide, a provision unit that provides information about the property based on the guide's instructions, an output unit that can output the images acquired by the acquisition unit and the information provided by the provision unit so that they are visualized on a user's terminal, a registration unit that accepts registration of candidate dates and times for online viewing from the guide, a reception unit that transmits information indicating the candidate dates and times accepted by the registration unit to the user's terminal and accepts a reservation for the online viewing by accepting a user's selection from among the candidate dates and times, and a notification unit that sends a notification to the guide and the user so that the online viewing will begin on the date and time accepted by the reception unit. This reduces the workload of the guide and the user in preparing for the online viewing, while providing potential buyers with the same information, satisfaction, and peace of mind as a traditional viewing conducted by visiting the property in person.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an online preview support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photographing terminal shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the photographing terminal illustrated in FIG. 1 is fixed to a holding member; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information providing terminal shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an administrator terminal shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server. 2 is a sequence chart showing a procedure of a reservation process executed in the online preview support system shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation reception screen displayed on a user terminal in the processing of step S101 in FIG. 9 . FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation reception screen displayed on a user terminal in the processing of step S101 in FIG. 9 . 2 is a sequence chart showing the procedure of an online preview process executed in the online preview support system shown in FIG. 1 .

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that in the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings have been exaggerated for the convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual ratios.

[Embodiment]
<Configuration of the online viewing support system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an online preview support system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the online viewing support system has multiple user terminals (referred to as user terminals 100a, 100b, etc., and collectively referred to as "user terminal 100" when not distinguished from one another), a photography terminal 200, an information provision terminal 300, a server 400, and an administrator terminal 500, and each component is configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network.

The user terminal 100 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet PC, notebook PC, desktop PC, or various wearable devices that is used by each user to reserve an online viewing or participate in an online viewing.

The imaging terminal 200 is used by a property guide during an online viewing to capture and acquire images of a desired range, such as the property and the surrounding environment. The imaging terminal 200 is, for example, a camera, a smartphone with a camera, a tablet PC, or various wearable devices. The images (video) captured by the imaging terminal 200 are transmitted in real time to a server 400, etc., and distributed in real time to the user terminal 100 as live streaming video. The imaging terminal 200 functions as an acquisition unit.

The information providing terminal 300 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet PC, or various wearable devices that is used to provide various information such as materials related to a property based on the instructions of the person in charge of guiding the property during online viewing. The information providing terminal 300 functions as a providing unit.

Server 400 is provided by a business operator (hereinafter also referred to as the "service provider") that manages and operates the online viewing support system and service, and is a server that registers, manages, transmits and receives various information. Server 400 constitutes an online viewing support device.

The administrator terminal 500 is an information terminal used by an administrator who manages the online viewing support system and services. The administrator terminal 500 connects to the server 400 and executes processes for various settings and management of the online viewing support system based on the administrator's instructions.

Each component is explained in detail below.

<User terminal 100>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 100 has a control unit 110, a memory unit 120, a communication unit 130, an operation display unit 140, an image capture unit 150, and an audio input/output unit 160. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

The control unit 110 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the above-mentioned components and performs various calculation processes according to a program.

The storage unit 120 stores various programs and data in advance as a read-only memory (ROM), and temporarily stores programs and data as a working area as a random access memory (RAM), as well as various programs and data.

The communication unit 130 is configured to communicate with other terminals, devices, etc. via a network. The communication unit 130 transmits and receives various information to and from the server 400, for example.

The operation display unit 140 is configured to display various information and accept input from the user, and is configured, for example, by a touch panel display. The operation display unit 140 may be configured by a combination of a liquid crystal display, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

The image capturing unit 150 is a camera that is sensitive to visible light. The image capturing unit 150 is used to capture images of the user during online viewing.

The audio input/output unit 160 is composed of a microphone or audio input terminal for inputting audio, and a speaker or audio output terminal for outputting audio.

<Photographing terminal 200>
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photographing terminal Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the photographing terminal is fixed to a holding member.

As shown in FIG. 3, the photographing terminal 200 has a control unit 210, a memory unit 220, a communication unit 230, an operation display unit 240, a photographing unit 250, and an audio input/output unit 260. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. Note that each component of the control unit 210, the memory unit 220, the communication unit 230, the operation display unit 240, the photographing unit 250, and the audio input/output unit 260 has the same functions as the control unit 110, the memory unit 120, the communication unit 130, the operation display unit 140, the photographing unit 150, and the audio input/output unit 160 of the user terminal 100, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the photographing terminal 200 is fixed to a holding member 20 held by a guide. The holding member 20 has a gripping part 21 that can be easily held by the guide in one hand, a fixing part 22 for fixing the photographing terminal 200 by clamping or engaging, and an arm part 23 for connecting the gripping part 21 and the fixing part 22. The arm part 23 is provided with a plurality of rotatable shafts 24 for changing and fixing the orientation or posture of the photographing terminal 200 or the photographing part 250 (camera) provided in the photographing terminal 200.

This allows the guide to use a general-purpose imaging device such as a smartphone with one hand to easily and reliably capture images of the desired range, such as the appearance of the property or the guide giving an explanation. As a result, for example, the guide can simultaneously operate the information providing terminal 300 with the other hand to provide materials to the user in a timely manner. Alternatively, the guide can easily open doors, drawers, etc. in the property with the other hand to smoothly capture the area the user wishes to view, allowing the online viewing to proceed while reducing stress for the user.

<Information providing terminal 300>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information providing terminal shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the information providing terminal 300 has a control unit 310, a memory unit 320, a communication unit 330, and an operation display unit 340. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. Note that each component of the control unit 310, memory unit 320, communication unit 330, and operation display unit 340 has the same functions as the control unit 110, memory unit 120, communication unit 130, and operation display unit 140 of the user terminal 100, so duplicate explanations will be omitted.

Based on the instructions of the person in charge of guiding the property during the online viewing, the information providing terminal 300 obtains various information such as property introduction materials, drawings, specifications, price, surrounding information, and materials containing information on other properties and comparative information from the memory unit 320 or an external server connected via a network, and transmits it to the server 400 for viewing by the user.

The information providing terminal 300 and the photographing terminal 200 may be realized in any form as long as the information can be provided by the guide and the property or the guide himself/herself can be photographed simultaneously and smoothly. For example, the information providing terminal 300 and the photographing terminal 200 may be realized by the same terminal.

<Server 400>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the server 400 has a control unit 410, a memory unit 420, and a communication unit 430. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the components of the control unit 410, the memory unit 420, and the communication unit 430 each have the same functions as the control unit 110, the memory unit 120, and the communication unit 130 of the user terminal 100, so duplicate explanations will be omitted.

The memory unit 420 stores various programs and information for causing the server 400 to function as an online viewing support device. The functions of the server 400 will be described in detail later.

<Administrator Terminal 500>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the administrator terminal shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the administrator terminal 500 has a control unit 510, a memory unit 520, a communication unit 530, and an operation display unit 540. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. Note that each component of the control unit 510, memory unit 520, communication unit 530, and operation display unit 540 has the same functions as the control unit 110, memory unit 120, communication unit 130, and operation display unit 140 of the user terminal 100, so duplicate explanations will be omitted.

<Functions of Server 400>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 410 of the server 400 functions as an acquisition unit 411, a provision unit 412, an output unit 413, a registration unit 414, a reception unit 415, and a notification unit 416 by loading a program and executing processing.

The acquisition unit 411 receives and acquires information indicating images captured by the photography terminal 200 held by the person showing the property via the communication unit 430.

The provision unit 412 provides information such as materials sent from the information provision terminal 300 based on instructions from the guide.

The output unit 413 outputs the image acquired by the acquisition unit 411 and the information provided by the provision unit 412 so that they are visualized on the user terminal 100 and can be viewed by the user using the user terminal 100.

The output unit 413 may also output the image acquired by the acquisition unit 411 and an image showing the information provided by the provision unit 412 so that they are superimposed and displayed on the user terminal 100.

The output unit 413 may also output an image acquired by the acquisition unit 411 and an image showing the information provided by the provision unit 412 so that they are switched and displayed on the user terminal 100.

The registration unit 414 accepts registration of potential dates and times when online viewing is available from the tour guide.

The reception unit 415 transmits information indicating the candidate dates and times received by the registration unit 414 to the user terminal 100, and accepts a reservation for an online viewing by accepting a user's selection from among the candidate dates and times.

The reception unit 415 may also transmit information indicating the candidate dates and times so that the candidate dates and times are displayed in a calendar format on the user terminal 100.

The reception unit 415 may also receive input from the user of viewer information regarding multiple users who wish to view the property online.

The reception unit 415 may further receive from the user input of resident information regarding the user who plans to move into the property that is the subject of online viewing. The resident information includes information regarding at least one of the family structure, number of people, height, weight, and age of the user who plans to move into the property.

The reception unit 415 may also receive input from the user of installation information regarding items to be installed in the property that is the subject of the online viewing.

The notification unit 416 sends a notification to the guide and the user so that the online viewing will begin on the date and time when the reservation is accepted by the acceptance unit 415.

In addition, when the reception unit 415 receives viewer information regarding multiple users who wish to view the property online, the notification unit 416 may notify the multiple users of information regarding reservations for the online viewing and access information for participating in the online viewing.

In addition, when the resident information is accepted by the acceptance unit 415, the notification unit 416 may notify the guide of the contents of the resident information.

When resident information is accepted by the acceptance unit 415, the output unit 413 may generate a resident image corresponding to the user who plans to move in based on the resident information, and output the generated resident image by superimposing it on the image of the property acquired by the acquisition unit 411. Since the resident information includes information regarding at least one of the family structure, number of people, height, weight, and age of the user who plans to move in, the output unit 413 can generate different resident images depending on the content of the resident information.

The output unit 413 may also generate a three-dimensional avatar image of the user who plans to move in as the resident image.

In addition, when the receiving unit 415 receives installation information regarding an item to be installed in a property that is the subject of an online viewing, the output unit 413 may generate an installation image corresponding to the item and output the generated installation image by superimposing it on the image of the property acquired by the acquisition unit 411.

Each component of the online viewing support system may include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the components described above.

<Outline of processing in the online viewing support system>
<Reservation processing>
Fig. 9 is a sequence chart showing the procedure of reservation processing executed in the online preview support system shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of a reservation reception screen displayed on a user terminal in the processing of step S101 in Fig. 9. The processing shown in the sequence chart in Fig. 9 is stored as a program in the storage of each component, and is executed by the control unit of each component controlling each component.

As shown in FIG. 9, the information providing terminal 300 used by the tour guide accepts registration of candidate dates and times when the target property can be viewed online from the tour guide (step S301), and transmits the accepted candidate date and time information to the server 400 (step S302). Note that the acceptance process of step S301 and the transmission process to the server 400 may be performed by a configuration other than the information providing terminal 300, and may be performed, for example, by the photography terminal 200 or the manager terminal 500 based on instructions from the tour guide or manager.

The server 400 receives the candidate date and time information sent from the information providing terminal 300 and registers it in the database of the memory unit 420 (step S401), and sends the candidate date and time information to the user terminal 100a of the user who wishes to view the property online (step S402).

The user terminal 100a displays the candidate date and time information sent from the server 400 on the operation display unit 140 and accepts a reservation for an online viewing by accepting a user's selection from among the candidate dates and times (step S101).

For example, the user terminal 100a displays candidate dates and times on a calendar-like screen as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In the screen of FIG. 10, dates that include time periods registered as candidate dates and times for online viewings over a period of approximately one month are circled. This allows users to get a rough idea of candidate dates and times on a date-by-date basis over a certain period of time, and allows them to quickly and easily compare and adjust their own schedule and the schedules of other people wishing to view the property. For example, when a specific date is selected on the screen of FIG. 10, the screen of FIG. 11, which shows more details, is displayed.

In the screen of FIG. 11, the dates and time slots registered as candidate dates and times for online viewings over a period of several days are displayed in gray. The user can reserve an online viewing for a desired time slot by selecting it from the gray candidate dates and times. The length of time for one online viewing may be preset according to the convenience of the tour guide or administrator. In this case, the user can simply select a frame (slot) indicating the start time or time slot on the screen of FIG. 11, for example, and a time slot of a predetermined length set as the time for online viewing is automatically selected. This allows the tour guide to set the necessary and sufficient time to show the property around, and also saves the user the trouble of setting the start and end times.

Next, the user terminal 100a accepts input of viewer information from the user regarding users who wish to view the target property online (step S102). The viewer information includes the name of the user who will participate in the online viewing, an email address for sending access information to participate in the online viewing, contact information such as an SNS account, etc. For example, if there are multiple users who wish to view the property online, or if they are located at multiple locations, the user terminal 100a accepts input of viewer information for each of the multiple users.

In this embodiment, an example is described in which a user has previously notified a guide or the like that he or she wishes to view the property online, and the user's contact information is registered in server 400, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a user may find information about a property that is available for online viewing in an advertisement on a website, and select a menu such as "Apply for online viewing," thereby reserving the online viewing. For example, user terminal 100a is guided to access server 400 by a redirect process or the like, obtains candidate date and time information registered in server 400, and executes the processes from step S101 onwards. In this case, user terminal 100a can also accept registration of information about the user himself or herself as viewer information in the process of step S102.

Next, the user terminal 100a accepts from the user an input of resident information about the user who plans to move into the target property (step S103). The resident information includes, for example, information about the family composition, number of people, height, weight, age, etc. of the user who plans to move in. The resident information may include any information related to the resident that may affect the consideration and selection of a residence, such as information about pets, the resident's occupation and place of work, whether or not they have a personal car, anticipated future events, changes in family composition, etc.

The user terminal 100a then accepts input of installation information from the user regarding items to be installed in the target property (step S104). The installation information includes, for example, information on furniture to be installed, items to be used for work or hobbies, items that need to be installed for pets, etc. The installation information is not limited to the above examples, and may include any information regarding items to be installed that may affect the consideration and selection of a residence.

The user terminal 100a then transmits the various information input in steps S101 to S104 to the server 400 (step S105).

The server 400 receives various information sent from the user terminal 100a and registers it in the memory unit 420 (step S403).

The server 400 transmits to the user terminal 100a the reservation information regarding the online viewing reservation registered in the processing of step S403, and the access information for participating in the online viewing (step S404). The reservation information includes, for example, information about the target property, information about the reservation date and time (time zone), information about the participating users, etc. The access information includes connection information such as a URL for participating in the online viewing, contact information for the guide, etc.

The user terminal 100a registers the reservation information sent from the server 400 in the memory unit 120 and displays it on the operation display unit 140 (step S106).

In addition, the server 400 transmits reservation information regarding the reservation for the online preview and access information for participating in the online preview to the user terminals 100b, etc. used by other preview viewers based on the preview viewer information registered in the processing of step S403 (step S405).

The user terminal 100b etc. registers the reservation information sent from the server 400 in the memory unit 120 and displays it on the operation display unit 140 (step S107).

The server 400 also transmits the resident information and installation information registered in the processing of step S403 together with the reservation information and visitor information to the photographing terminal 200 and the information providing terminal 300 (step S406).

The photographing terminal 200 and the information providing terminal 300 register the various information transmitted from the server 400 in a storage unit and output it to a display or the like (steps S201, S303). For example, the photographing terminal 200 may automatically start photographing at the start time of the online viewing based on the registered reservation information. Also, the information providing terminal 300 may output an alarm at the start time of the online viewing based on the registered reservation information to remind the guide that the online viewing is about to begin.

<Online preview processing>
Fig. 12 is a sequence chart showing the procedure of online preview processing executed in the online preview support system shown in Fig. 1. The processing shown in the sequence chart of Fig. 12 is stored as a program in the storage of each component, and is executed by the CPU of each component controlling each unit.

As shown in FIG. 12, each of the components, user terminal 100a, user terminal 100b, photographing terminal 200, information providing terminal 300, and server 400, establishes a communication session for online viewing using access information for online viewing issued in the reservation process. In addition to server 400, an external server may be used to enable online transmission and reception of image information and audio information between each terminal.

Based on the instructions of the guide, the photography terminal 200 captures images of the property that the user wishes to view and an image of the guide himself/herself providing an explanation about the property (step S211), and transmits the captured images to the server 400 (step S212). The photography terminal 200 immediately and continuously transmits the captured images to the server 400 while the online viewing is taking place. Furthermore, based on the instructions of the guide, the photography terminal 200 acquires audio information indicating the guide's voice by the audio input/output unit 260, and transmits this to each user terminal 100 via the server 400.

Based on the instructions of the guide, the information providing terminal 300 acquires property information such as drawings and documents related to the property to explain to the user from the memory unit 320 or a server connected via a network (step S311), and transmits the acquired property information to the server 400 (step S312).

The transmission of captured image information by the photographing terminal 200 and the transmission of property document information by the information providing terminal 300 are performed in any order or at any timing based on the instructions of the tour guide, and for example, both may be performed simultaneously.

The server 400 receives the captured image information sent from the photographing terminal 200 and the property document information sent from the information providing terminal 300, and outputs a preview image to be sent to and output on the user terminals 100a, 100b, etc. (step S411).

For example, the server 400 processes the photographed image information and the property document information to output a preview image so that the photographed image acquired by the photographing terminal 200 and the property document provided by the information providing terminal 300 are switched and displayed on the user terminals 100a, 100b, etc. Alternatively, the server 400 processes the photographed image information and the property document information to output a preview image so that the photographed image acquired by the photographing terminal 200 and the property document provided by the information providing terminal 300 are at least partially superimposed on each other and displayed on the user terminals 100a, 100b, etc. The server 400 may also output a predetermined location shown in the photographed image and a location corresponding to the predetermined location in the drawing of the property shown by the property document information so that they are displayed in correspondence with each other. For example, when a certain room is shown in the photographed image, the room is displayed in correspondence with the drawing by being highlighted by coloring or superimposing a figure. The above process may be executed by, for example, the server 400 determining the position and orientation of the photographing terminal 200 from the output of various sensors provided in the photographing terminal 200, and identifying the corresponding location in a drawing in which the position and orientation are registered in advance. Alternatively, the server 400 may execute the process by receiving an instruction from a guide.

Furthermore, based on the resident information registered in the memory unit 420, the server 400 generates resident images corresponding to the users who plan to move in, and outputs them superimposed on the captured image or preview image (step S412). The server 400 generates resident images with different numbers, sizes, shapes, arrangements, etc., based on information on the family structure, number of people, height, weight, age, etc., of the users who plan to move in, which is included in the resident information. The server 400 may generate, as the resident images, two-dimensional images corresponding to the users who plan to move in. Alternatively, the server 400 may generate three-dimensional avatar images that represent the image of a person corresponding to the users who plan to move in as a three-dimensional image.

The server 400 also generates an installation image corresponding to the items to be installed in the target property based on the installation information registered in the storage unit 420, and outputs it by superimposing it on the photographed image or the preview image (step S413). For example, if the types of items such as a table, sofa, television, refrigerator, etc. and the dimensions of each item such as length, width, height, etc. are registered as the installation information, the server 400 can generate the installation image by enlarging or reducing a sample image prepared in advance for each type of item according to the dimensions of each item.

Next, the server 400 transmits information indicating the preview images generated and processed in steps S411 to S413 to the user terminals 100a, 100b, etc. (steps S414, S415).

The user terminals 100a, 100b, etc. output preview images based on the preview image information transmitted from the server 400 (steps S111, S112).

Furthermore, based on the user's instructions, the user terminals 100a, 100b, etc. capture images of the user themselves using the imaging unit 150 to obtain image information, and capture audio information indicating the user's voice using the audio input/output unit 160, and transmit the various types of information obtained to the guide's imaging terminal 200 or information providing terminal 300 via the server 400. This allows the guide to easily check the situation, state, reaction, etc. of each user in real time, enabling smooth two-way communication.

As described above, the online viewing support system of this embodiment has an acquisition unit that is held by the person in charge of guiding the property and captures and acquires images of a desired range, and a provision unit that provides information about the property based on the instructions of the person in charge of guiding. The online viewing support system also has an output unit that allows the images acquired by the acquisition unit and the information provided by the provision unit to be visualized on a user terminal. Furthermore, the online viewing support system has a registration unit that accepts registration of candidate dates and times available for online viewing from the person in charge of guiding, a reception unit that transmits information indicating the registered candidate dates and times to the user terminal and accepts a user's selection from among the candidate dates and times to accept a reservation for online viewing, and a notification unit that sends a notification to the person in charge of guiding and the user so that the online viewing will start on the date and time accepted by the reception unit. The online viewing support system configured in this way reduces the workload of the person in charge and the user in preparing for the online viewing, while easily providing the necessary information during the online viewing along with live streaming of the video captured by the person in charge of guiding in real time. Therefore, even in online viewings where users in remote locations participate via a network, it is possible to provide potential buyers with the same or even greater information, satisfaction, and peace of mind as in traditional on-site viewings.

The server 400 also transmits information indicating the candidate dates and times so that the candidate dates and times are displayed in a calendar format on the user's terminal. This allows the user to immediately grasp the candidate dates and times and easily compare and adjust them with their own schedule and the schedules of other people wishing to view the property, allowing the user to smoothly decide on the date and time of the online viewing.

The photography terminal 200 is held by the guide and is fixed to a holding member having multiple rotatable axes to change and fix the camera's orientation or position. This allows the guide to use a general-purpose photography terminal such as a smartphone to stably take images of the desired range, such as the appearance of the property and the guide giving an explanation. This allows the online viewing to proceed smoothly with as little stress as possible for the user.

The holding member 20 has a gripping section 21 that the guide can easily hold with one hand, a fixing section 22 for fixing the image capturing terminal 200 by clamping or engaging it, and an arm section 23 for connecting the gripping section 21 and the fixing section 22, and the arm section 23 has a plurality of rotatable shafts 24 that can change and fix the orientation or posture of the image capturing terminal 200. This allows the guide to easily and stably take images of the desired range, such as the appearance of the property or the appearance of the guide explaining, with one hand using a general-purpose image capturing terminal such as a smartphone. As a result, for example, the guide can simultaneously operate the information providing terminal 300 with the other hand and provide materials to the user in a timely manner. Alternatively, the guide can easily open doors, drawers, etc. provided in the property with the other hand and smoothly take images of the places the user wants to view, and can smoothly provide the user with the images he or she wants to see and the information he or she wants to know, effectively progressing with the online viewing.

The server 400 also accepts input of viewer information from the user regarding multiple users who wish to view the property online, and notifies the multiple users of information regarding reservations for the online viewing and access information for participating in the online viewing based on the accepted viewer information. This allows multiple users located at multiple different locations to easily participate in the online viewing, and as a result, for example, even when a family member living with the user is located far away for work or other reasons, the family can view the property together, making it possible to easily schedule the viewing while achieving an effective viewing that is highly satisfying for the user's family as well.

Server 400 also accepts from the user input of resident information about users who plan to move into the property. This allows, for example, the tour guide to view the input information and thus understand information about the property's resident beforehand, leading to an effective and efficient online tour.

In addition, the server 400 notifies the tour guide of the received resident information. This allows the tour guide to easily grasp information about the property's resident in advance, and to approach the online tour after considering in advance the points that the user considers important and the points that may be decisive in selecting a property. For example, based on the resident information, the tour guide can research and prepare in advance the information that the user wants to know, such as considering effective use of the property's layout according to the family composition, researching the surrounding environment such as schools, cram schools, extracurricular activities, parks, supermarkets, and parking lots according to the presence or absence of children and their age composition, and researching commuting means and routes according to the resident's occupation and workplace, and can conduct an effective online tour.

Furthermore, the server 400 generates a resident image corresponding to the user who is planning to move in based on the received resident information, and outputs the resident image superimposed on the image of the property acquired by the acquisition unit. This causes the image of the person corresponding to the user to be superimposed on the live streaming video of the property that is being shot in real time. Therefore, the user can easily get an image of himself/herself being present at the location or when he/she is actually living in the property, realizing an effective online viewing with a sense of realism.

The resident information also includes information on at least one of the family structure, number of people, height, weight, and age of the user who plans to move in, and the server 400 generates different resident images depending on the content of the resident information. As a result, a person image according to the user's family structure, number of people, height, weight, age, etc. is superimposed on the live streaming video of the property that is being shot in real time. Therefore, a user who participates in an online viewing can easily make detailed considerations necessary to select an appropriate property, such as whether the living room or dining room is spacious enough for the family to gather together, whether the ceilings and entrances of the rooms are high enough considering the user's height, and whether there are any inconveniences in the daily life flow considering the body type expected from the user's height and weight. As a result, the user can be given information, satisfaction, and peace of mind that are equivalent to or greater than those of a traditional viewing conducted in person at the site.

The resident image generated by server 400 is a three-dimensional avatar image of the user who is planning to move in, generated based on the resident information. This allows the three-dimensional avatar image generated for the user to be superimposed on the live streaming video of the property that is being shot in real time. This allows the user to more clearly and realistically imagine themselves being there, or as if they were actually living in the property, resulting in a more effective viewing experience.

The server 400 also receives input of installation information from the user regarding items to be installed in the property, generates an installation image corresponding to the item based on the received installation information, and outputs the installation image superimposed on the image of the property acquired by the acquisition unit. As a result, images corresponding to items such as furniture and home appliances that the user plans to install are superimposed on the live streaming video of the property being shot in real time. Therefore, the user can easily get an idea of the sufficiency of installation space when installing large furniture such as a dining table, sofa, or bed, or large home appliances such as a television or refrigerator in the property, whether there will be a sense of oppression, and the lifestyle route. As a result, the user can be given information, satisfaction, and peace of mind that are similar to or greater than those provided by a traditional viewing conducted in person at the site.

The server 400 also outputs the image acquired by the acquisition unit and the image showing the information provided by the provision unit so that they are switched and displayed on the user terminal. As a result, the user terminal switches between live streaming video of the property being shot in real time and explanatory materials and the like relating to the property. Therefore, the guide can freely switch between the images and information that the user wants to view as needed and display them on the user terminal, allowing for a smooth online viewing that accurately reflects the guide's intentions.

The server 400 also outputs the image acquired by the acquisition unit and the image showing the information provided by the provision unit so that they are superimposed and displayed on the user terminal. As a result, the user terminal displays a live streaming video of the property being shot in real time and explanatory materials and the like relating to the property superimposed on each other. Therefore, the user can view necessary information such as the property's blueprints and specifications while watching the actual video of the property, thereby achieving a more effective viewing experience.

The server 400 also outputs a predetermined location shown in the image acquired by the acquisition unit and a corresponding location on the property drawing, which is the information provided by the provision unit, in such a manner that they are displayed in association with each other. This allows, for example, the user to instantly understand which part of the drawing corresponds to the live-streamed video of the property being shot in real time, making it possible to effectively and efficiently conduct an online viewing.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, but may be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

For example, the user terminal 100, the photographing terminal 200, the information providing terminal 300, the server 400, and the administrator terminal 500 may each be configured with multiple devices, or may each be configured with a single device.

Furthermore, the functions of each component may be realized by other components. For example, each function of the server 400 may be realized by the photographing terminal 200 or the information providing terminal 300, or may be realized by another server. Alternatively, some of the functions of the photographing terminal 200 may be realized by the information providing terminal 300.

The processing units in the sequence chart in the above embodiment are divided according to the main processing content in order to make each process easier to understand. The method of classifying the processing steps does not limit the present invention. Each process can be further divided into more processing steps. Also, one processing step may execute even more processes.

The means and methods for performing various processes in the system according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The above-mentioned programs may be provided, for example, by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the programs recorded on the computer-readable recording medium are usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The above-mentioned programs may also be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the device as one function of the system.

100 user terminals,
110 control unit,
120 memory unit,
130 Communication department,
140 Operation display unit,
150 photography department,
160 Audio input/output unit,
200 photography terminal,
210 control unit,
220 memory unit,
230 Communication department,
240 Operation display unit,
250 photography department,
260 Audio input/output unit,
20 holding member,
21 gripping portion,
22 fixed portion,
23 arm portion,
24 axes,
300 information providing terminal,
310 control unit,
320 memory unit,
330 Communication department,
340 Operation display unit,
400 servers,
410 control unit,
411 Acquisition unit,
412 Provision Department,
413 output unit,
414 Registration Department,
415 Reception department,
416 Notification section,
420 memory unit,
430 Communication department,
500 Administrator terminal,
510 control unit,
520 memory unit,
530 Communication department,
540 Operation display unit.

Claims (17)

A system for supporting an online viewing of a property by a user in a remote location, comprising:
a user terminal used by the user;
an acquisition unit that is held by a person in charge of guiding the property and that captures and acquires an image of a desired range;
a providing unit that provides information about the property based on an instruction from the tour guide;
an output unit capable of outputting the image acquired by the acquisition unit and the information provided by the provision unit so as to be visualized on the user terminal;
having
the acquisition unit is an image capturing terminal equipped with a camera, the image capturing terminal being held by the guide and fixed to a holding member having a plurality of rotatable shafts for changing and fixing the direction or attitude of the camera;
the holding member has a gripping portion that can be easily held by the guide with one hand, a fixing portion for fixing the photographing terminal by clamping or engaging with it, and an arm portion for connecting the gripping portion and the fixing portion, the arm portion having the plurality of rotatable shafts;
the providing unit is a terminal different from the photographing terminal, is used for providing information including materials related to the property based on an instruction from the tour guide during the online viewing, and is an information providing terminal that can be carried and operated by the tour guide;
The output unit outputs the image acquired by the acquisition unit and the image showing the information provided by the provision unit so that the image and the image are switched or at least partially superimposed on each other and displayed on the user terminal ;
The acquisition unit acquires an image of a desired range in real time,
The output unit outputs the video acquired by the acquisition unit together with the information provided by the provision unit so as to be visualized as a live streaming video on the user terminal;
Furthermore, the output unit outputs a specific location shown in the live streaming video so that the specific location corresponds to a location on a drawing of the property, which is the information provided by the providing unit, and the output unit is displayed in a manner that corresponds to the specific location . A system for supporting an online viewing of a property by a user in a remote location, comprising:
a user terminal used by the user;
an acquisition unit that acquires in real time an image of a desired range that is held by a person in charge of guiding the property;
a providing unit that provides information about the property based on an instruction from the tour guide;
an output unit capable of outputting the video acquired by the acquisition unit together with the information provided by the provision unit so as to be visualized as a live streaming video on the user terminal;
having
The output unit outputs a specific location shown in the live streaming video so that the specific location corresponds to a location on a drawing of the property, which is information provided by the providing unit, in a manner that the location is displayed in correspondence with the specific location. The online viewing support system according to claim 2 , wherein the output unit outputs the live streaming video and an image showing the information provided by the providing unit so that they are superimposed and displayed on the user terminal. The online viewing support system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the acquisition unit is a photographing terminal equipped with a camera, the photographing terminal being held by the guide and fixed to a holding member having multiple rotatable axes for changing and fixing the direction or attitude of the camera . The holding member has a gripping portion that can be easily held by the guide in one hand, a fixing portion for fixing the photography terminal by clamping or engaging it, and an arm portion for connecting the gripping portion and the fixing portion, and the arm portion has the multiple rotatable axes.The online viewing support system described in claim 4 . a registration unit that accepts registration of candidate dates and times when the online preview is available from the tour guide;
a reception unit that transmits information indicating the candidate dates and times accepted by the registration unit to the user terminal and accepts a reservation for the online preview by accepting a selection by the user from among the candidate dates and times;
a notification unit that notifies the tour guide and the user so that the online preview will start on the date and time when the reservation is accepted by the acceptance unit;
The online preview support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising: The online preview support system according to claim 6 , wherein the reception unit transmits information indicating the candidate dates and times so that the candidate dates and times are displayed in a calendar format on the user terminal. The reception unit receives input of viewer information regarding a plurality of users who wish to view the property online from the user,
The online viewing support system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the notification unit notifies the multiple users of information regarding reservations for the online viewing and access information for participating in the online viewing based on the viewer information accepted by the reception unit. The online viewing support system according to claim 6 , wherein the reception unit further receives, from the user, input of resident information relating to the user who plans to move into the property. The online viewing support system according to claim 9 , wherein the notification unit further notifies the tour guide of the resident information received by the reception unit. The online viewing support system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the output unit generates a resident image corresponding to the user who plans to move in based on the resident information accepted by the reception unit, and outputs the resident image by superimposing it on the image of the property acquired by the acquisition unit. The resident information includes information regarding at least one of the family structure, number of people, height, weight, and age of the user who plans to live in the home,
The online viewing support system according to claim 11 , wherein the output unit generates different resident images depending on the content of the resident information. The online viewing support system according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the resident image generated by the output unit is a three-dimensional avatar image of the user who plans to move in, generated based on the resident information. The reception unit further receives, from the user, input of installation information regarding an item to be installed in the property;
An online viewing support system as described in any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the output unit generates an installation image corresponding to the item based on the installation information accepted by the acceptance unit, and outputs the installation image by superimposing it on the image of the property acquired by the acquisition unit . An online viewing support device that is applied to a system for supporting an online viewing of a property by a user in a remote location, comprising:
an acquisition unit that acquires in real time an image of the property taken by a person in charge of guiding the property;
a providing unit that provides information about the property based on an instruction from the tour guide;
an output unit capable of outputting the video acquired by the acquisition unit together with the information provided by the provision unit so as to be visualized as a live streaming video on a user terminal used by the user;
having
The output unit of the online viewing support device outputs a specific location shown in the live streaming video so that the specific location and a corresponding location in a drawing of the property, which is the information provided by the providing unit, are displayed in correspondence with each other. a registration unit that accepts registration of candidate dates and times when the online preview is available from the tour guide;
a reception unit that transmits information indicating the candidate dates and times received by the registration unit to the user terminal and receives a selection by the user from among the candidate dates and times, thereby receiving a reservation for the online preview;
a notification unit that notifies the tour guide and the user so that the online preview will start on the date and time when the reservation is accepted by the acceptance unit;
The online preview support device according to claim 15 , further comprising: An online preview support program for causing an information processing device to function as the online preview support device according to claim 15 or 16 .