Authorship determination method, computer and computer program product

Abstract

The present invention enables to prove the authorship of an artwork. The authorship determination method based on the present invention is for determining the authorship of an artwork using a computer, wherein the computer calculates a hash value of first pre-integrated data, i.e. a first hash value, the first pre-integrated data being pre-integrated data of the artwork. The computer generates a first creation certificate containing the first hash value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method, computer, and program for determining author identity. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, authentication certificates were generally used to prove the authorship of artworks. Patent Document 1 discloses a specific method for using authentication certificates to prove the authenticity of artworks and crafts.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6894033 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, when the artwork being authenticated is digitally created through pen input or other means (hereinafter referred to as "artwork"), it is impossible to fully prove the author's identity using traditional authentication certificates because they can be copied in any number of times. In contrast, in recent years, the possibility of creating NFTs (non-fungible tokens) for authentication certificates has been considered. However, malicious actors can sometimes also create NFTs in the same way.

[0008] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method, computer, and program for determining the authorship of an artwork.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] The author identification method of the present invention is used to determine the author identity of an artwork using a computer, wherein the computer calculates the hash value of the first pre-integration data, i.e., the first hash value, the first pre-integration data being the pre-integration data of the artwork, and the computer generates a first creation certificate containing the first hash value.

[0011] The computer of the present invention includes a processor and is used to determine the authorship of an artwork, wherein the processor calculates a hash value of the artwork's pre-integration data and generates a creation certificate containing the hash value.

[0012] The program of the present invention is used to enable a computer to perform processing to verify the authorship of an artwork, wherein the program enables the computer to perform the following steps: calculating a hash value of the artwork's unintegrated data; and generating a creation certificate containing the hash value.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to prove the authorship of a work of art. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the author identification system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware structure of the creation verification system 3, user terminals 4a and 4b, the work submission platform 5, and the license management platform 6.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the initial screen of the application displayed on the user terminal 4a.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an image representing the login screen displayed immediately after the Creator Proof mode is activated.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an image representing the project release completion screen that appears after a new project has been released.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram representing the state of the canvas 15, indicating the middle stage of the artist's artwork creation process.

[0021] Figure 7 It means accepting Figure 6 After pressing the "Request Creation Certificate" button to send a creation certificate request, the image depicts the download screen displayed by the application.

[0022] Figure 8 It means in Figure 7 After the watermarked raster data in the download screen has been downloaded, a diagram depicting the creation certificate screen displayed by the application is created.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an example of a creation certificate generated by the Creation Certificate Processing Department 7.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram of the canvas 15, representing a further stage in the creation of an artist's artwork.

[0025] Figure 11 It means accepting Figure 10 After pressing the "Request Creation Certificate" button to send a creation certificate request, the image depicts the download screen displayed by the application.

[0026] Figure 12 It means in Figure 11 Once the watermarked raster data in the download screen has been downloaded, a graph depicting the screen displayed by the application is generated.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a diagram of the canvas 15, representing a further stage in the creation of an artist's artwork.

[0028] Figure 14 It means accepting Figure 13 After pressing the "Creation Complete" button and sending a creation verification request, the image depicts the download screen shown by the application.

[0029] Figure 15 It means in Figure 14 Once the watermarked raster data in the download screen has been downloaded, a graph depicting the screen displayed by the application is generated.

[0030] Figure 16 Indicates in Figure 15 After the creation certificate is downloaded, the application displays the entry screen for bibliographic information.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a flowchart showing the process from the initiation of the Creation Proof mode to the release of a new project.

[0032] Figure 18 It is a flowchart representing the process from the start (or continuation) of creation to the issuance of the creation certificate.

[0033] Figure 19 It is a flowchart representing the process from the start (or continuation) of creation to the issuance of the creation certificate.

[0034] Figure 20 It is a flowchart representing the process from the completion of creation to the recording of the documented item.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed to enable artists to submit their artwork to public websites.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed to enable artists to submit their artwork to public websites.

[0037] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the additional processing used when the author's identity is verified by examining the watermarked raster data and creation certificate of the previous generation of artwork from the perspective of the completed artwork.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the additional processing used when the author's identity is verified by examining the watermarked raster data and creation certificate of the previous generation of artwork from the perspective of the completed artwork.

[0039] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes related to licensing the use of artwork.

[0040] Figure 26 This is an example of a license certificate generated by the Creation Certificate Processing Department 7.

[0041] Figure 27 This indicates the project release completion screen that will be displayed after the new project has been released.

[0042] Figure 28 It means the user pressed... Figure 27 The image shows the screen state after the "Import" menu is displayed.

[0043] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing a confirmation screen displayed by the application after the user confirms that they have a license.

[0044] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating the process used to verify whether a user of an artwork has a license to use the artwork in question.

[0045] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the process used to verify whether a user of an artwork has a license to use the artwork in question.

[0046] Figure 32 This is a diagram representing an example of a list of data components before integration.

[0047] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in the author identity verification system 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention, from the start of creation, to its continuation, completion, and finally to the issuance of the creation certificate.

[0048] Figure 34 It means in Figure 28 The flowchart shows the process performed in the author identification system 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention when the user of the artwork selects watermark-free raster data in the file selection screen 30.

[0049] Figure 35 This diagram illustrates an example of a creative certificate generated by the creative certificate processing unit 7 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 36 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in the author authentication system 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention in order to enable artists to submit their artworks to public websites.

[0051] Figure 37This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in the author identity verification system 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, from the start of creation, to its continuation, completion, and finally to the issuance of the creation certificate.

[0052] Figure 38 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in the author authentication system 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention in order to enable artists to submit their artworks to public websites.

[0053] Figure 39 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in the author identity verification system 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, from the start of creation, to its continuation, completion, and finally to the issuance of the creation certificate.

[0054] Figure 40 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in the author authentication system 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention in order to enable artists to submit their artworks to public websites. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the author verification system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the diagram, the author verification system 1 has a structure in which the creation verification system 3, user terminals 4a and 4b, the work submission platform 5, and the license management platform 6 are interconnected via a network 2.

[0057] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware structure of the creation verification system 3, user terminals 4a and 4b, the submission platform 5, and the license management platform 6. The creation verification system 3, user terminals 4a and 4b, the submission platform 5, and the license management platform 6 can each be constructed from a computer 1000 with the structure shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the creation verification system 3, the submission platform 5, and the license management platform 6 can also be constructed from a combination of multiple computers 1000.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the computer 1000 has a structure in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a storage device 1002, an input device 1003, an output device 1004, and a communication device 1005 are interconnected via a bus 1006.

[0059] CPU 1001 is a device (processor) that controls the various parts of computer 1000 and reads and executes various programs stored in storage device 1002. (See below for further details.) Figures 3-32The various processes described are implemented by executing programs stored in storage device 1002 through the CPU 1001 of the creation certification system 3, user terminals 4a and 4b, work submission platform 5, and license management platform 6.

[0060] Storage device 1002 includes main storage devices such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and auxiliary storage devices such as hard disks, serving to store the operating system of computer 1000, various programs used to execute various applications, and the data used by these programs. The metadata storage database 8, described later, is installed in storage device 1002 of creation verification system 3.

[0061] The input device 1003 is a device that accepts user input operations and provides them to the CPU 1001, and may be configured to include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch detection device. The touch detection device is a device that includes a touch sensor and a touch controller, used to detect pen input or touch input. Figure 1 The pen P shown is an electronic pen used for pen input to the touch detection devices of user terminals 4a and 4b. Pen input of pen P is achieved, for example, through active electrostatic or electromagnetic induction.

[0062] Output device 1004 is a device that outputs the processing results of CPU 1001 to the user, and may be configured to include, for example, a display and a speaker. Communication device 1005 is a device for communicating with external devices, and transmits and receives data according to the instructions of CPU 1001. Creation verification system 3, user terminals 4a and 4b, work submission platform 5, and license management platform 6 respectively use communication device 1005 to communicate with other devices, systems, networks, etc.

[0063] return Figure 1 User terminals 4a and 4b are computers used by artists for creating artworks, requesting proof of creation, submitting artworks to public websites, and applying for licenses to use artworks. Figure 1 Only two user terminals, 4a and 4b, are shown, but in reality, multiple user terminals can connect to network 2. The specific hardware for user terminals 4a and 4b can be any computer, such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.

[0064] User terminals 4a and 4b are configured to execute a drawing application for creating artwork using pen P. However, artwork can also be created using other drawing applications.

[0065] A typical drawing application is configured such that after inputting artwork (hereinafter referred to as "partial artwork") for each layer, it performs a rasterization process to integrate the data from each part into a single artwork, thereby generating image data as the final artwork. Hereinafter, the data consisting of the collection of multiple partial artworks before integration will be referred to as "pre-synthesized data," and the image data obtained through rasterization will be referred to as "raster data." There are no particular limitations on the specific formats of the pre-synthesized data and the raster data. Raster data formats can include BMP, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.

[0066] Creation Credential Data System 3 is a computer system that issues Creation Credential Data upon request from artists to verify their authorship of artworks. Figure 1 As shown, the system comprises a creative verification processing unit 7 and a metadata storage database 8. After registering as a user in the creative verification system 3, the artist utilizes the creative verification system 3 through user terminals 4a and 4b.

[0067] The Creation Verification Processing Unit 7 is a functional unit that performs the following processes: issuing a creation certificate for an artwork in response to a request for proof of creation received from user terminal 4a; verifying the author's identity for a submitted artwork received from the artwork submission platform 5; issuing an Artwork License Credential Data based on an application for use of an artwork received from the license management platform 6; and verifying the license for an artwork received from user terminal 4b. The Creation Verification Processing Unit 7 also generates items related to the creation of the artwork and embeds a watermark representing the item's ID into the raster data. The artwork submitted by the artist to the artwork submission platform 5 and the artwork used by the user who received the license thus become raster data with embedded watermarks.

[0068] Metadata storage database 8 is a database used to store various data (metadata) associated with the above-mentioned items. Examples of metadata include bibliographical information about artworks (title, artist name, etc.), various timestamps, certificates of creation, licenses, etc.

[0069] Artwork Submission Platform 5 is a computer system with the following functions: accepting artwork submissions from artists and uploading the submitted artworks to a public website. Artwork Submission Platform 5 works in conjunction with Creation Verification System 3, accepting submissions only after confirming that the submitter is the creator (author) of the artwork. Submissions will not be accepted if verification is not possible; therefore, submissions from individuals other than artists are prohibited.

[0070] The license management platform 6 is a computer with the following functions: accepting license applications from users who wish to use artworks, collaborating with the creation verification system 3 to issue license certificates, and executing the issuance of license certificates based on verification of the artist.

[0071] Figures 3-8 and Figures 10-15 These are diagrams showing the screen of the drawing application displayed on the user terminal 4a. The following explanation, referring to these diagrams, details the process from the creation of the artwork to the issuance of the creation certificate.

[0072] First, refer to Figure 3 The basic structure of the screen displayed by the drawing application is explained. The drawing application is configured with a tab bar 10, a command bar 11, a color palette area 12, and a canvas window 13. The tab bar 10 is an area with a list of tabs such as "File" and "Edit". If each tab is pressed (specifically, clicked or tapped), a menu window 14 as shown in the figure is displayed. Figure 3 The menu window 14 shown in the figures below is the menu window 14 that appears when the "File" tab is pressed. The menu window 14 contains menus for activating the various functions of the application being described. When the user presses a menu item, the corresponding function is activated.

[0073] Command bar 11 is an area configured with icons for activating various functions of the drawing application. When the user presses an icon, the corresponding function is activated. Palette area 12 is an area for configuring various settings for the drawing application, and is configured to allow for the configuration of multiple palettes. Examples of settings in the palette include the line width or color of the line drawn by pen P, the display magnification within canvas window 13, etc. Canvas window 13 is a canvas 15 configured for the user to draw using pen P, etc. (see reference). Figure 6 ) area, and is the constituting Figure 4 The areas of various user interface screens as shown in the image.

[0074] Figure 3The diagram shows the initial screen that appears immediately after the drawing application is launched. As shown in the diagram, the menu window 14 that appears when the "File" tab is pressed in the initial screen of the drawing application is configured with a menu "Start Creation Proof Mode" for activating the Creation Proof Mode. When the artist presses this menu, the drawing application activates the Creation Proof Mode. The Creation Proof Mode is a mode that issues a creation certificate, which proves that the drawing on canvas 15 made by the artist during the period of entering this mode is the artist's creation.

[0075] Figure 4 The login screen is shown immediately after the Creation Verification Mode is activated. This login screen is for artists to log in to the Creation Verification System 3, and as shown in the figure, it is configured with text boxes 20 and 21, a login button 22, and a registration button 23. Text box 20 is for entering the artist's user ID in the Creation Verification System 3. Text box 21 is for entering the password corresponding to the user ID. When the user presses the login button 22 after entering the user ID and password in text boxes 20 and 21, the prescribed login process is performed between the drawing application and the Creation Verification Processing Unit 7 of the Creation Verification System 3. If the login is successful, the drawing application enters the Creation Verification Mode. If the login fails, the drawing application returns to the state before activating the Creation Verification Mode (normal mode). The registration button 23 is used to initiate the user registration process for the Creation Verification System 3 if the artist has not yet registered with the Creation Verification System 3.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the menu window 14 displayed when the "File" tab is pressed on the login screen is configured with a "Publish New Project" menu for publishing new projects. When a successfully logged-in artist presses this menu, a new project publication instruction is sent from the drawing application to the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7. Upon receiving this instruction, the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7 generates a new project's DID (Decentralized Identifier) ​​document and registers it in the distributed file system. The DID, containing its hash value (an address within the distributed file system), is recorded in the blockchain, thus publishing the new project. This publication of projects is specific to each artwork and serves to uniformly manage various information related to the corresponding artwork (creation certificates, licenses, artwork cataloging information, etc.). The DID recorded in the blockchain is subsequently used as a project ID to identify the project.

[0077] Here, DID is a distributed ID used in self-sovereign identity, permanently recorded in the blockchain network 7. Self-sovereign identity is a structure that allows an entity to maintain and control its own identity (referred to as "ID") without the intervention of a governing body, thereby solving various problems associated with centralized ID management; it is generally referred to as SSI (Self-Sofvereign Identity). In this embodiment, the creation certificate and license certificate used can be a verifiable certificate (VC) used as the certificate in the SSI.

[0078] Figure 5 This is the project release completion screen displayed after a new project has been published. The project generation date and time, and the artist name shown in this image are data stored as project metadata in the metadata storage database 8 by the Creation Certificate Processing Department 7. The project generation date and time is a timestamp indicating the date and time the project's publication is complete, and the artist name can be entered by the artist on this screen.

[0079] When the project is released, such as Figure 5 As shown, the menu "Start Creating" for beginning creation is displayed in menu window 14. When the artist presses this menu, the drawing application displays canvas 15 in canvas window 13 (see reference). Figure 6 The artist uses a pen (P) or similar tool to draw on the canvas (15), thereby creating the artwork.

[0080] Figure 6 This represents the state of canvas 15, indicating a stage in the creation of an artist's artwork. When canvas 15 is displayed in the Creation Proof mode, the drawing application displays a menu "Request Creation Proof" for requesting creation proof and a "Creation Completed" option within menu window 14. Here, when the artist presses "Request Creation Proof," a creation proof request is sent from the drawing application to the creation proof processing unit 7. This creation proof request includes the pre-integration data and raster data for this stage.

[0081] Figure 7 Indicates that upon receiving Figure 6 After the "Request Creation Certificate" button is pressed and a creation certificate request is sent, the download screen displayed by the application is shown. As shown in the figure, the download screen displays the project ID, download button 25, "Project File A", the file name of the file downloaded by pressing download button 25 "Artwork A.png", a description for the user, and a thumbnail of the raster data sent through the creation certificate request.

[0082] Here, the project file is a file generated by the Creation Certificate Processing Department 7 for each creation certificate. It is used to uniformly manage the generated creation certificate and various data related to that creation certificate. The symbol "A" at the end of the project file indicates the generation order of the project files generated in that project, increasing sequentially as the number of project files increases, such as "B" and "C". The "A" in "Artwork A.png" is also assigned the same meaning.

[0083] As shown in the explanatory statement within the image, the creation verification processing unit 7, upon receiving the creation verification request, embeds an invisible watermark linked to the author's identity verification into the raster data within the creation verification request. Specifically, this is configured to convert the item ID into a watermark and embed it into the raster data. The specific method of watermarking and embedding into the raster data is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-002130, it is acceptable to use a method that uses a QR code representing the item ID as a watermark and embeds it into one of the three color channels constituting the raster data using singular value decomposition.

[0084] exist Figure 7 In the download screen, when the artist presses the download button 25, the artwork "A.png" as watermarked raster data is downloaded to the user terminal 4a. The artist pre-stores this downloaded watermarked raster data as submission data when submitting the artwork to the artwork submission platform 5. Alternatively, it is not necessary to... Figure 7 A download button (25) is set within the download screen. Figure 7 When the download screen is displayed, the watermarked raster data is automatically downloaded to the user terminal 4a in the background.

[0085] Figure 8 Indicates in Figure 7 After the watermarked raster data is downloaded, the application displays the creation certificate screen. The creation certificate processing unit 7 is configured to generate the creation certificate after generating the watermarked raster data. Figure 8 The creative certificate screen shows the content of the generated creative certificate.

[0086] Figure 9This diagram illustrates an example of a creation certificate generated by the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7. As shown, the creation certificate contains Issuer Information and Creation Proof Information. The Issuer Information identifies the issuer of the creation certificate and includes the issuer name and issuer DID. The issuer name is typically the name of the company operating the Creation Proof System 3. The issuer DID is the issuer's ID. The DID document corresponding to this DID contains the issuer's public key.

[0087] The creation verification information consists of a project ID, artist DID, project file identification information, hash value of the data before integration, raster data output date and time, and the application used. The artist DID is the artist's unique identifier. The creation verification system 3 is configured to obtain the artist's DID from the artist during user registration and store it in a corresponding relationship with the artist's user ID. The DID document corresponding to the artist's DID contains the artist's public key. The project file identification information identifies the aforementioned "project file."

[0088] The hash value of the pre-integration data is obtained by substituting the pre-integration data from the proof of creation request into a specified hash function. The raster data output date and time is a timestamp indicating the date and time when the watermarked raster data was generated. The application used indicates the drawing application that sent the proof of creation request (i.e., the drawing application used by the artist to create the artwork).

[0089] The Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 encrypts the creation certificate information using the publisher's private key (i.e., digitally signs the creation certificate information using the publisher's private key) and embeds the encrypted creation certificate information into the creation certificate. Therefore, anyone who subsequently receives the creation certificate can verify that the certificate originated from the publisher by decrypting it using the publisher's public key.

[0090] return Figure 8 .exist Figure 8 In the image of the creation certificate shown, besides referring to Figure 9 In addition to the description of the creation certificate, it also displays the project ID, information about the project's history, and a download button 26. The project history information consists of the project's creation date and time, and a summary of the project files included in the project (in...). Figure 8 (The information in this document is only relevant to project file A).

[0091] When the artist Figure 8When the download button 26 is pressed on the creation certificate screen, the creation certificate is downloaded to the user terminal 4a. The artist keeps the downloaded creation certificate and uses it to submit the artwork when requesting a creation certificate from the creation certification system 3.

[0092] When displaying the creation certificate screen, such as Figure 8 As shown, the drawing application displays the menu "Continue Creating" within menu window 14. When the artist presses "Continue Creating," the drawing application displays canvas 15 again within canvas window 13.

[0093] Figure 10 This indicates the state of canvas 15, representing a further stage in the creation of the artist's artwork. In this scene, when the artist presses "Request Creation Certificate" again within menu window 14, [the situation changes]. Figure 6 Similarly, the drawing application sends a creation verification request to the creation verification processing unit 7, which includes the pre-integration data and raster data for that stage.

[0094] Figure 11 Indicates that upon receiving Figure 10 After pressing the "Request Proof of Creation" button and sending a proof of creation request, the download screen displayed by the application is shown. Figure 11 The content shown in the image, except that "Project File A" and "Artwork A.png" are now "Project File B" and "Artwork B.png" respectively, is the same as... Figure 7 The situation is the same. In this case, it is also done by referring to... Figure 7 The same process described above is used to generate watermarked raster data and download it to user terminal 4a.

[0095] Figure 12 Indicates in Figure 11 Once the watermarked raster data in the download screen has been downloaded, the screen displayed by the application is drawn. Figure 12 The content shown in the image differs from other images in several ways, except that the creation certificate information is now associated with project file B, and that information related to project file B has been added to the project's historical record. Figure 8 The situation is the same. In this case, it is also done by referring to... Figure 8 The same process described above is used to generate the author certificate and download it to the user terminal 4a. Figure 12 The screen shown displays the "Continue Creating" menu within menu window 14, which is also consistent with... Figure 8 The same applies. Here, when the artist presses "Continue Creating" again, the drawing application re-displays the canvas 15 within the canvas window 13.

[0096] Figure 13This indicates the state of canvas 15, representing a further stage in the creation of the artist's artwork. In this embodiment, if the artwork in this state is the final, completed version, the artist presses the menu "Creation Complete" within menu window 14. Thus, in conjunction with... Figure 6 or Figure 10 Similarly, when an artist presses "Request Creation Certificate", the drawing application sends a creation certificate request containing the pre-integration data and raster data of that stage to the creation certificate processing unit 7.

[0097] Figure 14 Indicating acceptance Figure 13 After pressing the "Creation Complete" button and sending a creation verification request, the download screen displayed by the application is shown. Figure 14 The content shown in the image, except that "Project File A" and "Artwork A.png" are renamed "Project File C" and "Artwork C.png" respectively, is the same as... Figure 7 The situation is the same. In this case, it is also done by referring to... Figure 7 The same process described above is used to generate watermarked raster data and download it to user terminal 4a.

[0098] Figure 15 Indicates in Figure 14 Once the watermarked raster data in the download screen has been downloaded, the screen displayed by the application is drawn. Figure 15 The content shown in the image differs from other images except that the creation certificate information is now associated with project file C, and that information related to project file C has been added to the project history information. Figure 12 The situation is the same. In this case, it is also done by referring to... Figure 8 The same process described above is used to generate the author certificate and download it to the user terminal 4a. Furthermore, in Figure 15 The menu window 14 shown does not display Figure 8 and Figure 12 The menu shown is "Continue Creating".

[0099] Figure 16 Indicates in Figure 15 After the creation certificate is downloaded, the application displays a cataloging entry screen. The artist enters the cataloging details for the completed artwork on this screen. Examples of the entered cataloging details include title, description, hardware used, and license settings. When the artist enters the details on the cataloging entry screen and presses the save button 27, the creation certificate processing unit 7 saves the entered cataloging details as metadata in the metadata storage database 8.

[0100] Figures 17-20 It indicates a reference. Figures 3 to 16 The flowchart illustrates the processing (the processing performed by user terminal 4a and creation certificate system 3). The following, referring to these diagrams, explains in more detail the processing involved in generating watermarked raster data and creation certificates.

[0101] Figure 17 This illustrates the process from initiating Creation Proof Mode to publishing a new project. This process begins in the drawing application being executed by user terminal 4a when the user initiates Creation Proof Mode (step S1). See [reference] Figure 3 When the Creation Proof Mode is activated, the drawing application connects to Creation Proof System 3, enabling the artist to log in to Creation Proof System 3 (step S2). (See reference...) Figure 4 If login is successful, the application will then enter the proof-of-creation mode (step S3).

[0102] Next, when the user instructs the release of a new project in the drawing application (step S4). See reference. Figure 4 The drawing application sends a new project release instruction to the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7 (step S5). Upon receiving the release instruction, the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7 releases a new project ID and stores it in correspondence with the user ID of the logged-in user (=artist) (step S6). Afterwards, the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7 notifies the metadata storage database 8 of the new project release along with the current date and time information (step S7). Upon receiving the notification, the metadata storage database 8 stores the notified current date and time information as part of the project's metadata in correspondence with the project ID (step S8). The Creation Proof Processing Unit 7 also sends... Figure 5 The project release completion screen shown is shown (step S9). Although in Figure 17 Not shown in, but in Figure 5 When a user enters an artist's name, the entered artist's name is sent to the metadata storage database 8 via the creation certificate processing department 7 and stored as part of the project's metadata.

[0103] Figure 18 and 19 This illustrates the process from the start (or continuation) of creation to the issuance of the creation certificate. First, refer to... Figure 18 This process begins in the drawing application being executed by user terminal 4a, with creation initiated by user instructions (see reference). Figure 5 ) or continue creating (see Figure 8 or Figure 12 The process begins (step S10). Then, when the user creating the artwork requests proof of creation (step S11), refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 10The application then exports the pre-integration data and raster data for this stage (step S12) and sends a creation certificate request containing the exported data to the creation certificate processing unit 7 (step S13).

[0104] Upon receiving the creation verification request, the creation verification processing unit 7 generates a new project file corresponding to the project ID (step S14) and sends a record instruction containing the generated project file and the current date and time to the metadata storage database 8 (step S15). Upon receiving the record instruction, the metadata storage database 8 stores the received project file and the current date and time as one of the metadata of the project, establishing a correspondence with the project ID (step S16).

[0105] The creation verification processing unit 7 also performs a process of converting the project ID into a watermark and embedding it in the received raster data (step S17). Details of this process are as described above. Next, the creation verification processing unit 7 sends a download screen to the drawing application for downloading the watermarked raster data (step S18, see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 11 When the user who sees the download screen presses the download button 25, a download instruction is sent from the drawing application to the creation proof processing unit 7 (step S19). Then, the creation proof processing unit 7 sends watermarked raster data to the user terminal 4a (step S20). The user terminal 4a stores the watermarked raster data downloaded in this way together with the data before integration at the current stage in the recording device 1002 (see reference). Figure 2 (Step S21) in the memory of the cloud or within the cloud.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 19 The creation certificate processing unit 7 calculates the hash value of the received pre-integration data and stores it in correspondence with the project ID (step S22). Then, it generates a creation certificate containing the stored hash value (step S23) and sends the creation certificate screen for downloading the creation certificate to the drawing application (step S24, refer to...). Figure 8 , Figure 12 Regarding the content of the artwork certificate and proof of creation, please refer to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As explained.

[0107] When a user sees the creation certificate screen and presses the download button 26 (see reference...) Figure 8 , Figure 12 When the drawing application sends a download instruction to the creation certificate processing unit 7 (step S25), the creation certificate is then sent from the creation certificate processing unit 7 to the user terminal 4a (step S26). The user terminal 4a stores the downloaded creation certificate in the recording device 1002 (see reference). Figure 2(Step S27) in the memory of the cloud or the internal storage.

[0108] In step S23, the creation certificate processing unit 7, which generates the creation certificate, also sends a record instruction containing the creation certificate to the metadata storage database 8 (step S28). Upon receiving the record instruction, the metadata storage database 8 saves the received creation certificate in the corresponding project file (step S29).

[0109] Figure 20 This illustrates the process from the completion of creation to the recording of the documented item. When the user indicates completion of creation (step S30), refer to... Figure 13 The application then exports the pre-integration data and raster data (final raster data) for this stage (step S31), and sends a creation completion instruction containing the exported data to the creation certification processing unit 7 (step S32). Afterwards, a process involving reference is performed between the user terminal 4a, the creation certification processing unit 7, and the metadata storage database 8. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The same process is applied to steps S14 to S29, resulting in the publication of the watermarked artwork and a certificate of creation.

[0110] After step S26 is completed, the creation certification processing unit 7 sends a cataloging item input screen for inputting cataloging items of the artwork to the drawing application (step S33). See reference. Figure 16 When the user sees the input screen for the bibliographic entry, they enter the bibliographic entry (step S34) and press the save button 27 (see reference). Figure 16 When the drawing application sends a save instruction containing the entered bibliographical items to the creation certificate processing unit 7 (step S35), the creation certificate processing unit 7, upon receiving the save instruction, sends a record instruction containing the bibliographical items to the metadata storage database 8 (step S36). The metadata storage database 8, upon receiving the record instruction, stores the received bibliographical items as one of the metadata of the item and establishes a correspondence with the item ID (step S37). Through the processing up to this point, the creation of the artist's artwork and the generation of at least one watermarked raster data and a creation certificate are completed. Afterwards, the artist can publish their artwork on a public website by submitting the watermarked raster data corresponding to the completed artwork to the artwork submission platform 5.

[0111] Figure 21 and Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed to enable an artist to submit their artwork to a public website. First, refer to... Figure 21The process begins with the artist submitting their artwork from user terminal 4a to artwork submission platform 5 (step S40). At this point, the artist uses the watermarked raster data corresponding to the finished artwork (in... Figure 14 The data downloaded from the download screen will be used as the data for submission. Hereinafter, the data submitted to the work submission platform 5 will be referred to as "submission data", and the artwork represented by the submission data will be referred to as "submitted artwork".

[0112] Upon receiving the submission data, the submission platform 5 requests proof from the creation verification system 3 that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork (i.e., possesses authorship status) (Authorship Verification) (Step S41). This request includes the watermarked raster data of the submission. The creation verification processing unit 7 of the creation verification system 3, upon receiving the authorship verification request, attempts to read the watermark from the included watermarked raster data and convert it into a project ID (Step S42). Then, it determines whether a project ID has been obtained, thereby determining whether the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork (Step S43). Specifically, if a project ID can be obtained, it is determined that the submitter is likely the creator of the submitted artwork; if a project ID cannot be obtained, it is determined that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0113] If the determination result in step S43 is that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork, the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7 returns an error to the artwork submission platform 5 (step S44). Upon receiving the error, the artwork submission platform 5 does not upload the submission data but instead notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S45). Therefore, submissions of artworks not created using the Creation Proof System 3 or artworks without a watermark are prohibited.

[0114] On the other hand, the creation certificate processing unit 7, which determines in step S43 that the submitter may be the creator of the submitted artwork, reads the creation certificate corresponding to the completed artwork from one or more creation certificates stored corresponding to the project ID from the metadata storage database 8 (step S46), and obtains the publisher's DID and the artist's DID from them (step S47). Then, it accesses the aforementioned distributed file system to refer to their respective DID documents, thereby obtaining the publisher's public key and the artist's public key (step S48). Furthermore, regarding public keys that can be obtained even without referring to creation certificates or DID documents due to reasons such as being stored in the creation certificate system 3 beforehand, steps S46 to S48 can be skipped and obtained in whole or in part. This aspect is relevant to the following discussion. Figure 23 Steps S76 to S78 are shown. Figure 30 The steps S125 to S127 shown are the same.

[0115] Next, the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 requests the creation certificate from the user terminal 4a via the artwork submission platform 5 (step S49). Upon receiving the request, the user terminal 4a obtains the creation certificate corresponding to the completed artwork. Figure 15 The creation certificate downloaded from the creation certificate screen is encrypted with the submitter's private key and sent to the creation certificate processing department 7 via the work submission platform 5 (step S50).

[0116] Upon receiving the creation certificate, the creation certificate processing unit 7 attempts to decrypt the received creation certificate using the artist's public key obtained in step S48 (step S51). Then, by determining whether the creation certificate can be decrypted, a second determination is made as to whether the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork (step S52). Specifically, if the creation certificate can be decrypted, it is determined that the submitter is likely the creator of the submitted artwork; if the creation certificate cannot be decrypted, it is determined that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0117] If the determination result in step S52 is that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork, the creation proof processing unit 7 returns an error to the artwork submission platform 5 (step S53). Upon receiving the error, the artwork submission platform 5 does not upload the submission data but instead notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S54). Thus, submissions from anyone other than the artist who created the artwork are prohibited.

[0118] On the other hand, such as Figure 22 As shown, in step S52, the creation certificate processing unit 7, which determines that the submitter may be the creator of the submitted artwork, uses the publisher's public key obtained in step S48 to attempt to decrypt the creation certificate information contained in the creation certificate decrypted in step S51 (see...). Figure 9 (Step S55). Then, by determining whether the creation proof information can be decrypted, three determinations are made as to whether the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork (Step S56). Specifically, if the creation proof information can be decrypted, it is determined that the submitter may be the creator of the submitted artwork; if the creation proof information cannot be decrypted, it is determined that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0119] If the determination result in step S56 is that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork, the creation certificate processing unit 7 returns an error to the artwork submission platform 5 (step S57). Upon receiving the error, the artwork submission platform 5 does not upload the submission data but instead notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S56). Thus, submissions based on forged creation certificates (creation certificates issued by someone other than the legitimate publisher) are prohibited.

[0120] On the other hand, the creation proof processing unit 7, which determines in step S56 that the submitter may be the creator of the submitted artwork, obtains the hash value of the pre-integration data from the decrypted creation proof information (step S59), and requests the transmission of the pre-integration data to the user terminal 4a via the artwork submission platform 5 (step S60). Upon receiving this request, the user terminal 4a obtains the pre-integration data corresponding to the completed artwork (in... Figure 18 The data stored in step S21 is sent to the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 via the submission platform 5 (step S61). At this time, the user terminal 4a can also send pre-integration data encrypted with the submitter's private key. In this case, the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 can decrypt the received pre-integration data using the artist's public key.

[0121] The creation proof processing unit 7, which receives the pre-integration data, calculates the hash value of the received pre-integration data. Based on the calculated hash value and the hash value obtained in step S59, it makes a final determination as to whether the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork (step S63). Specifically, the two hash values ​​are compared. If they match, the submitter is determined to be the creator of the submitted artwork; otherwise, if they do not match, the submitter is determined not to be the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0122] If the determination result in step S63 is that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork, the creation proof processing unit 7 returns an error to the artwork submission platform 5 (step S64). Upon receiving this error, the artwork submission platform 5 does not upload the submission data but instead notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S65). Thus, submissions from individuals who do not possess the pre-integration data (usually people other than artists) are prohibited.

[0123] On the other hand, the creation verification processing unit 7, which determines in step S63 that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork, returns a message indicating successful verification to the artwork submission platform 5 (step S66). Upon receiving this message, the artwork submission platform 5 uploads the submission data to the designated public website (step S67). Thus, the artwork is widely disclosed to the public, becoming the object of transactions such as buying, selling, leasing, and granting licenses. Furthermore, during this disclosure, the artwork submission platform 5 can also read the corresponding project's metadata from the metadata storage database 8 and disclose some or all of it along with the submission data.

[0124] The artwork submission platform 5 further processes the process of sending the name of the website that published the submission data and the submission date and time to the metadata storage database 8 via the creation verification processing unit 7 (step S68). The metadata storage database 8 stores the received information as one of the metadata of the project (step S69). Through the processing up to this point, the artist's submission of artwork to the public website is completed.

[0125] Here, in reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the above-described processing, the Creation Proof Processing Section 7 only uses the completed version of the artwork (e.g., with...). Figure 16 The watermarked raster data and certificate of creation associated with the artwork (project file C shown) prove that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork. However, the certificate of creation processing unit 7 may also use more than one artwork that was created during the production process (e.g., with...). Figure 16 The watermarked raster data and creation certificate associated with the artwork (project file A or project file B shown) prove that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0126] Figure 23 and Figure 24 This means that we also use the completed version of the artwork to view the artwork of the previous generation (in...). Figure 16 In the example, the flowchart illustrates the additional processing for verifying the authorship of the watermarked raster data and creation certificate related to the artwork (corresponding to project file B). Steps S70 to S93 shown in these figures become... Figure 22 The processing shown is the process inserted between the affirmative determination in step S63 and step S66.

[0127] Figure 23 and Figure 24The steps S70 to S95 shown differ from the previous generation's watermarked raster data from the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 to the User Terminal 4a via the Submission Platform 5 (step S70), and from the previous generation's Creation Certificate and the Creation Certificate and Pre-Integration Data requested by the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 from the Metadata Storage Database 8 to be sent to the User Terminal 4a (steps S76, S79, S90). Figure 21 and Figure 22 The steps S40 to S65 shown are the same. By executing steps S70 to S93, the creation verification processing unit 7 can more reliably verify that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0128] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the process related to licensing the use of artwork. The flowchart shows an example of a user on user terminal 4b discovering an artwork published by a user on user terminal 4a through the artwork submission platform 5 and submitting a licensing application. The process begins by sending a licensing application for the artwork from user terminal 4b to the license management platform 6 (step S100). Upon receiving the licensing application, the license management platform 6 transmits the received application to the creation certification processing unit 7 and user terminal 4a respectively (steps S101, S103).

[0129] Here, the artwork submission platform 5 preferably establishes a corresponding storage of the artist's contact information for artworks published on public websites. Therefore, when the license management platform 6 receives an application for permission to use an artwork from the user terminal 4b, it can read the artist's contact information corresponding to that artwork from the artwork submission platform 5 and determine the destination for sending in step S103 based on the read contact information.

[0130] Upon receiving a license application from the license management platform 6, the creation verification processing unit 7 performs the prescribed login process with the user terminal 4b (step S102). Meanwhile, upon receiving the license application from the license management platform 6, the user terminal 4a returns a response to the application to the license management platform 6 (step S104). This returned response is generally preferably based on the license settings established as metadata for the project when the artist completes the work (see [reference]). Figure 16 The license can be generated by the license management platform 6, but there is a possibility that the content may differ from the license settings. If the license settings set as metadata for the project differ from the license settings contained in the answer, the license management platform 6 can also process the content of the user's answer to the user terminal 4b.

[0131] Upon receiving a response from user terminal 4a, the license management platform 6 determines whether the application is permissible to the extent possible based on the response (step S105). For example, if the response contains a mixture of conditions that can be determined for permissibility on the license management platform 6 (e.g., restrictions on the period of use) and conditions that cannot be determined for permissibility on the license management platform 6 (e.g., non-commercial use is not allowed), the license management platform 6 may determine whether the application is permissible based solely on the conditions that can be determined for permissibility.

[0132] If the work is determined to be unusable in step S105, the license management platform 6 sends information indicating unusability to the user terminal 4b and the creation proof processing unit 7 (step S106). In this case, the creation proof processing unit 7 suspends the processing related to the license application, and the user of the user terminal 4b cannot use the corresponding artwork. On the other hand, if the license management platform 6 determines that the work is usable in step S105, it sends information indicating a license to use the artwork to the creation proof processing unit 7 (step S107).

[0133] The Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7, which receives information indicating the use of the artwork from the License Management Platform 6, performs the prescribed login process with the user terminal 4a (step S108) and generates a license certificate indicating that the use of the artwork is granted to the user terminal 4b (step S109).

[0134] Figure 26 This diagram illustrates an example of a license certificate generated by the Credentials Processing Unit 7. As shown, the license certificate includes publisher information and license information. The publisher information indicates the publisher of the license certificate, and its specific content is similar to that of the referenced document. Figure 9 The publisher information in the creation certificate description is the same.

[0135] License information refers to the content of a license, consisting of a Project ID, Artist DID (Licensor DID), Licensee DID, and license terms. The Project ID is the DID of the project containing the artwork to be licensed, and it identifies the artwork. The Artist DID is the DID of the artist (Licensor) who created the artwork to be licensed. The Licensee DID is the DID of the user who applied for a license to use the artwork (Licensee). For example... Figure 26 As illustrated, the licensing terms are information that determines the details of the license rights such as "commercial use" and "modification", based on the content of the response sent by the artist in step S104 (or, the content agreed upon with the user of user terminal 4b through negotiation based on the content of the response), and are set in the license certificate.

[0136] Creation verification processing unit 7 encrypts the license certificate information using the publisher's private key (i.e., digitally signs the license certificate information), and then stores the encrypted license certificate information within the license certificate. Thus, anyone who subsequently receives the license certificate can verify its origin by encrypting it using the publisher's public key.

[0137] return Figure 25 In step S109, the creation certificate processing unit 7, which generates the license certificate, sends a record instruction including the license certificate to the metadata storage database 8 (step S110). Upon receiving the record instruction, the metadata storage database 8 stores the received license certificate as one of the metadata of the corresponding project, establishing a correspondence with the project ID (step S111).

[0138] In addition, the creation certificate processing unit 7 sends the generated license certificate to user terminals 4a and 4b via the license management platform 6 (steps S112 and S113). User terminals 4a and 4b respectively store the received license certificate in the recording device 1002 (see reference). Figure 2 The data is stored in the internal or cloud storage (steps S114, S115). Additionally, the user terminal 4a, having received the license certificate, sends the watermarked raster data it stores to the user terminal 4b (step S116). During this transmission, user terminal 4a can send the watermarked raster data directly to user terminal 4b, or it can send the watermarked raster data via the license management platform 6.

[0139] User terminal 4b also stores the watermarked raster data received in step S116 in recording device 1002 (see reference). Figure 2 The stored watermarked raster data can then be stored in the memory of the user terminal 4b or the cloud (step S116). This allows the user to utilize the stored watermarked raster data when creating new artworks later on the user terminal 4b.

[0140] Figures 27-29 These are diagrams showing the screen of the application displayed on user terminal 4b. Hereinafter, referring to these diagrams, the process from when the user of user terminal 4b begins creating a new artwork using a licensed artwork will be explained. Hereinafter, the user of user terminal 4b will be referred to as the "artwork user," and the artwork to be used will be referred to as the "artwork viewed."

[0141] Figure 27 Indicates reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The instructions describe how to enter the Creation Proof mode and how to publish a new project. A project publication completion screen is displayed after the new project is published. In this example, the menu "Import" is displayed within menu window 14.

[0142] Figure 28 Indicates that the user of the artwork pressed Figure 27 The screen state after the "Import" menu is shown. As shown in the figure, the drawing application, upon detecting that "Import" has been pressed, displays a file selection screen 30 for the user of the artwork to select a file. In the file selection screen 30, when the user of the artwork selects watermarked raster data (in... Figure 25 When storing the data in step S117, a license certificate request containing the selected raster data is sent from the drawing application to the creation certificate processing unit 7.

[0143] Upon receiving a request for a license, the Creation Certificate Processing Department 7 verifies whether the user of the artwork possesses a license, based on the raster data contained therein. (See below for further details.) Figure 30 and Figure 31 Please provide a detailed description of the process.

[0144] Figure 29 This is a confirmation screen displayed by the drawing application after verifying that the user of the artwork has a license. In addition to explanatory statements for the user, this screen includes the license certificate and thumbnails of the imported raster data. After this confirmation screen is displayed, when the user presses "Start Creating," the drawing application and... Figure 6 Similarly, canvas 15 is displayed within canvas window 13. The user creates artwork by drawing on canvas 15 using a pen (P, etc.), and imported raster data can be pasted onto canvas 15. Thus, the user can create new artwork using imported raster data.

[0145] Figure 30 and Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the process used to verify whether a user of an artwork has a license to use the artwork in question. This process begins in the drawing application running on user terminal 4b by the user importing watermarked raster data (step S120). See [reference] Figure 27 and Figure 28 The drawing application that has accepted the import will send a license request, including the imported raster data, to the Creation Certificate System 3 (step S121).

[0146] Upon receiving a license request, the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 of the Creation Certificate System 3 attempts to read the watermark from the watermarked raster data contained therein and convert it into an Item ID (step S122). Then, it determines whether the Item ID can be obtained as a result, thereby determining whether the user of the artwork possesses a license to use the artwork (step S123). Specifically, if the Item ID can be obtained, it is determined that the user of the artwork may possess a license to use the artwork; if the Item ID cannot be obtained, it is determined that the user of the artwork does not possess a license to use the artwork.

[0147] If the determination in step S123 indicates that the user of the artwork does not possess a license to use the artwork in question, the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 returns an error to the user terminal 4b (step S124). Upon receiving this error, the user terminal 4b causes the import of raster data to fail. Therefore, the use of artworks not created using the Creation Certificate System 3, and artworks without watermarks, is prohibited.

[0148] On the other hand, in step S123, the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7, which determines that the user of the artwork may have a license to use the artwork, reads one or more license certificates stored corresponding to the project ID from the metadata storage database 8 (step S125). For each license certificate obtained, the publisher's DID and the licensee's DID are obtained from it (step S126). Then, by accessing the aforementioned distributed file system and referring to the respective DID documents, the publisher's public key and the licensee's public key are obtained for each license certificate obtained (step S127).

[0149] Next, the creation certificate processing unit 7 requests the user terminal 4b to send a license certificate (step S128). Upon receiving this request, the user terminal 4b obtains the license certificate... Figure 25 The license certificate stored in step S114 is sent to the Creation Certificate Processing Department 7 after being encrypted with the private key of the artwork user (step S129).

[0150] Upon receiving the license certificate, the Creation Proof Processing Unit 7 attempts to decrypt the received license certificate using the public key of one or more licensees obtained in step S127 (step S130). Then, by determining whether the license certificate can be decrypted, a secondary determination is made as to whether the user of the artwork possesses a license to use the artwork (step S131). Specifically, if the license certificate can be decrypted, it is determined that the user of the artwork may possess a license to use the artwork; if the license certificate cannot be decrypted, it is determined that the user of the artwork does not possess a license to use the artwork.

[0151] If the determination in step S131 indicates that the user of the artwork does not possess a license to use the artwork in question, the creation certificate processing unit 7 returns an error to the user terminal 4b (step S132). Upon receiving this error, the user terminal 4b causes the import of raster data to fail. Therefore, any person other than the licensee who has received the license is prohibited from using the artwork in question.

[0152] On the other hand, such as Figure 31 As shown, in step S131, the creation proof processing unit 7, which determines that the user of the artwork may have a license to use the artwork in question, first determines the publisher's public key used in the digital signature of the received license certificate (step S133). Specifically, the publisher's public key obtained in step S127, represented by the publisher information in the license certificate decrypted in step S130, is determined as the publisher's public key used in the digital signature of the received license certificate.

[0153] Next, the creation proof processing unit 7 uses the public key of the determined publisher to attempt to decrypt the license certificate containing the license information (see reference) in step S130. Figure 26 The process begins with decrypting the license information (step S134). Then, by determining whether the license information can be decrypted, a three-step determination is made to determine whether the user of the artwork has a license to use the artwork (step S135). Specifically, if the license information can be decrypted, it is determined that the user of the artwork may have a license to use the artwork; if the license information cannot be decrypted, it is determined that the user of the artwork does not have a license to use the artwork.

[0154] If the determination in step S135 indicates that the user of the artwork does not possess a license to use the artwork in question, the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 returns an error to the user terminal 4b (step S136). Upon receiving this error, the user terminal 4b causes the import of raster data to fail. Thus, the use of the artwork in question based on a forged license certificate (a license certificate issued by someone other than the legitimate publisher) is prohibited.

[0155] On the other hand, the creation certificate processing unit 7, which determines in step S135 that the user of the artwork may have a license to use the artwork, refers to the decrypted license certificate information and determines whether the user of the artwork has the legal right to use the artwork. This final determination of whether the user of the artwork has a license to use the artwork is then made (step S137). Specifically, if the decrypted license certificate information shows that the user of the artwork has the legal right to use the artwork, it is determined that the user of the artwork has a license to use the artwork. Conversely, if the decrypted license certificate information shows that the user of the artwork does not have the legal right to use the artwork, it is determined that the user of the artwork does not have a license to use the artwork.

[0156] If the determination in step S137 indicates that the user of the artwork does not possess a license to use the artwork in question, the Creation Certificate Processing Unit 7 returns an error to the user terminal 4b (step S138). Upon receiving this error, the user terminal 4b causes the import of the raster data to fail. Therefore, even licensees with valid license certificates are prohibited from using the artwork outside the license terms stated therein.

[0157] On the other hand, the creation certificate processing unit 7, which determines in step S136 that the user of the artwork has a license to use the artwork in question, sends a record instruction containing the item ID of the artwork in question to the metadata storage database 8 (step S139). Upon receiving this record instruction, the metadata storage database 8 treats the received item ID as an item published by the user on user terminal 4b. Figure 27 One of the metadata of the project shown is stored in correspondence with the project ID of that project (step S140). Thus, other artworks used for creating artworks can be understood by referring to the metadata of the project.

[0158] The creation verification processing unit 7 also imports the license to the user terminal 4b (step S141). The drawing application of the user terminal 4b that has accepted the license completes the import (step S142), after which the artwork user is able to use the imported raster data for their own creation.

[0159] As explained above, the authorship verification system 1 according to the present invention can prove the authorship of an artwork using pre-integration data that can be expected to be held only by the artist, thus proving the authorship of the artwork. Moreover, since this proof is set as one of the requirements for submitting an artwork, it is possible to prevent people who do not have pre-integration data (usually people other than the artist) from submitting artworks.

[0160] Furthermore, by using raster data with an attached watermark indicating the project ID as publicly available data, it is possible to identify the creation certificate and license of the published artwork, thus proving the author's identity and license. Additionally, it is possible to prohibit individuals without watermarked raster data from submitting or using artwork.

[0161] In addition, when sending creation certificates and licenses, they are encrypted with the sender's private key, thus preventing submissions from anyone other than the artist who created the artwork, and preventing the use of the artwork by anyone other than the licensee who accepted the license.

[0162] In addition, since the creation certificate information and license information in the license certificate are encrypted using the publisher's private key, it is possible to prevent the use of forged creation certificates and forged license certificates.

[0163] Furthermore, since pre-integration data is generally large in size, storing multiple generations of pre-integration data places a heavy burden on artists. Therefore, instead of pre-integration data, raster data of a scaled-down image (a list of pre-integration data components) containing the individual components (layers, textures, etc.) included in the pre-integration data can be used.

[0164] Figure 32 This is a diagram representing an example of a pre-integration data component list. The example pre-integration data component list 40 is compared with... Figure 13 The artwork shown corresponds to a single raster data set composed of the overall raster data 41 and the raster data 42-43 for each layer. In Figure 22 In step S63, the creation proof processing unit 7 is configured to compare the hash value of the pre-integration data component list 40 instead of the hash value of the pre-integration data, so that the artist only needs to keep the pre-integration data component list 40 instead of the pre-integration data. Therefore, the burden on the artist can be reduced.

[0165] Furthermore, a watermark representing the project ID can also be embedded in each raster data constituting the pre-integration data component list. Additionally, a creation certificate containing the project ID, the number of each component, the name of the application used in the creation of the artwork, and a timestamp indicating the date and time the pre-integration data component list was generated can be encrypted and embedded into the pre-integration data component list using the publisher's private key (i.e., with an appended digital signature from the publisher). Thus, even assuming the creation certificate system 3 is unavailable, anyone wanting to verify ownership of the artwork can intuitively confirm the link between the publicly available raster data and the individual components based on the artist's creation.

[0166] Next, the author authentication system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The author authentication system 1 of this embodiment differs from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment in that it checks whether the same or similar image exists online when generating watermarked raster data according to a user's request; otherwise, it is the same as the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the author authentication system 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail, focusing on the differences from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0167] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in the author authentication system 1 of this embodiment, from the start of creation, through continuation and completion, to the issuance of the creation certificate. The aspect of this process, where steps S150 to S152 are executed after step S15, is consistent with... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The processing involved in starting or continuing the creation shown, and Figure 20 and Figure 21 The different processes involved in completing the creation are shown.

[0168] In this embodiment, the creation verification processing unit 7 sends a record instruction containing information including the project file and the current date and time to the metadata storage database 8 in step S15, and then confirms it online in accordance with the information provided in step S13 (see reference). Figure 18 ) or step S32 (refer to Figure 20 The images represented by the raster data received in step S13 or S32 are the same or similar images (step S150). Specifically, the raster data received in step S13 or S32 is input into any online image retrieval engine. For each retrieved image, the similarity with the input raster data is exported. Images with a similarity value of more than a specified value are determined as "the same or similar images".

[0169] The creation verification processing unit 7, having completed the verification, sends a record instruction containing the verification result and the current date and time to the metadata storage database 8 (step S151). Upon receiving the record instruction, the metadata storage database 8 stores the received verification result and the current date and time as part of the project's metadata, corresponding to the project ID (step S152). Furthermore, the verification result included in the record instruction preferably includes information indicating the presence or absence of an image determined to be "the same or similar image," and information about the image determined to be "the same or similar image" (image data, the image's URL, etc.).

[0170] As explained above, the author verification system 1 according to this embodiment, when generating watermarked raster data based on a user's request, confirms whether the same or similar image exists online and records the result as the project's metadata. Therefore, it is possible to later confirm, through the project's metadata, whether the same or similar image exists online at the time the user requested proof of creation.

[0171] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of an image that is identical or similar to the raster data (raster data formed by integrating layers) exported in step S12 or step S31 is described, but regarding the composition... Figure 32 The individual raster data (raster data for each layer) in the pre-integration data component list shown can also identify the same or similar images, and the results are recorded in the project's metadata.

[0172] Next, the author authentication system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The author authentication system 1 of this embodiment differs from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment in that it constructs a drawing application capable of importing watermark-free raster data; otherwise, it is the same as the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the author authentication system 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail, focusing on its differences from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0173] Figure 34 It means in Figure 28 The flowchart below shows the process performed in the author verification system 1 of this embodiment when the user of the artwork selects watermark-free raster data in the file selection screen 30. As shown in the figure, when the user of the artwork imports watermark-free raster data (step S160), the drawing application that accepted the import sends an existing image confirmation request containing the imported raster data to the author verification system 3 (step S161).

[0174] Upon receiving an existing image verification request, the creation verification processing unit 7 of the creation verification system 3 verifies online that the image is identical or similar to the image represented by the raster data contained therein (step S162). The specific verification method can be related to... Figure 33 The same as step S150. The creation verification processing unit 7, having completed the confirmation, sends a record instruction containing the confirmation result and the current date and time to the metadata storage database 8 (step S163). Upon receiving the record instruction, the metadata storage database 8 stores the received confirmation result and current date and time as part of the project's metadata, corresponding to the current project ID (step S164). The specific content of the confirmation result included in the record instruction can be... Figure 33 The confirmation result included in the record instruction sent in step S151 is the same.

[0175] Next, the creation verification processing unit 7 grants permission to import the raster data into the user terminal 4b (step S165). The drawing application on the user terminal 4b, having accepted the permission, completes the import (step S166), after which the artwork user can use the imported raster data for their own creations.

[0176] Figure 35 This diagram illustrates an example of a creation certificate generated by the creation certificate processing unit 7 of this embodiment. As shown in the diagram, the creation certificate generated by the creation certificate processing unit 7 of this embodiment includes information indicating the results of an online image retrieval. This information indicates the confirmation result in step S162 described above. When generating a creation certificate for an artwork created based on raster data of an "identical or similar image" found online in import step S162, the creation certificate processing unit 7 sets information indicating that the imported image is consistent with an existing image (a string such as "the imported image is consistent with the following existing image") and information indicating the address of the consistent image (http: / / ...). When generating a creation certificate for an artwork created without such import, the creation certificate processing unit 7 does not set this information (in other words, sets a null value). Thus, by confirming the creation certificate, it is possible to know whether the corresponding artwork was created using existing image data, and, in the case of such creation, the address of the existing image data used can be obtained.

[0177] Figure 36 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in the author verification system 1 of this embodiment to enable artists to submit their artworks to public websites. This process will... Figure 21 and Figure 22 Steps S66 and S67 in the process shown are replaced with steps S170 to S175.

[0178] In step S63, the creation verification processing unit 7, which determines that the submission is consistent (i.e., that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork), retrieves the metadata corresponding to the project ID obtained in step S42 from the metadata storage database 8 (step S170). Then, by referring to the obtained metadata, it determines whether the submitted artwork was created using existing image data (step S171). Specifically, the creation verification processing unit 7 includes the following in the metadata: Figure 34 If the information in step S162 indicates that the submitted artwork is created using existing image data, then the artwork is determined to be created using existing image data. If the information is not included, then the submitted artwork is determined not to be created using existing image data. Furthermore, the creation certification processing unit 7 can also determine whether the submitted artwork is created using existing image data by referring to the creation certification information decrypted in step S56.

[0179] The Creation Proof Processing Department 7, which completed the determination in step S171, and Figure 22 Similarly, in step S66, information indicating successful verification is returned to the artwork submission platform 5 (steps S172, S173). At this time, if the creation verification processing unit 7 determines in step S171 that the submitted artwork was created using existing image data, it retrieves the information from the metadata... Figure 34 In step S162, the URL of the image determined to be "the same or similar image" is sent along with a message indicating successful proof (step S173).

[0180] The work submission platform 5, having received a successful certification message from the certification processing unit 7, determines whether the image URL has been received along with that message (step S174). Then, if it is determined that the URL has not been received, the work submission platform 5 further determines whether the URL has been received by communicating with... Figure 22 The same process is followed in step S67, uploading the submission data to the designated public website (step S175). On the other hand, if it is determined that the submission has been received, the submission platform 5 uploads the received URL along with the submission data to the designated public website (step S176). Thus, users of the public website can confirm whether the submitted artwork uses existing image data, and if so, can further identify the URL of an image that is identical or similar to the used image. Afterwards, Figure 22 The execution of steps S68 and S69 as shown completes the artist's submission of artwork to the public website.

[0181] As explained above, according to the author verification system 1 of this embodiment, users of artworks can create their own artworks using watermark-free raster data. Furthermore, users of public websites can determine whether submitted artworks were created using watermark-free raster data, and in the case of watermark-free raster data, can also obtain the URLs of images identical or similar to the used raster data. As a result, it can prevent malicious actors from importing existing watermark-free image data into drawing applications and engaging in copyright infringement such as issuing false creation certificates and unauthorized secondary copyrighting.

[0182] Next, the author authentication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment in that it attempts to obtain the project ID through other methods when it is impossible to obtain the project ID from the published watermarked raster data; otherwise, it is the same as the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the author authentication system 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail, focusing on the differences from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0183] Figure 37 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in the author authentication system 1 of this embodiment, from the start of creation, through continuation, completion, to the issuance of the creation certificate. The aspect of this process, where step S180 is executed after step S17, is related to... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The processing involved in starting or continuing the creation shown, and Figure 20 and Figure 21 The different processes involved in completing the creation are shown.

[0184] In this embodiment, after the creation proof processing unit 7 generates watermarked raster data in step S17, it stores the generated watermarked raster data (step S180). Thus, watermarked raster data is accumulated within the creation proof system 3.

[0185] Figure 38 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in the author verification system 1 of this embodiment to enable artists to submit their artworks to public websites. The process proceeds to steps S190-S197 after the negative determination in step S43. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The processing methods shown are different. Furthermore, in Figure 38 The description of the processing after step S46 is omitted.

[0186] like Figure 38As shown, in step S43, the creation proof processing unit 7, which determines that it failed to obtain the project ID, retrieves the stored raster data (in... Figure 37 In step S180, the raster data stored in the database is used to retrieve raster data that matches the submitted raster data (step S190). Here, "matching" does not mean perfect matching at the binary level, but rather a degree of visual similarity perceived by the human eye. That is, considering cases where watermark reading fails in step S42, such as changes in raster data resolution or a change in raster data format from BMP to JPEG, etc., if perfect matching at the binary level is sought in step S190, the raster data corresponding to the submitted raster data will not be matched. As described above, by configuring the creation verification processing unit 7 to retrieve raster data with visual similarity to a degree perceived by the human eye, reliable matching of the raster data corresponding to the submitted raster data can be achieved.

[0187] The creation verification processing unit 7, having executed step S190, determines whether the raster data matching the submitted raster data is a match (step S191). If the match is not found, the creation verification processing unit 7 returns an error to the submission platform 5 (step S192). Upon receiving this error, the submission platform 5 does not upload the submitted data but instead notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S193).

[0188] On the other hand, the creation verification processing unit 7, which was determined to have a hit in step S191, attempts to read the watermark from the hit raster data and convert it into a project ID (step S194). Then, the creation verification processing unit 7 determines whether the project ID can be obtained as a result of the attempt (step S195). If it is determined that it can be obtained, the processing is transferred to step S46. On the other hand, if it is determined that it cannot be obtained, an error is returned to the work submission platform 5 (step S196). Upon receiving the error, the work submission platform 5 does not upload the submission data but notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S197).

[0189] As explained above, according to the author identification system 1 of this embodiment, even if the project ID cannot be obtained from the submitted watermarked raster data due to changes in resolution or format, the project ID can still be obtained through other methods. Therefore, it is possible to prevent users from feeling dissatisfied that their submission of watermarked raster data failed.

[0190] Next, the author authentication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The author authentication system 1 of this embodiment differs from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment in that it records the project ID within a data chunk of the raster data instead of embedding a watermark representing the project ID into the raster data; otherwise, it is the same as the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the author authentication system 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail, focusing on the differences from the author authentication system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0191] Figure 39 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed in the author authentication system 1 of this embodiment, from the start of creation, through continuation, completion, to the issuance of the creation certificate. This process differs from the previous one in that steps S200-203 are performed instead of steps S17-S20. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The processing involved in starting or continuing the creation shown, and Figure 20 and Figure 21 The different processes involved in completing the creation are shown.

[0192] In this embodiment, after generating a project file in step S14, the creation verification processing unit 7 performs a process of appending data blocks to the received raster data and writing project IDs (step S200). Hereinafter, the raster data with project IDs written into the data blocks will be referred to as "raster data with added project IDs". Next, the creation verification processing unit 7 sends a download screen for downloading the raster data with added project IDs to the drawing application (step S201). When the user who sees the download screen presses the download button configured on the screen, the drawing application sends a download instruction to the creation verification processing unit 7 (step S202), and then the creation verification processing unit 7 sends the raster data with added project IDs to the user terminal 4a (step S20). The user terminal 4a stores the downloaded raster data with added project IDs along with the data before integration in the recording device 1002 (see reference 1002). Figure 2 (In the memory of the cloud or internal storage) (step S21. Refer to...) Figure 18 ).

[0193] Figure 40 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in the author verification system 1 of this embodiment to enable artists to submit their artworks to public websites. This process is... Figure 21 and Figure 22 Additional processing was added Figure 23 and Figure 24In the processing shown (also the case where the author's identity is verified by using the watermarked raster data and creation certificate involved in the previous generation's artwork from the completed artwork), steps S40 to S45 are replaced with steps S210 to S215, and further, steps S70 to S75 are replaced with steps S220 to S225.

[0194] First, the artist submits raster data with an added project ID corresponding to the completed artwork to the artwork submission platform 5 from the user terminal 4a (step S210). Upon receiving the submission, the artwork submission platform 5 sends an author identity verification request containing the submitted raster data with the added project ID to the creation verification system 3 (step S211).

[0195] Upon receiving the author identification request, the creation verification processing unit 7 of the creation verification system 3 obtains the project ID from the data block containing the raster data with the project ID (step S212). Then, it determines whether the project ID can be obtained as a result, thereby determining whether the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork (step S213). Specifically, if the project ID can be obtained, it is determined that the submitter is likely the creator of the submitted artwork; if the project ID cannot be obtained, it is determined that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0196] If the determination result in step S213 is that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork, the creation verification processing unit 7 returns an error to the artwork submission platform 5 (step S214). Upon receiving this error, the artwork submission platform 5 does not upload the submission data but instead notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S215). On the other hand, the creation verification processing unit 7, which determined in step S213 that the submitter might be the creator of the submitted artwork, executes... Figure 21 and Figure 22 The processing steps S46 to S63 shown are as follows.

[0197] In step S63, the creation verification processing unit 7, which determines that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork, then requests the user terminal 4a to send the raster data of the previous generation's added item ID via the artwork submission platform 5 (step S220). In response to this request, when the user terminal 4a sends the raster data of the previous generation's added item ID (step S221), the creation verification processing unit 7 obtains the item ID from the data block of the received raster data of the added item ID (step S222). Then, by determining whether the item ID can be obtained as a result, a second determination is made as to whether the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork (step S223). Specifically, if the item ID can be obtained, it is determined that the submitter is likely the creator of the submitted artwork; if the item ID cannot be obtained, it is determined that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork.

[0198] If the determination result in step S223 is that the submitter is not the creator of the submitted artwork, the creation verification processing unit 7 returns an error to the artwork submission platform 5 (step S224). Upon receiving this error, the artwork submission platform 5 does not upload the submission data but instead notifies the user terminal 4a of the submission failure (step S225). On the other hand, the creation verification processing unit 7, which determined in step S223 that the submitter might be the creator of the submitted artwork, executes... Figure 23 and Figure 24 The processing steps S76 to S95 shown, if determined in step S93 that the submitter is the creator of the submitted artwork, will be further executed. Figure 22 The processing steps S64 to S67 are as follows. Therefore, it is possible to submit artworks using raster data with an added project ID.

[0199] As explained above, according to the author identification system 1 of this embodiment, instead of embedding a watermark representing the item ID into the raster data, the item ID is recorded within the data block of the raster data. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment and author identification system 1, the author's identity of the artwork can be verified. Furthermore, it is possible to submit artworks based on raster data with the item ID included, and it is possible to prohibit submissions and use of artworks by individuals who do not possess raster data with the item ID included.

[0200] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. Of course, the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0201] Label Explanation

[0202] 1. Author Identity Verification System

[0203] 2. Network

[0204] 3 User Terminals

[0205] 3. Creation Proof System

[0206] 4a, 4b User Terminals

[0207] 5. Submission Platforms

[0208] 6. License Management Platform

[0209] 7. Creative Certification Processing Department

[0210] 8. Metadata Storage Database

[0211] 10 Labels

[0212] 11 Command Bar

[0213] 12 Palette Area

[0214] 13 Canvas Window

[0215] 14 Menu Window

[0216] 15 canvases

[0217] Text boxes 20 and 21

[0218] 22. Login button

[0219] 23. Register button

[0220] Download buttons 25 and 26

[0221] 27. Save button

[0222] 30 File Selection Screen

[0223] 40. List of data components before integration

[0224] 40 Overall raster data

[0225] 42-43 Raster data for each layer

[0226] 1000 computers

[0227] 1001 CPU

[0228] 1002 Storage device

[0229] 1002 Recording device

[0230] 1003 Input Device

[0231] 1004 Output Device

[0232] 1005 Communication device

[0233] 1006 bus

[0234] P pen

Claims

1. An authorship determination method for determining authorship of an artistic work using a computer, wherein the artistic work is generated by integrating first pre-integrated data composed of a plurality of partial artistic works, the partial artistic works being artistic works input per layer, the computer calculates a first hash value that is a hash value of the first pre-integrated data, the computer generates a first creation certificate containing the first hash value.

2. The authorship determination method according to claim 1, wherein the computer determines authorship of the artistic work based on the first hash value taken from the first creation certificate and a hash value calculated from the first pre-integrated data after the first creation certificate is generated.

3. The authorship determination method according to claim 2, wherein the computer receives the first creation certificate possessed by a creator of the artistic work, and takes the first hash value from the received first creation certificate, the computer takes the first pre-integrated data possessed by the creator, and calculates a hash value of the taken first pre-integrated data.

4. The authorship determination method according to claim 1, wherein the computer generates creation proof information by encrypting the first hash value using a first private key, the first creation certificate contains the creation proof information.

5. The authorship determination method according to claim 4, wherein the computer determines authorship of the artistic work by determining whether the creation proof information contained in the first creation certificate can be decrypted using a first public key corresponding to the first private key.

6. The authorship determination method according to claim 3, wherein the artistic work is an artistic work in which a prescribed watermark is embedded, the computer determines authorship of the artistic work by determining whether the prescribed watermark embedded in the artistic work possessed by the creator can be taken.

7. The authorship determination method according to claim 6, wherein the prescribed watermark is a watermark indicating a project ID that identifies a project related to creation of the artistic work generated in accordance with an instruction of the creator, the computer establishes a correspondence between the project ID and the first creation certificate.

8. The authorship determination method according to claim 7, wherein the computer receives the first creation certificate encrypted by a private key of the creator, the computer takes a public key of the creator based on information indicating the creator taken based on the project ID indicated by the prescribed watermark taken from the artistic work, the computer determines authorship of the artistic work by determining whether the first creation certificate can be decrypted using the taken public key of the creator.

9. The authorship determination method according to claim 3, wherein the artistic work is an artistic work in which a prescribed watermark is embedded, the computer stores the artistic work, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the computer determines whether the prescribed watermark embedded in the artistic work can be acquired from the artistic work possessed by the creator, the computer acquires the prescribed watermark from the artistic work stored in the one or more artistic works that are consistent with the artistic work possessed by the creator, in the case where it is determined that the prescribed watermark cannot be acquired from the artistic work, the computer determines the authorship of the artistic work by determining whether the prescribed watermark can be acquired from the artistic work that is consistent with the artistic work possessed by the creator.

10. The authorship determination method according to claim 3, wherein the artistic work includes a project ID that identifies a project related to the creation of the artistic work generated in accordance with the instructions of the creator, the computer acquires the project ID from the artistic work possessed by the creator, the computer determines the authorship of the artistic work by determining whether the project ID can be acquired from the artistic work.

11. The authorship determination method according to claim 1, wherein the computer searches for an image online using the artistic work, the first creation certificate includes information indicating the search result of the image.

12. The authorship determination method according to claim 1, wherein the computer receives a utilization permission application by a user other than the creator of the artistic work, the computer issues a permission certificate including permission proof information including information indicating a permittee in response to the reception of the utilization permission application, the permission proof information is encrypted using a first private key.

13. The authorship determination method according to claim 12, wherein the computer receives the permission certificate possessed by the user, the computer acquires the permission proof information from the received permission certificate by decrypting the permission proof information included in the received permission certificate using a first public key corresponding to the first private key, the computer determines that the user is the permittee of the artistic work in the case where the permission proof information can be decrypted using the first public key.

14. The authorship determination method according to claim 13, wherein the artistic work is an artistic work in which a prescribed watermark is embedded, the authorship determination method further includes: the computer acquires the prescribed watermark embedded in the artistic work possessed by the user, the computer determines that the user is the permittee of the artistic work in the case where the prescribed watermark can be acquired from the artistic work.

15. The authorship determination method according to claim 14, wherein the prescribed watermark is a watermark indicating a project ID that identifies a project related to the creation of the artistic work generated in accordance with the instructions of the creator of the artistic work, the computer establishes a correspondence between the project ID and the permission certificate.

16. The authorship determination method according to claim 15, wherein the computer receives the license certificate encrypted by the user's private key, the computer acquires the license certificate from the specified watermark taken from the artwork, the computer acquires the license proof information from the acquired license certificate, and acquires the user's public key indicated by the license proof information, the computer decrypts the received license certificate using the acquired user's public key, the computer determines that the user is the licensee of the artwork if the license certificate can be decrypted by the user's public key.

17. The authorship determination method according to claim 1, wherein the computer searches for an image on line using an artwork in which a specified watermark is not embedded, the first creation certificate contains the search result of the image.

18. An authorship determination method for determining the authorship of an artwork using a computer, wherein the artwork is generated by integrating first pre-integrated data composed of a plurality of partial artworks inputted per layer, the computer calculates a second hash value which is a hash value of second pre-integrated data composed of the plurality of partial artworks at a halfway of production, the computer generates a second creation certificate containing the second hash value.

19. The authorship determination method according to claim 18, wherein the computer receives the second creation certificate possessed by a creator of the artwork, and acquires the second hash value from the received second creation certificate, the computer acquires the second pre-integrated data possessed by the creator, and calculates a hash value of the acquired second pre-integrated data, the computer determines the authorship of the artwork based on the second hash value acquired from the second creation certificate and the hash value calculated from the second pre-integrated data.

20. A computer comprising a processor and configured to determine the authorship of an artwork, wherein the artwork is generated by integrating pre-integrated data composed of a plurality of partial artworks inputted per layer, the processor calculates a hash value of the pre-integrated data, the processor generates a creation certificate containing the hash value.

21. The computer according to claim 20, wherein the processor determines the authorship of the artwork based on the hash value acquired from the creation certificate and a hash value recalculated from the pre-integrated data after the creation certificate is generated.

22. A computer program product comprising a computer program for causing a computer to execute a process of proving the authorship of an artwork, wherein the artwork is generated by integrating pre-integrated data composed of a plurality of partial artworks inputted per layer, the computer program is for causing the computer to execute the following steps: the computer calculates a hash value of the pre-integrated data, the computer generates a creation certificate containing the hash value. the computer receives the creation certificate possessed by a creator of the artwork, and acquires the hash value from the received creation certificate, the computer acquires the pre-integrated data possessed by the creator, and calculates a hash value of the acquired pre-integrated data, the computer determines the authorship of the artwork based on the hash value acquired from the creation certificate and the hash value recalculated from the pre-integrated data after the creation certificate is generated. Calculate the hash value of the data before integration; and Generate an authoring certificate containing the hash value.

23. The computer program product according to claim 22, wherein, The program is used to enable the computer to perform the following determination step: determining the author identity of the artwork based on the hash value obtained from the creation certificate and the hash value recalculated based on the data before integration after the creation certificate is generated.

24. A computer, including a processor, for determining the authorship of a work of art, wherein, The artwork was generated by integrating a first set of pre-integration data, which consisted of multiple individual artworks, each input as a separate layer. The processor calculates a second hash value, which is the hash value of the second pre-integration data, which consists of the multiple artworks created during the production process. The processor generates a second authorship certificate containing the second hash value.

25. A computer program product comprising a computer program for causing a computer to perform processing to authenticate the authorship of a work of art, wherein, The artwork was generated by integrating a first set of pre-integration data, which consisted of multiple individual artworks, each input as a separate layer. The computer program is used to cause the computer to perform the following steps: Calculate a second hash value, which is the hash value of the second pre-integration data, which consists of the multiple parts of the artwork created during production; and Generate a second author certificate containing the second hash value.

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