Information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

Related information relating to a second item generated on the basis of the first item is acquired, the related information including at least first identification information of a first Non-Function Token, which is a first NFT associated with the first item in a one-to-one manner (S201), and the second NFT associated with the second item in a one-to-one manner and having the related information as metadata is stored in a distributed ledger (S216).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to information processing methods, information processing apparatus, and programs. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of a method for evaluating the environmental impact of human consumption activities, there is the evaluation of the product life cycle (product lifespan) (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents Non-patent literature Non-Patent Literature 1: "Discovering All Environmental Effects: How Life Cycle Assessment with LCA Software Works", [online], iPoint-systems gmbh, [Searched January 10, 2007], Internet <URL:https: / / go.ipoint-systems.com / blog / discovering-all-environmental-effects-how-life-cycle-assessment-with-lca-software-works> Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve Product lifecycle management requires managing the history of items that appear throughout the product's lifecycle. If the management of the history of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle is inadequate, the product lifecycle cycle itself becomes inappropriate.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing method, etc., that supports the proper management of the history of items that appear during the product's life cycle.

[0006] Due to the means of solving the problem The present invention provides an information processing method for obtaining association information related to a second item generated based on a first item. The association information includes at least first identification information of a first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) that has a one-to-one correspondence with the first item. The second NFT that has a one-to-one correspondence with the second item is saved to a distributed ledger, and the second NFT has the association information as metadata.

[0007] Furthermore, these general or specific methods can be implemented either through systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, or computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, or through any combination of systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0008] Invention Effects This invention supports the proper management of the history of items that appear throughout the product's lifecycle. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the life cycle of a typical product.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the information processing system in the implementation method.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the ledger server in the implementation method.

[0012] Figure 4 This is the first explanatory diagram showing an example of the transfer of an item and an NFT in an implementation method.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a second explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transfer of an item and an NFT in an implementation method.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the first example of the decomposition product of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of a second example of the decomposition product of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of regeneration in an implementation method.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of an example of a component used in an implementation method.

[0018] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a product implemented in this way.

[0019] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram of the third example of the decomposition product of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a first timing diagram representing the NFT generation process of the implementation method.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a second timing diagram representing the NFT generation process of the implementation method.

[0022] Figure 14This is a first timing diagram representing the NFT transfer process of the implementation method.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a second timing diagram representing the NFT transfer process in the implementation method.

[0024] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first example of a display image of an NFT displayed according to an implementation method.

[0025] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram of a second example of a display image of an NFT shown in an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third example of a display image of an NFT shown in an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 This is an illustration of the data structure of a distributed ledger, namely a blockchain.

[0028] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram representing the data structure of transaction data.

[0029] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram representing transaction data related to the execution of smart contracts.

[0030] Figure 22 This is an illustrative diagram representing the processes related to the execution of smart contracts.

[0031] Figure 23 This is an illustrative diagram representing the structure of NFTs and metadata. Detailed Implementation

[0032] (Insights that form the basis of this invention) The inventors of this application have discovered the following issues regarding the technology concerning the product life cycle described in the "Background Art" section.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the typical product lifecycle. Products include, for example, manufactured goods, specifically household appliances or electronic devices, but are not limited to these. Additionally, items that will appear during the product's lifecycle are also referred to as resources.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, resources circulate and transfer between multiple organizations throughout the product lifecycle. Furthermore, Figure 1 The terms "product," "decomposition product," "regenerated product," and "component" in the life cycle diagram represent resources that appear in the product's life cycle.

[0035] Specifically, during the product's lifecycle, the product is assembled in an assembly plant and shipped out.

[0036] When a user purchases a product, the product moves to the user for use. If the user discards the product, it moves to a dismantling plant where it undergoes dismantling processing. Through this process, the product is broken down into components or parts that once constituted it (specifically, synthetic resins (also simply called resins), metals, or substrates, etc.). These components or parts are also referred to as dismantling products.

[0037] The decomposed materials move to a recycling plant where they undergo recycling processes (specifically, recycling, sorting, washing, crushing, pulverizing, dissolving, or refining). Through these processes, the decomposed materials are regenerated into articles that can be used to manufacture new products (also known as reclaimed matter). The reclaimed matter then moves to a manufacturing plant where it can be used to create new components. The newly manufactured components then move to an assembly plant where they are assembled to become finished products and shipped out.

[0038] If the product lifecycle is properly cyclical, waste products are generated from discarded products, recycled organisms are produced from these waste products, and components from these recycled organisms are used in the manufacture of new products. Through this cycle, resources are used efficiently. Furthermore, efficient resource use reduces the amount of resources required to manufacture new products, thus reducing energy consumption such as electricity needed to prepare new resources.

[0039] Product lifecycle management requires managing the history of items (also known as resources) that appear throughout the product's lifecycle. These items include products, decomposition products, regenerated materials, and components. Inadequate management of the history of items throughout the product lifecycle leads to an inappropriate product lifecycle cycle.

[0040] This invention provides an information processing method, etc., that supports the proper management of the history of items that appear during the product's life cycle.

[0041] The inventions obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be illustrated below, and the effects obtained from the inventions will be explained.

[0042] (1) An information processing method, wherein the method obtains association information related to a second item generated based on a first item, the association information including at least the first identification information of a first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) that has a one-to-one correspondence with the first item, and saves the second NFT that has a one-to-one correspondence with the second item to a distributed ledger, wherein the second NFT has the association information as metadata.

[0043] According to the above method, the metadata of the second NFT, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the second item, includes the association information of the first NFT, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the first item, which is the source of the second item. Therefore, information indicating that the second item was generated based on the first item (in other words, information indicating that the second item was generated based on the first item) is appropriately stored as NFT metadata by the distributed ledger as history information. Furthermore, the information processing method uses the history information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger to support the appropriate management of the history information of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle. Thus, the above information processing method supports the appropriate management of the history of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0044] (2) According to the information processing method described in (1), the first item and the second item are each resources contained in the product's life cycle.

[0045] According to the above method, information such as the generation of a second item, which is another resource included in the product's lifecycle, based on a first item that is a resource included in the product's lifecycle, is stored as NFT metadata by a distributed ledger as history information. Furthermore, the information processing method uses the history information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger to support the proper management of the history information of resources appearing in the product's lifecycle. Thus, the above information processing method supports the proper management of the history of items appearing in the product's lifecycle.

[0046] (3) According to the information processing method described in (1) or (2), the first item is a plurality of first items, the second item is a single second item, when the first identification information is obtained, the association information related to the single second item generated based on the plurality of first items is obtained, the association information includes at least a plurality of first identification information as the first identification information of a plurality of first NFTs that have established a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first items, and when the second NFT is saved to the distributed ledger, the single second NFT that has established a correspondence with the single second item and has the association information as the metadata is saved to the distributed ledger.

[0047] According to the above method, when there are multiple first items and a single second item, information indicating that a single second item was generated based on multiple first items (in other words, information indicating that a single second item was generated based on multiple first items) is appropriately stored as NFT metadata by the distributed ledger as history information. Furthermore, the information processing method uses the history information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger to support the proper management of the history information of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle. Thus, the above information processing method supports the proper management of the history of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0048] (4) According to the information processing method described in (1) or (2), the first item is a single first item, and the second item is a plurality of second items. When the first identification information is obtained, a plurality of association information is obtained as the association information related to the plurality of second items generated based on the single first item. The plurality of association information includes at least the first identification information of the first NFT that has established a correspondence with the single first item. The plurality of second NFTs that have established a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of second items and have the association information as the metadata are saved to the distributed ledger.

[0049] According to the above method, when there is a single first item and multiple second items, information indicating that multiple second items were generated based on the single first item (in other words, information indicating that multiple second items were generated based on the single first item) is appropriately stored as NFT metadata by the distributed ledger as history information. Furthermore, the information processing method uses the history information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger to support the proper management of the history information of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle. Thus, the above information processing method supports the proper management of the history of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0050] (5) The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first article and the second article are respectively resin, metal or substrate.

[0051] According to the above method, for a first article and a second article, which are resins, metals, or substrates, information indicating that a second article was generated based on the first article is stored as traceability information in a distributed ledger as metadata for the NFT. Typically, products are assigned identification information, making management based on that information easier. However, it can sometimes be difficult to assign identification information to resins, metals, or substrates generated by disassembling a product. Therefore, in the information processing method, traceability information appropriately stored in a distributed ledger is used to support the appropriate management of traceability information for resins, metals, or substrates that appear as articles throughout the product's lifecycle. Thus, the above information processing method supports the appropriate management of the traceability of articles appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0052] (6) According to the information processing method of (2), during the life cycle, the resource is transferred between multiple organizations, and at least one of the first item and the second item is transferred between the multiple organizations.

[0053] According to the above method, for a first item and a second item that are transferred between multiple organizations at least once, information indicating that a second item was generated based on the first item is appropriately stored as NFT metadata in a distributed ledger as historical information. Furthermore, in the information processing method, the historical information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger supports the appropriate management of the historical information of items appearing throughout the product lifecycle across multiple organizations. Thus, the above information processing method supports the appropriate management of the historical information of items appearing throughout the product lifecycle.

[0054] (7) The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the associated information includes identification information assigned to the appearance of the second article or the container or packaging of the second article in a visually recognizable manner.

[0055] According to the above method, by using associated information including identification information that assigns visual recognition to the appearance of a second item, or the container or packaging of the second item, appropriate management of the traceability information of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle is supported. Thus, the above information processing method supports appropriate management of the traceability of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0056] (8) The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the associated information includes the category of the second article, information indicating the process of generating the second article, or the quantity of the second article.

[0057] According to the above method, by using associated information including the category of the second item, information indicating the process that generates the second item, or the quantity of the second item, appropriate management of the history information of items appearing in the product lifecycle is supported. Thus, the above information processing method supports appropriate management of the history of items appearing in the product lifecycle.

[0058] (9) According to any one of (1) to (8) the information processing method, when the second NFT is transferred, a determination process is performed to determine whether the second NFT is legitimate using the associated information of the second NFT, and if the second NFT is determined to be illegitimate in the determination process, the second NFT is invalidated.

[0059] According to the above method, if the second NFT is deemed illegitimate during its transfer, it is invalidated, thus preventing the transfer of illegitimate second NFTs. Furthermore, the information processing method uses history information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger to support the proper management of history information for items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle. In this way, the aforementioned information processing method supports the proper management of the history of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0060] (10) According to any one of (1) to (8) the information processing method, when saving the second NFT, a determination process is performed to determine whether the second NFT is legitimate by using the associated information of the second NFT, and if the determination process determines that the second NFT is illegitimate, an instruction message indicating the correction of the associated information is sent.

[0061] According to the above method, when the second NFT is determined to be illegitimate during its storage, the associated information is corrected, thus preventing the storage of illegitimate second NFTs. Furthermore, the information processing method uses the history information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger to support the proper management of the history information of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle. In this way, the aforementioned information processing method supports the proper management of the history of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0062] (11) In any one of (1) to (10) the information processing method, a first display information relating to the second NFT and containing at least the first identification information is sent to a terminal, thereby displaying the first display information on the display screen of the terminal. When a user performs an operation on the first identification information displayed on the terminal, a second display information relating to the first NFT is sent to the terminal, thereby displaying the second display information on the display screen of the terminal.

[0063] According to the above method, when an operation is performed on the first identification information in the display information related to the second NFT, the display information related to the first NFT is displayed on the terminal. Therefore, the information displayed on the terminal can be transformed from display information related to the second item to display information related to the first item, which is the source of the second item. Thus, in the information processing method, chronological information appropriately stored by a distributed ledger can be used to trace the product's lifecycle while providing association information related to items appearing during the product's lifecycle. In this way, the above information processing method supports the appropriate management of the chronological history of items appearing during the product's lifecycle.

[0064] (12) In the information processing method according to any one of (1) to (11), further, in the case that the item that is the source of the third item is unknown, the association information related to the third item is obtained, the association information includes information indicating that the item that is the source of the third item is unknown, and the third NFT that has a one-to-one correspondence with the third item and has the association information as metadata is saved to the distributed ledger.

[0065] According to the above method, the metadata of the third NFT, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the third item, includes association information indicating that the item that is the source of the third item is unknown. Therefore, this information indicating that the item that is the source of the third item is unknown is appropriately stored as NFT metadata by the distributed ledger as history information. Furthermore, the information processing method uses the history information appropriately stored by the distributed ledger to support the appropriate management of the history information of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle. Thus, the above information processing method supports the appropriate management of the history of items appearing throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0066] (13) An information processing apparatus having a processor and a memory connected to the processor, wherein the processor uses the memory to obtain association information relating to a second item generated based on a first item, the association information including at least first identification information of a first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) that has a one-to-one correspondence with the first item, and saves the second NFT that has a one-to-one correspondence with the second item to a distributed ledger, the second NFT having the association information as metadata.

[0067] The above method achieves the same effect as the information processing method described above.

[0068] (14) A program that causes a computer to perform the information processing method described in (1).

[0069] The above method achieves the same effect as the information processing method described above.

[0070] Furthermore, these general or specific methods can be implemented either through systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, or computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, or through any combination of systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media.

[0071] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are either general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions of constituent elements, connection methods, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are all examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Additionally, any constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0073] (Implementation Method) In this embodiment, an information processing method and an information processing system are described to support the proper management of the history of items that appear during the product's life cycle.

[0074] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2 In this context, information processing system 1 is an example of a system that supports the proper management of the history of items that appear during the product's life cycle.

[0075] like Figure 2As shown, the information processing system 1 includes a ledger system 10. The information processing system 1 is connected to a storage device 5 and terminals T1, T2, T3, and T4. Alternatively, the information processing system 1 may also include the storage device 5, or terminals T1, T2, T3, or T4. All of the aforementioned devices are connected to a network N and can communicate via the network N.

[0076] Ledger system 10 is an information processing system that uses a distributed ledger to store information. The distributed ledger in ledger system 10 stores the generation history of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) that have a one-to-one correspondence with items in the real world, as well as the transfer history of these NFTs. These NFTs are NFTs whose generation or transfer is tracked on the distributed ledger for items in the real world. Items in the real world include items (equivalent to resources) that appear during the product's lifecycle.

[0077] Ledger system 10 can use a distributed ledger to perform processing based on smart contracts. Ledger system 10 can use smart contract-based processing to generate NFTs, and also enables the transfer of NFTs.

[0078] Ledger system 10 includes ledger servers 11, 12, and 13 (also referred to as ledger server 11, etc.) as a server cluster that maintains the distributed ledger. When at least one of ledger servers 11, etc., receives transaction data, the transaction data is shared by all ledger servers 11, etc., and saved to the distributed ledger. Furthermore, the number of ledger servers included in the above server cluster is not limited to 3, and can also be 2 or more.

[0079] Ledger server 11 is a server that serves as a computer that maintains and manages the distributed ledger. Ledger server 11 maintains the distributed ledger and updates it synchronously with other ledger servers (specifically ledger servers 12 and 13).

[0080] Ledger servers 12 and 13 are the same servers as ledger server 11, and operate independently of ledger server 11.

[0081] Furthermore, the ledger system 10 may also include multiple ledger systems for different items. Specifically, the ledger system 10 may include a ledger system for resin, a ledger system for metal, and a ledger system for substrate, etc. Here, the ledger system for resin has a distributed ledger that stores the generation history of NFTs that are one-to-one with resin, as well as the transfer history of the aforementioned NFTs. The same applies to metals or substrates. In addition, the ledger system 10 may also include a ledger system for products, a ledger system for decomposed materials, a ledger system for regenerated materials, and a ledger system for parts, etc.

[0082] Storage device 5 is a storage device for storing data. Storage device 5 can be accessed (specifically read from or written to) via network N from ledger system 10, or terminals T1, T2, T3, or T4. More than one storage device 5 may exist. Storage device 5 can store various types of information, including associated information (described later). The information stored in storage device 5 can be used as metadata for NFTs generated by ledger system 10.

[0083] Terminal T1 is an information processing device used by users in the decomposition plant. Terminal T1 has a processor, memory, a user interface, and a communication interface. It can accept information input using the user interface or the communication interface, and can also generate, display, output, or send and receive information. Terminal T1 can be, for example, a personal computer, tablet computer, or smartphone. The specific processing capabilities of Terminal T1 will be explained in detail later.

[0084] Terminals T2, T3, and T4 have the same structure as terminal T1. Terminal T2 is the information processing device used by users in the recycling plant. Terminal T3 is the information processing device used by users in the manufacturing plant. Terminal T4 is the information processing device used by users in the assembly plant. The specific processing functions of terminals T2, T3, and T4 will be explained in detail later.

[0085] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the ledger server 11 in this embodiment.

[0086] The ledger server 11 includes a communication unit 101, a ledger processing unit 102, an execution unit 103, a storage unit 104, and a prompt control unit 105 as functional units. At least a portion of the functional units of the ledger server 11 are implemented by executing programs using memory through a processor (e.g., CPU) of the ledger server 11.

[0087] The communication unit 101 is a communication interface that can be communicatively connected to the network N. The communication unit 101 can be a communication interface for wired communication standards (e.g., Ethernet, etc.) or wireless communication standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc., or mobile communication systems (3G, 4G, or 5G, etc.)). The communication unit 101 is used when the functional units of the ledger server 11 communicate with other devices.

[0088] Ledger processing unit 102 performs processing related to distributed ledger 111 and transaction data. Specifically, when receiving transaction data from terminals T1, T2, T3, or T4, ledger processing unit 102 verifies the digital signature contained in the received transaction data and controls the saving of the successfully verified transaction data to the distributed ledger 111 stored in storage unit 104. Ledger processing unit 102 can control the saving of transaction data to distributed ledger 111 by generating a block containing the transaction data to be saved, and saving the block to distributed ledger 111 when consensus is reached between ledger processing unit 102 and ledger servers 12 and 13, which are other ledger servers, regarding the generated block.

[0089] The execution unit 103 performs information processing. For example, the execution unit 103 can perform information processing by executing a smart contract using the distributed ledger 111. Alternatively, the execution unit 103 can perform information processing using standard program code without using a smart contract.

[0090] As part of the aforementioned information processing, the execution unit 103 performs the process of generating an NFT. The NFT establishes a one-to-one correspondence with an item in the real world, and has metadata containing association information related to the item corresponding to the NFT. The association information at least includes the source NFT of the item corresponding to the NFT. Additionally, the association information may also include at least one of the following: name, quantity (specifically, number, weight, or volume), generator, generation process, appearance ID, or serial number. The metadata will be explained in detail later (see [link to documentation]). Figures 6 to 11 ).

[0091] Furthermore, the correspondence between real-world items and NFTs can be many-to-one or one-to-many. For example, one tracking NFT can be associated with ten decomposed items. Alternatively, multiple tracking NFTs can be associated with a single product or decomposed item. Additionally, a single product or decomposed item can have different tracking NFTs associated with it at different times, or it can have different tracking NFTs associated with it depending on the organization.

[0092] Storage unit 104 is a storage device for storing information. Storage unit 104 stores distributed ledger 111. Storage unit 104 is implemented by non-volatile storage devices such as SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0093] Distributed ledger 111 stores data constructed by linking blocks containing more than one transaction into a chain. The more than one transaction stored in distributed ledger 111 includes: transaction data containing contract code for a smart contract, transaction data containing commands to execute a smart contract, or transaction data containing other information.

[0094] The prompting control unit 105 controls the terminal T1 to display information related to the NFT. For example, the prompting control unit 105 controls the sending of information related to the NFT owned by the disassembly plant to the terminal T1 of the user of the disassembly plant, thereby prompting the user by the terminal T1. The terminal T1 may display the information related to the NFT on a display screen or output the information as sound through a speaker.

[0095] Similarly, the prompt control unit 105 can perform the following controls: prompting terminal T2 of the user of the recycling plant with information related to NFTs owned by the recycling plant; prompting terminal T3 of the user of the manufacturing plant with information related to NFTs owned by the manufacturing plant; or prompting terminal T4 of the user of the assembly plant with information related to NFTs owned by the assembly plant.

[0096] Explain the transfer of items and NFTs throughout the product's lifecycle.

[0097] Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transfer of an item to an NFT in this embodiment. Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the decomposition products in this embodiment. Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram of an example of regenerated organisms in this embodiment. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of an example of a component in this embodiment. Figure 10 These are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of the products in this embodiment. Referring to these diagrams, the lifecycle of product #1, used by the end user, is explained through disassembly and regeneration, and then shipped again as a product (product #5).

[0098] First, in the disassembly plant, processing of product #1 is performed (steps S101 to S104). At the moment of step S101, product #1, after being used by the end user, is in the disassembly plant. Product #1 is, for example, an air conditioner.

[0099] In step S101, the decomposition plant decomposes product #1 to generate resin #1. Resin #1 is, for example, resin fragments, and more specifically, resin fragments generated by crushing the air conditioner cover (see reference). Figure 6 (a)

[0100] In step S102, terminal T1 performs the generation process of NFT #1 corresponding to the generation of resin #1 in step S101. NFT #1 is an NFT corresponding to resin #1. NFT #1 contains information about the NFT corresponding to the material, i.e., the article, which is the generation source of resin #1. The generation process of NFT #1 will be described in detail later.

[0101] Additionally, the term "NFT#1" refers to an NFT whose token ID is 1, serving as identification information. This also applies to other NFTs.

[0102] Figure 6 (b) shows a specific example of the metadata for NFT#1.

[0103] Figure 6 The metadata of NFT #1 shown in (b) includes the name, weight, generator, source NFT, generation process, and appearance ID of resin #1, as associated information related to resin #1 corresponding to NFT #1.

[0104] The name is information that indicates the designation given to resin #1. For example, the name may be given by the decomposition plant, the producer of resin #1. Additionally, part of the name may include the category of the item (resin, metal, or substrate, etc.).

[0105] Weight refers to the weight of resin #1. Additionally, weight is an example of quantity.

[0106] The generator is information indicating the generator that produced resin #1.

[0107] The source NFT is the identification information of the NFT corresponding to the item that is the source of resin #1, such as the token ID of the aforementioned NFT.

[0108] The production process refers to the process (process) of producing resin #1 from an article that serves as the production source of resin #1.

[0109] Appearance ID is identification information assigned to the appearance of resin #1, or its container or packaging, in a visually recognizable manner. Specifically, the container or packaging includes boxes, bags, plastic bottles, cans, or jars that contain resin #1, or sheets or films that wrap resin #1.

[0110] Specifically, Figure 6The metadata shown in (b) indicates that: the name of resin #1 is dismantling component resin #1 (also simply resin #1); the weight of resin #1 is 180kg; the generator of resin #1 is the dismantling plant; the source NFT of resin #1 is NFT #999; the generation process of resin #1 is robot dismantling; the appearance ID of resin #1 is bag #001 (in other words, resin #1 is contained in a bag with ID 001, and the same applies below).

[0111] In step S103 (refer to) Figure 4 In this process, the decomposition plant transfers resin #1 to the recycling plant. Resin #1 is, for example, transported from the decomposition plant to the recycling plant.

[0112] In step S104, terminal T1 performs a transfer process corresponding to the transfer of resin #1 in step S103, transferring NFT #1 to the recycling plant. The transfer process of NFT #1 will be described in detail later.

[0113] Next, in the disassembly plant, processing of product #2 is performed (steps S105-S108). At step S105, product #2, after being used by the end user, is in the disassembly plant. Product #2 is, for example, a refrigerator.

[0114] In step S105, the decomposition plant decomposes product #2 to generate resin #2. Resin #2 is, for example, resin fragments, and more specifically, resin fragments generated by breaking a refrigerator shelf (see reference). Figure 7 (a)

[0115] In step S106, terminal T1 performs the generation process of NFT #2 corresponding to the generation of resin #2 in step S105. NFT #2 is an NFT corresponding to resin #2. NFT #2 contains information about the NFT corresponding to the material, i.e., the article, which is the generation source of resin #2. The generation process of NFT #2 will be described in detail later.

[0116] Figure 7 (b) shows a specific example of the metadata for NFT#2.

[0117] Figure 7 The metadata of NFT#2 shown in (b) includes the name, weight, generator, source NFT and generation process of resin#2 as associated information related to resin#2 corresponding to NFT#2.

[0118] Specifically, Figure 7The metadata shown in (b) indicates that: the name of resin #2 is dismantled component resin #2 (also simply resin #2); the weight of resin #2 is 90kg; the generator of resin #2 is the dismantling plant; the source NFT of resin #2 is NFT #998; the generation process of resin #2 is manual dismantling (in other words, dismantling performed by hand).

[0119] In step S107 (refer to) Figure 4 In this process, the decomposition plant transfers resin #2 to the recycling plant. For example, resin #2 is transported from the decomposition plant to the recycling plant.

[0120] In step S108, terminal T1 performs a transfer process corresponding to the transfer of resin #2 in step S107, transferring NFT #2 to the recycling plant. The transfer process of NFT #2 will be described in detail later.

[0121] Next, in the recycling plant, the processing of resin #3 is carried out (steps S111~S114).

[0122] In step S111, the recycling plant generates resin #3 by regenerating the resin #1 transferred in step S103 and the resin #2 transferred in step S107. Resin #3 is, for example, a granular resin; more specifically, it is a granular resin produced by mixing resin #1 and resin #2 and then molding them (see [reference]). Figure 8 (a)

[0123] In step S112, terminal T2 performs a generation process corresponding to the generation of resin #3 in step S111 to generate NFT #3. NFT #3 is an NFT corresponding to resin #3. NFT #3 contains identification information of the NFTs corresponding to the materials that are the generation sources of resin #3, namely resin #1 and resin #2 (i.e., identification information of NFT #1 and identification information of NFT #2). The generation process of NFT #3 will be described in detail later.

[0124] Figure 8 (b) shows a specific example of the metadata for NFT#3.

[0125] Figure 8 The metadata of NFT #3 shown in (b) includes the name of resin #3, generator, source NFT, generation process, and appearance ID, as associated information related to resin #3 corresponding to NFT #3.

[0126] Specifically, Figure 8The metadata shown in (b) indicates that: the name of resin #3 is PP (polypropylene resin) as recycled resin #3 (also simply referred to as resin #3); the weight of resin #3 is 270 kg; the producer of resin #3 is a recycling plant; the source NFTs of resin #3 are NFT #1 and NFT #2; the production process of resin #3 is washing and the addition of heat stabilizer; and the appearance ID is bag #003. Additionally, it indicates that: the weight of resin #1 corresponding to NFT #1 used in the production of resin #3 is 180 kg; and the weight of resin #2 corresponding to NFT #2 used in the production of resin #3 is 90 kg.

[0127] In step S113 (refer to) Figure 4 In this process, the recycling plant transfers resin #3 to the manufacturing plant. For example, resin #3 is transported from the recycling plant to the manufacturing plant.

[0128] In step S114, terminal T2 performs a transfer process corresponding to the transfer of resin #3 in step S113, transferring NFT #3 to the manufacturing plant. The transfer process of NFT #3 will be described in detail later.

[0129] Next, in the manufacturing plant, the processing of the parts is performed (steps S121~S124, see...). Figure 5 ).

[0130] In step S121, the manufacturing plant uses the resin #3 transferred in step S113 to manufacture the component. The component, for example, is the lower frame of a washing machine, and is one of the components constituting the washing machine as a future product (see reference). Figure 9 (a) The part is manufactured by heating resin #3 to melt it and then injecting it into a mold for molding.

[0131] In step S122, terminal T3 performs a generation process corresponding to the manufacturing of the component in step S121 to generate NFT#4. NFT#4 is an NFT corresponding to the component. NFT#4 contains identification information of the NFT#3 corresponding to the material that forms the basis of the component, namely resin#3. The generation process of NFT#4 will be described in detail later.

[0132] Figure 9 (b) shows a specific example of the metadata for NFT#4.

[0133] Figure 9 The metadata of NFT#4 shown in (b) includes the part's name, creator, source NFT, and creation process as associated information related to the part corresponding to NFT#4.

[0134] Specifically, Figure 9The metadata shown in (b) indicates that: the part's name is "Washing Machine Lower Frame"; the part's creator is the manufacturing plant; the part's source NFT is NFT#3; and the part's creation process is molding. Additionally, it indicates that the weight of resin #3 corresponding to NFT#3 used in the part's manufacturing is 2.7 kg.

[0135] In step S123 (refer to) Figure 5 In this process, the manufacturing plant transfers components to the assembly plant. For example, components are transported from the manufacturing plant to the assembly plant.

[0136] In step S124, terminal T3 performs a transfer process corresponding to the component transfer in step S123, transferring NFT#4 to the assembly plant. The transfer process of NFT#4 will be described in detail later.

[0137] In step S131, the assembly plant uses the components transferred in step S123 to assemble product #5 (e.g., a washing machine) (see reference). Figure 10 (a)

[0138] In step S132, terminal T4 performs a generation process corresponding to the assembly of product #5 in step S131 to generate NFT #5. NFT #5 is the NFT corresponding to product #5. NFT #5 contains identification information of the NFT corresponding to the component that serves as the generation source of product #5, namely NFT #4. The generation process of NFT #5 will be described in detail later.

[0139] Figure 10 (b) shows a specific example of the metadata for NFT#5.

[0140] Figure 10 The metadata of NFT#5 shown in (b) includes the product name, creator, source NFT, creation process, and serial number as associated information with the part corresponding to NFT#5.

[0141] Specifically, Figure 10 The metadata shown in (b) indicates that: the product name is a washing machine; the product's creator is an assembly factory; the product's source NFTs are NFT#4 and NFT#104, etc.; the product's creation process is machine assembly; and the product's serial number is P12345.

[0142] In step S133 (see...) Figure 5 In this process, the assembly plant ships product #5. Product #5 is then delivered to the end user, for example, via a logistics or transportation provider.

[0143] When product #5 reaches the end user, it is used by the end user. When the end user discards product #5, it is sent to a dismantling plant. Furthermore, the end user of product #5 is not limited to one person; it can be multiple people.

[0144] In step S141, the decomposition plant obtains product #5, which was discarded by the end user.

[0145] In step S142, the decomposition plant decomposes product #5 to generate resin #6. Resin #6 is, for example, resin fragments, and more specifically, resin fragments generated by breaking the lower frame of the washing machine (see reference). Figure 11 (a)

[0146] In step S143, terminal T1 performs a generation process corresponding to the generation of resin #6 in step S142 to generate NFT #6. NFT #6 is an NFT corresponding to resin #6. NFT #6 contains identification information of the NFT corresponding to the material of product #5, which is the source of resin #6, namely resin #4. The generation process of NFT #6 will be described in detail later.

[0147] Figure 11 (b) shows a specific example of the metadata for NFT#6.

[0148] Figure 11 The metadata of NFT#6 shown in (b) includes the name of resin#6, generator, source NFT, generation process, and appearance ID, as associated information related to resin#6 corresponding to NFT#6.

[0149] Specifically, Figure 11 The metadata shown in (b) indicates that: the name of resin #6 is dismantling component resin #6 (also simply resin #6); the generator of resin #6 is the dismantling plant; the source NFT of resin #6 is NFT #4; the generation process of resin #6 is the robot dismantling of the washing machine (the washing machine corresponding to NFT #5); the appearance ID of resin #6 is bag #011.

[0150] After step S143, similar to steps S103 and S104, the transfer of resin #6 and NFT #6 are performed, and the processes of regeneration, manufacturing and assembly are carried out.

[0151] pass Figure 4 and Figure 5 The process shown allows for a cyclical product lifecycle.

[0152] Next, the NFT generation process will be explained.

[0153] Here, as an example, the generation process of NFT #3 corresponding to resin #3 performed by terminal T2 in step S111 is described, but the generation process for other NFTs is the same. In this case, resin #1 or resin #2 corresponds to the first article, and resin #3 corresponds to the second article. The first article and the second article can each be resources included in the product's life cycle. More specifically, the first article and the second article can each be resin, metal, or substrate. At least one of the first article and the second article can be a resource transferred between multiple organizations.

[0154] Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 This is a timing diagram representing the NFT generation process in this embodiment. Figure 13 Shown in Figure 12 The process of entering "No" in step S215.

[0155] In step S201, terminal T2 obtains the association information. The association information includes at least the token ID of the source NFT. The token ID of the source NFT is equivalent to the identification information of the NFT (i.e., NFT #1 or NFT #2) corresponding to the item that becomes the source of resin #3 (i.e., resin #1 or resin #2). The association information is used as metadata for the NFT generated in this generation process.

[0156] In step S202, terminal T2 saves the association information obtained in step S201 in storage device 5. Specifically, terminal T2 sends the association information to storage device 5. Storage device 5 receives and stores the sent association information.

[0157] In step S203, terminal T2 obtains the address representing the location where the associated information saved in step S202 is stored. The address is, for example, a URI, and more specifically, a URL.

[0158] In step S204, terminal T2 generates a pair of private and public keys (also called a key pair) for the regeneration plant. A key pair includes corresponding private and public keys. Furthermore, the relationship between the private and public keys in a key pair is expressed as a "correspondence." The same applies thereafter.

[0159] In step S205, terminal T2 generates generation request transaction data for the NFT request and sends it to ledger system 10. Ledger system 10 receives the sent generation request transaction data. The generation request transaction data includes at least the address of the storage location representing the associated information obtained in step S203, the public key of the recycling plant that is the owner of resin #3, and the digital signature (also simply referred to as the signature) of the recycling plant (in other words, the signature generated using the private key of the recycling plant).

[0160] In step S211, the ledger system 10 verifies the signature of the generation request transaction data received in step S205. Specifically, the ledger system 10 uses the public key of the regeneration factory to verify the signature contained in the generation request transaction data.

[0161] In step S212, the ledger system 10 determines whether the signature verification in step S211 was successful. If the signature verification is successful (step S212: Yes), proceed to step S213; otherwise, perform error handling. Furthermore, for convenience, illustrations of the handling for cases where verification fails are omitted. Error handling may also include outputting a message indicating verification failure, or invalidating the generated request transaction data, etc.

[0162] In step S213, the ledger system 10 saves the generation request transaction data received in step S205 into the distributed ledger 111.

[0163] In step S214, the ledger system 10 verifies the legitimacy of the NFT corresponding to resin #3 (i.e., the NFT to be generated in step S216 described later), namely NFT #3. Specifically, the ledger system 10 uses the associated information contained in the generation request transaction data received in step S205 to verify whether the generation of resin #3 based on resin #1 and resin #2 is legitimate from the viewpoints of weight, resource type, or generation process.

[0164] For example, if the weight of resin #3 included in the association information is within a suitable range derived from the sum of the weights of resin #1 and resin #2, the ledger system 10 can determine that it is appropriate from the perspective of weight. Furthermore, if the category of resin #3 included in the association information is suitable as a category of resources generated from resin #1 and resin #2, the ledger system 10 can determine that it is appropriate from the perspective of category. Additionally, if the category of resin #3 included in the association information is appropriately generated from resin #1 and resin #2 through the generation process included in the association information, the ledger system 10 can determine that it is appropriate from the perspective of the generation process.

[0165] In step S215, the ledger system 10 uses the validity verification result of NFT#3 in step S214 to determine whether NFT#3 is valid. If NFT#3 is determined to be valid (step S215: Yes), proceed to step S216; otherwise (step S215: No), proceed to step S221 (see...). Figure 13 (To be discussed later).

[0166] In step S216, NFT#3 is generated using the generation request transaction data received in step S205. Generating NFT#3 means saving NFT#3 to the distributed ledger 111, including saving transaction data representing the generation of NFT#3 to the distributed ledger 111. The metadata of NFT#3 includes the address of the storage location representing the associated information. The owner of NFT#3 is the recycling plant.

[0167] In step S217, ledger system 10 sends the token ID of NFT#3 generated in step S216 to terminal T2. Terminal T2 receives the sent token ID. Alternatively, ledger system 10 may also send the aforementioned token ID as a response to receiving the generation request transaction data in step S205.

[0168] In step S221 (refer to) Figure 13 In this process, ledger system 10 sends an instruction to terminal T2, the instruction indicating that the generated request transaction data should be corrected. Terminal T2 receives the sent instruction.

[0169] In step S222, terminal T2 obtains supplementary information based on the instruction information received in step S221 and sends it to ledger system 10. Ledger system 10 receives the sent supplementary information.

[0170] In step S223, the ledger system 10 considers the supplementary information received in step S222 and verifies the legitimacy of the associated information. The verification of the legitimacy of the associated information is the same as in step S214. The ledger system 10 proceeds to step S215 after step S223 is completed.

[0171] Furthermore, the processing in steps S214-S217, S221, and S223 can also be executed according to a smart contract based on the case where the generation request transaction data is saved to the distributed ledger 111 in step S213. In this case, the generation request transaction data contains a command to execute a smart contract, which performs the aforementioned processing. The execution unit 103 can execute the aforementioned processing according to the command based on the case where the generation request transaction data is saved to the distributed ledger 111 (step S213).

[0172] Alternatively, the first item may be multiple first items, and the second item may be a single second item. In this case, when terminal T2 obtains the first identification information in step S201, it obtains association information related to the single second item generated based on the multiple first items. This association information includes at least multiple first identification information as the first identification information of each of the multiple first NFTs that have established a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple first items. Furthermore, in step S216, when the ledger system 10 saves the second NFT to the distributed ledger 111, it saves the single second NFT that has established a correspondence with the single second item and has the aforementioned association information as metadata to the distributed ledger 111.

[0173] Alternatively, the first item can be a single first item, and the second item can be multiple second items. In this case, when terminal T2 obtains the first identification information in step S201, it obtains multiple association information as association information related to the multiple second items generated based on the single first item. These multiple association information at least include the first identification information of the first NFT that corresponds to the single first item. Furthermore, ledger system 10 saves the multiple second NFTs that have established a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple second items and each have the aforementioned association information as metadata into distributed ledger 111.

[0174] Furthermore, if the source of an item is unknown, the NFT can be stored in the distributed ledger 111 using information indicating that the item is unknown. That is, if the source of an item (equivalent to a third item) is unknown, terminal T2 obtains association information related to the third item in step S201. This association information includes information indicating that the source of the item is unknown. Furthermore, the ledger system 10 stores the third NFT, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the third item and contains the aforementioned association information as metadata, in the distributed ledger 111.

[0175] Next, we will explain the transfer process of NFTs.

[0176] Here, as an example, the transfer process of NFT #3 corresponding to resin #3 performed by terminals T2 and T3 in step S114 is illustrated, but the same applies to the transfer process of other NFTs.

[0177] Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 This is a timing diagram illustrating the NFT transfer process in this embodiment. Figure 15 Shown in Figure 14 The process of entering "No" in step S307.

[0178] In step S301, terminal T2 sends the token ID of NFT#3 and the public key of the recycling plant to terminal T3. Terminal T3 receives the sent token ID and public key.

[0179] In step S302, terminal T3 sends the token ID received in step S301 to ledger system 10. Ledger system 10 receives the sent token ID.

[0180] In step S303, the ledger system 10 obtains the public key of the owner (i.e., the recycling factory) of the NFT (i.e., NFT#3) corresponding to the token ID received in step S302 from the distributed ledger 111, and sends it to the terminal T3. The terminal T3 receives the sent public key.

[0181] In step S304, terminal T3 verifies the public key received from terminal T2 in step S301. Specifically, terminal T3 determines whether the public key received from terminal T2 in step S301 is consistent with the public key received from ledger system 10 in step S303.

[0182] In step S305, terminal T3 determines whether the public key verification in step S304 was successful. Specifically, in the public key verification in step S304, terminal T3 determines that the verification is successful if the public key received from terminal T2 in step S301 is consistent with the public key received from ledger system 10 in step S303; otherwise, the verification fails. If the public key verification is successful (step S305: Yes), proceed to step S306; otherwise (step S306: No), perform error handling. Furthermore, for convenience, illustrations of the handling in the case of verification failure are omitted. Error handling may include outputting a message indicating verification failure, or invalidating NFT#3, etc.

[0183] In step S306, the ledger system 10 verifies the legitimacy of NFT#3. Specifically, the ledger system 10 uses the association information contained in the metadata of NFT#3 to verify whether the generation of resin#3 based on resin#1 and resin#2 is legitimate from the perspectives of weight, resource category, or generation process. The verification process is the same as the verification process in step S214.

[0184] In step S307, the ledger system 10 uses the validity verification result of NFT#3 from step S306 to determine whether NFT#3 is valid. If NFT#3 is determined to be valid (step S307: Yes), proceed to step S308; otherwise (step S307: No), proceed to step S321 (see...). Figure 15 (To be discussed later).

[0185] In step S308, terminal T3 generates transfer transaction data that causes NFT#3 to be transferred from the recycling plant to the manufacturing plant, and sends it to ledger system 10. Ledger system 10 receives the transfer transaction data.

[0186] In step S309, the ledger system 10 saves the transfer transaction data received in step S308 into the distributed ledger 111.

[0187] In step S321 (refer to) Figure 15 In this process, terminal T3 generates invalidation transaction data that invalidates NFT#3 and sends it to ledger system 10. Ledger system 10 receives the sent invalidation transaction data.

[0188] In step S322, the ledger system 10 saves the invalidated transaction data received in step S321 into the distributed ledger 111.

[0189] In step S323, the ledger system 10 invalidates NFT#3 based on the fact that invalidated transaction data was saved to the distributed ledger 111 in step S321. The ledger system 10 invalidates NFT#3, for example, by setting an invalidation flag on the association information of NFT#3. NFT#3 with an invalidation flag set in the association information is appropriately treated as an NFT that does not correspond to an item; for example, transfer processing corresponding to the transfer of an item is prohibited.

[0190] Next, examples of displaying NFTs owned by recycling plants, etc., will be explained.

[0191] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of a display image for displaying an NFT in this embodiment. Figure 16 The image 51 shown is, for example, an example of a display image showing the NFT owned by the recycling plant at a point in time after NFT#3 (step S112) is generated by terminal T2.

[0192] For example, if terminal T2 sends information to ledger system 10 requesting information about the NFT owned by the recycling plant, the drawing data for drawing image 51 can be generated by ledger system 10 and sent to terminal T2.

[0193] Image 51 shows an overview of the NFTs owned by the recycling plant. Image 52 is included in Image 51, representing "NFT #3" as an NFT owned by the recycling plant.

[0194] In addition, image 52 includes a button image 52A for proceeding to display associated information of NFT#3.

[0195] When the user interacts with button image 52A, terminal T2 sends a request for the association information of NFT#3 to ledger system 10 in response to the interaction. Ledger system 10 generates depiction data of the association information of NFT#3 based on the received request and sends it to terminal T2.

[0196] Users of the recycling plant can visually recognize the image 51 displayed on terminal T2 to learn about the NFTs owned by the recycling plant. Furthermore, by interacting with button image 52A, users can access the display of associated information about the NFTs.

[0197] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of a display image for displaying an NFT in this embodiment. Figure 17 The image 61 shown is in operation Figure 16 The example of the display image shown by terminal T2 in the case of button image 52A represents the associated information of NFT#3.

[0198] When terminal T2 sends the associated information of request NFT#3 to ledger system 10, the drawing data for drawing image 61 can be generated by ledger system 10 and sent to terminal T2.

[0199] Figure 17 Image 62 contains information representing association. The content of the association information contained in image 62 is related to... Figure 8 The same as (b).

[0200] Additionally, in image 62, the identification information of the NFT that serves as the source of NFT#3 includes: image 62A containing the string "NFT#1"; and image 62B containing the string "NFT#2".

[0201] Furthermore, if an operation is performed on image 62A or 62B, the display transitions to the associated information of the NFT corresponding to the operated image. For example, if an operation is performed on image 62B, the display transitions to the associated information of NFT#2 corresponding to image 62B. In this case, terminal T2 sends a request to the ledger system 10 corresponding to the aforementioned operation to display the associated information of NFT#2. Ledger system 10 generates depiction data of the associated information of NFT#2 based on the sent request and sends it to terminal T2.

[0202] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third example of a display image for displaying an NFT in this embodiment. Figure 18 The image 71 shown is in operation Figure 17The example image displayed on terminal T2 in the case of image 62B represents the associated information of NFT#2.

[0203] When terminal T2 sends the associated information of request NFT#3 to ledger system 10, the drawing data for drawing image 71 can be generated by ledger system 10 and sent to terminal T2.

[0204] Figure 18 Image 72 contains information representing association. The content of the association information contained in image 72 is related to... Figure 7 The same as (b).

[0205] In this way, the ledger system 10 can display the display information (equivalent to the first display information) related to NFT#3 (equivalent to the second NFT) on the display screen of the terminal T2. Here, the first display information includes at least the identification information of NFT#2 (equivalent to the first identification information).

[0206] Furthermore, when the user performs an operation on the first identification information displayed on the terminal T2, the second display information can be displayed on the display screen of the terminal T2 by sending the display information (equivalent to the second display information) related to NFT#2 (equivalent to the first NFT) to the terminal T2.

[0207] (Explanation of Distributed Ledger Systems) The following is a detailed description of the ledger system 10 (also known as a distributed ledger system) described above.

[0208] A distributed ledger system is a system that uses P2P (peer-to-peer) network technology connecting multiple nodes to store and maintain information. A node is an information processing device that uses a processor (such as a CPU) to execute programs through memory to perform prescribed processing.

[0209] In a distributed ledger system, each of the multiple nodes maintains a copy of the information and keeps it continuously synchronized in an autonomous and distributed manner. Therefore, distributed ledger systems can substantially prevent information tampering and store information appropriately without using privileged nodes (such as centralized servers or client-server models).

[0210] Furthermore, devices wishing to access a distributed ledger only need to access one of the many nodes within the distributed ledger system; in other words, they do not need to access a small number of centralized servers or similar devices. Therefore, it avoids the concentration of communication or processing loads on centralized servers that can occur in centralized systems. This provides the advantage of not requiring high-specification resources (CPU or memory, etc.) for nodes, and also reduces the need for large communication capacity in the communication lines connecting the nodes. Thus, a distributed ledger system can be constructed using general-purpose (or universal) nodes or communication lines, which helps reduce the required computer or communication resources, or the cost of nodes and communication lines.

[0211] Furthermore, distributed ledger systems can store and reference information in a highly fault-tolerant manner. Typically, the multiple nodes in a distributed ledger system are physically or network-distributed. This is because the system will stop if all its nodes fail, whereas the complete failure of physically or network-distributed nodes is rare. This is a significant advantage over centralized systems, where the inability to store or reference information occurs when the centralized server fails.

[0212] Reference Figures 19-23 This section explains the data structure of distributed ledgers, the execution of smart contracts, and the data structure of NFTs.

[0213] Figure 19 This is an illustration of the data structure of a blockchain as an example of a distributed ledger.

[0214] A blockchain is composed of blocks linked together in a chain, which serve as its record units. Each block contains multiple transaction data and the hash value of the preceding block.

[0215] Figure 19 Blocks B1, B2, and B3 contained in the blockchain are shown.

[0216] For example, block B2 contains the hash value of the previous block B1. The hash value of block B1 is calculated by performing a hash algorithm operation on the content of block B1.

[0217] Additionally, block B3 contains a hash value calculated based on the multiple transaction data contained in block B2 and the hash value of block B1, which serves as the hash value of block B2.

[0218] In this way, the blockchain has a structure in which blocks containing the content of previous blocks are linked together in a chain, thus effectively preventing the tampering of the recorded transaction data.

[0219] Suppose past transaction data is altered (in other words, tampered with), the hash value of the block containing that transaction data will be different from the value before the alteration. In this case, to display the block containing the altered transaction data as the correct block, all blocks after that block in the distributed ledger stored on multiple servers must be recreated, an operation that is practically very difficult. Based on this characteristic, tampering with transaction data contained in a blockchain may be practically impossible.

[0220] Furthermore, when a node saves transaction data to the blockchain, it generates a block containing the transaction data to be saved. For this generated block, it performs processing based on a consensus algorithm with other nodes to attempt to reach a consensus. Moreover, once consensus is reached, the node controls the saving of the block to the blockchain. Thus, multiple nodes acting autonomously and in a distributed manner can connect legitimate blocks to the blockchain. As a consensus algorithm, PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance), PoW (Proof of Work), or PoS (Proof of Stake) can be used. Alternatively, in the case of using Hyperledger Fabric as an example of distributed ledger technology, a consensus algorithm may not be implemented.

[0221] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram representing the data structure of transaction data.

[0222] Figure 20 The transaction data shown includes a transaction body BP1 and a digital signature BP2 (also simply called the signature). The transaction body BP1 is the data body contained in the transaction data. The digital signature BP2 is generated by encrypting the hash value of the transaction body BP1 using the signature key (in other words, the private key) of the creator of the transaction data.

[0223] The node that receives the transaction data can use the digital signature BP2 contained in the transaction data to verify that the transaction body BP1 is legitimate (in other words, it has not been tampered with). Therefore, tampering with the data contained in the transaction body BP1 may be practically impossible. Furthermore, by storing the successfully verified transaction data in the blockchain, the legitimacy of the transaction data stored in the blockchain can be maintained.

[0224] As described above, transaction data contained in a blockchain is stored in a linked manner using the hash values ​​of the transaction data and the hash values ​​of the blocks. Therefore, the transaction data contained in the blockchain is stored and maintained essentially without being tampered with. This is an advantage that distinguishes it from databases or distributed databases that merely store collections of data.

[0225] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram representing transaction data related to the execution of smart contracts. Figure 22 This is an illustrative diagram representing the processes related to the execution of smart contracts.

[0226] Reference Figure 21 as well as Figure 22 This describes a series of processes related to the execution of smart contracts that use distributed ledgers.

[0227] In step SB1, the node saves transaction data B11, including contract code B12 describing the processing of the smart contract, into the distributed ledger B10. For example, the node receives transaction data B11 from an information processing device via communication, or the node generates transaction data B11 itself, thereby obtaining transaction data B11, and then saves the obtained transaction data B11 into the distributed ledger B10. Step SB1 is performed before the smart contract is executed.

[0228] In step SB2, the node saves transaction data B15, including command B16, to the distributed ledger B10, whereby command B16 causes the smart contract to be executed. For example, the node receives transaction data B15 from an information processing device via communication and saves the received transaction data B15 to the distributed ledger B10.

[0229] In step SB3, based on the fact that transaction data B15, including command B16, was saved to distributed ledger B10 in step SB2, the node reads contract code B12 from distributed ledger B10 and executes processing based on contract code B12. The result of the above processing can be included in the transaction data and is stored in distributed ledger B10.

[0230] Through the aforementioned series of processes, upon receiving transaction data B15, including command B16 that executes the smart contract, the distributed ledger system automatically (in other words, without manual intervention) executes the processing according to command B16, thus enabling highly efficient (i.e., high-speed or short-time) processing. This high efficiency reduces power consumption. Furthermore, because it is done without manual intervention, it prevents human tampering, misconduct, or human error. Additionally, since the results of this processing are stored in the blockchain, they are practically impossible to tamper with.

[0231] Figure 23 This is an illustrative diagram representing the structure of NFTs and metadata. An NFT is a token stored in a distributed ledger; this token is unique (in other words, a non-fungible token). NFTs are standardized, for example, by ERC (Ethereum Request for Comments) 721, but are not limited to this; they can also follow different standards, or be non-standard (e.g., organization-owned NFTs). Furthermore, although ERC 721 is the standard for unique tokens, the NFTs described in this specification do not necessarily have to be unique tokens.

[0232] exist Figure 23 The diagram shows transaction data B21 stored in the distributed ledger. NFTs are stored within transaction data B21. Each NFT contains a token ID (i.e., identification information that uniquely identifies the NFT).

[0233] NFTs have metadata. This metadata can be configured in a location accessible via a network (e.g., storage device B22). A token URI representing the location of the metadata is calculated using the NFT's token ID and a predefined base URI.

[0234] The information managed as an NFT can be contained in transaction data B21 or in metadata. Including the information managed as an NFT in metadata has the advantage of reducing the amount of information contained in transaction data B21 (in other words, the information contained in the blockchain). In this case, the metadata can also be said to contain the actual state of the information managed as an NFT. When managing an image as an NFT, the URL of the image data representing that image can be managed as an NFT.

[0235] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component may be constructed using dedicated hardware, or implemented by executing software programs suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing software programs recorded on recording media such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software for the information processing apparatus, etc., implementing the above embodiments is the following program.

[0236] That is, the program is a program that enables a computer to perform the following information processing method: obtain association information related to a second item generated based on a first item, the association information including at least the first identification information of a first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) that has a one-to-one correspondence with the first item, and store the second NFT that has a one-to-one correspondence with the second item and has the association information as metadata in a distributed ledger.

[0237] The above description illustrates information processing methods and the like in one or more embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art to these embodiments, and combinations of constituent elements from different embodiments, can be included within the scope of these embodiments, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

[0238] Industrial applicability This invention can be used in systems that promote the efficient use of resources.

[0239] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Information processing system; 5. B22. Storage device; 10. Ledger system; 11. 12. 13. Ledger server; 51. 52. 61. 62. 62A. 62B. 71. 72. Image; 52A. Button image; 101. Communication unit; 102. Ledger processing unit; 103. Execution unit; 104. Storage unit; 105. Prompt control unit; 111. B10. Distributed ledger; B1. B2. B3. Block; B11. B15. B21. Transaction data; B12. Contract code; B16. Command; BP1. Transaction subject; BP2. Digital signature; N network; T1. T2. T3. T4. Terminal.

Claims

1. An information processing method, Obtain association information related to the second item generated based on the first item, such association information including at least the first identification information of the first NFT, i.e., the first Non-Fungible Token, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the first item. The second NFT, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the second item and contains the associated information as metadata, is stored in the distributed ledger.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, The first item and the second item are resources included in the product's lifecycle.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, The first item is multiple first items. The second item is a single second item. When obtaining the first identification information, the association information related to the single second item generated based on the plurality of first items is obtained. This association information includes at least a plurality of first identification information as first identification information of each of the plurality of first NFTs that have established a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first items. When the second NFT is saved to the distributed ledger, the single second NFT that corresponds to the single second item and has the association information as the metadata is saved to the distributed ledger.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, The first item is a single first item. The second item is multiple second items. When obtaining the first identification information, multiple association information is obtained as association information related to the multiple second items generated based on the single first item, wherein the multiple association information includes at least the first identification information corresponding to the first NFT established with the single first item. Multiple second NFTs, which are one-to-one correspondents with the multiple second items and each has the associated information as metadata, are stored in a distributed ledger.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, The first article and the second article are each made of resin, metal or substrate.

6. The information processing method according to claim 2, During the lifecycle, the resources are transferred between multiple organizations. At least one of the first article and the second article is transferred between the plurality of organizations.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, The association information includes identification information assigned to the appearance of the second article, or the container or packaging of the second article, in a visually recognizable manner.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, The associated information includes the category of the second item, information indicating the process of generating the second item, or the quantity of the second item.

9. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, When transferring the second NFT, a determination process is performed to determine whether the second NFT is legitimate using the associated information possessed by the second NFT. When the second NFT is determined to be invalid in the determination process, the second NFT is invalidated.

10. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, When saving the second NFT, a determination process is performed to determine whether the second NFT is legitimate using the associated information contained in the second NFT. When the determination process determines that the second NFT is incorrect, an instruction message indicating the correction of the associated information is sent.

11. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, Furthermore, in the information processing method, By sending first display information related to the second NFT and containing at least the first identification information to the terminal, the terminal's display screen displays the first display information. When a user performs an operation on the first identification information displayed on the terminal, second display information related to the first NFT is sent to the terminal, thereby causing the terminal's display screen to display the second display information.

12. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, Furthermore, the information processing method, If the source of a third item is unknown, obtain associated information related to the third item, which includes information indicating that the source of the third item is unknown. The third NFT, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the third item and has the associated information as metadata, is stored in the distributed ledger.

13. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The processor uses the memory. The information processing device acquires association information related to the second item generated based on the first item. This association information includes at least the first identification information of the first NFT, i.e., the first Non-Fungible Token, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the first item. The information processing device stores the second NFT, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the second item and contains the associated information as metadata, in the distributed ledger.

14. A program that causes a computer to perform the information processing method of claim 1.

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