Virtual currency system

Abstract

To provide a new method for using a virtual currency, which activates economic activity.SOLUTION: A virtual currency system includes an input part 10 for inputting cash point information, and a management device 100 for converting the cash point information about the cash inputted from the input part 10 into virtual currency information about a virtual currency, and managing the virtual currency information. The management device 100 converts the cash point information into the virtual currency information, and reduces the value of the virtual currency with the lapse of time. The value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is higher than the value of cash in cash information when the cash point information is the cash information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual currency system that uses virtual currency. [Background technology]

[0002] There have been attempts to use virtual currencies for some time. Virtual currencies such as regional promotion coupons are often collected once they have been used and are not used again. In this regard, it has been considered to use virtual currencies in the virtual space within the homepages of public institutions such as city halls, and attempts are being made to solve the problems associated with this (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, attempts have been made to use virtual currencies not only in virtual spaces, but also in real life. For example, there are plans for a virtual currency called Bitcoin to be used in everyday life. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-258969 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, various methods have been used to stimulate economic activity, particularly regional development.

[0006] The present invention provides a new way to use virtual currency to stimulate economic activity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: an input section for inputting cash point information; a management device that converts the cash point information related to cash input from the input unit into virtual currency information related to virtual currency and manages the virtual currency information; Equipped with The management device reduces the value of the virtual currency over time, When the cash point information is cash information, the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information may be higher than the value of the cash in the cash information.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: The management device may convert the cash point information into the virtual currency information using a first conversion rate for consumers belonging to a first consumer category, and convert the cash point information into the virtual currency information using a second conversion rate for consumers belonging to a second consumer category.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: The management device may use first depreciation information to reduce the value of virtual currency in the virtual currency information for consumers belonging to a first consumer category, and may use second depreciation information to reduce the value of virtual currency in the virtual currency information for consumers belonging to a second consumer category.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: The consumers belonging to the first consumer category are domestic consumers; The second consumer category is an overseas consumer; the management device reduces the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information for the domestic consumer using first depreciation information, and reduces the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information for the overseas consumer using second depreciation information; the second conversion rate being greater than the first conversion rate; The rate of decrease in the value of the virtual currency based on the second depreciation information may be greater than the rate of decrease in the value of the virtual currency based on the first depreciation information.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: The consumers belonging to the first consumer category are domestic consumers; The second consumer category is an overseas consumer; For said domestic consumers, the value of the virtual currency in said virtual currency information is gradually reduced over time; For the overseas consumer, the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information may be reduced to zero after a certain period of time has passed.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: The management device may convert the virtual currency information into the cash point information using fee information related to a fee.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: The management device converts the virtual currency information into the cash point information using business owner fee information for a business owner, and converts the virtual currency information into the cash point information using consumer fee information for a consumer, The fee based on the business fee information may be lower than the fee based on the consumer fee information.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: The virtual currency may be available only in a pre-defined region.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: Blockchain may also be used.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, a virtual currency system includes: When the cash information is used as the cash point information, the management device may convert the cash information into the virtual currency information using a cash conversion rate, and when point information is used as the cash point information, the management device may convert the point information into the virtual currency information using a point conversion rate. Effect of the Invention

[0017] In the present invention, when the cash point information is cash information, by adopting a mode in which the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is set higher than the value of the cash in the cash information when converting the cash information into virtual currency information, it is possible to promote the conversion of cash into virtual currency. In addition, by adopting a mode in which the value of the virtual currency decreases over time, it is possible to promote the consumption of virtual currency. This can promote consumer spending and stimulate the economy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining an overview of a virtual currency system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of how the value of virtual currency decreases in an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing another example of a manner in which the value of virtual currency decreases in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing yet another example of how the value of virtual currency decreases in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Embodiment "composition" DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 are diagrams for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the virtual currency system of the present embodiment may include an input unit 10 for inputting cash information, and a management device 100 for converting the cash information input from the input unit 10 into virtual currency information and managing the virtual currency information. The input unit 10 and the management device 100 may be connected via the Internet. In the present embodiment, the cash point information is mainly described using cash information, but is not limited to this. Point information related to points issued by a company or the like may be used as the cash point information. When the cash point information is point information, the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information may be equal to or greater than the value of the points in the point information. The "value of virtual currency" and the "value of points" respectively mean the value when converted into cash. In other words, the "value of virtual currency" and the "value of points" that can purchase the same amount of goods mean the same value, and when a more expensive product can be purchased, the value is higher.

[0021] The management device 100 may convert the cash information into virtual currency information based on a preset conversion rate, and the virtual currency information may decrease the value of the virtual currency over time. The value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information may be higher than the value of the cash in the cash information. In this embodiment, the management device 100 is described on the assumption that it is one computer, but this is not limited to this, and the management device 100 may be composed of multiple computers. In addition, the multiple computers may be placed in the same place or in different places. In addition, the multiple computers may be owned or managed by different entities. The cash information may be input by actually depositing cash or transferring money to an account, or may be input by card payment such as a credit card.

[0022] The input unit 10 may be an optional terminal 11 such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., or may be an installed terminal 12 installed at a predetermined location. When the input unit 10 is an optional terminal 11 such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., a deposit is made from the optional terminal 11 to a predetermined account, and the virtual currency may be provided to the consumer as soon as the deposit is confirmed, or the virtual currency may be provided to the consumer as soon as card information such as a credit card input from the optional terminal 11 is confirmed. When the input unit 10 is an installed terminal 12 installed at a predetermined location, a payment may be made from the installed terminal 12 by cash, credit card, etc., and as a result, virtual currency information may be recorded.

[0023] The virtual currency information may be recorded in a storage unit 140 (described later) of the management device 100 that can be accessed from an optional terminal 11 such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., or may be recorded in an IC card 15 that is issued. The optional terminal 11 such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. does not need to be owned by the consumer. The terminal may be one rented by a local government, or may be one rented by a vendor at an airport or the like.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 100 may have a recording unit 140 that records various information, a communication unit 110 that communicates with terminals 11, 12, etc. via the Internet, an operation unit 120 where an operator performs operations, a display unit 130 that displays the information recorded in the recording unit 140, etc., a conversion unit 160 that converts cash information into virtual currency information and conversely converts virtual currency information into cash information, and a control unit 150 that controls each of these units.

[0025] The virtual currency may be available only in a preset area. For example, it may be available only in prefecture A, or only in city B. Alternatively, it may be available only in a certain region, such as the Kanto region or the Kinki region.

[0026] Also, a blockchain may be used. A blockchain is a technology that shares transaction records among multiple computers on the Internet, verifies them with each other, and accumulates correct records by connecting them like a chain. By adopting a blockchain, the introduction cost can be suppressed, which is beneficial in promoting the introduction of the virtual currency system according to this embodiment. Also, in the virtual currency system, pseudo-mining may be performed, and virtual currency with a predetermined amount (value) may be given to the user who comes out on top. By adopting such a mode, virtual currency will be automatically given to the users of the virtual currency system with a certain probability. Therefore, it can be expected to give consumers and others an incentive to use virtual currency. For example, when the virtual currency system is used as a local currency, since the user base is smaller, virtual currency will be given with a higher probability. Therefore, it can be further expected to give consumers and others an incentive to use virtual currency.

[0027] When the management device 100 converts cash information into virtual currency information, the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information may be higher or lower than the value of the cash in the cash information. When the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is made higher than the value of the cash in the cash information, a so-called premium value is attached. As an example, when the value of the cash to be converted is set to "1", the value of the converted virtual currency may be "1 + p" (0% < p ≤ 50%), and as a more specific example, "p" may be 10% to 30%.

[0028] When reducing the value of virtual currency over time, it may be reduced at a certain depreciation rate. As an example, when the value of virtual currency at the time of conversion from cash to virtual currency is set to "1", the value of the virtual currency after the passage of a period of "t" may be "(1 - d) × t" (0% < d ≤ 100%). As "t", any period such as one week, one month, or one year can be adopted. When the value of virtual currency decreases, for example, it may decrease continuously every time the date changes, or it may decrease intermittently every time a certain period such as one week or one month has passed (see Figure 2).

[0029] The management device 100 may convert cash information into virtual currency information using a first conversion rate for consumers belonging to the first consumer category, and convert cash information into virtual currency information using a second conversion rate for consumers belonging to the second consumer category. In this case, the second conversion rate may be larger than the first conversion rate.

[0030] The management device 100 may reduce the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information using first depreciation information for consumers belonging to the first consumer category, and reduce the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information using second depreciation information for consumers belonging to the second consumer category. In this case, the depreciation rate (depreciation rate) of the value by the second depreciation information may be larger than the depreciation rate (depreciation rate) of the value by the first depreciation information.

[0031] The second conversion rate may be greater than the first conversion rate, and the rate of decrease in the value of the virtual currency based on the second depreciation information may be greater than the rate of decrease in the value of the virtual currency based on the first depreciation information. For consumers belonging to the second consumer category, p=50%, t may be two weeks, and d may be 100%. In this case, a premium of 50% is added, but the value becomes zero after two weeks (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, for consumers belonging to the first consumer category, p=20%, t may be one month, and d may be 10%. In this case, a premium of 20% is added, and the value decreases by 10% every month, and the value becomes zero after 10 months (see FIG. 2).

[0032] The management device 100 may convert the virtual currency information into cash information using fee information related to the fee. In this case, the virtual currency information may be converted into cash information with a fixed fee, or with a fee that varies depending on the price range, or with a predetermined fee rate. When converting the virtual currency information into cash information with a fee that varies depending on the price range, for example, if the price is less than 1000 yen, a fee of 100 yen may be charged in virtual currency conversion, if the price is 1000 yen or more and less than 5000 yen, a fee of 500 yen may be charged in virtual currency conversion, and if the price is 5000 yen or more, a fee of 1000 yen may be charged in virtual currency conversion. When converting the virtual currency information into cash information with a predetermined fee rate, if the value of the virtual currency to be converted is set to "1", the value of the converted cash may be "1-q" (0%≦q≦10%).

[0033] In order to prevent unfair profits from being made by simply converting cash into virtual currency and then converting the virtual currency back into cash, the fee required to convert virtual currency into cash may be greater than the premium value obtained by converting cash into virtual currency. Also, if a certain amount of virtual currency is not consumed, the virtual currency may not be converted into cash.

[0034] The management device 100 may convert virtual currency information into cash information using first fee information for consumers belonging to a first consumer category, and may convert virtual currency information into cash information using second fee information for consumers belonging to a second consumer category. In this case, the fee based on the second fee information may be higher than the fee based on the first fee information. Also, it may be impossible to convert virtual currency information into cash information for consumers belonging to the second consumer category (e.g., overseas consumers).

[0035] The management device 100 may convert virtual currency information into cash information for business owners using business owner fee information, and may convert virtual currency information into cash information for consumers using consumer fee information. The fee based on the business owner fee information may be lower than the fee based on the consumer fee information. As an example, the fee based on the business owner fee information may be 0 yen. Also, the fee based on the business owner fee information may be 0 yen for a certain number of times during a certain period, and a fee may be incurred when the certain number of times is exceeded. As an example, the fee is 0 yen up to once a week or up to four times a month, but when the frequency is exceeded, the business owner may be able to convert virtual currency information into cash information at the same fee (fee based on consumer fee information) as when the consumer converts virtual currency information into cash information.

[0036] In addition, the business owners who can convert virtual currency information into cash information using the business owner fee information may be limited to those who are located in areas where the virtual currency can be used. Such business owners may be registered and managed in advance in the management device 100. The information registered in this manner is recorded in the recording unit 140.

[0037] In addition, a business owner who can convert virtual currency information into cash information using business owner fee information may be prevented from converting cash into virtual currency. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to prevent unfair profits from being generated simply by converting cash into virtual currency and then converting the virtual currency into cash.

[0038] The various pieces of information regarding virtual currency, such as "p" (premium rate), "t" (depreciation period), "d" (depreciation rate), and "q" (fee rate), may vary by region. For example, "p" in prefecture α may be greater than "p" in prefecture β, but "d" in prefecture α for a certain period may be greater than "d" in prefecture β, and "q" in prefecture α may also be greater than "q" in prefecture β.

[0039] In addition, the conversion rate may be different between when cash information is used as the cash point information and when point information is used. As an example, when cash information is used as the cash point information, the management device 100 may convert the cash information into virtual currency information using a cash conversion rate, and when point information is used as the cash point information, the management device 100 may convert the point information into virtual currency information using a point conversion rate. The point conversion rate may be larger or smaller than the cash conversion rate.

[0040] When the point conversion rate is set to be higher than the cash conversion rate, it is expected that consumers will convert points issued by companies, etc., more proactively into virtual currency. It is also expected that consumers will try to collect more points issued by companies, etc. Even when the point conversion rate is set to be lower than the cash conversion rate, consumers may want to convert points into virtual currency instead of cash and use them effectively. Even in this case, it is expected that consumers will try to collect points issued by companies, etc. Note that the point conversion rate may be set to a range of 80% to 130%, as an example. As another example, the point conversion rate may be set to a range of 100% to 130%, so that the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is equal to or greater than the value of the points in the point information.

[0041] Actions and Effects Next, the effects and advantages of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described, focusing on those that have not been described yet. Any of the configurations used in the "Actions and Effects" section, even if not described in the "Configuration", can be adopted in the present invention.

[0042] In this embodiment, when converting cash information into virtual currency information, if a mode is adopted in which the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is set higher than the value of the cash in the cash information, it is possible to encourage the conversion of cash into virtual currency. Furthermore, if a mode is adopted in which the value of the virtual currency decreases over time, it is possible to encourage consumption of the virtual currency. This can encourage consumption behavior by consumers, leading to economic revitalization. In particular, if virtual currency can be used only in a preset area, it is expected that the area will be revitalized, and ultimately that tourists will be attracted to the area.

[0043] When a mode is adopted in which cash information is converted into virtual currency information using a first conversion rate for consumers belonging to a first consumer category, and cash information is converted into virtual currency information using a second conversion rate for consumers belonging to a second consumer category, the conversion rate can be changed according to the category to which the consumer belongs, allowing for flexible operation. For example, for consumers who have used a large amount of virtual currency in the target area, cash information may be converted into virtual currency information at a higher conversion rate than for consumers who have used a smaller amount of virtual currency. By adopting such a mode, it is expected that the rate at which consumers will return to the area can be increased. An example of a consumer who has used a large amount of virtual currency is a consumer who has used a threshold or more of virtual currency during a certain period of time.

[0044] In the case of adopting a mode in which the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is decreased using the first depreciation information for consumers belonging to the first consumer category, and the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is decreased using the second depreciation information for consumers belonging to the second consumer category, the amount or rate of depreciation of the virtual currency can be changed according to the category to which the consumer belongs, and flexible operation can be performed. For example, the depreciation rate may be set lower for consumers who have a large amount of virtual currency used in the target area compared to consumers who have a low amount of virtual currency used in the target area. In addition, the depreciation rate may be set higher for consumers who have a relatively high conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information compared to consumers who have a relatively low conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information. In addition, the consumer himself may be able to select to increase the depreciation rate instead of increasing the conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information, and to decrease the depreciation rate instead of decreasing the conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information. In addition, a conversion rate for converting cash information into virtual currency information may be set in advance depending on the period during which the value of the virtual currency will be zero, and consumers may be able to select the conversion rate and the period during which the value of the virtual currency will be zero, taking into account the conversion rate and the period during which the value of the virtual currency will be zero.

[0045] When a mode of converting virtual currency information into cash information using fee information related to fees is adopted, it is possible to suppress the conversion of virtual currency information into cash information to a certain extent. This can promote the use of virtual currency. In particular, when virtual currency can be used only in a preset area, it is expected that the use of virtual currency in that area will be promoted, and regional revitalization can be expected.

[0046] When adopting a mode in which virtual currency information is converted into cash information using first fee information for consumers belonging to a first consumer category, and virtual currency information is converted into cash information using second fee information for consumers belonging to a second consumer category, the amount and rate of the fee can be changed according to the category to which the consumer belongs, allowing for flexible operation. For example, the amount and rate of the fee may be set lower for consumers who have used a large amount of virtual currency in the target area compared to consumers who have used a small amount of virtual currency. In addition, the amount and rate of the fee may be set higher for consumers who have a relatively high conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information compared to consumers who have a relatively low conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information. In addition, the consumer himself may be able to select between increasing the amount and rate of the fee in exchange for increasing the conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information, and decreasing the amount and rate of the fee in exchange for decreasing the conversion rate (premium rate) for converting cash information into virtual currency information. If a method is adopted in which virtual currency information cannot be converted into cash information for consumers belonging to the second consumer category (e.g., overseas consumers), not only can the use of virtual currency be encouraged, but it is also beneficial in that the amount to be consumed can be predicted in advance.

[0047] In addition, when the consumers belonging to the first consumer category are domestic consumers and the consumers belonging to the second consumer category are overseas consumers, it is advantageous in that the method for attracting overseas consumers and the method for attracting domestic consumers can be changed. Since overseas consumers generally stay for a period of one or two weeks, instead of making the second conversion rate larger than the first conversion rate, the depreciation rate of the value of the virtual currency based on the second depreciation information may be made larger than the depreciation rate of the value of the virtual currency based on the first depreciation information, so as to encourage the use of virtual currency. As an example, instead of setting the conversion rate (premium rate) extremely high, such as 50%, the value of the virtual currency may be set to 0 when the planned stay period has elapsed. In addition, for domestic consumers, as shown in FIG. 2, the virtual currency in the virtual currency information may be set to 0. whereas for overseas consumers, the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information may be reduced to zero after a certain period of time has passed, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0048] When the value of the virtual currency is gradually decreased over time, the rate of decrease may be the same or different. When the value of the virtual currency is decreased at different rates, the 1 Until then, 1 Decrease by a factor of t 1 For the rest, see d 2 (>d 1 ) decrease The rate of decrease may be increased (significantly) as time passes (see FIG. 4). 1 Before the expiration date, In particular, if a virtual currency is made available only in a specific region, it can be used for a certain period of time. 1 After This is beneficial in that it can strongly encourage people to revisit the area before they leave.

[0049] When adopting a mode in which virtual currency information is converted into cash information for business owners using business owner fee information, and virtual currency information is converted into cash information for consumers using consumer fee information, the amount and ratio of fees can be changed between business owners and consumers, allowing for flexible operation. In particular, by setting the amount and ratio of fees low for business owners, it is expected that the number of affiliated stores that can use virtual currency can be increased. When adopting a mode in which business owners do not pay fees, it is also beneficial in that tax processing can be simplified.

[0050] Finally, the above description of the embodiment and the disclosure of the drawings are merely examples for explaining the invention described in the claims, and the invention described in the claims is not limited by the above description of the embodiment or the disclosure of the drawings. In addition, the description of the claims at the time of filing is merely an example, and the description of the claims may be appropriately changed based on the description of the specification, drawings, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 10 Input section 11 Optional terminal (input section) 12 Installation terminal (input section) 15 IC Card 100 Management device 110 Communications Department 120 Operation section 130 Display section 140 Recording Section 150 Control section 160 Conversion unit

Claims

1. an input section for inputting cash point information; a management device that converts the cash point information related to cash input from the input unit into virtual currency information related to virtual currency and manages the virtual currency information; Equipped with The management device reduces the value of the virtual currency over time, A virtual currency system characterized in that the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is higher than the value of cash in the cash information when the cash point information is cash information.

2. The virtual currency system described in claim 1, characterized in that the management device converts the cash point information into the virtual currency information using a first conversion rate for consumers belonging to a first consumer category, and converts the cash point information into the virtual currency information using a second conversion rate for consumers belonging to a second consumer category.

3. The virtual currency system described in either one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the management device uses first depreciation information to reduce the value of virtual currency in the virtual currency information for consumers belonging to a first consumer category, and uses second depreciation information to reduce the value of virtual currency in the virtual currency information for consumers belonging to a second consumer category.

4. The consumers belonging to the first consumer category are domestic consumers; The second consumer category is an overseas consumer; the management device reduces the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information for the domestic consumer using first depreciation information, and reduces the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information for the overseas consumer using second depreciation information; the second conversion rate being greater than the first conversion rate; The virtual currency system according to claim 2, characterized in that the rate of decrease in the value of the virtual currency based on the second depreciation information is greater than the rate of decrease in the value of the virtual currency based on the first depreciation information.

5. The consumers belonging to the first consumer category are domestic consumers; The second consumer category is an overseas consumer; For said domestic consumers, the value of the virtual currency in said virtual currency information is gradually reduced over time; 5. The virtual currency system according to claim 2, wherein the value of the virtual currency in the virtual currency information is reduced to zero for said overseas consumers after a certain period of time has elapsed.

6. The virtual currency system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the management device converts the virtual currency information into the cash point information using fee information relating to a fee.

7. The management device converts the virtual currency information into the cash point information using business owner fee information for a business owner, and converts the virtual currency information into the cash point information using consumer fee information for a consumer, The virtual currency system of claim 6, wherein the fee based on the business fee information is lower than the fee based on the consumer fee information.

8. 8. The virtual currency system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual currency is usable only in a preset region.

9. The virtual currency system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it utilizes a blockchain.

10. The virtual currency system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when the cash information is used as the cash point information, the management device converts the cash information into the virtual currency information using a cash conversion rate, and when point information is used as the cash point information, the management device converts the point information into the virtual currency information using a point conversion rate.

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