Digital business card system

Abstract

To apply NFT technology to business cards in view of the fact that NFTs are means of proving digital data-related rights.SOLUTION: An IC tag 10 stores individual tag information IT and business card data information IU3 of a providing user U3. An NFT management device 6 issues an NFT 100 on a blockchain BK according to the individual tag information IT read from the IC tag 10 by a receiving user terminal 4. The NFT 100 includes one master NFT 101. The master NFT 101 is linked to an individual address of a receiving user U4 on the blockchain BK, and disclosure of the name card data information IU3 of the providing user U3 to the receiving user terminal 4 is permitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital business card management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, especially when meeting a person for the first time in business, it has been a common practice to exchange business cards with each other as part of self-introduction. Such business cards are generally made of paper and printed with business-related information such as name, affiliation, job title, qualifications, and contact information.

[0003] When exchanging business cards using conventional paper business cards, although each other's information can be known, for example, the business connections between each other (such as friends or other related persons) cannot be grasped. Also, it is understood that the possibility of introducing one's own related persons to the person with whom the business card has been exchanged or having a third party introduced by the other party is extremely low, and there has been a problem that it is difficult to effectively utilize the business connections between each other.

[0004] In this regard, digital business cards capable of transmitting and receiving business-related information (which may also be referred to as business card data) are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of exchanging one's own business card data and the other party's business card data by short-range wireless communication and managing the other party's business card data on a server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the digital business card of Patent Document 1, since only the business card data is passed to the other party and the business card itself is not passed, it is easy to forget the fact of business card exchange itself, and there is still room for improvement in that it often does not lead to the development of business.

[0007] Nowadays, as a means of proving rights related to digital data, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are becoming widely popular. NFTs are issued, for example, in accordance with the ERC721 standard (Ethereum Request for Comments 721). The holding history and transaction history of NFTs are recorded in a distributed ledger such as a blockchain on a P2P network (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.).

[0008] The applicant of the present application focused on NFTs, which are a means of proving rights related to digital data, and came up with the idea of applying the technology of NFTs to business cards, thus completing the present invention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The present invention is a digital business card management system including an NFT management device capable of communicating via a communication network with a providing user terminal of a providing user who provides a digital business card with an IC tag and a receiving user terminal of a receiving user who receives the digital business card. In the IC tag, individual tag information and the business card data information of the providing user are stored. The NFT management device issues, on the blockchain, an NFT for proving the rights related to the digital business card based on the individual tag information read by the receiving user terminal from the IC tag. The NFT includes one master NFT, and the master NFT is associated with the individual address of the receiving user on the blockchain to permit the receiving user terminal to disclose the business card data information of the providing user.

[0010] In the digital business card management system of the present invention, when both the first receiving user and the second receiving user hold the master NFT of the providing user, when the first receiving user and the second receiving user exchange business cards using their own digital business cards, the NFT management device may notify the providing user terminal that the first receiving user and the second receiving user have exchanged business cards.

[0011] In the digital business card management system of the present invention, the NFT includes the master NFT and a plurality of general NFTs linked thereto. The NFT management device distributes one of the general NFTs on the blockchain based on the individual tag information read by the reading user terminal of the reading user who reads the digital business card received by the receiving user from the IC tag, and one of the general NFTs is linked to the individual address of the reading user on the blockchain, permitting the disclosure of the business card data information of the providing user to the reading user terminal. Based on the distribution of the general NFT, the NFT management device may notify the providing user terminal that the receiving user has introduced the providing user to the reading user.

[0012] In the digital business card management system of the present invention, when the IC tag of the digital business card communicates with each user terminal in a non-contact manner, the light emitting unit of the IC tag may be lit or blink.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is a digital business card capable of providing business-related business card data information to each user terminal. However, like the conventional business card exchange, it is possible to hand over the digital business card itself to the other party. Therefore, although it seems to be a conventional type of business card at first glance, it can exhibit a digital data providing function and can give a strong impression to the other party. In addition, since the digital business card is in the hands of the business card exchange partner, the fact of the business card exchange is also likely to remain in the impression, and both the advantages of the conventional business card and the advantages of the digital business card can be enjoyed.

[0014] In addition, the business card data information of the providing user is stored in the IC tag of the digital business card, and the permission to display the business card data information is transmitted from the NFT management device to the receiving user terminal or the reading user terminal. Therefore, the NFT management device does not need to hold and manage the business card data information, and the providing user can control the business card data information including their own personal data, thus enhancing privacy and reducing security risks.

[0015] Furthermore, since the business card data information stored in the IC tag of the digital business card is read by the receiving user terminal, there is also the advantage that it is less affected by the quality of the connection environment of communication networks such as the Internet.

[0016] Moreover, when the receiving user introduces the providing user to the reading user using the digital business card of the providing user, even without being informed of the fact by the receiving user, it is possible to accurately grasp in real time who introduced to whom and when among those who have their own digital business cards. Therefore, by using digital business cards, it becomes easier to introduce one's own contacts or have a third party introduce someone without bothering the person who exchanged the business cards (the person who has one's own digital business card), and it is possible to effectively utilize the business connections between each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Next, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the drawings show preferred embodiments, it can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0019] First, with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, an overview of the digital business card management system CS according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital business card management system CS. The digital business card management system CS of the embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the system CS) issues an NFT 100 corresponding to the serial number of the digital business card 1 (which can also be said to be individual tag information IT, details will be described later) on the blockchain BK, and provides the NFT 100 to users such as the receiving user U4 and the reading user U5 described later.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the digital business card management system CS includes a digital business card 1 equipped with an RF tag 10, a provider user terminal 3 used by a provider user U3 who provides the digital business card 1 during business card exchange, a recipient user terminal 4 used by a recipient user U4 who receives the digital business card 1 during business card exchange, a reader user terminal 5 used by a reader user U5 who has the digital business card 1 of the recipient user U4 and asks the provider user U3 to introduce himself / herself, and an NFT management device 6 operated by a service provider of the digital business card management system CS, etc.

[0021] The RF tag 10 is embedded in a business card made of paper, plastic, or the like. In the embodiment, a business card made of paper, plastic, or the like with the RF tag 10 embedded therein is referred to as the digital business card 1. The RF tag 10 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag having an anti-tampering function, an encryption calculation function, and an NFC (Near Field Communication) function. The RF tag 10 stores individual tag information IT for identifying each RF tag 10, business card data information IU3 of the provider user U3 (which may also be referred to as provider user information), and the like. The individual tag information IT of the RF tag 10 is used as information for identifying the serial number of the digital business card 1 equipped with the RF tag 10.

[0022] Each of the user terminals 3 to 5 is a terminal having an NFC function (such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer), and is configured to be able to perform non-contact communication with the RF tag 10 in the digital business card 1. The provider user terminal 3 can write the individual tag information IT and the provider user information IU3 (business card data information) into the RF tag 10 in the digital business card 1. The recipient user terminal 4 and the reader user terminal 5 can read necessary information such as the individual tag information IT and the provider user information IU3 from the RF tag 10 in the digital business card 1.

[0023] The provided user information IU3 (business card data information) includes the personal data of the providing user U3. Examples of the personal data of the providing user U3 include information related to business such as name, affiliation such as the company and department to which the user belongs, job title (position), qualifications, and contact information. The contact information includes the phone number of the affiliated organization, mobile phone number, FAX number, email address, and SNS (Social Network Service) account, etc.

[0024] Each user terminal 3 - 5 is configured to be communicably connected to the NFT management device 6 via the communication network NW, and it is possible to exchange various information with the NFT management device 6. The communication network NW is composed of, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network, and base stations, etc., but there is no limitation on the type of communication protocol, nor on the type and scale of the network.

[0025] The NFT management device 6 is composed of one or more computers and functions as, for example, a web server on the communication network NW. Also, the NFT management device 6 is connectable to the blockchain BK via the communication network NW. The NFT management device 6 in the embodiment performs a process of transmitting a transaction request from each user terminal 3 - 5 to the blockchain BK, and manages the NFT100 associated (linked) with the individual tag information IT that identifies the serial number of each digital business card 1.

[0026] Even for the same digital business card 1 having a plurality of serial numbers, since the individual tag information IT is different for each digital business card 1, each NFT100 associated with each individual tag information IT will naturally be different. Also, the NFT management device 6 may function as a node constituting the blockchain BK.

[0027] The blockchain BK (decentralized ledger) is constructed by distributed applications and smart contracts provided, for example, on Ethereum or Polygon, based on a P2P network composed of a plurality of computer-related devices (nodes) connected to the communication network NW. The blockchain BK of the embodiment is of the smart contract type that processes NFTs according to Ethereum.

[0028] The NFT100 is used to prove various rights such as the ownership of the digital business card 1, and is issued from a specific contract address in the blockchain BK, for example, in accordance with the ERC721 standard. The contract address and the token ID for identification are associated (linked) with the NFT100. The holders of the NFT100 and the transaction history are recorded in the blockchain BK. Note that as the blockchain BK, a public blockchain such as Ethereum or Polygon may be applied, or other private blockchains may be applied.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the RF tag 10 implemented in the digital business card 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the RF tag 10 includes an antenna coil 11, an I / O circuit 12, a RAM 13, a ROM 14, an NVM 15 (Nonvolatile Memory), a CPU 16, and the like.

[0030] The antenna coil 11 receives radio waves having an RF signal (including an instruction) transmitted by each of the user terminals 3 to 5, or transmits radio waves having an RF signal (including a response) output from the I / O circuit 12. The I / O circuit 12 demodulates the RF signal from the antenna coil 11 and outputs the demodulated signal to the CPU 16, or modulates the signal from the CPU 16 and outputs the modulated RF signal to the antenna coil 11.

[0031] The RF tag 10 of the embodiment is a card-type device or a tag-type device compliant with ISO14443 Type B. A light-emitting unit 17 (e.g., an LED, etc.) capable of emitting light in a plurality of light-emitting modes is connected to the antenna coil 11. Power supply to the light-emitting unit 17 (LED) is performed through the antenna coil 11 from a receiving user terminal 4 or a reading user terminal 5 that performs non-contact communication with the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 by electromagnetic induction. Although the digital business card 1 does not have a battery, an external power supply, etc., when non-contact communication is performed between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the receiving user terminal 4 or the reading user terminal 5, the light-emitting unit 17 (LED) lights up or blinks during communication or for a predetermined time.

[0032] In the RAM 13, programs and various data read from the ROM 14 and the NVM 15 are temporarily stored. Programs and various data are stored in the ROM 14 and the NVM 15. Examples of the NVM 15 include a flash memory, an EEPROM, etc.

[0033] Individual tag information IT is stored in the NVM 15 in advance, for example, at the manufacturing stage of the RF tag 10. As described above, the individual tag information IT is used as information for identifying the serial number of the digital business card 1 in which the RF tag 10 is embedded. The RF tag 10 stores business card data information IU3 (a web page, details will be described later) dedicated to the digital business card 1 identified by the individual tag information IT. Note that the NFT management device 6 stores in advance a URL (hereinafter referred to as a business card display URL) for accessing the business card data information IU3 stored in the RF tag 10.

[0034] Based on the program stored in ROM 14 or NVM 15, CPU 16 executes reading, writing, or arithmetic processing of information with respect to NVM 15 in response to a read instruction or a write instruction transmitted from each of user terminals 3 to 5 and input via antenna coil 11 and I / O circuit 12. The read instruction with respect to NVM 15 may be an NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) read instruction. If the settings read from RF tag 10 are in the NDEF format, even if the receiving user terminal 4 or the reading user terminal 5 does not have a dedicated application installed, for example, the provided user information IU3 (business card data information) read from RF tag 10 can be displayed on the receiving user terminal 4 or the reading user terminal 5.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of NFT management device 6. As shown in FIG. 3, NFT management device 6 includes a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, an information processing unit 63, and the like. Communication unit 61 has a function of communicating and connecting to communication network NW. Storage unit 62 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, and stores an operating system, an NFT management program, and the like. A user information database 64, an NFT information database 65, and the like are constructed in storage unit 62. Note that user information database 64 and NFT information database 65 may be configurations provided in a database server (not shown).

[0036] User information database 64 is a database that registers various information of each user U3 to U5 for whom an account as a member of digital business card management system CS has been issued. In user information database 64, a user ID for identification, a password, an email address, an address, a telephone number, a key pair of a public key and a private key used in blockchain BK, and an individual address on blockchain BK are registered in association with each user U3 to U5.

[0037] Here, the key pair of the public key and the private key is issued individually for each of the users U3 to U5 in the blockchain BK in response to the issuance request of the NFT management device 6, for example, when an account is issued. The individual address is generated according to a predetermined algorithm based on the public key. It is possible to associate the NFT 100 in the blockchain BK with the individual address.

[0038] The NFT information database 65 is a database that registers various information of the NFT 100 issued (minted) in the blockchain BK. In the NFT information database 65, the contract address of the NFT 100, the token ID of the NFT 100, the individual addresses of the users U3 to U5 who hold the NFT 100 (the individual addresses associated with the NFT 100), the individual tag information IT, the URL for business card display, and the transaction information (which may be absent) are registered in association with each NFT 100.

[0039] Here, the URL for business card display is the address of the business card data information IU3 (provided user information, web page) storing the RF tag 10, and is represented by, for example, a URL parameter (which may include the host name) generated from a domain, a path (directory), and the provided user information IU3 (business card data information). The business card data information IU3 (provided user information, web page) is composed of a structured document file such as an HTML document or an XHTML document describing various information of the NFT 100.

[0040] The information processing unit 63 includes a RAM, a ROM, a CPU (not shown), etc., and functions as, for example, a means for receiving an NFT issuance request, an NFT issuance means, an NFT management means, a means for transmitting a write command, a means for receiving a distribution request, and an NFT distribution means according to the NFT management program stored in the storage unit 62, and executes various processes.

[0041] For example, when the receiving user U4 receives the digital business card 1 from the providing user U3 by exchanging business cards and issues the NFT100 associated with the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10), the information processing unit 63 receives an NFT issuance request (including the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3) read by the receiving user terminal 4 from the RF tag 10 via the communication network NW from the receiving user terminal 4.

[0042] Then, based on the individual tag information IT included in the received NFT issuance request, the information processing unit 63 causes an NFT100 that proves various rights of the digital business card 1 to be issued (minted) on the blockchain BK. In the embodiment, one master NFT101 and a plurality of general NFTs 102 are issued on the blockchain BK for each individual tag information IT (serial number of the digital business card 1).

[0043] Here, the master NFT101 means the top one among those corresponding to any individual tag information IT, and the general NFT102 means the lower ones linked to the master NFT101. In the present specification, the term NFT100 is used as a general term combining the master NFT101 and the general NFT102.

[0044] Then, the information processing unit 63 manages the issued NFT100 by associating the individual tag information IT and the URL for business card display. For example, the individual tag information IT and the URL for business card display are associated (linked) with the contract address and token ID, etc. of the issued NFT100 and registered and managed in the NFT information database 65.

[0045] At this time, the master NFT 101 that proves the ownership of the digital business card 1 is associated with the individual address of the receiving user U4, and it is recorded on the blockchain BK that the receiving user U4 is the owner of the master NFT 101. Next, the information processing unit 63 transmits a command to cause the receiving user terminal 4 to write the business card display URL to the receiving user terminal 4 via the communication network NW. As a result, the business card display URL is written to the receiving user terminal 4.

[0046] When the reading user U5 holds the reading user terminal 5 over the digital business card 1 held by the receiving user U4 and performs non-contact communication between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the reading user terminal 5, the information processing unit 63 receives, from the reading user terminal 5 via the communication network NW, an NFT distribution request (including the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3) read by the reading user terminal 5 from the RF tag 10.

[0047] At this time, since the receiving user U4 is the owner of the master NFT 101, the general NFT 102 is distributed to the reading user U5 on the blockchain BK. That is, the general NFT 102 that proves the past reading history of the digital business card 1 is associated with the individual address of the reading user U5, and it is recorded on the blockchain BK that the reading user U5 is one of the owners of the general NFT 102. Next, the information processing unit 63 transmits a command to cause the reading user terminal 5 to write the business card display URL to the reading user terminal 5 via the communication network NW. As a result, the business card display URL is written to the reading user terminal 5.

[0048] Note that when the reading user U5 holds the reading user terminal 5 over the digital business card 1 held by the providing user U3 and performs non-contact communication between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the reading user terminal 5, since the NFT 100 corresponding to the individual tag information IT is not issued, the information processing unit 63 does not receive or cancels the NFT distribution request. However, the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) read from the RF tag 10 is directly displayed on the reading user terminal 5 (without reading the business card display URL) (see FIG. 10).

[0049] Next, the operation of the digital business card management system CS according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. Here, each user U3 to U5 registers for using the blockchain BK using their respective user terminals 3 to 5, and it is assumed that a wallet, which is an application capable of storing and managing the NFT100, is pre-installed in each of the user terminals 3 to 5.

[0050] First, as shown in FIG. 4, based on an instruction from the providing user U3, the providing user terminal 3 transmits a write command including the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3 to the RF tag 10 of each digital business card 1 by non-contact communication (step S01). Then, in response to the write command from the providing user terminal 3, the RF tag 10 writes the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3 into the NVM15 (step S02) and transmits a response indicating normal completion to the providing user terminal 3.

[0051] In this way, the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3 are stored (recorded) in a series of RF tags 10 (digital business cards 1). Note that the providing user information IU3 is common to each RF tag 10, but the individual tag information is different for each RF tag 10.

[0052] When the providing user U3 and the receiving user U4 exchange business cards, when the receiving user U4 holds the receiving user terminal 4 near the digital business card 1 (brings it close), the RF tag 10 is activated by the electromagnetic field of the receiving user terminal 4, and non-contact communication between the receiving user terminal 4 and the RF tag 10 is started (see FIG. 5). Then, the receiving user terminal 4 transmits the NDEF read command described above to the RF tag 10 by non-contact communication (step S03). In the embodiment, during non-contact communication or for a predetermined time, the light emitting part 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or blinks. That is, the digital business card 1 itself emits light.

[0053] Then, when the RF tag 10 receives the NDEF read command of the receiving user terminal 4, in response to the NDEF read command, the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3 are read from the NVM15 (step S04), and a response including the individual tag information IT and the like is transmitted to the receiving user terminal 4 (step S05). On the receiving user terminal 4 that has received the response of the RF tag 10, an operation button 20 for prompting the issuance of the NFT100 is displayed (see FIG. 6). The operation button 20 is, for example, a button or an icon as a graphical user interface. When the operation button 20 is pressed (step S06: YES), the receiving user terminal 4 transmits an NFT issuance request including the individual tag information IT to the NFT management device 6 via the communication network NW (step S07). Note that the pressing operation of the operation button 20 is specifically realized by tapping or clicking.

[0054] Upon receiving the NFT issuance request of the receiving user terminal 4, the NFT management device 6 generates a dedicated business card display URL identified by the individual tag information IT in response to the NFT issuance request (step S08). Next, the NFT management device 6 transmits an NFT issuance request including the individual tag information IT (or the business card display URL) and the individual address of the receiving user U4 to the blockchain BK (step S09).

[0055] When the blockchain BK receives the NFT issuance request from the NFT management device 6, an NFT100 associated with the individual tag information IT is issued (minted) from a specific contract address in the blockchain BK (step S10). By associating the issued NFT100 (one master NFT101 and a plurality of general NFTs 102) with the individual address of the receiving user U4, it is recorded in the blockchain BK that the receiving user U4 is the holder of the NFT100. Next, an NFT issuance completion notification including the contract address of the NFT100, the token ID, and the individual address of the receiving user U4 is transmitted from the blockchain BK to the NFT management device 6 (step S11).

[0056] In the NFT issuance request, the individual tag information IT of the RF tag 10 may be specified as the token ID of the NFT 100, or a data sequence generated from the individual tag information IT by a predetermined algorithm may be specified as the token ID, or a unique token ID may be issued at a specific contract address in the blockchain BK.

[0057] Next, the NFT management device 6 that has received the NFT issuance completion notice from the blockchain BK registers various information regarding the issued NFT 100 (step S12). For example, the contract address, token ID, individual address of the receiving user U4, individual tag information IT, and the URL for business card display of the issued NFT 100 are associated (linked) and registered in the NFT information database 65.

[0058] Next, the NFT management device 6 transmits a write command for causing the receiving user terminal 4 to write the URL for business card display to the receiving user terminal 4 via the communication network NW (step S13). Next, the receiving user terminal 4 that has received the write command from the NFT management device 6 writes the URL for business card display to the receiving user terminal 4 in response to the write command (step S14) and transmits a response indicating normal completion to the NFT management device 6. Then, on the receiving user terminal 4, the display of the business card data information IU3 (provider user information) read from the RF tag 10 is permitted and displayed (step S15).

[0059] Since the receiving user U4 receives the digital business card 1 of the providing user U3 during business card exchange, the NFT 100 held by the receiving user U4 becomes the master NFT 101 that proves the ownership of the digital business card 1. The receiving user U4 manages the NFT 100 in the wallet of the receiving user terminal 4 and can view it as needed. Incidentally, on the receiving user terminal 4 where the URL for business card display is stored, it is possible to display the business card data information IU3 (provider user information) even without the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10).

[0060] In an embodiment, in the wallets already introduced in each user terminal 3 to 5, SNS accounts and email addresses registered by each user U3 to U5 are associated (linked) using, for example, Web3.0 technology (such as Web3Auth). Therefore, the NFT management device 6 uses the correspondence relationship between the wallets of each user U3 and U4 and SNS accounts, etc., to notify the providing user terminal 3 via SNS or email, etc., that the receiving user U4 holds the NFT100 (master NFT101) linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10), in other words, that a business card exchange has been performed using the digital business card 1 (step S16).

[0061] Examples of SNS include, but are not limited to, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Line, YouTube, TikTok, WeChat, Instagram, or WhatsApp, etc.

[0062] According to the above configuration, although the digital business card 1 can provide business-related business card data information IU3 to the user terminals 3 to 5, it is possible to hand over the digital business card 1 itself to the other party in the same way as a conventional business card exchange. Therefore, although it seems to be a conventional type of business card at first glance, it can demonstrate a digital data providing function and leave a strong impression on the other party. Also, the fact of the business card exchange is likely to remain in the impression because the digital business card 1 is in the hands of the business card exchange partner, and both the advantages of conventional business cards and the advantages of the digital business card 1 can be enjoyed. In the embodiment, when the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 performs non-contact communication with the receiving user terminal 4, the light emitting part 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or blinks, so a particularly strong impression can be given to the receiving user U4 who is the business card exchange partner.

[0063] Also, the business card data information IU3 (provider user information) of the provider user U3 is stored in the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1, and the permission to display the business card data information IU3 is transmitted from the NFT management device 6 to the recipient user terminal 4. Therefore, the NFT management device 6 does not need to hold and manage the business card data information IU3, and the provider user U3 himself can control the business card data information IU3 including his own personal data, thereby enhancing privacy and reducing security risks.

[0064] Furthermore, since the recipient user terminal 4 reads the business card data information IU3 stored in the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1, there is also the advantage that it is less affected by the quality of the connection environment of the communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0065] Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the recipient user U4 uses the digital business card 1 he has to introduce the provider user U3 to the reading user U5, when the reading user U5 holds the reading user terminal 5 over (brings it close to) the digital business card 1, the RF tag 10 is activated by the electromagnetic field of the reading user terminal 5, and non-contact communication between the reading user terminal 5 and the RF tag 10 is started. Then, the reading user terminal 5 transmits an NDEF read command to the RF tag 10 via non-contact communication (step S17). Also in this case, during non-contact communication or for a predetermined time, the light emitting part 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or blinks. That is, the digital business card 1 itself emits light.

[0066] Then, when the RF tag 10 receives the NDEF read command from the reading user terminal 5, in response to the NDEF read command, the individual tag information IT and the provider user information IU3 are read from the NVM15 (step S18), and a response including the individual tag information IT etc. is transmitted to the reading user terminal 5 (step S19).

[0067] On the reading user terminal 5 that has received the response from the RF tag 10, an operation button 21 for prompting the reception of the NFT 100 is displayed (see Fig. 9). The operation button 21 may also adopt, for example, a button or an icon as a graphical user interface. When the operation button 21 is pressed (step S20: YES), since the NFT 100 linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10) held by the receiving user U4 has already been issued, the reading user terminal 5 transmits an NFT distribution request including the individual tag information IT to the NFT management device 6 via the communication network NW (step S21). Note that the pressing operation of the operation button 21 is also specifically realized by tapping or clicking.

[0068] Next, the NFT management device 6 that has received the NFT distribution request from the reading user terminal 5 transmits an NFT distribution request including the individual tag information IT (or the URL for business card display) and the individual address of the reading user U5 to the blockchain BK (step S22). When the blockchain BK receives the NFT distribution request from the NFT management device 6, one of the plurality of general NFTs 102 linked to the individual tag information IT is distributed from a specific contract address in the blockchain BK (step S23). The distributed general NFT 102 is linked to the individual address of the reading user U5, and it is recorded in the blockchain BK that the reading user U5 has the general NFT 102. Next, an NFT distribution completion notification including the contract address, token ID of the general NFT 102, and the individual address of the reading user U5 is transmitted from the blockchain BK to the NFT management device 6 (step S24).

[0069] Next, the NFT management device 6 that has received the NFT distribution completion notification from the blockchain BK updates various information regarding the issued general NFT 102 (step S25). For example, the contract address, token ID, individual address of the reading user U5, individual tag information IT, and the URL for business card display of the issued general NFT 102 are associated (linked) and registered in the NFT information database 65.

[0070] Next, the NFT management device 6 transmits a write command for causing the reading user terminal 5 to write the business card display URL to the reading user terminal 5 via the communication network NW (step S26). Next, the reading user terminal 5 that has received the write command from the NFT management device 6 writes the business card display URL to the reading user terminal 5 in response to the write command (step S27), and transmits a response indicating normal termination to the NFT management device 6. Then, on the reading user terminal 5, the display of the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) read from the RF tag 10 is permitted and displayed (step S28).

[0071] The NFT 100 distributed to the reading user U5 becomes a general NFT 102 that proves the past reading history of the digital business card 1. The reading user U5 manages the general NFT 102 in the wallet of the reading user terminal 5 and can view it as needed. Even on the reading user terminal 5 in which the business card display URL is stored, it is possible to display the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) without the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10).

[0072] Next, the reading user terminal 5 notifies the providing user terminal 3 via SNS, email, etc. that the reading user U5 has the general NFT 102 associated with the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10), in other words, that the digital business card 1 held by the receiving user U4 has been read and the providing user U3 has been introduced (step S29).

[0073] According to the above configuration, when the receiving user U4 uses the digital business card 1 he / she has and introduces the providing user U3 to the reading user U5, even without being informed of the fact by the receiving user U4, it is possible to accurately grasp in real time who (the reading user U5) the person (the receiving user U4) with his / her own digital business card 1 introduced to and when. Therefore, by using the digital business card 1, it becomes easier to introduce one's own contacts or get a third party to introduce someone without bothering the person who exchanged the business cards (the person (the receiving user U4) with one's own digital business card 1), and it is possible to effectively utilize the business connections between each other. In the embodiment, when the non-contact communication is performed between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the reading user terminal 5, the light emitting unit 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or blinks, so that a strong impression can be given to the reading user 5 who has performed the reading operation on the digital business card 1.

[0074] In step S15, on the receiving user terminal 4 of the receiving user U4 who holds the master NFT101, the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) read from the RF tag 10 is displayed. The providing user information IU3 may disclose private information such as, for example, a portrait photo, address, resume such as educational background and work experience, hobbies, and personal life information of the providing user U3. On the other hand, in step S28, on the reading user terminal 5 of the reading user U5 who holds the general NFT102, the providing user information IU3 read from the RF tag 10 is also displayed. The providing user information IU3 preferably discloses only public information related to business about the providing user U3.

[0075] With such a configuration, for example, it becomes easier to start a conversation and so on between the receiving user U4 who has seen the providing user information IU3 including private information and the providing user U3, making communication easier and effective in deepening the relationship between the receiving user U4 who has received the digital business card 1 and the providing user U3. Since the receiving user U4 who has received the digital business card 1 can obtain the master NFT101, the reading user U5 will not see the providing user information IU3 including private information, which is also effective in terms of ensuring privacy.

[0076] In addition, the providing user U3 can use the providing user terminal 3 to modify various information regarding the issued general NFT 102 registered in the NFT information database 65 of the NFT management device 6. For example, among the general NFTs 102, it is also possible to rank them, such as platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. In this case, even if the reading user U5 holds the general NFT 102, the providing user information IU3 including private information can be disclosed to the reading user terminal 5 according to the ranking. The degree of disclosure can be set according to the ranking (for example, if it is a platinum type of the general NFT 102, the disclosure content can be the same as that of the master NFT 101, or as the ranking drops for gold and silver, the disclosure range of private information can be narrowed).

[0077] Now, in the embodiment, further, when two receiving users U4', U4'' who have exchanged business cards with the providing user U3 in the past exchange business cards using the digital business card 1', it is configured to notify the providing user terminal 3 via SNS or email that the receiving user U4' holds the NFT 100' (master NFT 101') associated with the individual tag information IT' of the digital business card 1' (RF tag 10'), in other words, that the receiving user U4' and the receiving user U4'' have exchanged business cards using the digital business card 1'.

[0078] Here, for convenience of explanation, the two receiving users U4', U4'' are referred to as the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4'', and it is assumed that the first receiving user U4' provides the digital business card 1' to the second receiving user U4''. Also, a prime symbol (') is added to the reference numerals related to the first receiving user, and a double prime symbol ( '') is added to the reference numerals related to the second receiving user.

[0079] The operation of the digital business card management system CS when the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" exchange business cards is generally as described using Figure 4. Then, when the provision of the digital business card 1' is completed (step S30: YES), the NFT management device 6 determines whether the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" hold an NFT 100 (master NFT 101) linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10) on the blockchain BK, i.e., whether they have previously received the digital business card 1 from the providing user U3 (step S31, see Figure 11).

[0080] If the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" have already exchanged business cards with the providing user U3, both receiving users U4', U4" hold NFTs 100 (master NFTs 101) linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10) on the blockchain BK (step S31: YES), so the NFT management device 6 uses the correspondence between the wallets and SNS accounts, etc. of each user 3 to 5 to notify the providing user terminal 3 via SNS, email, etc. that the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4", who have previously exchanged business cards with the providing user U3 using a digital business card, have exchanged business cards using the digital business card 1' (step S32).

[0081] With this configuration, when the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" exchange business cards using the digital business card 1', the receiving user U4 can accurately know in real time that the people holding his / her digital business card 1 (the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4") have become acquainted with each other, without having to be informed of this fact by each receiving user U4', U4". This increases the number of mutual acquaintances, making communication easier, and enabling the relationship between the providing user U3, the first receiving user U4', and the second receiving user U4" to be deepened. Therefore, it is extremely easy for people exchanging digital business cards 1, 1' to understand each other's personal networks, and new personal networks can be formed and expanded more easily and reliably than before, which can contribute to the development of business between them.

[0082] The configuration of each part in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0083] BK Blockchain CS Digital Business Card Management System IT Individual Tag Information IU3 Business Card Data Information (Providing User Information) NW Communication Network U3 Providing User U4, U4′, U4″ Receiving User U5 Reading User 1 Digital Business Card 3 Providing User Terminal 4 Receiving User Terminal 5 Reading User Terminal 6 NFT Management Device 10 RF Tag 11 Antenna Coil 15 NVM 17 Light Emitting Unit (LED) 20, 21 Operation Button 61 Communication Unit 62 Storage Unit 63 Information Processing Unit 64 User Information Database 65 NFT Information Database 100, 100′ NFT 101, 101′ Master NFT 102 General NFT

Claims

1. A digital business card management system including an NFT management device capable of communicating with a providing user terminal of a providing user that provides a digital business card with an IC tag and a receiving user terminal of a receiving user that receives the digital business card via a communication network, The IC tag stores individual tag information and business card data information of the providing user, The NFT management device issues an NFT on a blockchain that proves the right to the digital business card based on the individual tag information read by the receiving user terminal from the IC tag, The NFT includes a master NFT, The master NFT is linked to an individual address of the receiving user on the blockchain, and permits the receiving user terminal to disclose the business card data information of the providing user. Digital business card management system.

2. In a case where a first receiving user and a second receiving user both hold the master NFT of the providing user, when the first receiving user and the second receiving user exchange business cards using their own digital business cards, The NFT management device notifies the providing user terminal that the first receiving user and the second receiving user have exchanged business cards.

2. The digital business card management system according to claim 1.

3. The NFT includes the master NFT and a plurality of general NFTs linked thereto, The NFT management device distributes one of the general NFTs on the blockchain based on individual tag information read from the IC tag by a reading user terminal of a reading user that reads the digital business card received by the receiving user, One of the general NFTs is linked to an individual address of the reading user on the blockchain to permit the reading user terminal to disclose the business card data information of the providing user; Based on the distribution of the general NFT, notify the providing user terminal that the receiving user has introduced the providing user to the reading user; 3. A digital business card management system according to claim 1 or 2.

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