Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device configured to easily switch provision availability or provision mode of a product for every user who wants to receive provision of the product.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 includes: an acquisition unit 132 for acquiring a provision condition token held by a destination user on a block chain, the provision condition token representing a provision condition for the destination user to receive provision of a product from a provider user; a determination unit 133 for determining whether or not the provider user can provide the product or a provision mode for the provider user to provide the product on the basis of a relation between the product and the provision condition token; and an output unit 134 for outputting provision information representing provision availability and the provision mode determined by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for processing information related to the provision of products to users.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for switching between a function of settling the price of a product based on information read by an information terminal such as a smartphone used by a user who is a customer and a function of settling the price of a product based on information read by a product registration device used by a store clerk.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a user satisfies specific conditions, products may be provided or the prices of products may be changed. Conventionally, when a user attempts to receive a product, it has not been easy to switch the availability or provision mode of the product, such as the price, for each user.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to enable easy switching of the availability or provision mode of a product for each user who attempts to receive the product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a provision condition token held by a destination user on a blockchain, the provision condition token indicating a provision condition for the destination user to receive a product from a source user; a determination unit that determines whether the product can be provided by the source user or a provision mode for the source user to provide the product based on the relationship between the product and the provision condition token; and an output unit that outputs provision information indicating the provisionability or the provision mode determined by the determination unit.

[0007] The acquisition unit may acquire product identification information attached to the product, which is an article or service in the real space provided by the source user, and the determination unit may determine whether the product can be provided or the provision mode of the product corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] The information processing apparatus may further include a reception unit that receives, from a destination user terminal used by the destination user, the product identification information read by the destination user terminal and destination user identification information for identifying the destination user preset in the destination user terminal, and the acquisition unit may acquire the product identification information received by the reception unit and acquire the provision condition token held by the destination user corresponding to the destination user identification information received by the reception unit.

[0009] The information processing apparatus may further include a reception unit that receives, from a source user terminal used by the source user, the product identification information read by the source user terminal and destination user identification information for identifying the destination user read by the source user terminal, and the acquisition unit may acquire the product identification information received by the reception unit and acquire the provision condition token held by the destination user corresponding to the destination user identification information received by the reception unit.

[0010] After outputting the provided information, the output unit may output an assignment instruction for assigning a token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product to the destination user on the blockchain.

[0011] After outputting the provided information to the destination user terminal used by the destination user, the output unit may output the assignment instruction on the condition that the destination user has performed a predetermined operation on the destination user terminal.

[0012] The determination unit may determine that the product is available when at least one of the product and the source user providing the product satisfies the provision condition, and determine that the product is not available when at least one of the product and the source user providing the product does not satisfy the provision condition.

[0013] The provision condition may indicate one or more of the products that the destination user can receive.

[0014] The provision condition may indicate one or more of the source users who can provide the product to the destination user.

[0015] The provision condition indicates a rule for determining a price, and the determination unit may determine the price for the destination user to receive the product by applying the rule to the product.

[0016] The provision mode may include at least one of the price for the destination user to receive the product, the period during which the destination user can use the product, and the benefits received by the destination user together with the product.

[0017] The provision condition token may be a token issued on the blockchain by a user different from the destination user and the source user.

[0018] The information processing method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes steps executed by a processor: obtaining a provision condition token held by a recipient user on a blockchain, the provision condition token indicating provision conditions for the recipient user to receive a product from a provider user; determining, based on the relationship between the product and the provision condition token, whether the provider user can provide the product or the provision mode for the provider user to provide the product; and outputting provision information indicating the determination result of whether the product can be provided or the provision mode determined in the determining step.

[0019] The program according to the third aspect of the present invention causes a processor to execute steps of: obtaining a provision condition token held by a recipient user on a blockchain, the provision condition token indicating provision conditions for the recipient user to receive a product from a provider user; determining, based on the relationship between the product and the provision condition token, whether the provider user can provide the product or the provision mode for the provider user to provide the product; and outputting provision information indicating the determination result of whether the product can be provided or the provision mode determined in the determining step.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to easily switch whether a product can be provided or the provision mode for each user who intends to receive the product.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] <First Embodiment> [Outline of Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to the present embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing apparatus 1, a first information terminal 2, and a second information terminal 3. The information processing system S may include other devices such as servers and terminals.

[0023] The information processing apparatus 1 is a computer that performs a provision process related to the provision of a product and a return process related to the return of the product based on information stored on a blockchain. The product is an article or service provided in the real space.

[0024] In the process of providing goods, the user who provides the goods is called the provider user, and the user who receives the goods is called the recipient user. In the process of returning goods, the user who receives the return of the goods is called the return recipient user, and the user who returns the goods is called the return provider user. The provider user and the return recipient user are individuals (e.g., sellers in person-to-person transactions) or organizations (e.g., stores) that handle goods. The recipient user and the return provider user are individuals or organizations that use the goods.

[0025] The blockchain is constructed in the storage unit of the information processing device 1 or in the storage unit of a device different from the information processing device 1. The blockchain is constructed in the storage units of multiple devices, and the information processing device 1 may be any one of the multiple devices. The information stored on the blockchain includes, for example, a provision condition token indicating the provision conditions for goods, a return condition token indicating the return conditions for goods, and a right token indicating the right to use the goods.

[0026] The provision condition token is a token indicating the provision conditions for a user who is the holder of the token to receive the provision of a predetermined good. The provision conditions indicate, for example, the goods that can be provided, the provider of the goods, and the information for determining the fee for receiving the provision of the goods. The return condition token is a token indicating the return conditions for a user who is the holder of the token to return a predetermined good. The return conditions indicate, for example, the goods that can be returned, the return destination of the goods, and the information for determining the fee for returning the goods.

[0027] The provision condition token and the return condition token are tokens indicating the provision conditions and return conditions preset for the user who holds the token, and are unique tokens such as, for example, SoulBound Tokens (SBT). Since the unique token is not permitted to transfer between users on the blockchain, it is ensured that the provision conditions and return conditions unique to the user who is the holder are indicated. Also, the provision condition token and the return condition token may not be unique tokens but tokens transferable between users.

[0028] The right token is a token indicating the right of a user who is the holder of the token to use a predetermined product, and is, for example, an NFT (Non-Fungible Token). The right token includes, for example, product identification information (product ID: Identifier) for identifying a product purchased or borrowed by the user, and information indicating the period during which the user can use the product.

[0029] The offering condition token, the return condition token, and the right token are stored in association with user identification information (user ID) for identifying the user who is the holder, by, for example, a blockchain on one or more storage units on a network. The blockchain includes a plurality of data blocks, and each block includes one or more transactions indicating that the holder of the token has been transferred. Each block in the blockchain includes a hash value generated according to a predetermined rule, and the correctness of the entire blockchain is ensured by checking the consistency of the hash values between the blocks.

[0030] The first information terminal 2 is a computer used by the recipient user or the returner user. The first information terminal 2 used by the recipient user is also referred to as the recipient user terminal, and the first information terminal 2 used by the returner user is also referred to as the returner user terminal. The second information terminal 3 is a computer used by the provider user or the returnee user. The second information terminal 3 used by the provider user is also referred to as the provider user terminal, and the second information terminal 3 used by the returnee user is also referred to as the returnee user terminal.

[0031] The first information terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The second information terminal 3 is, for example, a POS (Point of Sale) terminal. The first information terminal 2 and the second information terminal 3 each have an operation unit such as a touch panel or a keyboard for receiving operations, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information, and a reading unit such as a camera or a short-range wireless communication device for reading the product ID. The first information terminal 2 and the second information terminal 3 can communicate with the information processing device 1 via a network.

[0032] The outline of the processing executed by the information processing system S according to this embodiment will be described below. The destination user causes the first information terminal 2 to read the product ID of the product to be received. The first information terminal 2 transmits the read product ID and the user ID of the destination user to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0033] The information processing apparatus 1 uses the product ID and the user ID received from the first information terminal 2 to acquire the offering condition token held by the destination user on the blockchain. Based on the relationship between the product and the offering condition token, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether the product can be offered by the source user or the offering mode for the source user to offer the product. The offering mode includes at least one of, for example, the price for receiving the product, the period during which the product can be used, and the benefits provided together with the product. The information processing apparatus 1 outputs offering information indicating the determined offering availability or offering mode to the first information terminal 2.

[0034] In this way, the information processing system S determines whether the product can be offered or the offering mode based on the relationship between the offering condition token held by the destination user on the blockchain and the product that the user intends to receive. Thereby, the information processing system S can easily switch the offering availability or the offering mode for each destination user who intends to receive the product.

[0035] [Configuration of Information Processing System S] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system S according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the arrows indicate the main data flow, and there may be data flows other than those shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, each block represents a configuration in terms of functional units, not hardware (device) units. Therefore, the blocks shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented in a single device or may be divided and implemented in a plurality of devices. The exchange of data between the blocks may be performed via any means such as a data bus, a network, a portable storage medium, etc.

[0036] The information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing apparatus 1 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separated apparatuses by wire or wirelessly. Also, the information processing apparatus 1 may be configured by a cloud which is a set of computer resources.

[0037] The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first information terminal 2 and the second information terminal 3 via a network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of the data received from the first information terminal 2 and the second information terminal 3 via the network. Also, the communication unit 11 transmits the data output from the control unit 13 to the first information terminal 2 and the second information terminal 3 via the network.

[0038] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 stores in advance the program executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be provided outside the information processing apparatus 1, and in that case, data may be exchanged with the control unit 13 via a network.

[0039] The control unit 13 includes a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a determination unit 133, and an output unit 134. The control unit 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the reception unit 131, the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133, and the output unit 134 by executing the program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0040] The following describes in detail the processing executed by the information processing system S. In this embodiment, the provision processing related to the provision of products executed by the information processing system S will be described. First, the tokens held by the recipient user, who is the user receiving the product, will be described. The recipient user holds a provision condition token indicating the provision conditions for receiving the product on the blockchain. Also, the recipient user holds a right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product on the blockchain.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the provision condition token and the right token. The blockchain stores the provision condition token indicating the provision conditions in association with the user ID of the recipient user.

[0042] The provision conditions may indicate, for example, one or more products (the "target products" in Figure 3) that the recipient user can receive. The products that are the provision conditions may be specified by the product ID or by the type of the product (brand name, etc.).

[0043] The provision conditions may indicate, for example, one or more provider users (the "target stores" in Figure 3) who can provide the product to the recipient user. The provider users that are the provision conditions may be specified by the user ID of the provider user or by the type of the provider user (chain store name, etc.).

[0044] The provision conditions may indicate, for example, the rules for determining the price of the product. The rules for determining the price include, for example, a table associating the product with the price, or a calculation formula (discount rate, etc.) applied to a predetermined price (list price, etc.) of the product.

[0045] The provided conditions may indicate, for example, rules for determining the period during which the recipient user can use the product. The rules for determining the period may include, for example, a table associating the product with the period. The provided conditions may indicate, for example, rules for determining the benefits received by the recipient user along with the product. The rules for determining the benefits may include, for example, a table associating the product with the benefits. The provided conditions are not limited to the specific conditions shown here and may include other conditions regarding the provision of the product to the recipient user.

[0046] The provided condition token is pre-issued on the blockchain by a user different from the recipient user and the provider user, for example. As a result, a user different from the provider user such as a store can set the conditions for providing the product to the recipient user.

[0047] Also, the blockchain stores a right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product in association with the user ID of the recipient user. The right token indicates ownership when the recipient user purchases the product, for example, and indicates the usage right when the recipient user borrows the product. The right token is information associating, for example, the product ID of one or more products received by the recipient user with the period during which the recipient user can use the product. The right token is granted to the recipient user on the blockchain in response to a grant instruction output by the output unit 134 of the information processing apparatus 1 described later when the recipient user purchases or borrows the product.

[0048] Next, the process of determining whether or not to provide the product to the recipient user or the provision mode will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the process of determining whether or not to provide the product to the recipient user or the provision mode in the present embodiment.

[0049] The recipient user causes the first information terminal 2 (recipient user terminal) to read the product ID of the product to be received from the provider user (a1). The provider user who provides the product is an individual (for example, a seller in a personal transaction) or an organization (for example, a store) that handles the product.

[0050] The reading unit of the first information terminal 2 reads, for example, the product ID indicated by a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) or a tag (RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), etc.) attached to the product. The first information terminal 2 transmits information indicating the product ID read from the product and the user ID of the destination user preset in the first information terminal 2 to the information processing apparatus 1 (a2).

[0051] Furthermore, the first information terminal 2 may transmit information indicating the user ID of the source user who provides the product to the information processing apparatus 1. The user ID of the source user may be specified based on the product ID, or may be specified by the reading unit of the first information terminal 2 reading the user ID indicated by a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) or a tag (RFID, etc.) attached to a store or the like.

[0052] In the information processing apparatus 1, the receiving unit 131 receives, from the first information terminal 2, information indicating the product ID of the product that the destination user intends to receive and the user ID of the destination user. Further, the receiving unit 131 may receive, from the first information terminal 2, information indicating the user ID of the source user.

[0053] The acquisition unit 132 acquires the product ID received by the receiving unit 131. Further, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the provision condition token held by the destination user corresponding to the user ID received by the receiving unit 131. The acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, on the blockchain, the provision condition token associated with the user ID of the destination user received by the receiving unit 131.

[0054] The determination unit 133 determines whether the product can be provided by the source user or the provision mode for the source user to provide the product based on the relationship between the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and the provision condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132 (a3).

[0055] Whether a product can be provided depends on whether the recipient user permits the receipt of the product. The determination unit 133 determines that the product can be provided when at least one of the product and the provider user satisfies the provision conditions using the provision conditions indicated by the provision condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132, and determines that the product cannot be provided when at least one of the product and the provider user does not satisfy the provision conditions. Further, the determination unit 133 may determine that the product can be provided when both the product and the provider user satisfy the provision conditions using the provision conditions indicated by the provision condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132, and determine that the product cannot be provided when both the product and the provider user do not satisfy the provision conditions.

[0056] For example, the determination unit 133 determines that the product can be provided when the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 is included in one or more products indicated by the provision conditions. On the other hand, the determination unit 133 determines that the product cannot be provided when the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 is not included in one or more products indicated by the provision conditions.

[0057] For example, the determination unit 133 determines that the product can be provided when the provider user corresponding to the user ID received by the reception unit 131 is included in one or more provider users indicated by the provision conditions. On the other hand, the determination unit 133 determines that the product cannot be provided when the provider user corresponding to the user ID received by the reception unit 131 is not included in one or more provider users indicated by the provision conditions. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch whether a product can be provided for each recipient user using the provision condition token pre-assigned to the recipient user.

[0058] The mode of providing a product includes at least one of the price for the recipient user to receive the product, the period during which the recipient user can use the product, and the benefits received by the recipient user together with the product. The price is the amount for the recipient user to purchase or borrow the product and is represented by, for example, legal tender or cryptocurrency. The period is the period during which the recipient user can use the purchased or borrowed product. The benefits are, for example, points, coupons, articles, etc. provided to the recipient user.

[0059] The determination unit 133 determines the mode of providing the product using the provision conditions indicated by the provision condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132. For example, the determination unit 133 determines the price for the recipient user to receive the product by applying the rule for determining the price indicated by the provision conditions to the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch the price for the recipient user to receive the product using the provision condition token pre-assigned to the recipient user.

[0060] For example, the determination unit 133 determines the period during which the recipient user can use the product by applying the rule for determining the period indicated by the provision conditions to the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch the period during which the recipient user can use the product using the provision condition token pre-assigned to the recipient user.

[0061] For example, the determination unit 133 determines the benefits received by the recipient user together with the product by applying the rule for determining the benefits indicated by the provision conditions to the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch the benefits received by the recipient user together with the product using the provision condition token pre-assigned to the recipient user.

[0062] The output unit 134 outputs provision information indicating the provision availability or provision mode determined by the determination unit 133 (a4). The provision information includes, for example, information representing the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and information representing the provision availability or provision mode determined by the determination unit 133. The output unit 134 transmits the provision information to, for example, the first information terminal 2 (destination user terminal) used by the destination user. The first information terminal 2 displays the provision information transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the first information terminal 2 displaying the provision information. In the example of FIG. 5, the first information terminal 2 displays, as the provision information, the name of the product, the price for the destination user to receive the provision of the product, and the period during which the destination user can use the product. The first information terminal 2 may display other information as the provision information.

[0064] After receiving the provision information from the information processing apparatus 1, the first information terminal 2 accepts an operation indicating that the destination user desires the provision of the product (for example, selection of the "Yes" button in FIG. 5) or an operation indicating that the destination user does not desire the provision of the product (for example, selection of the "No" button in FIG. 5), and transmits operation information indicating the accepted operation to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0065] In the information processing apparatus 1, the reception unit 131 receives the operation information transmitted by the first information terminal 2. When the operation information received by the reception unit 131 indicates that an operation indicating that the destination user does not desire the provision of the product has been performed, the information processing apparatus 1 does not perform subsequent processing.

[0066] On the condition that the operation information received by the reception unit 131 indicates that an operation indicating that the destination user desires the provision of the product has been performed, the output unit 134 outputs a payment instruction for causing the destination user to pay a fee corresponding to the price determined by the determination unit 133 to the source user, a provision instruction for causing the source user to provide the product to the destination user, and an assignment instruction for assigning a right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product to the destination user on the blockchain.

[0067] Further, the output unit 134 may output a payment instruction, a provision instruction, and a grant instruction in response to the determination unit 133 determining the availability or the provision mode without receiving operation information from the first information terminal 2.

[0068] The output unit 134 transmits, for example, a payment instruction including the price determined by the determination unit 133, the user ID of the destination user, and the user ID of the source user, to a payment management device that manages the payment of fees. The payment management device transfers, for example, the fee (such as fiat currency or cryptocurrency) corresponding to the price determined by the determination unit 133 from the account of the destination user to the account of the source user according to the payment instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1. Thereby, the information processing system S can automatically cause the destination user to pay the fee corresponding to the price determined based on the provision condition token pre-assigned to the destination user.

[0069] After the payment of the fee is completed, the output unit 134 outputs a provision instruction including information indicating the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 (such as the name of the product) and information indicating the provision mode determined by the determination unit 133 (such as the content of the privilege), to a second information terminal 3 (source user terminal) used by the source user. The second information terminal 3 displays the provision instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit. The source user provides the product to the destination user according to the provision instruction. Thereby, the information processing system S can automatically notify the source user of the provision mode determined based on the provision condition token pre-assigned to the destination user.

[0070] The output unit 134 outputs, for example, a grant instruction including the user ID of the destination user, the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132, and the period determined by the determination unit 133. The output unit 134 transmits, for example, the grant instruction to the blockchain.

[0071] The blockchain generates and stores a rights token in association with the user ID of the destination user in accordance with the grant instruction sent by the information processing apparatus 1. Further, the output unit 134 may grant the rights token to the destination user by sending a grant instruction to another apparatus that can access the blockchain without directly sending the grant instruction to the blockchain. Thereby, the information processing system S can automatically store in the blockchain, as the holder, the rights token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product, with the destination user as the holder.

[0072] [Flow of Information Processing Method] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The first information terminal 2 transmits information indicating the product ID read from the product and the user ID of the destination user preset in the first information terminal 2 to the information processing apparatus 1. The receiving unit 131 receives from the first information terminal 2 information indicating the product ID of the product that the destination user intends to receive and the user ID of the destination user (S11).

[0073] The acquisition unit 132 acquires the provision condition token held by the destination user corresponding to the user ID received by the receiving unit 131 (S12). For example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, on the blockchain, the provision condition token associated with the user ID of the destination user received by the receiving unit 131.

[0074] The determination unit 133 determines whether the product can be provided by the source user or the provision mode for the source user to provide the product based on the relationship between the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and the provision condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132 (S13). Whether the product can be provided is whether the destination user permits the receipt of the product. The provision mode of the product includes at least one of the price for the destination user to receive the product, the period during which the destination user can use the product, and the privilege received by the destination user together with the product.

[0075] The output unit 134 outputs provision information indicating the provision availability or provision mode determined by the determination unit 133 (S14). The output unit 134 transmits, for example, the provision information to the first information terminal 2 (destination user terminal) used by the destination user. The first information terminal 2 displays the provision information transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit.

[0076] After receiving the provision information from the information processing apparatus 1, the first information terminal 2 accepts an operation indicating that the destination user desires provision of the product or an operation indicating that the destination user does not desire provision of the product, and transmits operation information indicating the accepted operation to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0077] In the information processing apparatus 1, the reception unit 131 receives the operation information transmitted by the first information terminal 2. When the operation information received by the reception unit 131 indicates that an operation indicating that the destination user does not desire provision of the product has been performed (NO in S15), the information processing apparatus 1 ends the process.

[0078] When the operation information received by the reception unit 131 indicates that an operation indicating that the destination user desires provision of the product has been performed (YES in S15), the output unit 134 outputs a payment instruction for causing the destination user to pay a fee corresponding to the price determined by the determination unit 133 to the source user, a provision instruction for causing the source user to provide the product to the destination user, and an assignment instruction for associating and storing a right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product with the destination user on the blockchain (S16).

[0079] The payment management apparatus transfers, for example, a fee corresponding to the price determined by the determination unit 133 from the account of the destination user to the account of the source user in accordance with the payment instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1. The second information terminal 3 displays, for example, the provision instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit. The blockchain generates and stores the right token in association with the user ID of the destination user in accordance with the assignment instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1.

[0080] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the information processing system S according to this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not to provide a product or the mode of provision based on the relationship between the provision condition token held by the destination user on the blockchain and the product that the user intends to receive. As a result, the information processing system S can easily switch whether or not to provide a product or the mode of provision for each destination user who intends to receive the product. In addition, by a third party different from the destination user and the source user issuing a provision condition token, a third party different from the source user such as a store can set the conditions for providing a product to the destination user.

[0081] [First Modified Example] In the first embodiment, the first information terminal 2 reads the product ID, whereas in this modified example, the second information terminal 3 reads the product ID. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a process for determining whether or not to provide a product or the mode of provision to the destination user in this modified example. The destination user presents the user ID of the destination user and the product ID of the product that the destination user intends to receive from the source user to the source user.

[0083] The source user causes the second information terminal 3 (source user terminal) to read the user ID of the destination user (b1) and to read the product ID of the product that the destination user intends to receive (b2).

[0084] The reading unit of the second information terminal 3 reads, for example, the user ID indicated by a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) displayed on the display unit of the first information terminal 2 or the user ID transmitted by the first information terminal 2 by short-range wireless communication. Further, the reading unit of the second information terminal 3 may read, for example, the user ID indicated by a card such as a membership card of the destination user.

[0085] The reading unit of the second information terminal 3 reads, for example, the product ID indicated by a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) or a tag (RFID, etc.) attached to the product. The second information terminal 3 transmits information indicating the user ID of the destination user read and the product ID of the product to be received by the destination user to the information processing apparatus 1 (b3).

[0086] In the information processing apparatus 1, the receiving unit 131 receives information indicating the user ID of the destination user and the product ID of the product that the destination user intends to receive from the second information terminal 3. Further, the receiving unit 131 may receive information indicating the user ID of the source user preset in the second information terminal 3 from the second information terminal 3.

[0087] The acquisition unit 132 acquires the product ID received by the receiving unit 131. Further, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the provision condition token held by the destination user corresponding to the user ID received by the receiving unit 131.

[0088] The determination unit 133 determines whether the product can be provided by the source user or the provision mode for the source user to provide the product based on the relationship between the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and the provision condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132 (b4). The output unit 134 outputs provision information indicating whether the provision is possible or the provision mode determined by the determination unit 133 (b5). The process of the determination unit 133 determining whether the provision is possible or the provision mode and the process of the output unit 134 outputting the provision information indicating whether the provision is possible or the provision mode are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0089] According to the information processing system S according to this modification example, the information processing apparatus 1 identifies the product that the user intends to receive using the second information terminal 3 used by the source user, and based on the provision condition token held by the destination user on the blockchain, can determine whether the identified product can be provided or the provision mode.

[0090] <Second Embodiment> In this embodiment, a return process related to the return of a product executed by the information processing system S will be described. First, the token held by the return source user, who is the user who returns the product, will be described. The return source user holds a return condition token indicating the return conditions for returning the product on the blockchain. In addition, the return source user holds a right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product on the blockchain.

[0091] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the return condition token and the right token. The blockchain stores a return condition token indicating the return conditions in association with the user ID of the return source user.

[0092] The return conditions may indicate, for example, one or more products (the "target products" in FIG. 8) that the return source user can return. The products that are the return conditions may be specified by the product ID or by the type of the product (brand name, etc.).

[0093] The return conditions may indicate, for example, one or more return destination users (the "target stores" in FIG. 8) who can receive the return of the product from the return source user. The return destination users that are the return conditions may be specified by the user ID of the return destination user or by the type of the return destination user (chain store name, etc.).

[0094] The return conditions may indicate, for example, a rule for determining the amount to be exchanged when the return source user returns the product. The rule for determining the amount includes, for example, a table associating the product with the amount, or a calculation formula (such as a reduction rate according to the elapsed period) applied to a predetermined amount (such as the list price of the product).

[0095] The return conditions may indicate, for example, rules for determining the period during which the return source user can return the product. The rules for determining the period may include, for example, a table associating the product with the period. The return conditions may indicate, for example, rules for determining the benefits received by the return source user when returning the product. The rules for determining the benefits may include, for example, a table associating the product with the benefits. The return conditions are not limited to the specific conditions shown here and may include other conditions regarding the return of the product to the return destination user.

[0096] The return condition token is pre-issued on the blockchain by a user different from the return source user and the return destination user, for example. As a result, a user different from the return destination user such as a store can set the conditions for the return source user to return the product.

[0097] Also, the blockchain stores a right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product in association with the user ID of the return source user. The right token indicates ownership when the return source user purchases the product, for example, and indicates the usage right when the return source user borrows the product. The right token is information associating, for example, the product ID of one or more products received by the return source user with the period during which the return source user can use the product. The right token is granted to the return source user on the blockchain when the return source user purchases or borrows the product.

[0098] Next, the process of determining whether the product can be returned to the return destination user or the return mode will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the process of determining whether the product can be returned to the return destination user or the return mode in the present embodiment.

[0099] The returning user causes the first information terminal 2 (returning user terminal) to read the product ID of the product to be returned to the receiving user (c1). The receiving user who receives the return of the product is an individual (for example, a seller in a personal transaction) or an organization (for example, a store) that handles the product. Note that the receiving user who receives the return of the product from the returning user may or may not be the same as the providing user who provided the product to the returning user.

[0100] The reading unit of the first information terminal 2 reads, for example, the product ID indicated by a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) or a tag (RFID, etc.) attached to the product. The first information terminal 2 transmits information indicating the product ID read from the product and the user ID of the returning user preset in the first information terminal 2 to the information processing apparatus 1 (c2).

[0101] Furthermore, the first information terminal 2 may transmit information indicating the user ID of the receiving user who receives the return of the product to the information processing apparatus 1. The user ID of the receiving user may be specified based on the product ID, or may be specified by the reading unit of the first information terminal 2 reading the user ID indicated by a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) or a tag (RFID, etc.) attached to a store or the like.

[0102] In the information processing apparatus 1, the receiving unit 131 receives from the first information terminal 2 information indicating the product ID of the product that the returning user intends to return and the user ID of the returning user. Further, the receiving unit 131 may receive from the first information terminal 2 information indicating the user ID of the receiving user.

[0103] The acquisition unit 132 acquires the product ID received by the receiving unit 131. Further, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the return condition token held by the returning user corresponding to the user ID received by the receiving unit 131. The acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, on the blockchain, the return condition token associated with the user ID of the returning user received by the receiving unit 131.

[0104] Based on the relationship between the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and the return condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133 determines whether the product can be returned to the return destination user or the return mode for returning the product to the return destination user (c3).

[0105] Whether the product can be returned depends on whether the return source user permits the return of the product. Using the return conditions indicated by the return condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133 determines that the product can be returned when at least one of the product and the return destination user satisfies the return conditions, and determines that the product cannot be returned when at least one of the product and the return destination user does not satisfy the return conditions. Alternatively, the determination unit 133 may use the return conditions indicated by the return condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132 to determine that the product can be returned when both the product and the return destination user satisfy the return conditions, and determine that the product cannot be returned when both the product and the return destination user do not satisfy the return conditions.

[0106] For example, when the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 is included in one or more products indicated by the return conditions, the determination unit 133 determines that the product can be returned. On the other hand, when the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 is not included in one or more products indicated by the return conditions, the determination unit 133 determines that the product cannot be returned.

[0107] For example, when the return destination user corresponding to the user ID received by the reception unit 131 is included in one or more return destination users indicated by the return conditions, the determination unit 133 determines that the product can be returned. On the other hand, when the return destination user corresponding to the user ID received by the reception unit 131 is not included in one or more return destination users indicated by the return conditions, the determination unit 133 determines that the product cannot be returned. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch whether the product can be returned for each return source user using the return condition token pre-assigned to the return source user.

[0108] The return mode of the product includes at least one of the amount transferred between the returning user and the receiving user for returning the product, the period during which the returning user can return the product, and the benefits received by the returning user when returning the product.

[0109] The amount is the amount paid by the returning user to the receiving user or received from the receiving user when returning the product purchased or borrowed by the returning user, and is represented by, for example, legal tender or cryptocurrency. When the returning user pays the product price later, the returning user pays a predetermined amount to the receiving user when returning the product. When the returning user pays the product price (e.g., deposit) in advance, the returning user receives a predetermined amount from the receiving user when returning the product.

[0110] The period is the period during which the returning user can return the product purchased or borrowed. The benefits are, for example, points, coupons, items, etc. provided to the returning user.

[0111] The determination unit 133 determines the return mode of the product using the return conditions indicated by the return condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132. For example, the determination unit 133 determines the amount transferred between the returning user and the receiving user for returning the product by applying the rule for determining the amount indicated by the return condition to the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch the amount transferred between the returning user and the receiving user for returning the product using the return condition token pre-assigned to the returning user.

[0112] For example, the determination unit 133 determines the period during which the returning user can return the product by applying the rule for determining the period indicated by the return condition to the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch the period during which the returning user can return the product using the return condition token pre-assigned to the returning user. Further, the determination unit 133 may determine that the product is returnable when the current date and time is included in the determined period, and determine that the product is not returnable when the current date and time is not included in the determined period.

[0113] The determination unit 133 determines, for example, the privilege that the return source user receives when returning a product by applying a rule for determining the privilege indicated by the return condition to the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Thereby, the information processing system S can switch the privilege that the return source user receives when returning a product by using the return condition token pre - assigned to the return source user.

[0114] The output unit 134 outputs return information indicating whether return is possible or the return mode determined by the determination unit 133 (c4). The return information includes, for example, information representing the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and information representing whether return is possible or the return mode determined by the determination unit 133. The output unit 134 transmits the return information to, for example, the first information terminal 2 (return source user terminal) used by the return source user. The first information terminal 2 displays the return information transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit.

[0115] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the first information terminal 2 displaying return information. In the example of FIG. 10, the first information terminal 2 displays, as return information, the name of the product, the amount to be exchanged when the return source user returns the product, and the period during which the return source user can use the product. The first information terminal 2 may display other information as return information.

[0116] After receiving the return information from the information processing apparatus 1, the first information terminal 2 accepts an operation indicating that the return source user wishes to return the product (for example, selection of the "Yes" button in FIG. 10) or an operation indicating that the return source user does not wish to return the product (for example, selection of the "No" button in FIG. 10), and transmits operation information indicating the accepted operation to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0117] In the information processing apparatus 1, the reception unit 131 receives the operation information transmitted by the first information terminal 2. When the operation information received by the reception unit 131 indicates that an operation indicating that the return source user does not wish to return the product has been performed, the information processing apparatus 1 does not perform subsequent processing.

[0118] On the condition that the operation information received by the receiving unit 131 indicates that an operation has been performed indicating that the return source user wishes to return the product, the output unit 134 outputs a payment instruction for causing the return source user and the return destination user to exchange a fee corresponding to the amount determined by the determination unit 133, a return instruction for causing the return source user to return the product to the return destination user, and a deprivation instruction for depriving the return source user of the right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product on the blockchain.

[0119] Also, the output unit 134 may output a payment instruction, a return instruction, and a deprivation instruction in response to the determination unit 133 determining the returnability or return mode without receiving operation information from the first information terminal 2.

[0120] The output unit 134 transmits, for example, a payment instruction including the amount determined by the determination unit 133, the user ID of the return source user, and the user ID of the return destination user, to a payment management device that manages the payment of the fee. The payment management device transfers, for example, a fee (such as legal tender or cryptocurrency) corresponding to the amount determined by the determination unit 133 from the account of the return source user to the account of the return destination user, or from the account of the return destination user to the account of the return source user, according to the payment instruction transmitted by the information processing device 1. Thereby, the information processing system S can automatically cause the return source user and the return destination user to exchange a fee corresponding to the amount determined based on the return condition token pre-assigned to the return source user.

[0121] After the payment of the fee is completed, the output unit 134 outputs a return instruction including information indicating the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 (such as the name of the product) and information indicating the return mode determined by the determination unit 133 (such as the content of the privilege) to the second information terminal 3 (return destination user terminal) used by the return destination user. The second information terminal 3 displays the return instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit. The return destination user receives the return of the product from the return source user according to the return instruction. Thereby, the information processing system S can automatically notify the return destination user of the return mode determined based on the return condition token previously given to the return source user.

[0122] The output unit 134 outputs a deprivation instruction including, for example, the user ID of the return source user and the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132. The output unit 134 transmits, for example, the deprivation instruction to the blockchain.

[0123] The blockchain deprives the return source user of the right token according to the deprivation instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1. The blockchain deprives the return source user of the right token, for example, by storing information for transferring the right token from the return source user to the return destination user or storing information for invalidating the right token. Also, the output unit 134 may deprive the return source user of the right token by transmitting a deprivation instruction to another apparatus accessible to the blockchain without directly transmitting the deprivation instruction to the blockchain. Thereby, the information processing system S can automatically deprive the return source user of the right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product returned by the return source user.

[0124] [Flow of the information processing method] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The first information terminal 2 transmits information indicating the product ID read from the product and the user ID of the return source user preset in the first information terminal 2 to the information processing apparatus 1. The receiving unit 131 receives information indicating the product ID of the product that the return source user intends to return and the user ID of the return source user from the first information terminal 2 (S21).

[0125] The acquisition unit 132 acquires a return condition token held by the return source user corresponding to the user ID received by the reception unit 131 (S22). For example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires a return condition token associated with the user ID of the return source user received by the reception unit 131 on the blockchain.

[0126] The determination unit 133 determines whether the product can be returned to the return destination user or the return mode for returning the product to the return destination user based on the relationship between the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and the return condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132 (S23). Whether the product can be returned is whether the return source user permits the return of the product. The return mode of the product includes at least one of the amount to be exchanged when the return source user returns the product, the period during which the return source user can return the product, and the privilege received when the return source user returns the product.

[0127] The output unit 134 outputs return information indicating the returnability or return mode determined by the determination unit 133 (S24). For example, the output unit 134 transmits the return information to the first information terminal 2 (return source user terminal) used by the return source user. The first information terminal 2 displays the return information transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit.

[0128] After receiving the return information from the information processing apparatus 1, the first information terminal 2 accepts an operation indicating that the return source user wishes to return the product or an operation indicating that the return source user does not wish to return the product, and transmits operation information indicating the accepted operation to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0129] In the information processing apparatus 1, the receiving unit 131 receives the operation information transmitted by the first information terminal 2. When the operation information received by the receiving unit 131 indicates that an operation indicating that the return source user does not wish to return the product has been performed (NO in S25), the information processing apparatus 1 ends the process.

[0130] When the operation information received by the receiving unit 131 indicates that an operation indicating that the return source user wishes to return the product has been performed (YES in S25), the output unit 134 outputs a payment instruction for causing the payment corresponding to the amount determined by the determination unit 133 to be transferred between the return source user and the return destination user, a return instruction for causing the product to be returned from the return source user to the return destination user, and a deprivation instruction for depriving the return source user of the right token indicating the ownership or usage right of the product on the blockchain (S26).

[0131] The payment management apparatus, for example, transfers the payment corresponding to the amount determined by the determination unit 133 from the account of the return source user to the account of the return destination user or from the account of the return destination user to the account of the return source user according to the payment instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1. The second information terminal 3, for example, displays the return instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 on the display unit. The blockchain deprives the return source user of the right token according to the deprivation instruction transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1.

[0132] [Effect of Embodiment] According to the information processing system S according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not to return the product or the return mode based on the relationship between the return condition token held by the return source user on the blockchain and the product that the user attempts to return. Thereby, the information processing system S can easily switch whether or not to return the product or the return mode for each return source user who attempts to return the product. Further, by a third party different from the return destination user and the return source user issuing the return condition token, a third party different from the return destination user such as a store can set the conditions for the return source user to return the product.

[0133] [Second Modification Example] In the second embodiment, the first information terminal 2 reads the product ID, whereas in this modification example, the second information terminal 3 reads the product ID. Hereinafter, differences from the second embodiment will mainly be described.

[0134] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a process for determining whether or not a product can be returned to the return destination user or the return mode in this modification example. The return source user presents the user ID of the return source user and the product ID of the product to be returned to the return destination user.

[0135] The return destination user causes the second information terminal 3 (return destination user terminal) to read the user ID of the return source user (d1) and causes it to read the product ID of the product that the return source user intends to return (d2).

[0136] The reading unit of the second information terminal 3 reads, for example, the user ID indicated by the code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) displayed on the display unit of the first information terminal 2 or the user ID transmitted by the first information terminal 2 by short-range wireless communication. Further, the reading unit of the second information terminal 3 may read, for example, the user ID indicated by a card such as a membership card of the return source user.

[0137] The reading unit of the second information terminal 3 reads the product ID indicated by, for example, a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) or a tag (RFID, etc.) attached to the product. The second information terminal 3 transmits information indicating the read user ID of the return source user and the read product ID to the information processing apparatus 1 (d3).

[0138] In the information processing apparatus 1, the receiving unit 131 receives information indicating the user ID of the return source user and the product ID of the product that the return source user intends to return from the second information terminal 3. Further, the receiving unit 131 may receive information indicating the user ID of the return destination user preset in the second information terminal 3 from the second information terminal 3.

[0139] The acquisition unit 132 acquires the product ID received by the reception unit 131. Further, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the return condition token held by the return source user corresponding to the user ID received by the reception unit 131.

[0140] Based on the relationship between the product corresponding to the product ID acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and the return condition token acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133 determines whether the product can be returned to the return destination user or the return mode for returning the product to the return destination user (d4). The output unit 134 outputs return information indicating whether the product can be returned or the return mode determined by the determination unit 133 (d5). The process of the determination unit 133 determining whether the product can be returned or the return mode and the process of the output unit 134 outputting return information indicating whether the product can be returned or the return mode are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0141] According to the information processing system S according to this modification example, the information processing apparatus 1 identifies the product that the user intends to return using the second information terminal 3 used by the return destination user, and based on the return condition token held by the return source user on the blockchain, can determine whether the identified product can be returned or the return mode.

[0142] Note that the present invention can contribute to Goal 9, "Build the infrastructure for industry and technological innovation," of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations.

[0143] As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. For example, all or part of the device can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit. Also, new embodiments resulting from any combination of a plurality of embodiments are included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination have the effects of the original embodiments combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0144] S Information processing system 1 Information processing apparatus 11 Communication unit 12 Memory unit 13 Control unit 131 Receiver 132 Acquisition unit 133 Decision unit 134 Output unit 2 First information terminal 3 Second information terminal

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a provision condition token held by a destination user on a blockchain, the provision condition token indicating a provision condition for the destination user to receive a product from a source user; A determination unit that determines whether the provider user can provide the product or a provision mode for the provider user to provide the product based on a relationship between the product and the provision condition token; an output unit that outputs provision information indicating the provision possibility or the provision mode determined by the determination unit; An information processing device having the above configuration.

2. The acquisition unit acquires product identification information attached to the product, which is an item or service in real space provided by the source user, The determination unit determines whether or not to provide the product or the provision mode of the product corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The system further includes a receiving unit that receives, from a destination user terminal used by the destination user, the product identification information read by the destination user terminal and destination user identification information for identifying the destination user that is preset in the destination user terminal, The acquisition unit acquires the product identification information received by the reception unit, and acquires the provision condition token held by the destination user corresponding to the destination user identification information received by the reception unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. a receiving unit for receiving, from a source user terminal used by the source user, the product identification information read by the source user terminal and destination user identification information for identifying the destination user read by the source user terminal; The acquisition unit acquires the product identification information received by the reception unit, and acquires the provision condition token held by the destination user corresponding to the destination user identification information received by the reception unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The output unit outputs, after outputting the provision information, a grant instruction for granting a token indicating the ownership or use right of the product to the destination user on the blockchain. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the output unit outputs the provision information to a destination user terminal used by the destination user, and then outputs the provision instruction on the condition that the destination user performs a predetermined operation on the destination user terminal. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. the determination unit determines that the product can be provided when at least one of the product and the source user who provides the product satisfies the provision condition, and determines that the product cannot be provided when at least one of the product and the source user who provides the product does not satisfy the provision condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The provision conditions indicate one or more of the products that the destination user can receive. The information processing device according to claim 7.

9. The provision conditions indicate one or more of the source users who can provide the product to the destination user. The information processing device according to claim 7.

10. The terms of the offer indicate rules for determining the price; the determination unit determines a price at which the destination user is to receive the product by applying the rule to the product. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The provision mode includes at least one of a price for the destination user to receive the provision of the product, a period during which the destination user can use the product, and a benefit that the destination user receives together with the product. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. The provision condition token is a token issued on the blockchain by a user different from the destination user and the source user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

13. The processor executes A step of acquiring a provision condition token held by a destination user on a blockchain, the provision condition token indicating a provision condition for the destination user to receive a product from a source user; determining whether the provider user can provide the product or a provision mode for the provider user to provide the product based on a relationship between the product and the provision condition token; outputting provision information indicating the provision possibility or the provision manner determined in the determining step; An information processing method comprising the steps of:

14. The processor: A step of acquiring a provision condition token held by a destination user on a blockchain, the provision condition token indicating a provision condition for the destination user to receive a product from a source user; determining whether the provider user can provide the product or a provision mode for the provider user to provide the product based on a relationship between the product and the provision condition token; outputting provision information indicating the provision possibility or the provision manner determined in the determining step; A program to execute.

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