Method and system for displaying digitized trading cards

Abstract

To provide a method, a system, and a tangible medium which enable a collector (user) to obtain such an experience that a still picture attached to the tangible medium moves, and a manufacturing method of the tangible medium.SOLUTION: In a method for displaying a moving image corresponding to a still picture attached to a tangible medium to be visually recognized by a person, the tangible medium to which the still picture is attached comprises a code showing a first identifier of a non-fungible token, and a management server allows the moving image associated with the non-fungible token to be reproduced by a terminal of a user recorded in a block chain as an owner of the non-fungible token by executing steps of: receiving the first identifier acquired by the terminal via a network by reading the code by the user terminal; and recording that the owner of the non-fungible token identified by the received first identifier is the user in the block chain.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, tangible media, and methods of manufacturing tangible media for displaying moving images corresponding to still images. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a method for operating a non-fungible token for managing an object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6710501 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors came up with the novel idea that if still images attached to tangible media such as trading cards could be animated, a new enjoyment would be added to collecting trading cards. Trading cards have images corresponding to the subject matter and are sold for collection or exchange.

[0005] Conventional trading cards are made of paper or plastic and have still images of some subject, such as celebrities, characters, or vehicles, printed on them. Therefore, the still images do not move. However, if you could see the celebrities, characters, vehicles, etc. displayed on the trading cards move, a new enjoyment would be added to collecting trading cards. This enjoyment is not limited to trading cards, but can be found in various tangible media that can be collected by collectors (users).

[0006] Therefore, a technique is desired that allows collectors (users) to experience the motion of still images attached to tangible media.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for displaying a video corresponding to a still image. The disclosed method includes displaying a video corresponding to a still image attached to a tangible medium in a manner visible to a human, the tangible medium to which the still image is attached comprising a machine-readable code indicating at least a first identifier of a non-fungible token whose owner is recorded in a blockchain, the method including having a user's terminal read the code to receive the first identifier from the terminal via a network, and having the management system record in the blockchain that the user is the owner of the non-fungible token identified by the received first identifier, thereby enabling the video associated with the non-fungible token to be played on the terminal of the user who is recorded in the blockchain as the owner of the non-fungible token, the non-fungible token being associated with an initial image that represents the video when the video is not being played, the initial image being the same as one of a plurality of frame images included in the video and the same as the still image attached to the tangible medium.

[0008] Other aspects of the present disclosure are a method for displaying a moving image corresponding to a still image, a tangible medium, and a method for manufacturing the tangible medium, further details of which are described in the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a method for displaying a moving image corresponding to a still image. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for displaying a moving image corresponding to a still image. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between a moving image, an initial image, and a still image attached to a tangible medium. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the initial image display and the video playback. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a method for displaying data for non-fungible tokens. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a method for generating tangible media and non-fungible tokens. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the generation process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the NFT generation process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the tangible media manufacturing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1. Overview of a method, system, tangible medium, and method for manufacturing a tangible medium for displaying a moving image corresponding to a still image

[0011] (1) A method according to an embodiment is a method for displaying a video corresponding to a still image attached to a tangible medium in a manner that is visible to a human. The tangible medium to which the still image is attached comprises a machine-readable code that indicates at least a first identifier of a non-fungible token whose owner is recorded in a blockchain. The method includes receiving the first identifier, obtained by a user's terminal reading the code, from the terminal via a management system over a network, and recording in the blockchain that the user is the owner of the non-fungible token identified by the received first identifier, thereby enabling the video associated with the non-fungible token to be played on the terminal of the user who is recorded in the blockchain as the owner of the non-fungible token.

[0012] The non-fungible token is associated with an initial image that represents the video when the video is not being played, and the initial image is the same as one of a plurality of frame images included in the video and the same as the still image attached to the tangible medium, allowing the user to experience the still image attached to the tangible medium as if it were moving.

[0013] (2) It is preferable that the initial image is the same as the first frame image displayed at the start of playback of the video. In this case, the video is played back so that continuous movement occurs in the initial image, allowing the user to experience the sensation of a still image attached to a tangible medium coming to life.

[0014] (3) The tangible medium may include a second identifier attached to the tangible medium so as to be visible to a person as an individual identifier of the tangible medium. Preferably, the method further includes displaying the second identifier on the user's terminal together with at least one of the initial image and the video by the management system. In this case, since the second identifier is attached to the tangible medium and associated with the non-fungible token, it is easy to recognize that the tangible medium and the non-fungible token correspond to each other.

[0015] (4) The first identifier indicated by the code may be the same as the second identifier. The first identifier indicated by the code may be different from the second identifier, but if the first identifier indicated by the code is the same as the second identifier, it becomes easier to verify when the code is read. Note that the first identifier (and second identifier) ​​may be different from or the same as the identifier used to identify a non-fungible token in a blockchain.

[0016] (5) The method may further include determining the video in which an image identical to the still image is displayed as the initial image, and storing the initial image, the video, and the second identifier displayed or played on the user's terminal in a database as data associated with the non-fungible token.

[0017] (6) the method further comprises determining the still image and the second identifier to be attached to the tangible medium; The method can further include generating print data for the still image and the code from the determined still image and second identifier, and producing the tangible medium by printing the print data.

[0018] (7) A system according to an embodiment is a system for displaying a video corresponding to a still image attached to a tangible medium so that it is visible to a human. The tangible medium to which the still image is attached comprises a machine-readable code indicating at least a first identifier of a non-fungible token whose owner is recorded in a blockchain. The system is configured to receive the first identifier from a user's terminal via a network when the terminal reads the code, and to record in the blockchain that the user is the owner of the non-fungible token identified by the received first identifier, thereby enabling the video associated with the non-fungible token to be played on the terminal of the user who is recorded in the blockchain as the owner of the non-fungible token. The non-fungible token is associated with an initial image that represents the video when the video is not being played, and the initial image is the same as one of multiple frame images included in the video and the same as the still image attached to the tangible medium.

[0019] (8) According to an embodiment, a tangible medium includes a still image visible to humans and a machine-readable code. The code is configured to indicate at least a first identifier of a non-fungible token whose owner is recorded in a blockchain. The still image is the same as an initial image of a video associated with the non-fungible token identified by the first identifier indicated by the code. The initial image is an image that indicates the video associated with the non-fungible token when the video is not being played, and is the same as one of a plurality of frame images included in the video.

[0020] (9) A method for manufacturing a tangible medium according to an embodiment includes generating a code indicating at least the identifier and print data for the still image using data of a still image to be attached to the tangible medium and an identifier of a non-fungible token whose owner is recorded in a blockchain, and printing the print data to manufacture the tangible medium. The still image is the same as an initial image that represents a video associated with the non-fungible token when the video is not being played, and the initial image is the same as one of a plurality of frame images included in the video.

[0021] 2. Examples of a method, system, tangible medium, and method for manufacturing a tangible medium for displaying a moving image corresponding to a still image

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an example of a system according to an embodiment. The system according to the embodiment includes a management system 10 and a generation system 20. The management system 10 is responsible for management related to displaying a video corresponding to a still image 51 attached to a tangible medium 50. The generation system 20 is responsible for manufacturing the tangible medium 50 to which the still image 51 is attached and generating a non-fungible token 17 corresponding to the still image 51. A video is associated with the generated non-fungible token 17. Hereinafter, a non-fungible token (NFT) associated with a video is referred to as a video non-fungible token or video NFT.

[0023] An example of the tangible medium 50 is a trading card. The trading card 50 is also called a collectible card. The trading card 50 is an object of collection by collectors. The trading card 50 has various still images 51 according to subject matter 51A (object), and is sold for collection or exchange. The subject matter 51A is, for example, a celebrity, singer, a sports player, other famous person, a character from a manga, game, animation, etc., a game item, a vehicle, a machine, an instrument, an animal, a plant, etc. The still image 51 is visible to humans.

[0024] The tangible medium 50 is not particularly limited as long as it can display a still image 51 (and, if necessary, a serial number 52 and a code 53, which will be described later) that can be viewed by humans. The tangible medium 50 is preferably one that can be collected by collectors. The tangible medium 50 may be a prepaid card, a ticket, a stamp, a business card, a greeting card, or any other card.

[0025] The tangible medium 50 is constructed by physically attaching a still image 51 (and, if necessary, a serial number 52 and a code 53, etc., described below) to a substrate such as paper or plastic. Physical attachment can be achieved by, for example, printing, pasting, or engraving. In FIG. 1, the still image 51 and the serial number 52 and code 53, described below, are attached on the same surface of the trading card 50, but they may also be attached separately on the front and back of the trading card 50.

[0026] The trading card 50 according to the embodiment includes a code 53. The code 53 is configured in a format that is readable by a machine such as the user terminal 30. The machine-readable code 53 is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. The code 53 indicates an identifier (first identifier) ​​for identifying a non-fungible token 17 (NFT) that is associated one-to-one with the trading card 50. The owner of the NFT 17 is recorded in the blockchain 11, and the NFT 17 is tradable.

[0027] The code 53 may indicate, for example, a uniform resource identifier (URI). The URI is, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL). As an example, the code 53 according to the embodiment is configured to indicate a URL including the domain of the management server 12 and an identifier (first identifier; NFT identifier) ​​for identifying the non-fungible token 17. Note that if a machine that reads the code 53, such as the user terminal 30, knows the domain of the management server 12 in advance, the domain of the management server 12 may be omitted from the information indicated by the two-dimensional code 41.

[0028] The code 53 attached to the trading card 50 indicates an identifier (first identifier) ​​for identifying the NFT 17, thereby realizing a one-to-one correspondence between the trading card 50 and the NFT 17.

[0029] The trading card 50 according to the embodiment has a serial number 52 (an individual identifier of a tangible medium; a second identifier). The serial number 52 is a unique identifier that enables the trading card 50 to be distinguished from other trading cards. The serial number 52 is composed of human-readable numbers, letters, symbols, or a combination of two or more of these. By having the serial number 52, the trading card 50 can be distinguished from other trading cards, even if there are other trading cards that have the same still image 51 attached to the trading card 50. In other words, the serial number 52 can make each individual trading card 50 non-fungible (unique).

[0030] Note that the code 53 indicates a non-fungible token 17 that is associated one-to-one with the trading card 50, and thus, like the serial number 52, can ensure the non-fungibility (uniqueness) of each trading card 50. However, if the code 53 is configured in a machine-readable format, such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, it becomes difficult for a person to visually recognize the differences between the individual codes 53. On the other hand, if a human-readable serial number 52 is attached to the card 50, it becomes easier to recognize the differences between the individual serial numbers 52, and therefore the differences between the individual cards 50. In this way, the attachment of the serial number 52 can ensure the individuality or rarity of each trading card 50.

[0031] In the embodiment, as an example, the identifier (first identifier; NFT identifier) ​​included in the URI indicated by the code 53 is the same as the serial number 52 (individual identifier of the tangible medium; second identifier). As described above, the code 53 according to the embodiment is configured to indicate, as an example, a URL including the domain of the management server 12 and the serial number 52. Therefore, when the code 53 attached to the trading card 50 is read by a machine, the serial number 52 attached to the trading card 50, etc., can be obtained. The serial number 52 read by a machine, such as a user terminal 30, may be displayed on the user terminal 30 after reading the code 53 for user confirmation. Note that the identifier (first identifier; NFT identifier) ​​indicated by the code 53 may be an identifier (NFT identifier) ​​that uniquely identifies the NFT 17 in the blockchain 11, as described below, or any other identifier capable of identifying an individual NFT 17.

[0032] In this embodiment, an NFT 17 that is associated one-to-one with the trading card 50 is used to display a video corresponding to the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50. In addition to the NFT 17 described above, a fungible token is also used as a token for which transactions are recorded in a blockchain. A fungible token may have the properties of a currency, such as being mutually exchangeable with legal tender. An example of a fungible token is Bitcoin or Ether.

[0033] Unlike such fungible tokens, NFTs are non-fungible tokens. NFTs may have unique value that distinguishes them from other NFTs. To ensure non-fungibility, NFTs have a unique identifier in the blockchain 11 that enables them to be distinguished from other NFTs. Here, information for identifying an NFT in the blockchain is referred to as an "NFT_ID." The NFT_ID is, for example, identification information written in the NFT as reference information. Note that, in a device outside the blockchain 11 (for example, the user terminal 30), another identifier associated with the NFT_ID may be used as an identifier for identifying the NFT. As described below, in this embodiment, as an example, a serial number associated with the NFT_ID (see the management database 12A in FIG. 2) is also used as the identifier (first identifier) ​​of the NFT. Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, the first identifier indicated by the code 53 is the serial number 52.

[0034] In this embodiment, trading cards 50, which are guaranteed to be non-fungible, and non-fungible tokens 17, which are also non-fungible, are associated one-to-one. This allows collectors (users) to enjoy the pleasure of combining and owning both the non-fungible tokens 50 and 17.

[0035] A management system 10 for displaying moving images corresponding to still images 51 includes a smart contract 11A implemented in a blockchain 11, which is a computer network system. In other words, the management system 10 according to the embodiment is a system that uses the blockchain 11. The smart contract 11A is software (computer program) that is executable and implemented in the blockchain 11, and automatically executes a predetermined protocol. The smart contract 11A is implemented in the blockchain 11, for example, by being stored at a predetermined contract address in the blockchain 11 by an administrator of the management system 10. A computer that constitutes the blockchain 11 executes the smart contract 11A. This executes the protocol defined by the smart contract 11A.

[0036] The blockchain 11 is configured as a P2P (Peer to Peer) computer network system in which multiple computers are interconnected. The smart contract 11A can be executed by any of the multiple computers that make up the computer network system. The blockchain 11 has an NFT record 11B. The NFT record 11B indicates, for example, the owner of the NFT and the transaction record of the NFT. The transaction record may also include information on past owners.

[0037] The smart contract 11A is stored in a contract address, which is an address in the blockchain. That is, the smart contract 11A is stored in the contract address. The smart contract 11A is executed by being called by another computer via the network 15. The smart contract 11A is called, for example, by the management server 12. The contract address is a type of blockchain address and can be used to identify a smart contract that owns a non-fungible token or a fungible token, just like a blockchain address that identifies a user (owner) who owns a non-fungible token or a fungible token. The blockchain address is a unique address in the blockchain 11. The blockchain address is expressed, for example, as 0xZZZZZZZ. Note that each Z is independently any number or symbol, and the number of digits of Z is a number predetermined in the blockchain. The blockchain address functions as an account in which tokens, smart contracts, etc. are stored.

[0038] The management server 12, together with the above-described smart contract 11A, may constitute the management system 10 of the embodiment. The management server 12 is connected to a network 15 such as the Internet. The management server 12 is a system that performs processing required in the management system 10. The management server 12 is operated by an administrator of the management system 10.

[0039] The management server 12 is configured by a computer having a processor and a memory. The management server 12 may be configured by multiple computers connected via a network 15. The memory is connected to the processor. The memory includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device is, for example, RAM. The secondary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The memory includes a computer program executed by the processor. The processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory. The computer program has program code for processing executed by the computer (see FIG. 3).

[0040] The management system 10 according to the embodiment may include a data server 13 connected to a network 15. The data server 13 is a system (database) that stores and manages data such as non-fungible token data 13A (NFT data) described below. The data server 13 is configured, for example, as a computer network system made up of one computer or multiple computers. The data server 13 functions, for example, as a file system. For example, the file system according to the embodiment is IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). IPFS is an example of a P2P distributed file system.

[0041] The data server 13 that constitutes the file system controls external access to stored data. For example, if the access is from the owner of the NFT associated with the NFT data 13A, the data server 13 may permit access to the NFT data 13A associated with the NFT owned by that person. Furthermore, if the access is from a person other than the owner of the NFT associated with the NFT data 13A, the data server 13 may deny the access. That is, the NFT data 13A is displayed on the device of the owner of the (one or more) NFTs corresponding to the NFT data 13A, but is not displayed on devices other than the owner of the NFT corresponding to the NFT data 13A. The data server 13 may permit access from third parties other than the owner of the NFT associated with the NFT data 13A. When permitting access from third parties, the permission may be limited; for example, access to the initial image or serial number of a video included in the data that constitutes the NFT data may be permitted, but access to the video may be prohibited. In this case, a third party may be able to see or confirm the initial image or serial number associated with an NFT owned by another person in order to consider purchasing that NFT, but they will not be able to play the video until they receive the NFT from the owner.

[0042] 2 and 3 show a method for displaying a video corresponding to a still image 51 on a user terminal 30 using the management system 10. The user terminal 30 is a smartphone, a wearable device, or a personal computer owned by the user. The user terminal 30 is equipped with a reader for reading the code 53, such as a camera (not shown).

[0043] First, a user (user A in FIG. 3) obtains a trading card 50 by, for example, purchasing it from a seller. At the time user A obtains the trading card 50, the NFT 17 associated with the trading card 50 is owned by smart contract 11A. That is, the NFT 17 is stored at the contract address where smart contract 11A is stored. Smart contract 11A is managed by an administrator of management system 10. Therefore, if the administrator is the same as the seller or an agent of the seller, at the time user A obtains the trading card 50, the NFT 17 associated with the trading card 50 is effectively owned by the seller. A still image 51 is attached to the trading card 50, but this still image 51 does not move.

[0044] When user A wants to experience the still image 51 moving, he or she has the user terminal 30 read the code 53 attached to the card 50 (step S301 in FIG. 3). By reading the code 53, the user terminal 30 acquires the URL (the domain and serial number of the management server 12) indicated by the code 53. In other words, the user terminal 30 acquires the first identifier indicated by the code 53. To confirm the read content, the read content (either or both of the domain and serial number of the management server 12) may be displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30.

[0045] Having acquired the URL, the user terminal 30 executes network access in accordance with the URL (step S302). That is, the user terminal 30 accesses the management server 12 and transmits the serial number, which is the first identifier, to the management server 12 (step S302). This access from the user terminal 30 to the management server 12 is a request (owner change request) for an operation to change the owner of the NFT 17 associated with the trading card 50 to user A. Note that when the user terminal 30 accesses the management server 12, the account (blockchain address) of user A in the blockchain 11 may be transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the management server 12.

[0046] The management server 12 acquires a serial number, which is a first identifier, from the user terminal 30 through access from the user terminal 30 (step S303). The management server 12 includes a management database 12A shown in FIG. 2. The management server 12 refers to the management database 12A and converts the acquired serial number (for example, serial number: 012345) into an NFT_ID (for example, DDDDD) that indicates NF17 in the blockchain (step S304). The management database 12A is configured as a table in which the serial number, which is an NFT identifier (first identifier) ​​for indicating correspondence with the trading card 50, is associated with the NFT_ID, which is an identifier in the blockchain. Note that if the first identifier indicated by the code 53 is the NFT_ID itself, the management database 12A is not required, and the conversion in step S304 is also not required.

[0047] In step S304, when the management server 12 acquires the NFT_ID, it calls the smart contract 11A to perform the owner change operation on the NFT 17 indicated by the NFT_ID, with the NFT 17 indicated by the NFT_ID as the target of the owner change operation (step S305). During this call, the management server 12 provides the smart contract 11A with the NFT_ID of the NFT 17 that is the target of the operation and user A's account (blockchain address) in the blockchain 11. The smart contract 11A identifies the NFT 17 that is the target of the operation by the NFT_ID of the NFT 17. The smart contract 11A also identifies user A, the new owner of the NFT 17, by user A's account.

[0048] The called smart contract 11A executes an operation to change the owner of the identified operation target NFT 17 to the identified user A (step S307). This operation is performed, for example, by the smart contract 11A executing a command in the blockchain 11 to send the NFT 17 from the contract address of the smart contract 11A to the blockchain address of user A. As a result, user A comes into possession of the NFT 17 associated with the trading card 50. The fact that user A has become the owner of the NFT 17 is recorded in the blockchain 11. The smart contract 11A may notify the management server 12 of the completion of the owner change.

[0049] Prior to step S307, it may be determined whether the owner of the identified NFT 17 that is the target of the operation has already been changed. If the owner of the NFT 17 has already been changed to another user, the owner change process may not be performed, and the management server 12 may be notified that the owner change will not be performed, and the processing in the smart contract 11A may end. In this case, the owner change request using the reading of the code 53 is limited to one time. The owner change using the reading of the code 53 does not have to be limited to one time.

[0050] As a result of the owner change request using the code 53 read as described above, the NFT data associated with the NFT 17 is displayed on the user terminal 30 of user A, who has become the owner of the NFT 17 (step S309). As shown in FIG. 2, an NFT display screen 35 based on the NFT data 13A associated with the NFT 17 is displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30. Note that an application program for displaying the NFT data 13A associated with the NFT 17 owned by the user is installed on the user terminal 30. Hereinafter, the display of the "NFT data 13A" will also be simply referred to as "display of the NFT 17." The display of the NFT 17 is performed by this application program. The transmission of the owner change request described above may also be performed by this application program.

[0051] The NFT data 13A is data associated with the NFT 17, and includes data that appears on the screen (NFT display screen 35) when the NFT 17 is displayed on the display 31. The NFT data 13A is configured as hypermedia that includes video and other data. In the embodiment, the NFT data 13A is stored in the data server 13. The management server 12 and the data server 13 execute processing to display the NFT data 13A on the terminal 30 of user A, who has become the owner of the NFT 17 (step S308).

[0052] With the NFT display screen 35 displayed, user A performs an operation on the user terminal 30 to play the video included in the NFT 17 (step S310), and playback of the video included in the NFT 17 begins (step S311). Preferably, video playback can be performed by user A, who is the owner of the NFT 17, but not by users A who are not the owner of the NFT 17. By playing the video, user A can experience the still image 51 moving. This point will be described in more detail below.

[0053] In this embodiment, the NFT data 13A is configured so that playing a video provides the experience of a still image 51 attached to a trading card 50 moving. As shown in FIG. 4, the NFT data 13A in this embodiment includes a video 39 and an initial image 37 for the video 39. The video 39 is configured from a plurality of frame images arranged in chronological order, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The video 39 is not limited to a two-dimensional video displayed on a two-dimensional display device such as a general display, but may also be a three-dimensional video for stereoscopic viewing.

[0054] The initial image 37 is a still image that shows the video 39 when the video 39 is not being played. The initial image 37 may be a two-dimensional still image, but may also be a three-dimensional still image. The initial image is an image that allows the user to visually recognize the presence of the video 39 when the NFT 17 is displayed on the user terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the initial image 37 is displayed in the same size as the video 39 in the area where the video 39 is displayed on the NFT display screen 35.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the initial image 37 is selected from one of a plurality of frame images included in the video 39. The initial image 37 is, for example, the first frame image of the video 39. The first frame image (first frame image) is the frame image at the beginning of the plurality of frame images that make up the video 39, and is displayed at the start of playback. The initial image 37 may also be the nth frame image that is located midway among the plurality of frame images. Note that if the video 39 is a three-dimensional video and the initial image 37 is a two-dimensional still image, the initial image 37 may be a three-dimensional image included in the three-dimensional video 39 that has been two-dimensionalized.

[0056] In the NFT data 13A, the initial image 37 may exist as image data separate from the video 39, but it does not have to exist as image data separate from the video 39. For example, the initial image 37 may be indicated by a pointer that indicates the frame image used as the initial image 37 among the multiple frame images that make up the video 39.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the initial image 37 is the same image as the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50, which is a tangible medium. In other words, the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50 is the same image as the initial image 37 included in the NFT 17 corresponding to the trading card 50. For example, if the initial image 37 is the same image as the first frame image, the still image 51 is also the same image as the first frame image. Furthermore, if the initial image 37 is the same image as the nth frame image, the still image 51 is also the same image as the nth frame image.

[0058] Here, "the same image" refers to images that are similar enough that a person can recognize them as the same image when visually inspected. For example, some image processing may have been performed on either or both of the initial image 37 and the still image 51, resulting in differences between the two images 37 and 51 that are imperceptible to a person at first glance, or the number of pixels between the two images 37 and 51 may be different. If a person viewing the images can recognize them as the same image, then the two images 37 and 51 can be said to be the same image. For example, if the subject 38 in the initial image 37 is a celebrity and the subject 51A in the still image 51 is the same celebrity, and the celebrity appears in the same pose in both images 37 and 51, as shown in FIG. 5, then the two images 37 and 51 can be recognized as the same image.

[0059] When the ownership of the NFT 17 is changed (from the smart contract 11A) to user A and the NFT data 13A is displayed on user A's user terminal 30 (step S309 in FIG. 3), an initial image 37 associated with the NFT 17 is displayed on the NFT display screen 35 of the user terminal 30 along with the video 39 to inform user A of the presence of the video 39 included in the NFT data 13A. As shown in FIG. 5, because this initial image 37 is the same as the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50, user A experiences as if the trading card 50, a tangible medium, has appeared on the display 31 of the user terminal 30. In other words, when the user terminal 30 reads the code 53 attached to the trading card 50, the user experiences as if the trading card 50 itself has been digitized and imported into the user terminal 30. User A can identify the initial image 37 displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 with the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the NFT data 13A of the embodiment includes serial number data 36 (second identifier data) indicating the serial number 52 (second identifier) ​​attached to the trading card 50. The serial number data 36 is displayed together with an initial image 37 within the NFT display screen 35. The serial number data 36 is also displayed within the NFT display screen 35 while the video is being played. The displayed serial number data 36 is displayed in a human-readable manner, similar to the serial number 52 attached to the trading card 50. The displayed serial number data 36 is the same as the serial number 52 attached to the corresponding trading card 50.

[0061] The fact that the displayed serial number data 36 is the same as the serial number 52 attached to the corresponding trading card 50 helps user A recognize the identity of the NFT 17 (NFT data 13A) displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 and the trading card 50. In this way, due to the identity between the still image 51 and the initial image 37 described above, as well as the identity between the serial number 52 and the serial number data 36, ​​user A can recognize that the NFT display screen 35 is displaying a digitized trading card 50. In particular, even if there are some visual differences between the trading card 50 and the NFT display screen 35, user A can recognize that the two 35, 50 correspond to each other due to the commonality of the serial numbers.

[0062] If the initial image 37 is the same image as the first frame image of the video 39, visual continuity between the initial image 37 and the video 39 at the start of playback is ensured. Therefore, when the video 39 is played from the beginning, the subject 38 (object) appearing in the initial image 37 appears to have started to move from the initial image 37. To user A, the initial image 37 displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 can be identified with the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50. Therefore, when the subject 38 (object) in such initial image 37 starts to move, user A experiences as if the subject 51A (object) in the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50 has started to move.

[0063] If the initial image 37 is an nth frame image located midway through multiple frame images, the initial image 37 will be different from the first frame image of the video 39, and as a result, the visual continuity between the initial image 37 and the video 39 at the start of playback may not be ensured. However, as the video 39 continues to play, the nth frame image, which is the same image as the initial image 37, will always be displayed. In other words, when the nth frame image is displayed, the same image as the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50 appears on the NFT display screen 35. Then, as playback of the video 39 continues thereafter, user A will have the experience of seeing the subject 51A (object) in the still image 51 attached to the trading card 50 begin to move.

[0064] 6 shows an example of a method for displaying NFT data 13A associated with an NFT 17 on the terminal 30 of user A, who is the owner of the NFT 17. User A signs in to user A's account on the management server 12 via the terminal 30. The sign-in is performed, for example, by an application program installed on the terminal 30. During this sign-in, the management server 12 can obtain user A's blockchain address (user A's account on the blockchain) from the user terminal 30.

[0065] The management server 12, which has user A's blockchain address, can access the blockchain 11, refer to one or more NFTs owned by user A in the blockchain 11, and obtain information 120A, 120B (e.g., NFT_ID) of one or more NFTs owned by user A.

[0066] When the management server 12 displays the NFT owned by user A on the user terminal 30 (step S308 in FIG. 3), the management server 12 accesses the data server 13 to refer to the NFT data stored in the data server 13. In other words, the management server 12 calls the data server 13 to refer to the NFT data.

[0067] The management server 12 transmits the blockchain address of user A to the data server 13 (database) to reference the NFT data associated with the NFT owned by user A. Upon receiving user A's blockchain address, the data server 13 accesses the blockchain 11 to reference the NFT owned by user A indicated by that blockchain address. Through this access, the data server 13 obtains the NFT_ID of the NFT owned by user A.

[0068] Here, as an example, it is assumed that data 13A for a first NFT and data 13B for a second NFT are stored in the data server 13. In the data server 13, it is assumed that data 13A for a first NFT is associated with NFT_ID:DDDDD. Therefore, the data 13A for a first NFT is associated with the NFT indicated by NFT_ID:DDDDD. Furthermore, in the data server 13, it is assumed that data 13B for a second NFT is associated with NFT_ID:EEEEE. Therefore, the data 13B for a second NFT is associated with the NFT indicated by NFT_ID:EEEEE.

[0069] When the data server 13 receives a call using the blockchain address of user A, in response to the call, it allows access to the NFT data associated with the NFT owned by user A. That is, the data server 13 references the NFT_ID of the NFT owned by user A in the blockchain 11, and allows access to the NFT data stored in the data server 13 that is associated with the NFT_ID of the NFT owned by user A.

[0070] Through the above processing, the management server 12 can acquire NFT data 13A associated with the NFT with NFT_ID: DDDDD owned by user A. The management server 12 can also acquire NFT data 13B associated with another NFT (NFT with NFT_ID: EEEEE) owned by user A. The acquired NFT data 13A and 13B are transmitted to the user terminal 30 for display on the user terminal 30.

[0071] In addition, in the data server 13, one piece of NFT data may be associated with multiple NFT_IDs.

[0072] Furthermore, the association between the NFT 17 and the NFT data 13A may be realized, for example, by the NFT 17 having a uniform resource identifier (URI) that indicates the NFT data 13A.

[0073] Returning to Fig. 1, the generation system 20 of the embodiment includes a generation processing device 21 and an issuing device 22. The generation processing device 21 is configured by a computer connected to the network 15. The generation processing device 21 may also be called a generation server.

[0074] The generation processing device 21 is configured by a computer including a processor and a memory. The generation processing device 21 may be configured by multiple computers connected via a network 15. The memory is connected to the processor. The memory includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device is, for example, RAM. The secondary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory includes a computer program executed by the processor. The processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory. The computer program has program code for the generation process (see Figures 6 to 9) executed by the computer.

[0075] The issuing device 22 is configured by a printer connected to the network 15 or the generation processing device 21. The issuing device prints on a printing substrate made of paper, plastic, or the like, and issues a tangible medium 50 (printed medium).

[0076] 7 to 10 show an example of a generation process executed by the generation processing device 21. In the generation process according to the embodiment, a tangible medium 50 (trading card) to which a still image 51 is attached, and a video NFT 17 to which an initial image 37 and a video 39 corresponding to the still image 51 are associated are generated. Hereinafter, the association of the video 39, etc. with the NFT 17 may be expressed as the NFT 17 comprising the video 39, etc., or the video 39 being incorporated into the NFT 17.

[0077] 8, in the generation process, material data for the tangible medium 50 and the NFT 17 is determined (step S801). The determined material data includes a still image 51 to be attached to the trading card 50, and an initial image 37 and a video 39 to be incorporated into the NFT 17.

[0078] In step S801, material data for the tangible medium 50 and the NFT 17 is determined from a plurality of pieces of material data stored in a material database 21A (see FIG. 7) provided in the generation processing device 21. The material database shown in FIG. 7 stores a plurality of pairs of moving images and still images. Each pair of moving images and still images is assigned an image number. For example, the pair of still image A2 and moving image A3 is assigned image number 101. Furthermore, the pair of still image B2 and moving image B3 is assigned image number 102.

[0079] Here, as an example, it is assumed that the still images A2 and B2 are the same as the first frame images of the moving images A3 and B3.

[0080] In the material database 21A, the still images may exist as image data separate from the moving images, but they do not have to exist as image data separate from the moving images. For example, the still images may be indicated by a pointer that indicates a frame image that is a still image among a plurality of frame images that make up the moving images.

[0081] In step S801, one of a plurality of image numbers is selected. The selection may be made by an operator's selection operation, or the generation processing device 21 may select randomly or according to a predetermined rule. For example, when image number 101 is selected, still image A2 and video A3 are determined as material data.

[0082] The material database 21A may be stored in a computer separate from the generation processing device 21. The material data may also be determined by the generation processing device 21 acquiring the material data from an external computer via the network 15.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8, in the generation process, serial numbers (first identifier, second identifier) ​​are determined (step S802). The serial number may be determined by an operator inputting the serial number, or may be generated by the generation processing device 21 in accordance with predetermined rules. The serial number is determined to be unique and different from other serial numbers. For example, 012345 is determined as the serial number. The determined serial number is used as the serial number data 36 incorporated into the NFT 17 and the serial number 52 attached to the tangible medium.

[0084] Once the material data and serial number are determined, a process for generating the NFT 17 is carried out (step S803). A process for manufacturing the tangible medium 50 (trading card) is also carried out (step S804).

[0085] 9 shows the process of generating an NFT 17 (step S803) corresponding to the tangible medium 50 manufactured in the manufacturing process of the tangible medium 50 (step S804). In step S901, the NFT_ID of the NFT 17 is obtained. The NFT_ID is obtained, for example, by issuing an initial NFT in the blockchain 11 and obtaining the NFT_ID of that initial NFT. Note that the initial NFT may be generated prior to step S901.

[0086] The issuance of an initial NFT is achieved by executing an NFT issuance command prepared in the blockchain 11. When the NFT issuance command is executed in the blockchain, the computer that constitutes the blockchain accepts the NFT issuance command and executes the process of issuing the NFT in the blockchain. The issued NFT is recorded in the blockchain. An NFT_ID is assigned to the NFT issued in the blockchain. After executing the NFT issuance command to issue the initial NFT, the generation processing device 21 waits until the initial NFT is issued in the blockchain. After the waiting time has elapsed, the generation processing device 21 can obtain the identifier of the issued initial NFT. For example, DDDDD is obtained as the NFT_ID of the initial NFT.

[0087] Next, using the material data determined in step S801 and the serial number determined in step S802, NFT data 13A associated with the NFT ID is generated (step S902). The NFT data 13A is data incorporated into the initial NFT and includes data that appears on the screen (NFT display screen 35) when the NFT 17 is displayed. The NFT data 13A is configured as hypermedia including, for example, an initial image 37, video 39, serial number data 36, ​​and other data. Note that even if the material data is the same, each NFT data 13A is unique and different from other NFT data because the serial numbers are different. NFTs 17 and NFT data 13A have a one-to-one correspondence, and one NFT data 13A can only be incorporated into one NFT 17.

[0088] The generation processing device 21 associates the NFT_ID with the generated NFT data 13A and stores them in the data server 13 (step S903). As a result, the NFT data 13A is incorporated into the initial NFT. By incorporating the NFT data 13A into the initial NFT, a video NFT 17 including the NFT data 13A is generated.

[0089] The generation processing device 21 transmits the combination of the serial number (012345) and the NFT_ID (DDDDD) to the management server 12 to register it in the management database 12A of the management server 12 (step S904). Having received the combination of the serial number (012345) and the NFT_ID (DDDDD), the management server 12 registers the combination in the management database 12A (see FIG. 7). As described above, the management database 12A is used to convert the serial number into an NFT_ID (see step S304 in FIG. 3).

[0090] FIG. 10 shows the manufacturing process (step S804) for a tangible medium 50 corresponding to the video NFT 17 generated in step S803. In step S1001, two-dimensional code data (code data) is generated from the serial number (012345) and the domain of the management server. The two-dimensional code data is data that indicates the pattern of the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code data is used to print the two-dimensional code 53. The two-dimensional code 53 indicates a URL, and the URL indicates the domain and serial number (012345) of the management server 12.

[0091] Next, tangible medium data for the tangible medium 50 (trading card) corresponding to the NFT 17 is generated (step S1002) from the still image 51 determined in step S801, the serial number 52 determined in step S802, the two-dimensional code data generated in step S1001, and other data, if necessary. The tangible medium data is print data used for printing. The tangible medium data is configured as image data that appears as the still image 51, serial number 52, and two-dimensional code 53 when printed, for example.

[0092] The generated tangible medium data is sent to the issuing device 22 (step S1003). Having received the tangible medium data, the issuing device 22 issues a printed tangible medium 50 (see FIG. 7). The issued tangible medium 50 is then sold. The still image 51 assigned to the tangible medium 50 is the same still image as the initial image 37 in the NFT data 13A, and the serial number 52 assigned to the tangible medium 50 is the same as the serial number data 36 included in the NFT data 13A. Therefore, the tangible medium 50 corresponds to the NFT 17 generated in step S803. Furthermore, by reading the two-dimensional code 53 on the tangible medium 50, the NFT 17 corresponding to the tangible medium 50 can be manipulated.

[0093] <3. Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10: Management System 11: Blockchain 11A: Smart Contracts 11B: Record 12: Management Server 12A: Management Database 13: Data server (database) 13A: Non-fungible token data (NFT data) 13B: Non-fungible token data (NFT data) 15: Network 17: Non-fungible tokens 20: Generating System 21: Generation processing device 21A: Materials Database 22: Issuing device 30: User terminal 31: Display 35:NFT display screen 36: Serial number data 37: Initial image 38:Subject 39:Video 41: 2D code 50: Tangible media (trading cards) 51: Still image 51A :Subject 52: Serial number 53: 2D code 120A:NTF Information 120B:NFT information A: User

Claims

1. A method for displaying digitized trading cards, comprising: Displaying an initial image associated with the non-fungible token of the blockchain as the trading card on the user's terminal; When an operation to play a video is performed on the user's terminal while the initial image is displayed on the user's terminal, the video associated with the non-fungible token is displayed on the user's terminal. Prepare for this. The initial image is an image that shows the video when the video is not being played back. A method for displaying digitized trading cards.

2. The video is a video that includes an image identical to the initial image in a plurality of frame images that constitute the video. The method of claim 1.

3. The initial image is the same as the first frame image displayed at the start of playback of the video. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Displaying the initial image on the user's terminal further comprises displaying, together with the initial image, serial number data associated with the non-fungible token, which serial number data enables the non-fungible token to be distinguished from other digitized trading cards, on the user's terminal. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Displaying the video on the terminal of the user further comprises displaying the serial number data on the terminal of the user together with the video. The method of claim 4.

6. The initial image and the video are stored in a P2P (Peer to Peer) distributed file system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The non-fungible token comprises a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​indicating the initial image; The initial image is the image associated with the non-fungible token by the URI. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The non-fungible token comprises a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​indicating the video; The video is a video associated with the non-fungible token by the URI The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The video is a three-dimensional video. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A system for displaying digitized trading cards, comprising: Displaying an initial image associated with the non-fungible token of the blockchain as the trading card on the user's terminal; When an operation to play a video is performed on the user's terminal while the initial image is displayed on the user's terminal, the video associated with the non-fungible token is displayed on the user's terminal. Prepare for this. The initial image is an image that shows the video when the video is not being played back. A system for displaying digitized trading cards.

Images