Digital content lending method and program

Abstract

To provide a method and a program for lending digital contents for easily and safely lending contents to others while maintaining the ownership or use right of the contents.SOLUTION: The method includes presenting the digital content to a terminal B of a user B, acquiring information identifying the digital content, acquiring information indicating an intention of the user A to lend the digital content, acquiring information indicating that a distance between a terminal A of the user A and the terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance, acquiring information identifying the terminal B, and, in response to acquisition of the information identifying the digital content, the information indicating the intention of the user A, and the information indicating that the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is shorter than the predetermined distance, suppressing exclusive use of the digital content by the user A and starting permission for exclusive use of the digital content by the user B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and program for lending digital content. [Background technology]

[0002] Prior art exists for transferring content from one device to another.

[0003] A technology exists that allows users to easily handle multiple pieces of content from multiple content providers. A user receives information based on their own identifier via a client device and can browse a collection of content associated with the authenticated user's identifier. A database search is performed using the identifier of content specified by the user, and if the identifier is registered in the database, the specified content is played on a terminal device under the user's control. This technology allows users to easily manage and use content provided by multiple content providers. In addition, by using a platform that implements this technology, it is easy to monopolize content provided by multiple providers (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] There is also a technology that allows a user to easily handle multiple pieces of content from multiple content providers in a virtual space using a virtual camera and a virtual space in which objects representing multiple pieces of content and multiple folders that can have content hierarchically subordinate to them are placed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] There is also technology that uses non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to trade content as unique digital works that cannot be copied, making this content available in virtual spaces created on the Internet (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0006] These technologies provide an environment that makes it easy to handle content uniquely on a common platform, and also make it easy to transfer ownership and usage rights of content. However, it does not provide a sufficient environment for lending content, such as allowing others to temporarily use the content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7297275 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7335654 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / ethereum.org / en / nft / (accessed July 27, 2024) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The disclosed technology aims to make it easier and safer to lend content to others while maintaining the ownership and usage rights of the content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The disclosed technology provides a method for one or more computers managing digital content owned by user A to lend the digital content to user B, the method comprising: utilizing a three-dimensional virtual space to present the digital content to terminal B managed by user B; acquiring, based on an instruction from user B, information identifying the digital content via terminal B; acquiring information indicating user A's expression of intent to lend the digital content to user B; acquiring information indicating that the distance between terminal A managed by user A and terminal B is closer than a predetermined distance; acquiring information identifying terminal B; and, in response to acquiring the information identifying the digital content, the information indicating user A's expression of intent, and the information indicating that terminal A and terminal B are closer than the predetermined distance, preventing user A from using the digital content exclusively and starting to allow user B to use the digital content exclusively via terminal B. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to more easily and safely lend content to others while maintaining the ownership and usage rights of the content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting a plurality of contents available to users. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing terminal A under the management of user A (hereinafter also referred to as "lender"), which displays a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting a plurality of contents available to user A, and terminal B under the management of user B (hereinafter also referred to as "borrower"). FIG. 1C is a diagram showing terminal A under the management of user A and terminal B under the management of user B, which displays one of the contents owned by user A. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a list-style user interface that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular content to user B. In FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface in a three-dimensional virtual space that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular content to user B. In FIG. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a QR code 410 for transmitting information identifying a content lending transaction (hereinafter also referred to as a "lending code") and a thumbnail of the content 114 displayed in pair on a terminal screen 400 ("QR code" is a registered trademark). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a QR code of a lending code displayed on terminal A under the control of user A (lender) is read by terminal B under the control of user B (borrower). [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a display that informs users that content cannot be lent when terminal A under the control of user A (lender) and terminal B under the control of user B (borrower) are physically far apart. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing that content lending places restrictions on the content lender's viewing of the content. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows that the content 114 can be viewed on a terminal B managed by a user B (borrower) by lending the content. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen that appears when the lent content 114 can no longer be viewed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower) due to the content being lent. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which restrictions are imposed on user A (lender) viewing the content due to the lending of the content, and a button for forcibly ending the lending of the content is displayed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for lending content. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a user B (borrower) transmits content that he / she wishes to borrow from a terminal B managed by the user B (borrower) to a terminal A managed by the user A (lender). [Figure 13] 13A and 13B show a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (reciprocate) codes (lender display first). [Figure 14] 14A and 14B show a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (reciprocate) codes (borrower display first). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the content lending process. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step S1502 for starting content lending. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of processing related to the distance between terminals. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart relating to the termination and resumption of lending of digital content. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process in which user B (borrower) further lends content to a third party. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing detailed processing when exclusive use by a third party begins. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the process of giving an incentive to a user. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing how a user can edit digital content. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a hardware configuration diagram of the disclosed technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The disclosed technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A shows a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting a variety of content available to users.

[0014] Figure 1B shows terminal A under the control of user A (hereinafter also referred to as the "lender"), which displays a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting multiple contents that user A can use, and terminal B under the control of user B (hereinafter also referred to as the "borrower"). FIG. 1C shows terminal A under the control of user A and terminal B under the control of user B, on which one of the contents owned by user A is displayed.

[0015] Figure 1A shows a three-dimensional virtual space that displays multiple pieces of content available to User A under the management of a specific platform. This three-dimensional virtual space allows User A to organize and arrange multiple pieces of content, such as paintings, books, and 3D objects, that he owns. Furthermore, this virtual three-dimensional space may be defined as a three-dimensional virtual space that can only be accessed by user A, and a three-dimensional virtual space that is open to specific individuals or the general public.

[0016] The three-dimensional virtual space 100 shown in Figure 1A is a three-dimensional virtual space that is open to the public. Therefore, if the public knows the URL or URI of the three-dimensional virtual space 100, they can visit (view) this three-dimensional virtual space 100 via the Internet.

[0017] The three-dimensional virtual space 100 displays content 112, content 114, and content 116. The public can view the appearance (thumbnail images) of these contents, but cannot view their contents (though the public may be permitted to preview portions of the contents). Furthermore, it is desirable that the public be prevented from copying these contents to computers under their control. In other words, it is desirable that the platform that realizes this three-dimensional virtual space 100 be designed so that only the owner of the content can view the contents of the content. This ensures that the content is unique. Technology to ensure the uniqueness of such content can be achieved, for example, by using NFTs. Uniqueness is achieved by clearly demonstrating ownership of the content through a unique digital certificate that distinguishes the content from other items.

[0018] The content owner and those authorized by the content owner can add information such as notes to the content. It is also possible to transfer only a portion of the content to another person. Furthermore, it is also possible to lend content for a certain period of time. This can be achieved by using a smart contract embedded in the NFT. A smart contract is a program that is automatically executed on the blockchain and can include contractual terms.

[0019] In FIG. 1B, the multiple contents of the three-dimensional virtual space 100 are displayed only on the terminal managed by user A, who is the owner of the contents, and nothing is displayed on terminal B managed by user B.

[0020] The embodiment provides a technology that allows content owned by user A to be loaned to user B under specified conditions when the distance between terminal A under user A's control and terminal B under user B's control is closer than a specified distance (for example, when user A and user B are close enough to have a voice conversation).

[0021] When user A and user B are close enough to each other that they can converse with each other voice-over, it can be assumed that a relationship of trust has been established between them. In such cases, by making it possible for content to be loaned, it is possible to provide a technology that allows content to be loaned between people who have an established relationship of trust.

[0022] 1B, for example, it is assumed that user B conveys to user A an intention to borrow content 114 that exists in the three-dimensional virtual space 100 displayed on terminal A under the management of user A. If user A intends to accept the above request from user B, user A can operate terminal A to instruct that content 114 be lent to user B so that content 114 can be displayed on terminal B.

[0023] 1C shows the state in which content 114 is displayed on terminal B under the control of user B. User B can view not only thumbnails of content 114 displayed on terminal B but also detailed images. For example, if content 114 is a book, user B can also view its contents.

[0024] In FIG. 1C, when user A attempts to display a detailed image of content 114 or to view the contents of content 114 on terminal A, the details of content 114 cannot be displayed, as shown in display image 114a. In this way, the content 114 can be lent from user A to user B. As will be described later, the lending can be set to end when a predetermined condition is met.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a list-style user interface that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular content to user B. In FIG.

[0026] 2, thumbnails of multiple contents are displayed in a list-style table. For example, row 210 displays a thumbnail of content 114, and area 212 displays the name (Title1) and creator (Author1) of content 114.

[0027] Also, a check mark 216 is displayed in the check box 214. The display of the check mark 216 indicates that user A, who is the owner of the content 114, has selected the content 114 to lend it to another person.

[0028] When user A taps on the lending icon 220, the subsequent process for lending the content 114 to user B is initiated. The subsequent process will be described later.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface in a three-dimensional virtual space that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular content to user B. In FIG. 3, thumbnails of multiple contents are displayed in a three-dimensional virtual space. For example, a thumbnail of content 114 is placed.

[0030] For example, when user A taps the thumbnail of content 114 with his / her finger, a pop-up 310 about the content 114 is displayed. The name (Title1) and creator (Author1) of the content 114 are displayed in the pop-up 310. In addition, a loan icon 320 is displayed.

[0031] When user A taps on the lending icon 320, the subsequent process for lending the content 114 to user B is initiated. The subsequent process will be described later.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a QR code 410 for transmitting information identifying a content lending transaction (hereinafter also referred to as a "lending code") and a thumbnail of the content 114 displayed in pair on a terminal screen 400 ("QR code" is a registered trademark).

[0033] Displaying a thumbnail image of the content 114 is not necessarily required, but it is desirable to display it together with the QR code 410, as this makes it easier to understand which content is the subject of lending.

[0034] The QR code 410 is an example of a means for transferring information identifying a loan transaction between terminals. Therefore, means other than the QR code, such as wireless terminal-to-terminal communication using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), may also be used.

[0035] Here, the lending code will be described. The lending code may include at least information identifying a transaction related to a series of procedures for lending designated content owned by user A from terminal A to terminal B between terminal A under the management of user A and terminal B under the management of user B. If terminal B does not have information about the platform managing the content, it is desirable for terminal A to transmit the URI of this platform to terminal B. The URI of the platform may be included in the lending code, or may be transmitted from terminal A to terminal B by a separate transmission means. The information identifying the content to be lent and the information identifying terminal B sent from terminal A or terminal B may be linked to information identifying the transaction on the platform. If at least the information identifying the transaction, the information identifying the content to be lent, and the information identifying terminal B have been transmitted to the platform, terminal B can access the platform and begin accessing the lent content. The route and procedure for transmitting this information to the platform are not limited to the examples disclosed in this specification. To enhance the security of the transaction, the platform may manage the expiration date of the QR code.

[0036] It is desirable that user B be able to view content loaned by user A only on terminal B, which is under user B's control. If user B is allowed to view the loaned content on a device other than terminal B, it is possible that the device may not be under user B's control. In such cases, it may be difficult to ensure security by limiting content loan permission to user B only. For this reason, it is desirable to set the above-mentioned restriction. This restriction can be ensured by having the platform manage and check unique information that identifies the hardware of terminal B (e.g., MAC address), or by having terminal B store and check unique information (e.g., cookie).

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a QR code of a lending code displayed on terminal A under the control of user A (lender) is read by terminal B under the control of user B (borrower).

[0038] 5, a QR code 410 and a thumbnail of content 114 are displayed on terminal A under the control of user A. Terminal B under the control of user B captures an image of the screen of terminal A and reads QR code 410. This operation causes the loan code included in the QR code to be read into terminal B. Terminal B can access the rented content by transmitting this rental code to the platform.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a display that informs users that content cannot be lent when terminal A under the control of user A (lender) and terminal B under the control of user B (borrower) are physically far apart.

[0040] At the very least, it is desirable that an error message be displayed on the screen of user B (borrower) indicating that the content will not be lent because the distance between terminal A and terminal B is greater than a predetermined distance. The location information of terminal A and terminal B can be determined by geolocation, which is realized by searching a database from GPS or network IP addresses, and the distance calculated from the locations of terminal A and terminal B can be determined on the platform. If the distance between the terminals is far, such an error message may be displayed.

[0041] In this way, restrictions can be placed on content lending by setting a distance condition between terminals to allow content lending. By adding such a condition, content lending can be prevented from expanding geographically without limit, and the value of the content can be prevented from decreasing. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing that content lending places restrictions on the content lender's viewing of the content.

[0042] In order to further ensure the uniqueness of content, when content is lent to others, it is desirable to impose restrictions on the viewing of the content, even if the person owns the content.

[0043] 7, a message 720 is displayed on a display screen 700 of terminal A under the control of user A (lender) superimposed on the loaned content 114. The message 720 displays "Currently loaned. Cannot be viewed." It also indicates that a time limit has been set for the loan of content 114, and displays that the remaining time 710 until the end of the loan is 1 hour, 56 minutes, and 34 seconds.

[0044] FIG. 8 shows that the content 114 can be viewed on a terminal B managed by a user B (borrower) by lending the content. Additionally, the remaining time 810 until the end of the loan is displayed on the screen 800 of the terminal B managed by the user B (borrower).

[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen that appears when the lent content 114 can no longer be viewed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower) due to the content being lent. In addition, the screen 902 of the terminal B managed by the user B (borrower) displays that the lending has ended and the remaining time 912 is zero.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which restrictions are imposed on the lender of the content from viewing the content due to the lending of the content, and a button for forcibly ending the lending of the content is displayed.

[0047] 10, a message 1002 indicating that the content is being lent, a time remaining until the end of the lending 1004, and a button 1006 to forcibly end the lending of the content are displayed on the screen of terminal A managed by user A (lender). When the lender taps button 1006, the lending of the content ends. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for lending content.

[0048] 11 shows a sequence diagram illustrating information transmission between a computer 1150 that realizes a platform where a three-dimensional space (hereinafter referred to as "my room") displaying content owned by user A (lender) and open to the public exists, terminal A (hereinafter collectively referred to as "lender's machine") under the control of user A (lender), and terminal B under the control of user B (borrower). The sequence will be explained below in order.

[0049] [Sequence 1102] The lender's machine publishes the URI of the My Room. User B (borrower) can learn the URI of User A's (lender) My Room.

[0050] [Sequence 1104] User B (borrower) can visit User A's (lender's) personal room and search for content he or she wants to borrow using Terminal B. The content he or she wants to borrow can also be communicated to User A (lender) orally.

[0051] [Sequence 1106] The lender's machine identifies the content (content C) that the borrower wants to borrow. For example, User A (the lender) can identify the content to lend by tapping the content on the screen of Terminal A that User A (the lender) manages.

[0052] [Sequence 1108] If a predetermined condition A is met, the lender's machine creates a "lending code" for lending content C. Examples of predetermined condition A include the distance between terminal A and terminal B being shorter than a predetermined distance, user A (lender) being willing to lend the content to user B (borrower), and terminal B being managed by user B (borrower) existing (being identified). [Sequence 1110] The lender's machine transmits the "loan code" to terminal B.

[0053] [Sequence 1112] Terminal B holds the "loan code." It is desirable that terminal B transmits the loan code to the lender's machine, thereby informing the lender's machine that terminal B holds the "loan code." [Sequence 1114] The lender's machine restricts the lender's use of content C. [Sequence 1116] Terminal B accesses My Room based on the "rental code."

[0054] [Sequence 1118] If a predetermined condition B is met, the lender's machine displays content C on terminal B. The predetermined condition B may be that the lending period is within the period, that the distance between terminal A and terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance, etc. Note that the predetermined distance is a condition for starting lending, and subsequent access to content C by terminal B may not necessarily require that the distance condition be met.

[0055] [Sequence 1120] If a predetermined condition C is met, the system returns to the initial state. The predetermined condition may be that the loan time limit has elapsed, that the lender's machine has terminated the loan, or that a predetermined distance condition is no longer met.

[0056] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a content that a user B (borrower) wants to borrow is transmitted from a terminal B managed by the user B (borrower) to a terminal A managed by a user A (lender).

[0057] User B (borrower) visits User A's (lender's) My Room, identifies the content he / she wants to borrow, and taps on the content to display QR code 1202 on terminal B. A thumbnail of the content 114 he / she wants to borrow may also be displayed on terminal B. Terminal A, which is managed by user A (lender), reads QR code 1202 displayed on terminal B, and the lending code is transmitted from terminal B to terminal A.

[0058] If user A (lender) is willing to lend the identified content 114 to user B (borrower), the content 114 is then lent to user B (borrower) by executing the subsequent lending process. 13A and 13B show a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (reciprocate) codes (lender display first).

[0059] First, a QR code including a lending code of the content 114 to be lent is displayed on terminal A managed by user A (lender). This QR code may include the URI of the user's room.

[0060] The QR code displayed on the terminal managed by user A (lender) is read by terminal B managed by user B (borrower). With this operation, at least the rental code is transmitted from terminal A to terminal B. If terminal B does not know the URI of user A's (lender's) personal room, terminal B can also obtain that URI. Terminal B may access the platform using the URI and notify the platform that it has obtained the rental code. This allows the platform to recognize the address of terminal B and that the rental procedure for content 114 is in progress.

[0061] In FIG. 13B, terminal B managed by user B (borrower) displays QR code 1304 including at least a loan code. QR code 1304 may include loan confirmation information from the platform. Furthermore, a thumbnail of the content 114 to be loaned (thumbnail sent from the platform) may be displayed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower). By visually checking this thumbnail, user A (lender) can confirm that the content 114 to be loaned has indeed been identified on terminal B.

[0062] Terminal A, managed by user A (lender), reads the QR code displayed on terminal B. By verifying that the lending code included in the QR code matches the lending code sent by terminal A to terminal B, it can be confirmed that the content 114 to be lent will indeed be lent to terminal B. In addition, if the QR code displayed on terminal B contains a confirmation code from the platform, it can be confirmed that terminal B has also been identified by the platform.

[0063] If this series of processes proceeds smoothly, the content 114 is lent, provided that other conditions (such as the distance between the terminals being equal to or less than a predetermined distance) are met. By executing the above-described process, the content 114 can be lent more reliably. Alternatively, in FIG. 13A, the QR code displayed on terminal A managed by user A (lender) may simply be information identifying the content. User B (borrower) reads the QR code, confirms that it is the content he or she wants to borrow, and proceeds with the operation. In FIG. 13B, a QR code for the lending code is displayed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower). Subsequent processing may be the same as in FIG. 12. 14A and 14B show a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (reciprocate) codes (borrower display first).

[0064] First, the borrower accesses My Room and identifies the content 114 they wish to borrow. For example, by tapping on the content 114 they wish to borrow, a QR code 1402 including at least a rental code is displayed on terminal B. The rental code may be stored on terminal B. The rental code is preferably a unique rental code generated by the platform when terminal B accesses the platform. Terminal B may transmit information identifying terminal B to the platform via a network (not shown).

[0065] Terminal A, which is managed by user A (lender), reads the QR code 1402 displayed on terminal B. In addition, user A (lender) visually checks the thumbnail of the content 114 that he / she wants to borrow, which is displayed on terminal B, so that user A (lender) can accurately identify the content 114 that he / she wants to borrow.

[0066] If user A (lender) is willing to lend content 114, user A (lender) displays a QR code 1404 including at least a lending code on terminal A. Additionally, terminal A may display a thumbnail of the content 114 to be lent.

[0067] User B (borrower) uses terminal B to read the QR code 1404 displayed on terminal A. User B (borrower) also visually checks the thumbnail of content 114 displayed on terminal A, thereby confirming that user A (lender) is indeed lending the content 114 that he or she wishes to borrow.

[0068] If this series of processes proceeds smoothly, the content 114 is lent, provided that other conditions (such as the distance between the terminals being equal to or less than a predetermined distance) are met. By executing the above-described process, the content 114 can be lent more reliably. Alternatively, in FIG. 14A, the QR code displayed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower) may simply be information identifying the content. User A (lender) who reads the QR code proceeds if he or she wishes to lend the content. In FIG. 14B, a QR code for the lending code is displayed on terminal A managed by user A (lender). Subsequent processing may be the same as in FIG. 5.

[0069] 15 is a flowchart showing the content lending process. Each step will be explained below. [Step S1502] Lending begins. [Step S1504] It is checked whether all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing is completed. If the check is negative (No), the processing returns to the step immediately before this step. 16 is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step S1502 for starting content lending. Each step will be described below. [Step S1602] This is the step that indicates the start of the process of starting lending. [Step S1604] Information identifying the digital content is obtained. <Step S1606> Information indicating User A's intention to lend the digital content to User B is acquired. <Step S1608> Information indicating that the distance between terminal A managed by user A and terminal B managed by user B is shorter than a predetermined distance is obtained. [Step S1610] Information identifying terminal B is obtained.

[0070] [Step S1612] It is checked whether information identifying the digital content, information indicating User A's intention, and information indicating that the distance between Terminal A and Terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance have been acquired. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to Step S1614. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to the step immediately before this step.

[0071] [Step S1614] User A's exclusive use of the digital content is restricted, and exclusive use of the digital content by User B via Terminal B is permitted. [Step S1616] The process returns.

[0072] 17 is a flowchart showing the details of the processing related to the distance between terminals. Each step will be explained below. [Step S1702] Lending begins. [Step S1704] It is checked whether all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing ends. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S1706. [Step S1706] Even if the distance between terminal A and terminal B is no longer closer than a predetermined distance, the permission for user B to exclusively use the digital content via terminal B is maintained.

[0073] 18 is a flowchart showing how to end and resume lending of digital content. Each step will be explained below. [Step S1802] Start lending

[0074] [Step S1804] It is checked whether the first condition is met. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1806. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to the step immediately before this step.

[0075] Here, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between terminal A and terminal B is no longer closer than a predetermined distance; information indicating user A's intention to terminate the lending of the digital content to user B has been acquired; information indicating user B's intention to end exclusive use of the digital content has been acquired; and a predetermined time has passed since permission for exclusive use began. [Step S1806] The permission for User B to exclusively use the digital content via Terminal B is terminated.

[0076] [Step S1808] It is checked whether all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing ends. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S1810.

[0077] [Step S1810] It is checked whether the second condition is met. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1812. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to the point just before step S1808.

[0078] Here, the second condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between terminal A and terminal B is closer than a predetermined distance; information indicating user A's intention to resume lending the digital content to user B has been acquired; and information indicating user B's intention to resume exclusive use of the digital content has been acquired. [Step S1812] Permission for exclusive use of the digital content by User B via Terminal B is resumed.

[0079] 19 is a flowchart showing the process in which user B (borrower) further lends content to a third party. Each step will be described. [Step S1902] Lending begins. [Step S1904] It is checked whether all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing ends. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S1906.

[0080] [Step S1906] It is checked whether the third condition is met. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1908. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to the point just before step S1904. [Step S1908] User B's exclusive use of the digital content via terminal B is restricted, and permission for user C's exclusive use of the digital content via terminal C, which is managed by a third party user C, is initiated.

[0081] 20 is a flowchart showing the detailed process when exclusive use by a third party begins. Each step will be explained below.

[0082] [Step S2002] This step indicates the start of detailed processing of step S1908, which prevents user B from using the digital content exclusively through terminal B and begins allowing user C, a third party, to use the digital content exclusively through terminal C, which is managed by user C. [Step S2004] User C is regarded as User B, and Terminal C is regarded as Terminal B. [Step S2006] The process returns.

[0083] 21 is a flowchart showing the process of giving an incentive to a user. Each step will be described below. [Step S2102] This step indicates the start of detailed processing of S1614, which restricts user A from exclusive use of the digital content and starts allowing user B, via terminal B, exclusive use of the digital content.

[0084] [Step S2104] An incentive is associated with both or either of User A and User B, the incentive being usable for the ownership or exclusive use of the digital content.

[0085] Examples of incentives include giving users points that can be used to spend money on the platform, increasing the frequency with which they advertise their rooms to third parties on the platform, etc. The amount of the incentive may vary based on a predetermined probability. [Step S2106] The process returns.

[0086] 22 is a flowchart showing how a user can edit digital content. Each step will now be described. [Step S2202] Content lending begins. [Step S2204] It is checked whether all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing ends. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S2206.

[0087] [Step S2206] Edit the digital content based on instructions from User B. It is desirable that User A, the content owner, should be able to edit the content as a general rule. However, if the content creator does not permit editing of the content, it goes without saying that neither User A nor User B will be able to edit the content.

[0088] FIG. 23 is a hardware configuration diagram of the disclosed technology.

[0089] The hardware configuration of the disclosed technology includes a CPU 3001, a ROM 3002 in which the program and data of the present embodiment can be stored, a RAM 3003, a network interface 3005, an input interface 3006, a display interface 3007, and an external memory interface 3008. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other by a bus 3004.

[0090] The network interface 3005 is connected to a network 3015. The network 3015 may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, the Internet, a telephone network, or the like. The input interface 3006 is connected to an input unit 3016. The display interface 3007 is connected to a display unit 3017. The display unit 3017 may be realized by a plurality of display devices. The external memory interface 3008 is connected to a storage medium 3018. The storage medium 3018 may be a RAM, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk, a memory card, a USB memory, or the like.

[0091] The order of steps in the methods or programs of the illustrated embodiments may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, one illustrated step may be executed multiple times at different times as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, multiple steps may be executed simultaneously as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, not all steps are essential, and some steps may not exist or may not be executed as long as there is no contradiction.

[0092] The same applies to the elements of the methods defined in the claims. That is, the order of the elements can be changed as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, multiple elements can be implemented simultaneously as long as there is no contradiction. The implementation of these elements also falls within the technical scope defined in the claims.

[0093] Each procedure may be executed by an operating system or hardware. The program may be distributed in a state stored in a non-transitory medium.

[0094] The program and method for realizing the above-described embodiment can be executed by a computer having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 23. That is, the program of the embodiment may be implemented as a method executed by a computer. The program may be stored in the storage medium 3018, the ROM 3002, or the RAM 3003. Each embodiment can be implemented as a hardware device having a program installed thereon. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 3001 CPU 3002 ROM 3003 RAM 3004 Bus 3005 Network Interface 3006 Input Interface 3007 Display Interface 3008 External Memory Interface 3015 Network 3016 Input section 3017 Display section 3018 Storage medium

Claims

1. A method in which one or more computers that manage digital content owned by user A lend the digital content to user B, comprising: Presenting the digital content to a terminal B managed by the user B using a three-dimensional virtual space; acquiring information identifying the digital content via the terminal B based on an instruction from the user B; acquiring information indicating an expression of intent from said user A to lend said digital content to said user B; acquiring information indicating that the distance between terminal A managed by user A and terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance; acquiring information identifying the terminal B; In response to acquiring information identifying the digital content, information indicating the expression of intention of the user A, and information indicating that the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance, inhibiting the user A from exclusively using the digital content and starting to permit the user B to exclusively use the digital content via the terminal B; A method for lending digital content comprising:

2. The information for identifying the terminal B is unique information for identifying the hardware of the terminal B or unique information for the terminal B. The method for renting digital content according to claim 1.

3. After the starting, maintaining the permission for exclusive use of the digital content by the user B via the terminal B even when the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is no longer closer than the predetermined distance; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

4. After the starting, terminating the authorization of exclusive use of the digital content by said user B via said terminal B in response to a first condition being satisfied; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is no longer closer than a predetermined distance; information indicating an intention of the user A to terminate the lending of the digital content to the user B is acquired; information indicating an intention of the user B to terminate the exclusive use of the digital content is acquired; and a predetermined time has elapsed since the permission of the exclusive use began. The method for lending digital content according to claim 4.

6. After said terminating, in response to a second condition being satisfied, resuming permission for exclusive use of the digital content by said user B via said terminal B; The method for renting digital content according to claim 4, further comprising:

7. The second condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance; information indicating an intention of the user A to resume lending the digital content to the user B has been acquired; and information indicating an intention of the user B to resume exclusive use of the digital content has been acquired. The method for lending digital content according to claim 6.

8. After the starting, in response to a third condition being satisfied, inhibiting the user B from exclusively using the digital content via the terminal B, and starting to permit the third party to exclusively use the digital content via a terminal C managed by the third party; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

9. The third condition is: The information indicating the intention of the user A to approve the user B lending the digital content to the third party has been acquired; and Information indicating that the distance between the terminal B and the terminal C managed by the third party is shorter than a predetermined distance has been acquired; and The information identifying the terminal C has been acquired; and 9. The method for renting digital content according to claim 8, comprising at least one of:

10. The starting linking an incentive to either or both of the user A and the user B, the incentive being usable for ownership or exclusive use of digital content; The method for renting digital content according to claim 1 , comprising:

11. The amount of the incentive varies based on a predetermined probability. The method for renting digital content according to claim 10.

12. Editing the digital content based on instructions from User B; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

13. A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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