Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This will further stimulate the circulation of non-fungible tokens. [Solution] The storage unit 10 maintains a table T which defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens. The token management unit 120 manages the types and quantities of non-fungible and fungible tokens held by user U. The determination unit 121 determines whether some or all of the fungible tokens held by user U match the combinations of fungible tokens defined in table T. The token management unit 120 issues non-fungible tokens to the user that match the combinations of fungible tokens defined in table T.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program, and particularly relates to a technique for exchanging alternative tokens and non-alternative tokens.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a technique for dividing one non-fungible token (NFT) into a plurality of fungible tokens (FTs) has been proposed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above technique, when a required number of fungible tokens obtained by dividing a non-fungible token are collected, a non-fungible token is minted, and when the number is less than the required number, the non-fungible token is burned. The inventor of the present application has come to recognize the possibility of further activating the circulation of non-fungible tokens by replacing a set of a plurality of fungible tokens with the original non-fungible token or a different non-fungible token.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for further activating the circulation of non-fungible tokens.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The determination unit may perform the determination when there is a change in the combination of fungible tokens held by the user.

[0008] The table may specify combinations of the number of one or more types of fungible tokens for each of several different nonfungible tokens, and if a first nonfungible token has been issued to the user, the token management unit may burn the first nonfungible token and issue the second nonfungible token using at least a portion of the fungible tokens used to issue the first nonfungible token.

[0009] The table may specify combinations of the number of one or more types of fungible tokens for each of several different nonfungible tokens, and if it is determined that some or all of the fungible tokens held by the user match two or more combinations of fungible tokens specified in the table, the token management unit may further include a selection receiving unit that accepts the user's selection for a nonfungible token corresponding to the matching combination of fungible tokens, and the token management unit may issue the nonfungible token selected by the user.

[0010] The information processing device may further include a request receiving unit that receives requests from issuers of non-fungible tokens for the issuance of fungible tokens derived from said non-fungible tokens, and the token management unit may refer to the table and issue fungible tokens that constitute a combination of fungible tokens corresponding to non-fungible tokens for which the request receiving unit has received a request for the issuance of fungible tokens.

[0011] The fungible token may be associated with issuer identification information for identifying the issuer of the nonfungible token from which the fungible token was issued, and the information processing device may further include a consideration return unit that returns a portion of the consideration to the issuer identified by the issuer identification information associated with the fungible token when the holder of the fungible token changes through a transfer with consideration.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing method. In this method, the processor performs the following steps: storing a table in a storage unit that defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens; determining whether some or all of the fungible tokens held by a user match any of the fungible token combinations defined in the table; and, if a match is determined, issuing non-fungible tokens to the user that correspond to the combinations that match the fungible token combinations defined in the table.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention is a program. This program provides a computer with the function of storing in a memory unit a table which defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens; a function of determining whether some or all of the fungible tokens held by a user match any of the fungible token combinations defined in the table; and, if a match is determined, a function of issuing non-fungible tokens to the user corresponding to the matching combination of fungible tokens defined in the table.

[0014] To provide this program, or to update parts of it, a computer-readable recording medium on which this program is recorded may be provided, and this program may also be transmitted over a communication line.

[0015] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as conversions of the expression of the present invention between methods, apparatus, systems, computer programs, data structures, recording media, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the circulation of non-fungible tokens can be further stimulated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing performed in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the data structures of the table and the user database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram schematically shows an example of a user interface that the selection receiving unit according to the embodiment displays on the display unit of the user terminal. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows the data structure of data stored in the blockchain according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of information processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] <Overview of the Embodiment> FIG. 1(a)-(b) are diagrams for explaining the outline of information processing executed in the information processing system S according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing system S according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between non-fungible tokens and fungible tokens handled in the information processing system S according to the embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1(a), in the information processing system S according to the embodiment, an information processing apparatus 1, a user terminal 2, a merchant server 3, and a blockchain B are connected via a known communication network N such as the Internet. Here, the information processing apparatus 1 can access a table T and a user database D. The user terminal 2 is a terminal used by a user U who conducts trading of fungible tokens handled in the information processing system S. The merchant server 3 is a device used by a merchant who sells fungible tokens to the user U or buys fungible tokens held by the user U from the user U. Hereinafter, the outline of the flow of information processing executed in the information processing system S will be described in the order from (1) to (8), and the numbers correspond to the numbers from (1) to (8) in FIG. 1(a).

[0020] (1) The information processing apparatus 1 issues a non-fungible token on the blockchain B at the request of the issuer of the non-fungible token. Although details will be described later, the non-fungible tokens handled in the information processing system S are equivalent to combinations of the numbers of each of one or more types of fungible tokens, and these combinations are defined in the table T. (2) The information processing apparatus 1 divides the non-fungible token into a plurality of types of fungible tokens and registers them in the blockchain B based on the request from the issuer of the non-fungible token.

[0021] In the example shown in Figure 1(b), the first non-fungible token NFT1 is divided into three first-fungible tokens FT1, two second-fungible tokens FT2, and two third-fungible tokens FT3. Similarly, the second non-fungible token NFT2 is divided into two fourth-fungible tokens FT4, three fifth-fungible tokens FT5, and two sixth-fungible tokens F6. Furthermore, Figure 1(b) shows that the second second-fungible tokens FT2, two fourth-fungible tokens FT4, and two fifth-fungible tokens FT5 can be exchanged for the third non-fungible token NFT3. Although not shown in Figure 1, the third non-fungible token NFT3 is also divided into two second-fungible tokens FT2, two fourth-fungible tokens FT4, and two fifth-fungible tokens FT5. However, as shown in Figure 1(b), the fungibility tokens used to constitute the third non-fungible token NFT3 do not necessarily have to be fungibility tokens derived from the third non-fungible token NFT3.

[0022] (3) User terminal 2 has a dedicated application installed for handling the wallet that manages the tokens held by user U. User U operates user terminal 2 to access the service provider server 3 to purchase desired fungible tokens or sell fungible tokens held by user U to other users U (not shown). (4) The operator server 3 changes the owner of the corresponding fungibility token in blockchain B in response to the buying and selling activity of user U.

[0023] (5) User database D stores the types and number of non-fungible and fungible tokens held by each user U. Information processing device 1 checks the owners of fungible tokens registered in blockchain B at predetermined times (for example, at a predetermined interval such as 23:59 every day), and modifies or registers the contents of user database D.

[0024] (6) The information processing device 1 refers to the user database D and determines whether some or all of the fungibility tokens held by user U match any of the fungibility token combinations defined in table T. (7) If some or all of the fungible tokens held by user U match a combination of fungible tokens defined in table T, the information processing device 1 issues nonfungible tokens corresponding to that combination to the user. Specifically, the information processing device 1 changes the owner of the nonfungible tokens in blockchain B to user U. (8) This allows user U to access the non-fungible token through the application installed on user terminal 2.

[0025] Generally, non-fungible tokens can become expensive as the value of the content associated with them increases. In the information processing system S according to this embodiment, by dividing a non-fungible token into multiple types of fungible tokens and distributing them, user U can accumulate fungible tokens at a lower value than the non-fungible token itself, thereby acquiring the non-fungible token over time. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(b), in the information processing system S according to this embodiment, fungible tokens divided from a non-fungible token can be used not only for exchange with the non-fungible token from which it was generated, but also for exchange with other non-fungible tokens.

[0026] Thus, according to the information processing system S of this embodiment, non-fungible tokens can be broken down into multiple less expensive fungible tokens, enabling trading. This allows the information processing system S to promote the circulation of fungible tokens.

[0027] <Functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 comprises a storage unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a control unit 12. In Figure 2, the arrows indicate the main data flow, and there may be data flows not shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, each functional block shows a functional unit configuration, not a hardware (device) unit configuration. Therefore, the functional blocks shown in Figure 2 may be implemented in a single device, or they may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data exchange between functional blocks may be performed via any means, such as a data bus, network, or portable storage medium.

[0028] The memory unit 10 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various information including a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) of the computer that implements the information processing device 1, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as the working area of ​​the information processing device 1, an OS (Operating System) and application programs, a table T that is referenced when the application programs are executed, and a user database D.

[0029] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for the information processing device 1 to communicate with external devices, and is implemented using known communication modules such as a LAN (Local Area Network) module or a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module. Hereafter in this specification, it is assumed that when the information processing device 1 communicates with external devices, it does so via the communication unit 11, and the description of the communication unit 11 may be omitted.

[0030] The control unit 12 is a processor such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) of the information processing device 1, and functions as a token management unit 120, determination unit 121, selection reception unit 122, request reception unit 123, and consideration return unit 124 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 10.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an example where the information processing device 1 is composed of a single device. However, the information processing device 1 may be implemented using multiple computing resources such as processors and memory, for example, in a cloud computing system. In this case, each part constituting the control unit 12 is implemented by at least one of the multiple different processors executing a program.

[0032] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment executes each process by referring to a table T which defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens, and a user database D which stores the types and numbers of non-fungible and fungible tokens that each user U possesses. The data structures of table T and user database D will be described below.

[0033] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) schematically show the data structures of table T and user database D according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3(a) schematically shows the data structure of table T according to the embodiment, and Figure 3(b) schematically shows the data structure of user database D according to the embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3(a), table T stores a combination of a fungible token identifier representing multiple fungible tokens and a nonfungible token identifier representing a single nonfungible token. In Figure 3(a), strings beginning with FID represent identifiers for identifying fungible tokens, and strings beginning with NID represent identifiers for identifying nonfungible tokens. In addition, each column in the table in Figure 3(a) indicates the number of fungible tokens corresponding to that column.

[0035] For example, Figure 3(a) shows that 20 fungible tokens represented by FID0001 and 5 fungible tokens represented by FID0002 can be exchanged for a non-fungible token represented by NID0001. Similarly, 20 fungible tokens represented by FID0001, 4 fungible tokens represented by FID0002, and 2 fungible tokens represented by FID0003 can be exchanged for a non-fungible token represented by NID0002. Conversely, Table T shown in Figure 3(a) also shows that a non-fungible token represented by NID0003 can be divided into 20 fungible tokens represented by FID0001, 5 fungible tokens represented by FID0002, and 2 fungible tokens represented by FID0003. The same applies hereafter.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3(b), the user database D stores a user identifier that uniquely identifies each user U, along with an identifier and the number of fungibility tokens held by that user U. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3(b), user U, whose user identifier is UID00001, holds 3 fungibility tokens identified by FID0001, 1 fungibility token identified by FID0002, 1 non-fungibility token indicated by NID0001, and 1 non-fungibility token indicated by NDI0002. The same applies to other user identifiers.

[0037] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the storage unit 10 holds a table T which defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens. The storage unit 10 also holds a user database D which stores a user identifier for uniquely identifying each user U, and associates the identifiers and quantities of fungible tokens held by the user U identified by that user identifier.

[0038] The token management unit 120 manages the types and quantities of non-fungible and fungible tokens held by user U. Specifically, the token management unit 120 verifies the owners of fungible tokens registered in blockchain B at predetermined times and modifies or registers the contents of user database D.

[0039] The determination unit 121 refers to the user database D and determines whether some or all of the fungible tokens held by user U match any of the fungible token combinations defined in table T. If the determination unit 121 determines that some or all of the fungible tokens held by user U match any of the fungible token combinations defined in table T, the token management unit 120 issues non-fungible tokens to user U that correspond to the matching combinations defined in table T. As a result, user U can acquire non-fungible tokens by collecting multiple fungible tokens. Consequently, the information processing device 1 can further activate the circulation of non-fungible tokens.

[0040] Furthermore, the determination unit 121 may perform a determination when there is a change in the combination of fungible tokens held by user U. Specifically, the determination unit 121 may perform a determination when the contents of user database D are updated. As a result, user U can automatically acquire non-fungible tokens simply by collecting fungible tokens without performing any special operations.

[0041] As explained with reference to Figure 3(a), Table T specifies combinations of the number of one or more types of fungible tokens for each of several different nonfungible tokens. Therefore, if user U were allowed to reuse fungible tokens to issue multiple nonfungible tokens, the value of the nonfungible tokens could be diminished.

[0042] Therefore, when a first non-fungible token has been issued to user U, the token management unit 120 issues a second non-fungible token using at least a portion of the fungible tokens used to issue the first non-fungible token, incinerates the first non-fungible token, and issues the second non-fungible token.

[0043] For example, suppose a user U holds exactly the fungible tokens necessary to issue the nonfungible token shown as NID0002 in Figure 3(a) (20 fungible tokens shown as FID0001, 4 fungible tokens shown as FID0002, and 2 fungible tokens shown as FID0003), and issues the nonfungible token shown as NID0002. After this, suppose user U acquires one fungible token shown as FID0002. In this case, if user U wishes to issue the nonfungible token shown as NID0003, the token management unit 120 will burn the fungible token shown as NID0002 before issuing the nonfungible token shown as NID0003. This prevents user U from reusing fungible tokens to issue multiple nonfungible tokens.

[0044] Furthermore, since Table T specifies combinations of the number of one or more types of fungible tokens for each of several different nonfungible tokens, it is possible that user U may be able to issue multiple nonfungible tokens depending on the user's holdings of fungible tokens. Therefore, if the selection reception unit 122 determines that some or all of the fungible tokens held by user U match a combination of two or more fungible tokens specified in Table T, it accepts user U's selection for the nonfungible tokens corresponding to the matching combination of fungible tokens.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface to be displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 2 according to the embodiment. The interface shown in Figure 4 is implemented by a dedicated application executed by the user terminal 2.

[0046] Figure 4 is an example screen showing that user U can issue either a non-fungible token named "NFT-X" or a non-fungible token named "NFT-Y". In Figure 4, the user interface indicated by reference numeral 20 represents a selection acceptance checkbox 20 for accepting user U's selection. When user U checks the selection acceptance checkbox 20 and presses the confirmation icon 21, user U's selection is transmitted to the selection acceptance unit 122 via the communication network N.

[0047] The token management unit 120 issues non-fungible tokens selected by user U, which are received by the selection reception unit 122. This allows user U to easily see the non-fungible tokens that can be issued, thereby improving user usability.

[0048] As described above, a non-fungible token handled by the information processing device 1 can be divided into multiple fungible tokens. Specifically, the division of a non-fungible token occurs when an issuer of a non-fungible token issues a new non-fungible token and divides that non-fungible token into fungible tokens to circulate in the market. The request receiving unit 123 receives a request from the issuer of the non-fungible token for the issuance of fungible tokens derived from that non-fungible token. The token management unit 120 refers to table T and issues fungible tokens that constitute a combination of fungible tokens corresponding to the non-fungible token for which the request receiving unit 123 has received a request for issuance of fungible tokens.

[0049] The fungible tokens handled by Information Processing Device 1 are tokens used solely for exchange for non-fungible tokens, and in this respect, they differ from fungible tokens used in general cryptocurrencies. The fungible tokens handled by Information Processing Device 1 are generated only by dividing non-fungible tokens, and there is always an originating non-fungible token. This ensures that Information Processing Device 1 can issue some kind of non-fungible token by collecting circulating fungible tokens.

[0050] Since every fungible token handled by the information processing device 1 has a nonfungible token from which it originates, each fungible token is linked to issuer identification information that identifies the issuer of the nonfungible token from which it was issued.

[0051] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the data structure of data stored in blockchain B according to an embodiment, and is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a certain fungible token. In blockchain B, similar data is held for each fungible token. Although detailed explanation of blockchain B is omitted because it is a known technology, blockchain B is composed of blocks of data called blocks L linked together like a string of beads. In order to avoid complexity, not all blocks L are labeled in Figure 5, but the rectangle labeled with the label T in Figure 5 is identical to a block L.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 5, each block L includes at least the hash value L1 of the previous block L, a nonce value L2, an identifier L3 for the fungible token, an identifier L4 for the non-fungible token from which the issuance originated, an identifier L5 for the issuer of the non-fungible token from which the issuance originated, an identifier L6 for the current user of the fungible token, the date L7 on which the current user acquired the fungible token, and an identifier L8 for the non-fungible token if it is being used to issue a non-fungible token. The token management unit 120 refers to blockchain B at predetermined intervals and updates the user database D. The token management unit 120 can also determine whether a fungible token is being used to issue a non-fungible token by referring to identifier L8.

[0053] The consideration return unit 124, when the holder of a fungible token changes through a transfer with consideration, refers to blockchain B and obtains issuer identification information (specifically, the issuer identifier L5 of the non-fungible token) linked to the fungible token. The consideration return unit 124 returns a portion of the consideration to the issuer identified by the issuer identification information linked to the fungible token. This allows the issuer of the non-fungible token to divide the fungible token and sell it in the form of fungible tokens, and receive consideration for that. As a result, even expensive non-fungible tokens can be promoted in circulation.

[0054] <Processing flow of the concession method executed by the information processing device 1> Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of information processing performed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The processing in this flowchart starts, for example, when the information processing device 1 is started up.

[0055] The token management unit 120 refers to the user database D to detect any changes in the combination of fungible tokens held by user U (S2). The determination unit 121 refers to table T to determine whether some or all of the fungible tokens held by user U match any of the combinations of fungible tokens defined in table T (S4).

[0056] If the determination unit 121 determines that some or all of the fungible tokens held by user U match a combination of fungible tokens defined in table T (Yes in S6), the token management unit 120 issues nonfungible tokens to user U that correspond to the combination that matches the combination of fungible tokens defined in table T (S8).

[0057] If the determination unit 121 determines that some or all of the fungibility tokens held by user U do not match the combination of fungibility tokens defined in table T (No. in S6), or if the token management unit 120 issues a non-fungibility token to user U, the process in this flowchart ends.

[0058] <Effects of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment> As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment can further activate the circulation of non-fungible tokens.

[0059] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0060] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1. Information Processing Device 10...Storage section 11. Communications Department 12. Control Unit 120...Token Management Department 121...Judgment section 122...Selection Reception Department 123... Request Reception Department 124... Compensation and Return Department 2. User terminal 3. Issuer device D...User Database T...table

Claims

1. A storage unit that holds a table which defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens, A token management unit manages the types and quantities of non-fungible and fungible tokens held by the user. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether some or all of the fungibility tokens held by the user match any of the fungibility token combinations defined in the table, The token management unit issues to the user a non-fungible token corresponding to a combination that matches a combination of fungible tokens defined in the table. Information processing device.

2. The determination unit performs the determination when there is a change in the combination of fungibility tokens held by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned table specifies combinations of the number of one or more types of fungible tokens for each of several different nonfungible tokens. When the token management unit has issued a first non-fungible token to the user, and it issues a second non-fungible token using at least a portion of the fungible tokens used to issue the first non-fungible token, it burns the first non-fungible token and issues the second non-fungible token. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned table specifies combinations of the number of one or more types of fungible tokens for each of several different nonfungible tokens. If it is determined that some or all of the fungible tokens held by the user match a combination of two or more fungible tokens defined in the table, the system further includes a selection receiving unit that accepts the user's selection for a non-fungible token corresponding to the matching fungible token combination. The token management unit issues the non-fungible token selected by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The system further includes a request receiving unit that receives requests from issuers of non-fungible tokens for the issuance of fungible tokens derived from said non-fungible tokens, The token management unit, referring to the table, issues a combination of fungible tokens that corresponds to a nonfungible token for which the request receiving unit has received a request for issuance of a fungible token. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned fungible token is linked to issuer identification information for identifying the issuer of the nonfungible token from which the fungible token was issued. The information processing device further includes a consideration return unit that, when the holder of the fungible token is changed by a transfer for consideration, returns a portion of the consideration to the issuer identified by the issuer identification information linked to the fungible token. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The processor, A step of storing in a memory unit a table that defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens, The steps include determining whether some or all of the fungibility tokens held by the user match any of the fungibility token combinations specified in the table, If a match is determined, the system executes the step of issuing a non-fungible token to the user that matches the combination of fungible tokens defined in the table. Information processing methods.

8. On the computer, A function to store in memory a table that defines combinations of non-fungible tokens and the number of each of one or more types of fungible tokens, A function to determine whether some or all of the fungibility tokens held by the user match any of the fungibility token combinations defined in the table, If a match is determined, the system will issue a non-fungible token to the user corresponding to the combination of fungible tokens defined in the table. program.

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