Information management system and information management method

Abstract

To provide a new technology for transferring usage information related to a tangible object, which is stored in association with the object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage manner, between users. [Solution] The information management system manages usage information for tangible objects that is stored separately for each user and linked to the tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage form. When the information management system satisfies the given ownership transfer conditions for transferring a tangible object owned by a first user to a second user, it executes a usage information transfer process to transfer the usage information of the transferred tangible object owned by the first user to the second user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management system and the like that manages usage information in a form of using a physical object, which is stored in association with the physical object in content that can be used in a form of using a physical object related to the physical object.

Background Art

[0002] Among games, there are some that enhance the interest of the game by using physical objects such as trading cards of characters appearing in the game and character figures in association with the game.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for renting and transferring a player to another player in a game where teams are formed and play against each other with the players on the read player cards. Patent Document 1 describes in, for example, paragraph

[0174] that a privilege of enhancing the ability parameters of the player is given when the player returns to the original player via rental transfer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The player card of Patent Document 1 is an example of a physical object. The game of Patent Document 1 is content that can be used in a form of using a physical object, and the ability parameters of the player in Patent Document 1 can be said to be usage information in the form of using the physical object, which is stored in association with the physical object.

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is a technology in which the ability parameters of a player who has returned after being loaned out are improved through special benefits. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is a loan transfer of players that appear in the game, and is not a technology that transfers tangible player cards.

[0007] When transferring tangible objects between users, if the usage information related to the object, as it originated with the original owner, could be transferred to the receiving user along with the object itself, it would offer a groundbreaking and unprecedented appeal. In other words, the unique usage information of each individual object, which can be considered its own individuality, would continue to change consistently even after the object is transferred between users, creating a fascinating and innovative experience.

[0008] Furthermore, these challenges are not limited to games. Even when using other content that involves the association of tangible objects, the evaluation information (usage information) linked to the content, when the transfer of tangible objects is anticipated, can be transferred in the same way as the conventional game technology described above, and similar challenges exist.

[0009] For example, if you are using a video streaming service that allows users to post still images or videos of tangible objects and receive ratings from viewers, it would be preferable to be able to transfer usage information, including the viewers' ratings.

[0010] Furthermore, for example, if a user is using social media content to introduce figurines (physical objects), it would be preferable to be able to transfer usage information, including comments and stamps received from other users regarding their figurines, as well as evaluation information such as the number of times ratings were given.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, if a user is using social media content that showcases figurines (physical objects), it would be preferable to be able to transfer usage information that includes information indicating the user has acquired the right to make comments (or stamps) and manipulate ratings within that content.

[0012] Furthermore, for example, if a user is using content on a special event site that is only accessible to users who own a specific figure (physical object), it would be preferable if usage information, including participation history, purchase history, location information, etc., on that site could be transferred.

[0013] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a new technology for transferring information about the use of a tangible object, which is stored in association with the tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object-related manner, between users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an information management system for controlling the transferability of usage information related to a tangible object, which is managed in association with the tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage form, among users. The information management system comprises: an ownership transfer condition determination means (for example, the ownership transfer condition determination unit 216 in Figure 10, step S124 in Figure 16) that determines whether the first user has met the given ownership transfer conditions for transferring the tangible object (hereinafter referred to as the "transferred tangible object") owned by the first user to the second user; and a usage information transfer processing means (for example, the usage information transfer processing unit 218 in Figure 10, steps S214, S218, and S220 in Figure 17) that executes a usage information transfer process for transferring the usage information (hereinafter referred to as the "transferred usage information") of the transferred tangible object to the second user if the ownership transfer conditions are met.

[0015] A "tangible object" refers to a real, physical object. Its form is irrelevant; for example, it could be a trading card, a character figurine, or a toy.

[0016] According to the first invention, when the conditions for transferring ownership of a tangible object (transferred tangible object) from a first user (transferring user) to a second user (transferee user) are met, a usage information transfer process is executed to transfer the usage information (transfer usage information) of the transferred tangible object to the second user. This realizes a new technology that enables the transfer of transfer usage information along with the transfer of the transferred tangible object.

[0017] The second invention is an information management system of the first invention, wherein the usage information transfer processing means includes and executes a process to make the transferred usage information available to the second user in the content.

[0018] According to the second invention, the second user will be able to use the transfer usage information received from the first user in the content.

[0019] The third invention is an information management system of the first or second invention, comprising: an ownership information management means for managing ownership information (for example, ownership information 512 in Figures 3 and 8), which is information of the user who owns the tangible object, and further comprising an ownership information management means (for example, an ownership information management unit 212 in Figure 10, steps S214 to S222 in Figure 17) for transferring ownership of the transferred tangible object from the first user to the second user when the ownership transfer conditions are met.

[0020] According to the third invention, ownership information of tangible objects (at least information that identifies the current owner) can be managed, and the ownership information can be modified to reflect the transfer result when the conditions for ownership transfer are met.

[0021] The fourth invention is an information management system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the content is game content, and the tangible object utilization mode is such that game information pre-associated with the tangible object becomes available in the game when identification information of the tangible object is input to the content, and the settings of the game information change as a result of its use in the game.

[0022] Further, in the fifth invention, the usage information is information on the set contents of the game information that has changed due to use in the game, and the usage information transfer processing means includes, in the usage information transfer processing, a process of enabling the second user to use the game by succeeding the set contents of the transferred usage information. This is the information management system of the fourth invention.

[0023] "Game information" is various information indicating the game progress status and game content as a result of a user using a physical object to utilize the game content. For example, how far the game stage has been advanced, the ability parameter values of the player character, the play results, which enemies have been defeated, items obtained by defeating enemies, the types of playable game stages, etc. The data included in the game information can be appropriately set according to the game content.

[0024] According to the fourth or fifth invention, when the second user who has received the transfer of the physical object uses the physical object in the game content, the second user can enjoy continuous game play related to the physical object using the game information that has changed according to the content usage achievements of the first user.

[0025] The sixth invention is the information management system of the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the usage information includes history information (e.g., the play history of the usage information 532 in FIG. 4) of using the game information in the game.

[0026] According to the sixth invention, the second user who has received the transfer of the physical object can also use the history as the content usage achievements of the game by the first user. For example, when a privilege can be obtained when the condition of having a history is satisfied, the second user can use the history information of the first user as a clue and may quickly obtain the privilege.

[0027] The seventh invention is an information management system according to any of the fourth to sixth inventions, wherein the game information is information about a character or item (hereinafter collectively referred to as "character"), and the tangible object utilization form is a form in which the character's settings change depending on its use in the game.

[0028] According to the seventh invention, a second user can play the game inheriting the character or item settings (e.g., parameter values) used by the first user in the game content.

[0029] The eighth invention is an information management system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the content is content that receives evaluations of the tangible object used in the tangible object utilization form from users other than the user who owns the tangible object, and publishes the results of said evaluation, and the usage information is the evaluation information received with respect to said content.

[0030] According to the eighth invention, if the content is content in a public service that publishes a tangible object, accepts evaluations from users other than the user who owns the tangible object, and also publishes the evaluation results (for example, a video using the tangible object 10 posted on a video sharing site), then a second user who has been transferred the tangible object can inherit the evaluation results obtained when the first user was the owner.

[0031] The ninth invention is an information management system according to any of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the content grants a given benefit (for example, the content shown in the benefit definition data for use of the tangible object in the content data 520 of Figure 4) to the user who owns the tangible object in accordance with the form of use of the tangible object, and the usage information is information on the benefit granted by the form of use of the tangible object.

[0032] According to the ninth invention, a second user can inherit the benefits received by the first user when they owned the transferred tangible object.

[0033] The tenth invention is an information management system according to any of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the usage information transfer processing means includes and executes a process of transferring the transfer usage information to the second user when a given usage information transfer condition (for example, the condition shown in the transfer execution condition setting data 550 in Figure 6) is met.

[0034] According to the tenth invention, by appropriately setting the conditions for the transfer of usage information, the degree of freedom in the transfer of usage information related to the transfer of tangible objects can be increased, and various forms of transfer can be realized.

[0035] The eleventh invention is an information management system of the tenth invention, wherein the usage information includes a plurality of elemental information that can be divided by category or classification, the usage information transfer conditions include information type-specific transfer conditions corresponding to each elemental information included in the usage information (for example, being set as the type of usage information to be transferred in the detailed settings screen W6 of Figure 5), and the usage information transfer processing means includes in the usage information transfer processing a process of transferring elemental information that corresponds to the information type-specific transfer conditions that are satisfied among the elemental information included in the transfer usage information to the second user.

[0036] According to the eleventh invention, it becomes possible to set transfer conditions for each element of usage information. Therefore, the degree of freedom and diversity when transferring usage information among users can be increased.

[0037] The twelfth invention is an information management system of the eleventh invention, wherein the usage information includes, separately, information on the ownership generation of users who owned the corresponding tangible object, as elemental information.

[0038] According to the twelfth invention, in the transfer process, it becomes possible to set transfer conditions for each element of usage information using information on the ownership generations of users who owned the tangible object. Therefore, the degree of freedom and diversity when transferring usage information between users over multiple generations can be increased.

[0039] The 13th invention is an information management system according to any of the 1 to 12 inventions, wherein the ownership transfer condition determination means determines whether the ownership transfer conditions have been met between the 3rd user and the 5th user, and whether the ownership transfer conditions have been met between the 4th user and the 5th user, as conditions for transferring a tangible item jointly owned by the 3rd user and the 4th user to the 5th user, and the usage information transfer processing means executes a usage information transfer process to transfer the transfer usage information at the time of joint ownership by the 3rd user and the 4th user to the 5th user.

[0040] According to the 13th invention, even in a configuration where joint ownership of tangible objects is permitted, the same effects as those of any of the 1st to 12th inventions can be obtained.

[0041] The 14th invention is an information management method for controlling the transferability of information used in a tangible object usage form, which is managed in association with a tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage form, between users, and includes: an ownership transfer condition determination step (for example, step S124 in Figure 16) that determines whether the first user has met the given ownership transfer conditions for transferring the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferable tangible object") to the second user; and a usage information transfer processing step (for example, steps S214, S218, and S220 in Figure 17) that, if the ownership transfer conditions are met, executes a usage information transfer process to transfer the usage information of the transferable tangible object to the second user.

[0042] According to the 14th invention, an information management method that produces the same effects as the first invention can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example configuration of an information management system. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the functions performed by the manufacturing management server. [Figure 3]A diagram illustrating the functions performed by the ownership information management server. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the functions performed by a content delivery server. [Figure 5] A diagram (part 1) illustrating the procedure for transferring ownership of tangible objects. [Figure 6] A diagram (part 2) illustrating the procedure for transferring ownership of tangible objects. [Figure 7] A diagram to explain the contents of the transfer agreement and the notification of the completion of the transfer. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the change in ownership information that occurs upon the conclusion of a transfer agreement. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the process of transferring usage information by the content provider server. [Figure 10] A functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information management system. [Figure 11] A diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the server's memory unit. [Figure 12] A functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a tangible object. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the process for establishing new ownership of tangible objects. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the processing flow related to content delivery. [Figure 16] A flowchart illustrating the process for transferring ownership of tangible property. [Figure 17] A flowchart illustrating the processing flow related to the transfer of user information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] Examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but it goes without saying that the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the information management system 1000. The information management system 1000 is a computer system comprising a manufacturing management server 1100a, an ownership information management server 1100b, a content provision server 1100c, and user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) for each user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) that can communicate with these, with the user terminals 1500 serving as the man-machine interface (MMIF). Although only three user terminals 1500 are depicted in Figure 1, the actual number of user terminals 1500 is not limited in system operation.

[0046] The information management system 1000 and the user terminal 1500 can communicate data with each other via network 9, and the user terminals 1500 can also communicate data with each other via network 9. The manufacturing management server 1100a, the ownership information management server 1100b, and the content provision server 1100c can communicate data with each other via network 9.

[0047] Network 9 refers to a communication path capable of data communication. In other words, Network 9 includes not only LANs (Local Area Networks) using dedicated lines (dedicated cables) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connections, but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method is either wired or wireless.

[0048] The manufacturing management server 1100a, the ownership information management server 1100b, and the content provision server 1100c are individual computer systems, but they can also be considered as a single computer system. For example, the manufacturing management server 1100a, the ownership information management server 1100b, and the content provision server 1100c each have a main unit, keyboard, touch panel, and storage, and the control board 1150 is mounted on the main unit.

[0049] The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0050] The manufacturing management server 1100a, the ownership information management server 1100b, and the content provision server 1100c each perform their respective roles and functions as servers by having their respective control boards 1150 perform calculations based on predetermined programs and data.

[0051] Although the manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content provision server 1100c are depicted as separate server devices, they may also be implemented as a configuration combining multiple cooperating devices. For example, multiple blade servers, each handling a different function, could be mounted in a single large system rack and connected to each other via an internal bus to enable data communication, thereby forming a single computer system. Furthermore, the location of the hardware is not restricted. Multiple independent servers located in different locations could communicate via network 9 to function as the manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content provision server 1100c as a whole. Conversely, the three functions of the manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content provision server 1100c could be implemented in a single server system.

[0052] User terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) are computer systems used by users to access the information management system 1000. User terminals 1500 are electronic devices that can access the manufacturing management server 1100a, the ownership information management server 1100b, and the content provision server 1100c via the network 9, as well as other user terminals 1500. In other words, user terminals 1500 function as the human-machine interface in the information management system 1000. Therefore, it can also be said that the information management system 1000 is equipped with user terminals 1500.

[0053] The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input device (e.g., keyboard, touch panel, game controller, mouse, etc.), a camera, an image display device (e.g., video monitor, touch panel, head-mounted display, etc.), and a control board 1550.

[0054] The control board 1550 is equipped with a CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as a GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication module 1553 that connects to the network 9. These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via bus circuits and the like, enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception. Part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data necessary to realize the functions of a user terminal in the IC memory 1552.

[0055] In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from one of the servers of the information management system 1000, but it may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card obtained separately.

[0056] The form of the user terminal 1500 is not limited to any computer system. For example, it may be a smartphone, a wearable computer such as a smartwatch, a portable game console, a home game console, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or a commercial game console. When multiple electronic devices are connected in a communicative manner to perform a single function, such as a smartphone and a smartwatch connected to that smartphone, these multiple electronic devices can be considered as a single user terminal 1500.

[0057] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the functions performed by the manufacturing management server 1100a. The manufacturing management server 1100a is operated by the manufacturer or seller of the tangible object 10, and registers and manages the unique identification information of the tangible object 10.

[0058] The tangible object 10 is a physical object that can be touched, such as a trading card, character figure, or model, and consists of a main body 12 and one or more accessories 14 (14a, 14b). It may also consist of only the main body 12.

[0059] The main unit 12 has an IC tag 16 built in. An individual identification information sticker 18 is also affixed to the surface of the main unit 12. Individual identification information is recorded on the IC tag 16. Individual identification information is printed on the individual identification information sticker 18. Note that the IC tag 16 is not limited to being built-in; it may also be attached in other forms, such as a luggage tag. The individual identification information sticker 18 may be omitted.

[0060] The manufacturing management server 1100a stores and manages the manufacturing registration data 510. The manufacturing registration data 510 is prepared for each tangible object 10, and stores the following information in association: the name of the tangible object (for example, the product name or the name of a character appearing in the content from which the model was referenced), the name of the manufacturer, lot information, date and time of manufacture, place of manufacture, individual identification information, and image data at the time of manufacture. The manufacturer of the tangible object 10 registers the manufacturing registration data 510 by inputting this information into the manufacturing management server 1100a as one of the manufacturing or shipping processes.

[0061] Furthermore, the manufacturing registration data 510 is not limited to being registered when a tangible object 10 is manufactured and sold as a finished product. For example, if a tangible object 10 is manufactured and sold as a production kit, and an individual assembles and completes the tangible object 10, the manufacturing registration data 510 may be registered when the production kit is manufactured and sold. Alternatively, the tangible object 10 itself may be manufactured by an individual. In this case, a set of an IC tag 16 with individual identification information and an individual identification information sticker 18 may be sold as a registration set for information management when an individual manufactures the tangible object 10. The individual purchases this set, embeds the IC tag 16 into the main body 12 of the tangible object 10 that they have created, and attaches the individual identification information sticker 18. Then, the individual uses a designated registration website provided by the manufacturing management server 1100a to register the individual identification information related to the purchased IC tag 16 and individual identification information sticker 18, thereby registering the manufacturing registration data 510 corresponding to the tangible object 10 created by the individual.

[0062] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the functions performed by the ownership information management server 1100b. The ownership information management server 1100b stores and manages the ownership information 512 of the tangible object 10 and issues NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) that indicate ownership.

[0063] User 2a, who first purchased (or manufactured) the tangible object 10, registers ownership of the tangible object 10.

[0064] Specifically, the user terminal 1500a accesses a designated website that is linked to the ownership information management server 1100b and completes the user registration procedure. Upon user registration, the ownership information management server 1100b stores the user registration data 511.

[0065] Next, user 2a uses the RFID reader / writer 1590 connected to user terminal 1500a to read individual identification information from the tangible object 10 that is the subject of ownership setting. User terminal 1500a then requests the ownership information management server 1100b to set up new ownership, along with the read individual identification information and image data of the tangible object 10 taken by user terminal 1500a.

[0066] In response to the request, the ownership information management server 1100b requests the manufacturing management server 1100a to verify the manufacturing status of the individual identification information that was attached to the request. The manufacturing management server 1100a returns the result of comparing the requested individual identification information with the manufacturing registration data 510 to the ownership information management server 1100b. If the query result obtained from the manufacturing management server 1100a indicates that the product is genuine, the ownership information management server 1100b creates and stores new ownership information 512 in response to a request from the user terminal 1500a.

[0067] Ownership information 512 is stored as blockchain data. Ownership information 512 stores, for example, a unique registration ID, individual identification information of the tangible object 10 for which ownership setting was requested, the date and time of new registration, owner information at the time of new registration (e.g., name, address, date of birth, gender, ...), and image data of the tangible object at the time of new registration.

[0068] Of course, other information may be stored in the ownership information 512 as appropriate. Furthermore, the storage of one or more pieces of information may be omitted. Additionally, a configuration that allows for joint ownership of tangible objects 10 may be adopted. In that case, the owner information and the ownership ratio at the time of new registration should be associated and stored in the ownership information 512.

[0069] The ownership information management server 1100b then issues an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) based on the date and time of new registration, the owner user account at the time of new registration, individual identification information, and tangible object image data at the time of new registration, and transmits it to the user terminal 1500a. The user terminal 1500a writes the NFT to the IC tag 16 of the tangible object 10 via the RFID reader / writer 1590. The ownership of this tangible object 10 is thus guaranteed to be verifiable by a third party through the ownership information 512 and the NFT based on it.

[0070] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the functions performed by the content provision server 1100c. In this embodiment, the content is an online game. Therefore, the content provision server 1100c functions as a game server for the online game. In addition, user 2 can use a character associated with a tangible object 10 that they own as player character 4 in the online game. By reading and inputting the individual identification information of the tangible object 10 with the RFID reader / writer 1590 and registering this individual identification information (and thus the tangible object 10) with the user terminal 1500a and the content provision server 1500C, it becomes possible to use the character associated with this individual identification information (and thus the tangible object 10) as player character 4. In addition to the method of reading the individual identification information from the IC tag 16 with the RFID reader / writer 1590, it is also possible to input the individual identification information by having the user manually input the code written on the individual identification information sticker 18.

[0071] The content provision server 1100c stores and manages content data 520, which includes various data necessary for providing content, user management data 530 for each user, and user usage information 532 for each user.

[0072] Content data 520 includes definition data for benefits granted to users who play the game using tangible objects 10. These benefits can be set as appropriate depending on the game content, such as improving the ability parameter values ​​of player character 4, granting skills, providing special items, granting special skins, or unlocking playable game stages. Multiple types of definition data for benefits when using tangible objects may be prepared depending on the type of tangible object 10.

[0073] The user management data 530 stores the user account, password, user personal information (name, address, date of birth, gender, etc.), the content ID indicating the game being played, and the individual identification information of the tangible object 10 used in the content. In addition, information such as the name of the team to which the user belongs, a list of user accounts of team members, and ranking information may be stored as appropriate.

[0074] The individual identification information of the tangible object 10 being used is read in advance from the tangible object 10 via the RFID reader / writer 1590 by the user terminal 1500a. The individual identification information read from the tangible object 10 is provided to the content provision server 1100c via a predetermined tangible object usage procedure before gameplay begins.

[0075] Usage information 532 stores various data related to the results and achievements of using the content with the corresponding tangible object 10. If the content is a game, usage information 532 corresponds to "game information" such as game data, play data, and save data, which change based on the user's experience using the content with the corresponding tangible object 10.

[0076] Specifically, the usage information 532 consists of elemental information divided by category or classification, (1) User account indicating a user who can use the usage information, (2) Content ID used (e.g., game title), (3) Individual identification information of the tangible object 10 linked to the usage information (4) Play history (for example, play date and time history, number of plays, total play time, etc.), (5) Game save data, (6) Purchase history of game-related items and lottery entries, (7) A lottery acquisition history showing the history of acquiring items, etc., through paid / free lotteries related to the game (for example, a set of the date and time of the lottery and the identification information of the item acquired in the lottery), (8) History of obtaining benefits when using tangible items (for example, a set of information indicating the date and time of grant and the content of the benefit), It stores things like these. Of course, other data can also be stored as needed.

[0077] Game save data includes, for example, the type of player character 4 associated with the individual identification information (and by extension, the physical object 10), a list of player character 4's ability parameter values, a list of acquired skills, a list of owned items, and so on. The list of ability parameter values ​​and the list of acquired skills correspond to information about the results of training and developing player character 4 through the user's gameplay. This information included in the game save data is also elemental information categorized or classified according to the usage information 532.

[0078] If the content is not a game, instead of game save data, data corresponding to the usage of the tangible object 10 in that content is stored. For example, in the case of content in a public service where still images or videos of the tangible object 10 are made public to an unspecified number of people, evaluations are obtained from users other than the user who owns the tangible object 10, and the evaluation results are made public (for example, a video posted on a video sharing site that can display the number of viewer evaluations), the usage information 532 may store the evaluation results information from the viewers.

[0079] Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the procedure for transferring ownership of a tangible object 10. They show an example where user 2a transfers the tangible object 10 to user 2b. User 2a is the transferring user, and user 2b is the receiving user.

[0080] An agreement regarding the transfer has already been reached between user 2a and user 2b, the tangible object 10 is in user 2b's possession, and user 2a has received the consideration for the transfer. In other words, the physical transfer of the tangible object 10 itself is considered complete. Based on this premise, both users change the ownership information 512 of the tangible object 10 by performing an ownership transfer procedure via the ownership information management server 1100b.

[0081] Specifically, the transferring user (User 2a) and the transferring user (User 2b) will each use user terminal 1500 to participate in the ownership transfer procedure service provided by the ownership information management server 1100b. It is assumed that user registration has been completed separately.

[0082] As shown in Figure 5, when the ownership transfer procedure is initiated, the user terminal 1500a of the transferring user (user 2a) displays the transferring user confirmation screen W2. This screen includes input fields for the user's name and the password specified during user registration, which indicate the transferring user's identity, as well as an input field for the name of the transferee user known to the transferring user, and a check box for confirming receipt of the transfer consideration. Once these entries are made, the user terminal 1500a displays the supplementary information setting screen W4.

[0083] The Ancillary Items Settings screen W4 is a screen that accepts input for setting ancillary items related to the transfer. As ancillary items, you can set whether or not to transfer the usage information linked to the transferring user in connection with the use of content using tangible item 10 to the receiving user, and if so, how to transfer it.

[0084] Specifically, the supplementary settings screen W4 displays a content specification field where you enter information specifying which content usage information to transfer, and a checkbox for the transfer method where you can select "Do not transfer," "Transfer all," or "Transfer some" usage information.

[0085] In the content selection field, you will be required to enter the content ID (game title), the user account and password of the user who will be transferring the content when using it.

[0086] If "Transfer a portion" is checked in the transfer method check box, the ownership information management server 1100b accesses the content provision server 1100c based on the input result in the content specification field and requests an inquiry about the type of information included in the usage information of the specified content.

[0087] In response to the request, the content provision server 1100c sends back to the ownership information management server 1100b the type of information contained in the usage information of the specified content as the response result.

[0088] On user terminal 1500a, the detailed settings screen W6 is displayed based on this reply. The detailed settings screen W6 displays checkboxes that allow the user to individually select the types of usage information to be transferred, and checkboxes that allow the user to select how the usage information will be handled during the transfer. Multiple types of usage information can be selected to transfer. Only one of three methods for handling usage information can be selected: "Transfer and Inheritance," "Integration," or "Additional Inheritance."

[0089] The handling of usage information, specifically "transfer and inheritance," is a method where the receiving user essentially inherits the usage information of the transferring user and makes it available only to that user. For example, the user account settings (settings indicating the user) of the transferring user's usage information are overwritten to the receiving user's account, and the linkage of the usage information is changed from the transferring user to the receiving user. If the receiving user has already used the content and their usage information already exists, this information will be deleted.

[0090] The "integration" of user information refers to a method of combining the user information of the transferring user and the user information of the receiving user into a single record. Specifically, if both users are using the same type of player character, the ability parameter values ​​will be compared between the user information of the transferring user and the user information of the receiving user for each type of ability parameter, and the higher value will be used for integration. The same applies to acquired skills. All owned items, unlock rights for available game stages, etc., from the user information of the transferring user will be copied to the user information of the receiving user and integrated. After integration, the user information of the transferring user will be deleted.

[0091] The handling of usage information, specifically "additional inheritance," is a method of changing the linkage of usage information from the transferring user to the receiving user, creating additional usage information that can be used by the receiving user. The difference from "transfer inheritance" is that if the receiving user is already using the designated content and already has usage information for the receiving user, this information will also remain and will not be deleted. In other words, after the transfer, one more piece of usage information (a character that can be used as a player character and its information) will be linked to the receiving user.

[0092] As shown in Figure 6, when the ownership transfer procedure is initiated, the user terminal 1500b of the transferee user (user 2b) displays the transferee user confirmation screen W10. This screen includes input fields for the user's name and password to identify the transferee user, fields for specifying the individual identification information of the transferred tangible object 10, fields for specifying the image data of the transferred tangible object 10, and a check box for confirming receipt of the transferred tangible object 10.

[0093] The individual identification information of the transferred tangible object 10 may be entered as text, such as a numerical value. Alternatively, the user may operate the read start icon to have the RFID reader / writer 1590 connected to the user terminal 1500b read the information. Image data of the transferred tangible object 10 is taken in advance using the user terminal 1500b, and the image data file is specified. Alternatively, the user terminal 1500b may take the image on the spot by operating the capture start icon.

[0094] When the transferee user enters information in these fields, the supplementary information confirmation screen W12 is displayed on user terminal 1500b. This screen displays an icon for displaying supplementary information set by the transferor user, and a check box for the transferee user to declare that they have confirmed the supplementary information. When the supplementary information display icon is operated, the contents of the supplementary information set on user terminal 1500a of the transferor user are displayed on user terminal 1500b.

[0095] Additionally, the supplementary information confirmation screen W12 displays an icon for displaying the transfer execution conditions related to the content specified by the transferring user, and a check box for the receiving user to declare that they have confirmed the transfer execution conditions.

[0096] Transfer execution conditions are provided for each piece of content and indicate the requirements that must be met in order to transfer the usage information of that content. The transfer execution conditions are set independently by the administrator of the content provision service (in this embodiment, the game provider, since the content is an online game) on the content provision server 1100c.

[0097] The transfer execution condition setting data 550, which defines the conditions for executing the transfer, is managed by the content provision server 1100c. The transfer execution condition setting data 550 includes a content ID (game title) that specifies the content to which the conditions apply, and information on the condition configuration. The condition configuration is described by combining one or more sub-conditions.

[0098] Sub-conditions include, for example, (1) Terms and conditions of the agreement to transfer the tangible object 10 (for example, whether an agreement has been reached, the difference between the date and time of the agreement and the current date and time, etc.) (2) Conditions for the type of transfer, (3) User relationship conditions regarding the relationship between the transferring user and the transferring user (for example, same gender, same age, same team, different teams, being registered as friends, etc.) (4) Conditions for non-transferable information types that indicate the types of information among the usage information 532 that are not permitted to be transferred, (5) Conditions for the transfer price (for example, the transfer price shall be in-game currency, the transfer price shall be in-game items, there shall be an upper limit on the amount of the transfer price, etc.) (6) Classification conditions for the element conditions of usage information 532 (for example, falling under the specified category, etc.) (7) Type conditions for the classification of element conditions of usage information 532 (for example, falling under a specified type, etc.) You can use these. Of course, you can also set other subconditions as needed.

[0099] When the icon for displaying transfer execution conditions is operated, the ownership information management server 1100b requests the content provision server 1100c to provide the transfer execution conditions for the content specified by the transferor user on the supplementary information setting screen W4. The content provision server 1100c responds to the request and returns the corresponding transfer execution conditions. The ownership information management server 1100b displays the received transfer execution conditions on the transferee user's terminal 1500b.

[0100] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the transfer agreement and the notification of the completion of the transfer. Once all the necessary inputs for the transfer have been made on the transferring user's terminal 1500a, and all the necessary inputs for the transfer have been made on the receiving user's terminal 1500b, the contents of the transfer agreement will be determined based on these inputs. The contract details confirmation screen W14, which shows the final contents of the transfer agreement, will be displayed on both user terminals 1500a and 1500b.

[0101] On the contract details confirmation screen W14, an approval operation icon and a contract cancellation operation icon are displayed. When both the transferring user and the transferring user operate the approval operation icon, the ownership information management server 1100b considers that the contents of the transfer contract have been confirmed and determines that the transfer contract has been concluded. In other words, the ownership information management server 1100b determines that the conditions for transferring ownership of a tangible object owned by the first user to the second user have been met.

[0102] When it is determined that the transfer agreement has been concluded, the transfer completion notification screen W16 is displayed on both user terminal 1500a and user terminal 1500b. At the same time, the ownership information management server 1100b sends data indicating the details of the agreement and that the agreement has been concluded to the email addresses that the transferring user and the transferring user have registered in advance.

[0103] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the changes to ownership information 512 that occur when a transfer agreement is concluded. When a transfer agreement is concluded, the ownership information management server 1100b adds transfer history data 514 to the ownership information 512 of the tangible object 10 being transferred. Incidentally, in the example in Figure 8, since this is the first transfer of the tangible object 10, only one transfer history data 514 is shown.

[0104] The transfer history data 514 stores various data describing the contents of the concluded transfer agreement. Specifically, the transfer history data 514 includes a unique transfer ID, the date and time the transfer agreement was concluded, the name of the transferring user, the name of the receiving user, the individual identification information of the tangible item being transferred, image data of the transferred tangible item, and supplementary information setting data. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

[0105] The supplementary information settings data includes information to identify the usage information to be transferred, such as the content category, content ID (e.g., game title), and the user account used by the transferring user when using the content. Furthermore, the supplementary information settings data also includes settings for the method of transferring the usage information, settings for how the specified usage information will be handled, and types of usage information to be excluded from the transfer.

[0106] The types of usage information excluded from transfer are those not selected in the "Types of usage information to transfer" section of the detailed settings screen W6 (see Figure 5). It is also possible to include items obtained through lotteries (regardless of whether they are items or characters) in the types of usage information excluded from transfer.

[0107] Then, the ownership information management server 1100b issues an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) based on the ownership information 512 and sends it to the user terminal 1500b. The user terminal 1500b writes the NFT to the IC tag 16 of the tangible object 10 via the RFID reader / writer 1590. The ownership information 512 and the NFT allow a third party to confirm that the ownership of the tangible object 10 belongs to the transferee user 2b.

[0108] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the transfer process of usage information by the content provision server 1100c. The content provision server 1100c periodically sends a transfer occurrence inquiry request to the ownership information management server 1100b. In response to this request, the ownership information management server 1100b provides the content provision server 1100c with some or all of the transfer history data 514 of transfer agreements concluded from the last transfer occurrence inquiry to the present.

[0109] The content provision server 1100c executes the transfer process of usage information based on the received transfer history data 514. The content of the transfer process changes depending on the settings of the supplementary items. Specifically, it changes depending on the settings of the transfer method of usage information, the handling of usage information, and the types of usage information to be excluded from transfer among the supplementary items.

[0110] In the example in Figure 9, the handling of usage information is set to "Transfer Inheritance," and the default "Lottery Acquisition" is set as the type of usage information excluded from transfer. That is, the "Transfer Inheritance" transfer process deletes the usage information 532 of the transferee user. Then, the user account of the usage information 532 of the transferring user (user 2a) is changed from that of the transferring user (user 2a) to that of the transferee user (user 2b). Next, since lottery acquisition is set as the default type of usage information excluded from transfer, the lottery acquisition history is referenced, and the items that are lottery acquisitions are searched for in the owned item list and deleted. The transferee user will no longer be able to use the items that the transferring user acquired through lottery. This prevents the misuse of the mechanism for transferring ownership of lottery acquisitions for resale and cash conversion. After the lottery acquisitions are deleted, the lottery acquisition history is deleted. Even if the setting for handling usage information is "Integration" or "Additional Inheritance," lottery acquisitions can always be included in the type of usage information excluded from transfer. Details of the transfer process will be described in the operation description below.

[0111] Next, I will explain the functional configuration. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management system 1000. The information management system 1000 comprises an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an audio output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0112] The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the information management system 1000. Examples of this include a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc.

[0113] The server processing unit 200s is implemented using electronic components such as IC memory and other arithmetic circuits, including a processor such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, and controls data input and output with each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It then performs various calculation processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from user terminals 1500, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the information management system 1000.

[0114] The server processing unit 200s includes a manufacturing management unit 210, an ownership information management unit 212, a content provision control unit 214, an ownership transfer condition determination unit 216, a usage information transfer processing unit 218, a timing unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

[0115] The manufacturing management department 210 manages information related to the manufacturing of tangible objects 10. Specifically, it manages manufacturing registration data 510 (see Figure 2).

[0116] The ownership information management unit 212 manages ownership information, which is information about user 2 who owns the tangible object 10, and modifies the ownership information so that when the conditions for ownership transfer are met, ownership of the transferred tangible object is transferred from the first user to the second user. Specifically, it manages ownership information 512 as ownership information and adds transfer history data 514 when the conditions for ownership transfer are met (see Figures 3 and 8).

[0117] The content provision control unit 214 controls the provision of content to the user terminal 1500 and manages various data related to the provision. Specifically, it manages content data 520, user management data 530, and usage information 532 (see Figure 4).

[0118] The ownership transfer condition determination unit 216 determines whether the given ownership transfer conditions for transferring the tangible item owned by the first user to the second user have been met.

[0119] The usage information transfer processing unit 218 executes a usage information transfer process to transfer the usage information (transfer usage information) of the tangible object owned by the first user to the second user, when the conditions for ownership transfer are met.

[0120] The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to perform various timing operations, such as determining the current date and time and the time limit.

[0121] The sound generation unit 290s is implemented by executing ICs and software that generate and decode audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds, sound effects, background music, and voice calls related to the system management of the information management system 1000 and the provision of online games. The audio signals related to system management are then output to the sound output unit 390s.

[0122] The sound output section 390s is implemented by a speaker or the like and emits sound based on the audio signal.

[0123] The image generation unit 292s generates images for various management screens for the information management system 1000 and outputs the image data to the image display unit 392s. The image display unit 392s is implemented by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector.

[0124] Furthermore, the image display unit 392s also generates images necessary for content provision. For example, it generates content screens to be displayed on each user terminal 1500, and also renders game space images, such as the virtual 3D space that serves as the basis for gameplay images, captured by a virtual camera.

[0125] The communication control unit 294s performs data processing related to data communication and enables data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394s.

[0126] The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 to enable communication. This is achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), jacks and control circuits for wired communication cables, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

[0127] The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data necessary to enable the server processing unit 200s to comprehensively control the information management system 1000. It also serves as a workspace for the server processing unit 200s, temporarily storing calculation results performed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function can be implemented using, for example, IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, or online storage. In the example shown in Figure 1, this corresponds to the storage media such as the IC memory 1152 and hard disk mounted on the main unit 1101. Online storage may also be included in the server storage unit 500s.

[0128] Figure 11 shows an example of programs and data stored by the server storage unit 500s. In this embodiment, the server storage unit 500s stores a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, manufacturing registration data 510 (see Figure 2), ownership information 512 (see Figures 3 and 8), content data 520 (see Figure 4), user management data 530 (see Figure 4), usage information 532 (see Figure 4), transfer contract setting work data 540, transfer execution condition setting data 550 (see Figure 6), transfer execution history data 560, content play data 700, and the current date and time 900. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (for example, timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

[0129] The server program 501 is a program that, when read and executed by the server processing unit 200s, enables the server processing unit 200s to perform the functions of a manufacturing management unit 210, an ownership information management unit 212, a content provision control unit 214, an ownership transfer condition determination unit 216, and a usage information transfer processing unit 218. When the information management system 1000 is configured with a manufacturing management server 1100a, an ownership information management server 1100b, and a content provision server 1100c, the server program 501 includes a manufacturing management server program to perform the functions of the manufacturing management server 1100a, an ownership information management server program to perform the functions of the ownership information management server 1100b, and a content provision server program to perform the functions of the content provision server 1100c, and these are executed on their respective server devices.

[0130] The distribution client program 503 is the original program that is provided to and executed on the user terminal 1500.

[0131] The transfer agreement setup work data 540 temporarily stores various work data related to the ownership transfer procedure. The results of operations entered on the various screens shown in Figures 5 and 6 are stored here.

[0132] The transfer execution history data 560 is created each time a transfer of usage information 532 is executed in response to the completion of the transfer of ownership, and stores various data indicating the history of the transfer. One transfer execution history data 560 stores, for example, the contract ID of the completed transfer, the date and time of execution, and the transfer ID of the transfer history data 514 that was the origin of the transfer (see Figure 8), along with other related information.

[0133] Play data 700 stores various data necessary for users to use the content. If the content is an online game, play data 700 corresponds to play data and game progress control data, which store various data necessary for controlling the game's progress.

[0134] Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 1500. The user terminal 1500 comprises an operation input unit 100, a terminal processing unit 200, an audio output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

[0135] The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals to the terminal processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs made by the user. This can be achieved, for example, by push switches, joysticks, touchpads, trackballs, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.

[0136] The terminal processing unit 200 is implemented by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or electronic components such as IC memory, and controls data input and output with each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. It then controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 by executing various calculation processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the information management system 1000.

[0137] Furthermore, the terminal processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a client control unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0138] The client control unit 260 performs various controls to enable the user terminal 1500 to function as a MMIF (Man-Machine Interface) as a client in the information management system 1000. Specifically, the client control unit 260 includes an operation input information provision unit 261 and a display control unit 262.

[0139] The operation input information provision unit 261 controls the transmission of operation input information to the information management system 1000 in response to input from the operation input unit 100.

[0140] The display control unit 262 performs control to display various images based on data received from the information management system 1000.

[0141] The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to determine the current date and time, the time limit, and other time information.

[0142] The sound generation unit 290 is implemented by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a speech synthesis IC, and an audio codec capable of playing audio files. It generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

[0143] The sound output unit 390 is implemented by a device that outputs sound (emits sound) based on sound signals input from the sound generation unit 290, such as a speaker.

[0144] The image generation unit 292 generates and outputs an image signal that displays the image on the image display unit 392 based on the control of the client control unit 260. In the example in Figure 1, this would include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), graphics controller, graphics board, etc., mounted on the control board 1550.

[0145] The image display unit 392 is implemented using a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector.

[0146] The communication control unit 294 performs data processing related to data communication and enables data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

[0147] The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to enable communication. This is achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), jacks and control circuits for wired communication cables, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0148] The terminal memory unit 500 stores programs and various data necessary for the terminal processing unit 200 to implement a given function. It is also used as a workspace for the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results performed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, as well as input data received from the operation input unit 100. These functions are realized by, for example, IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs. In the example in Figure 1, the IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550 corresponds to this.

[0149] Specifically, the terminal storage unit 500 stores a client program 502 (application program) for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as a client control unit 260, and the current date and time 900. Of course, other data can also be stored as needed.

[0150] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of the tangible object 10. The manufacturer stores individual identification information in the IC tag 16 (step S12) and creates an individual identification information sticker 18 (step S14). These steps can be omitted if the IC tag 16 with individual identification information already stored and the printed individual identification information sticker 18 are purchased separately.

[0151] Next, the manufacturer manufactures a tangible object 10 containing an IC tag 16, and attaches an individual identification information sticker 18, which is a set with the IC tag 16, to the surface of the tangible object (step S16).

[0152] Then, the manufacturer takes a manufacturing image of the tangible object 10 (step S18), inputs the necessary information into the manufacturing registration data 510 at the manufacturing management server 1100a, and creates and stores the new manufacturing registration data 510 (step S20). Specifically, when the manufacturing management server 1100a detects a predetermined manufacturing registration creation operation input, it requests the input of individual identification information and manufacturing image data, and once these are input, it creates and stores the new manufacturing registration data 510.

[0153] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the process for establishing new ownership of a tangible object 10 (see Figure 3). User 2, who wishes to newly set ownership of the tangible object 10, inputs a predetermined new ownership setting operation on the user terminal 1500. When the user terminal 1500 detects this (step S30), it displays a message to user 2 prompting them to read the individual identification information of the tangible object 10 and take a picture of the tangible object 10 using the RFID reader / writer 1590. In response to these operations by user 2, the user terminal reads the individual identification information, takes a picture of the tangible object 10, and saves the image data (step S32).

[0154] Next, the user terminal 1500 accesses the ownership information management server 1100b and requests the setting of new ownership along with the individual identification information and image data that it has read (step S34).

[0155] When the ownership information management server 1100b receives the request, it requests the manufacturing management server 1100a to verify the manufacturing of the individual identification information that was attached to the request (step S40). The manufacturing management server 1100a compares the requested individual identification information with the manufacturing registration data 510 and returns the query result (e.g., whether or not the product is registered) to the ownership information management server 1100b (step S42).

[0156] If the ownership information management server 1100b determines from the query results obtained from the manufacturing management server 1100a that the tangible object 10 with individual identification information is a genuine product (YES in step S44), it creates and stores new ownership information 512 in response to a request from the user terminal 1500a (step S46).

[0157] Furthermore, the ownership information management server 1100b may attach manufacturing image data to the inquiry response, and the ownership information management server 1100b may perform an additional authenticity determination process for the tangible item 10 by comparing the manufacturing image data with the image data attached to the new ownership setting request. The tangible item 10 is determined to be a genuine product if the inquiry response is "manufacturing registered" and the result of the authenticity determination process is "genuine".

[0158] Next, the ownership information management server 1100b issues an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) based on the date and time of new registration, the owner user account at the time of new registration, and the tangible object image data at the time of new registration, and sends it to the user terminal 1500a (step S48).

[0159] The user terminal 1500a writes the received NFT to the IC tag 16 of the tangible object 10 via the RFID reader / writer 1590 (step S50). After the NFT is written, the NFT stored in the IC tag 16 is read, and the ownership information management server 1100b uses a separate NFT authenticity verification service to confirm that the tangible object 10 is genuine and who its owner is.

[0160] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow related to content delivery. User 2, who wishes to use the content, inputs a content usage start operation into user terminal 1500. When user terminal 1500 detects this, it accesses content provision server 1100c and starts the login procedure (step S70). In response, content provision server 1100c executes login acceptance processing (step S72).

[0161] User 2, who wishes to use the physical object 10 as content, enters the prescribed physical object usage operation after logging in. The user terminal 1500 detects this and reads the individual identification information from the physical object 10 with the RFID reader / writer 1590, and sends the individual identification information along with the physical object usage request to the content provision server 1100c (step S74).

[0162] When the content provision server 1100c receives the request, it sends an ownership inquiry request to the ownership information management server 1100b along with the received individual identification information (step S76).

[0163] When the ownership information management server 1100b receives the request, it returns to the content provision server 1100c the user information (name, address, date of birth, gender, ...) of the user who is the latest owner of the tangible object 10 of the received individual identification information (the recipient user in the latest transfer) (step S78).

[0164] The content provision server 1100c determines from the query response whether user 2, whose login was accepted in step S72, owns the tangible object 10 of the individual identification information received in the request in step S74. Specifically, it makes this determination by comparing the user personal information in the user management data 530 (see Figure 4) of user 2, whose login was accepted in step S72, with the user information obtained as a query response. For example, a positive determination may be made if the names match, or a positive determination may not be made unless the name, address, and date of birth all match.

[0165] If ownership is determined (YES in step S80), the content provision server 1100c registers the individual identification information received in the request in step S74 in the user management data 530 (see Figure 4) of the user who registered in step S72 (logged-in user) (step S82). However, if the individual identification information is already registered as individual identification information for a tangible object in use, step S82 is skipped.

[0166] Next, the content provision server 1100c grants the benefit based on the benefit definition data for using tangible objects in the content data 520 (see Figure 4) of the content (step S84). Specifically, if the benefit is a change in ability parameter values, acquisition of skills, granting of usable characters, granting of items, etc., it modifies the game save data in the login user's usage information 532 (see Figure 4). Then, in order to prevent duplicate acquisition of benefits for using tangible objects, it updates the history of benefits acquired for using tangible objects. If there is a configuration in which multiple types of benefit definition data for using tangible objects are prepared according to the type of tangible object 10, the name of the tangible object along with the individual identification information is appropriately queried from the manufacturing management server 1100a.

[0167] If it is determined that there is no ownership (YES in step S80), the content provider server 1100c skips steps S82 and S84. Alternatively, it may display a notification on the user terminal 1500 indicating that the content is unavailable.

[0168] Next, the content provision server 1100c starts providing content and begins updating the usage information 532 (step S88). The content provision server 1100c functions as a game server and starts sending various content execution data, such as image data, to the user terminal 1500 to enable it to play the online game. As a result, the user terminal 1500 starts playing the online game (step S90).

[0169] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the process for transferring ownership of a tangible object 10. When both the user terminal 1500a of the transferring user 2a and the user terminal 1500b of the receiving user 2b access the ownership information management server 1100b and detect an input to start the ownership transfer procedure, they send a request to the ownership information management server 1100b to start the transfer procedure (step S100).

[0170] The ownership information management server 1100b requests the user terminal 1500 that made the request to perform the necessary operations to verify the user and set the details of the transfer agreement (step S102).

[0171] When user terminals 1500a and 1500b receive the request, they accept the requested operation input (step S104). Specifically, user terminal 1500a of transferor user 2a displays the transferor user confirmation screen W2, the supplementary information setting screen W4, and the detailed settings screen W6 (see Figure 5).

[0172] In relation to the detailed settings screen W6, the user terminal 1500a queries the content provision server 1100c for the types of information included in the usage information, and the content provision server 1100c responds to this (step S106).

[0173] Furthermore, the operation input results from the transferor user 2a are transmitted from the user terminal 1500a to the ownership information management server 1100b. The ownership information management server 1100b sets the content of the supplementary information based on the operation input results received from the user terminal 1500a of the transferring user 2a (step S108). Since the information entered on the supplementary information setting screen W4 includes the name of the receiving user (see Figure 5), the ownership information management server 1100b matches the transferring user with the receiving user and sends the supplementary information to the user terminal 1500b of the receiving user 2b.

[0174] When user terminal 1500b of transferee user 2b receives a request for user verification and input necessary to set the details of the transfer agreement, it displays the transferee user verification screen W10 (see Figure 6) and displays the supplementary information verification screen W12 based on the supplementary information received from ownership information management server 1100b.

[0175] Furthermore, when user terminal 1500b detects input for confirmation of transfer execution conditions on the supplementary information confirmation screen W12, it sends a request to content provision server 1100c to reference the transfer execution conditions. Content provision server 1100c responds to this request and returns the data of the transfer execution conditions (step S110). The operation input result by the transferee user is sent to ownership information management server 1100b.

[0176] If the ownership information management server 1100b obtains the results of user verification and the necessary operation inputs to set the transfer contract details, it sets the transfer contract details (contents stored in the transfer history data 514: see Figure 8) and sends confirmation operation requests for the contract details from the transferor user 2a and the transferee user 2b to user terminals 1500a and 1500b (step S120).

[0177] When user terminals 1500a and 1500b receive the confirmation operation request, they display the contract details confirmation screen W14 (see Figure 7) and send the result of the approval / contract cancellation confirmation operation input to the ownership information management server 1100b (step S122).

[0178] The ownership information management server 1100b determines that a transfer agreement has been concluded if all of the following have been completed: (1) confirmation of the transferring user, (2) confirmation of the transferring user, (3) confirmation of receipt of the transfer consideration by the transferring user, (4) confirmation of receipt of the tangible item by the transferring user, (5) manufacturing confirmation based on the individual identification information of the tangible item, (6) setting of the transfer agreement details, and (7) confirmation of the transfer agreement details by both the transferring user and the transferring user. The server then sends a predetermined conclusion notification to user terminals 1500a and 1500b (step S124).

[0179] Furthermore, the ownership information management server 1100b generates and adds transfer history data 514 related to the transfer that has just been completed to the ownership information 512 of the tangible object 10 to be transferred (step S126). Then, it issues an NFT and sends it to the user terminal 1500b (step S128).

[0180] User terminals 1500a and 1500b receive the notification and display the transfer completion notification screen W16 (see Figure 7), and perform services such as sending the details of the transfer agreement via email (step S130). User terminal 1500b writes the NFT received via the RFID reader / writer 1590 to the IC tag 16 of the received tangible object 10 (step S132).

[0181] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the user information transfer process. The content provision server 1100c periodically sends a transfer occurrence inquiry request to the ownership information management server 1100b (step S200). In response to this request, the ownership information management server 1100b provides the content provision server 1100c with some or all of the transfer history data 514 of transfer agreements concluded from the previous transfer occurrence inquiry request to the present (step S202).

[0182] The content provision server 1100c compares the received transfer history data 514 with the transfer execution history data 560 (see Figure 11) to search for transfer histories in which the transfer of usage information 532 has not yet been executed. If there are any unexecuted transfer histories, it executes loop A, i.e., the transfer process of usage information, for each corresponding transfer history data 514 (steps S206 to S224).

[0183] Specifically, if the transfer execution conditions indicated in the transfer execution condition setting data 550 (see Figure 6) are met for the transfer history to be processed in Loop A (YS in step S208), the content provision server 1100c refers to the transfer type setting of the usage information 532 included in the transfer history data 514.

[0184] Then, if the transfer type setting indicates "transfer" all or part of the usage information 532 (transfer in step S210), the content provision server 1100c further refers to the "handling of usage information" setting in the supplementary information setting data of the transfer history data 514, and if it indicates "transfer and inheritance" (YES in step S212), it executes the transfer and inheritance transfer process (step S214).

[0185] Specifically, if the content provision server 1100c does not have the user information 532 of the transferee user, it searches for the user information 532 of the transferring user (see Figure 4) related to the content indicated by the "Content ID" in the supplementary settings data of the transfer history data 514 that is the target of processing in Loop A, as part of the transfer process for migration and inheritance. Then, it overwrites that user account with the user account of the transferee user. In addition, it deletes or overwrites the data of the user information 532 that corresponds to the "Type of usage information excluded from transfer" in the supplementary settings data of the transfer history data 514 that is the target of processing in Loop A. Furthermore, it deletes or overwrites the data obtained through lotteries, as indicated in the lottery acquisition history of the transferring user's user information 532, with the default value. In other words, it overwrites the user information 532 of the transferring user as if it were the user information 532 of the transferee user.

[0186] If there is user information 532 for the transferee user, the content provision server 1100c may perform the transfer process for the transfer by overwriting the user information 532 with the user information 532 for the transferee user and deleting the user information 532 after the overwrite. The same applies to data that falls under "Types of user information excluded from transfer" and data obtained through lotteries shown in the lottery acquisition history.

[0187] Furthermore, if there are multiple usage records 532 for a single piece of content from the transferring user (for example, if the transferring user has received a tangible item 10 from another user, and the handling of the usage records in that case is "additional inheritance"), the transfer process for migration inheritance may allow the receiving user to choose whether to include any of the multiple usage records 532 in the migration inheritance process.

[0188] If the "Handling of Usage Information" setting indicates "Integration" (Integration in step S216), the content provision server 1100c executes the integration transfer process (step S218).

[0189] Specifically, if the transferring user and the receiving user are using the same type of player character, the content provision server 1100c will perform the integration transfer process by comparing the ability parameter values ​​of the transferring user with those of the receiving user for each item, and changing them to the value of the higher ability parameter (the side that is advantageous to the receiving user). The same applies to acquired skills.

[0190] Owned characters and items will be added to the recipient user's usage information 532 from the transferring user's usage information 532. However, ability parameters and acquired skills corresponding to usage information 532 that fall under the "Usage Information Types Excluded from Transfer" will not be merged in this way. In addition, items acquired through lotteries shown in the lottery acquisition history of the transferring user's usage information 532 will not be subject to this merge.

[0191] If the transferring user and the receiving user are using different types of player characters, the player character type in usage information 53 is converted from that of the receiving player to that of the transferring player (the character in tangible object 10). Then, the ability parameter values ​​are compared and merged according to the exchange rate corresponding to the character type combination, which is prepared separately. Acquired skills may be substituted with skills available for the player character type of the receiving user, according to the exchange rules corresponding to the character type combination, which are prepared separately.

[0192] Furthermore, if there are multiple usage records 532 for a single piece of content belonging to the transferring user, the transfer process for integration may allow the receiving user to choose whether to integrate any of the multiple usage records 532. Alternatively, all of the multiple usage records 532 may be included in the integration.

[0193] If the "Handling of Usage Information" setting indicates "Additional Inheritance" (integration in step S216), the content provision server 1100c executes the transfer process for additional inheritance (step S220).

[0194] Specifically, as part of the additional inheritance transfer process, the content provider server 1100c, if the user information 532 for the transferee user already exists, retains it and modifies the user information 532 for the transferor user in the same way as the transfer process for migration inheritance, making this the additional user information 532 for the transferee user. In other words, in the case of additional inheritance, the transferee user will have multiple user information 532s and can choose any of them to use for content play.

[0195] Furthermore, if there are multiple usage information entries 532 for a single piece of content belonging to the transferring user, the additional inheritance transfer process will treat all of these usage information entries 532 as additional usage information entries 532 for the receiving user. Alternatively, the receiving user may be asked to select which of the multiple usage information entries 532 are subject to the additional inheritance transfer process, ensuring that the number of entries remains within a predetermined allowable limit.

[0196] If the content provision server 1100c has executed any transfer process, it creates new transfer execution history data 560 (step S222) and notifies that the transfer execution has been completed (step S223). For example, the notification may be displayed on the user terminal 1500 of the transferring user, or an email notification may be sent to an email address that has been registered in advance and associated with the transferring user. Then, the content delivery server 1100c terminates loop A (step S224).

[0197] As described above, according to this embodiment, by setting the contents of a transfer agreement that includes ancillary matters regarding the transfer of usage information, and by changing the processing content of the usage information transfer process according to the set contents of the ancillary matters and the set contents of the transfer conditions, it is possible to transfer usage information for tangible objects that is stored linked to the tangible object on a per-user basis for content that can be used in a tangible object usage form. In other words, when the ownership transfer conditions for transferring a tangible object (transferred tangible object) from the first user (transferring user) to the second user (transferee user) are met, a usage information transfer process can be executed to transfer the usage information (transferred usage information) of the transferred tangible object to the second user. This realizes a new technology that enables the transfer of transferred usage information along with the transfer of the transferred tangible object.

[0198] [Variation] Although an example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described form, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0199] (Variation 1) For example, although the content was described as an online game, the genre and content of the game are not limited to the above embodiment and can be set as appropriate.

[0200] (Variation 2) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the conditions for the transfer of ownership to be established are defined as the confirmation of the transferring user, confirmation of the transferring user, confirmation of receipt of the transfer consideration by the transferring user, confirmation of receipt of the tangible item by the transferring user, manufacturing confirmation based on the individual identification information of the tangible item, setting of the transfer contract details, and confirmation of the transfer contract details by both the transferring user and the transferring user. However, it is also possible to omit some of these steps.

[0201] Furthermore, if there is a trading site that guarantees that the transaction was properly executed by issuing a transaction completion number upon completion of the transaction, and a tangible object 10 is transferred through such a trading site, the ownership transfer procedure may involve entering the transaction completion number, and the ownership information management server 1100b communicates with the trading site's server and determines that the transfer of ownership has been completed when it obtains proof of transaction completion using the transaction completion number.

[0202] (Variation 3) Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a case where there is one owner of the tangible object 10, a configuration that allows for joint ownership is also possible. In that case, the number of transferor users and transferee users in the above embodiment will be equal to the number of joint owners, and the sharing ratio will also be set.

[0203] Furthermore, the transfer of tangible object 10 may be made individually within the respective ownership shares of each co-owner. However, since who receives the jointly owned tangible object 10 is determined by agreement among the co-owners, if the transfer is made within the ownership shares, the recipient user is not necessarily guaranteed to receive the tangible object 10. Therefore, the input fields on the recipient user confirmation screen W10 (see Figure 6) may be omitted as appropriate.

[0204] Furthermore, in a configuration that allows for joint ownership, it may be stipulated that transfers require the agreement of all co-owners, and that powers related to the transfer (for example, whether or not they have the power to confirm the contents of the contract, whether or not they have the power to set up ancillary provisions, etc.) be granted according to the proportion of ownership. Specifically, in a case where a tangible object 10 jointly owned by two people is transferred to another person, the transferring user with the higher ownership stake may perform the operation to set up the ancillary details. Then, when that transferring user confirms and approves the transfer agreement with the receiving user, and the other transferring user also confirms and approves the transfer agreement with the same receiving user, it is determined that the transfer agreement for the tangible object 10 has been concluded, and the ownership information 512 is changed. The usage information 532 of the two transferring users is then transferred to the one receiving user.

[0205] (Variation 4) Furthermore, in a configuration that allows joint ownership, if there are multiple transferring users and only one receiving user, in the "transfer inheritance" or "integration" transfer process, the usage information 532 of the transferring users may be integrated into a single usage information 532 in the same manner as in the "integration" transfer process before being transferred. In the "additional inheritance" transfer process, the usage information 532 of the transferring users may be transferred as separate usage information 532 as additional usage information for the receiving user.

[0206] Furthermore, in a configuration that allows joint ownership, if there are multiple transferring users and multiple receiving users, the "transfer inheritance," "integration," and "additional inheritance" transfer processes may first integrate the usage information 532 of the transferring users into a single usage information 532 in the same manner as the "integration" transfer process, and then duplicate and transfer the same information to each of the multiple receiving users. Alternatively, if the number of transferring users and receiving users are equal, the transferor-recipient combinations may be created randomly, and a one-to-one transfer may be performed for each combination.

[0207] (Variation 5) Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the system to set information representing the user's ownership generation and then perform the transfer process for the usage information 532. Specifically, all or part of the information contained in the usage information 532 is associated with a transfer count, which is incremented by "1" each time a transfer process is completed, and stored as information representing the user's ownership generation. Then, in the integrated transfer process (step S218 in Figure 17) and the additional inheritance transfer process (step S220 in Figure 17), the system may be configured to determine whether or not to permit the transfer of the information based on the transfer count.

[0208] For example, if an item is newly acquired, the item is assigned a transfer count of "0" and added to the list of owned items. Then, in the transfer process for integration and the transfer process for inheritance, the item's transfer count is increased by "1" each time a physical object 10 is transferred. On the other hand, one of the ancillary conditions is to set an upper limit on the number of transfers. The administrator of the content provision server 1100c or the game provider may set the upper limit on the number of transfers in the transfer execution condition setting data 550 (see Figure 6). Then, in the transfer process for integration and the transfer process for inheritance, items whose added transfer count exceeds the upper limit are excluded from the transfer.

[0209] By appropriately determining which of the 532 elements of the usage information to assign the number of transfers to, and setting an upper limit on the number of transfers, it is possible to prevent the concentration of items and skills in the hands of a few users through the use of transfers, thereby suppressing the emergence of player characters with extremely high abilities and preventing undesirable changes in the game balance.

[0210] (Variation #6) The transfer of user information is not limited to these methods. For example, in each of the following cases—transfer (step S214 in Figure 17), integration (step S218 in Figure 17), and additional inheritance (step S220 in Figure 17)—it is also possible to create a copy of the transferor user's user information 532 and use that copy to perform the transfer, integration, and additional inheritance transfer, respectively. In such a configuration, the transferor user can continue to use the user information even after the transfer. The transferee user will have obtained a copy of the transferor user's user information at the time of the transfer. This configuration can also be applied to other variations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0211] 10…Tangible objects 16…IC tag 200s... Server Processing Unit 210…Manufacturing Management Department 212… Ownership Information Management Department 214…Content Provision Control Unit 216...Determination Unit for Determining the Conditions for Transfer of Ownership 218…Usage Information Transfer Processing Unit 500s... Server storage unit 510…Manufacturing registration data 511...User registration data 512… Ownership Information 514…Transfer history data 520…Content data 530...User management data 532…Usage information 540... Transfer contract setup work data 550... Transfer execution condition setting data 560…Transfer execution history data 1000... Information Management System 1100a... Manufacturing management server 1100b... Ownership information management server 1100c... Content delivery server 1150... Control board 1500... User terminal 1550... Control board 1590...RFID Reader / Writer W2...Transfer source user confirmation screen W4... Additional settings screen W6…Detailed settings screen W10... Transfer recipient user confirmation screen W12... Additional Information Confirmation Screen W14...Contract details confirmation screen W16…Transfer completion notification screen

Claims

1. An information management system for controlling the transferability of usage information related to a tangible object, which is managed in conjunction with the tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage manner, among users. Ownership transfer condition determination means for determining whether the conditions for transferring ownership of the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferable tangible object") to the second user have been met, A usage information transfer processing means that, when the conditions for the transfer of ownership are met, executes a usage information transfer process to transfer the usage information of the tangible object to be transferred (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") to the second user, Equipped with, The aforementioned usage information transfer processing means includes and executes a process of transferring the transfer usage information to the second user when given usage information transfer conditions are met, The aforementioned usage information includes multiple elements of information that can be categorized or classified by type, The aforementioned terms for transferring usage information include terms for transferring information of each type corresponding to each element of the usage information, The aforementioned usage information transfer processing means includes in the usage information transfer processing a process of transferring element information from the element information included in the transfer usage information, according to the information type transfer conditions that have been met, to the second user. Information management system.

2. The user information transfer processing means includes in the user information transfer processing the process of making the transferred user information available to the second user in the content. The information management system according to claim 1.

3. Ownership information management means for managing ownership information which is information of a user who owns the aforementioned tangible object, and ownership information management means for transferring ownership of the transferred tangible object from the first user to the second user when the conditions for ownership transfer are met. The information management system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The aforementioned content is game content, The aforementioned tangible object utilization mode is such that by inputting the identification information of the tangible object into the content, game information pre-associated with the said object becomes available in the game, and the settings of the said game information change as a result of its use in the game. An information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned usage information is information about the settings of the game information that have changed as a result of being used in the game. The aforementioned usage information transfer processing means includes in the usage information transfer processing a process that takes over the settings of the transferred usage information and makes it available to the second user in the game. The information management system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned usage information includes history information on the use of the game information in the game, The information management system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The aforementioned game information is information about a character or item (hereinafter referred to as "character"), The aforementioned form of using a tangible object is one in which the character's settings change as a result of its use in the game. An information management system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The aforementioned content is content that accepts evaluations of the tangible object used in the aforementioned tangible object utilization form from users other than the user who owns the tangible object, and publishes the results of said evaluation. The aforementioned usage information is the evaluation information received regarding the content. An information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The aforementioned content is content that grants a given benefit to a user who owns a tangible object in accordance with its use in the aforementioned form of use of the tangible object. The aforementioned usage information is information about the benefits granted by the aforementioned form of use of the tangible object. An information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The aforementioned usage information includes, categorized by ownership generation of the user who owned the corresponding tangible object, as elemental information. An information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An information management system for controlling the transferability of usage information related to a tangible object, which is managed in conjunction with the tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage manner, among users. Ownership transfer condition determination means for determining whether the conditions for transferring ownership of the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferable tangible object") to the second user have been met, A usage information transfer processing means that, when the conditions for the transfer of ownership are met, executes a usage information transfer process to transfer the usage information of the tangible object to be transferred (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") to the second user, Equipped with, The ownership transfer condition determination means determines, as a condition for transferring the tangible object jointly owned by the third user and the fourth user to the fifth user, that the ownership transfer conditions have been met between the third user and the fifth user, and that the ownership transfer conditions have been met between the fourth user and the fifth user. The aforementioned usage information transfer processing means executes usage information transfer processing to transfer the usage information that was jointly owned by the third user and the fourth user to the fifth user. Information management system.

12. An information management method for controlling the transferability of usage information related to a tangible object, which is managed in conjunction with the tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage manner, among users. A step to determine whether the conditions for transferring ownership of the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferable tangible object") to the second user have been met, A usage information transfer processing step is performed to transfer the usage information of the tangible object to be transferred (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") to the second user when the conditions for transfer of ownership are met. Includes, The aforementioned usage information transfer processing step is a step that includes and executes a process of transferring the transfer usage information to the second user when given usage information transfer conditions are met, The aforementioned usage information includes multiple elements of information that can be categorized or classified by type, The aforementioned terms for transferring usage information include terms for transferring information of each type corresponding to each element of the usage information, The aforementioned usage information transfer processing step is a step that includes and executes a process of transferring element information from the element information included in the transfer usage information, according to the information type transfer conditions that have been met, to the second user. Information management method.

13. An information management method for controlling the transferability of usage information related to a tangible object, which is managed in conjunction with the tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage manner, among users. A step to determine whether the conditions for transferring ownership of the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferable tangible object") to the second user have been met, A usage information transfer processing step is performed to transfer the usage information of the tangible object to be transferred (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") to the second user when the conditions for transfer of ownership are met. Includes, The ownership transfer condition determination step includes determining that, as a condition for transferring the transferable tangible object jointly owned by the third user and the fourth user to the fifth user, the ownership transfer conditions have been met between the third user and the fifth user, and that the ownership transfer conditions have been met between the fourth user and the fifth user. The aforementioned usage information transfer processing step includes performing a usage information transfer process to transfer the usage information that was jointly owned by the third user and the fourth user to the fifth user. Information management method.

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