A management system and program for Japanese sake auctions.

Abstract

We provide a reliable management system and program for sake auctions that allows for the purchase of multiple containers of sake at once. [Solution] The management and operation device 1 includes an NFT assignment unit 13b that assigns attribute information to each of the multiple containers containing sake as a non-fungible token, and an auction processing unit 13c that puts the multiple containers containing the same type of sake up for auction over a predetermined period of time. When the successful bidder meets predetermined conditions, the auction processing unit 13c transfers ownership of the non-fungible token assigned to the container to the successful bidder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management and operation device and a management and operation program for sake auctions.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, alcoholic beverages such as wine and whiskey are bottled and sold on auction sites. There are also auction sites that sell alcoholic beverages by the barrel to intermediaries, and technologies are known to prevent data tampering, etc. when the barrels are resold through intermediaries (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is a storage state data management and ownership certification system using blockchain for sake sold by the barrel on an auction site. The technology described in Patent Document 1 installs a GPS sensor and an IoT sensor on the barrel, associates the basic data, location information, and storage state data of the barrel with the barrel number, hashifies them, and records them in a public blockchain. As a result, genuine information can be grasped in real time, so intermediaries and end-users can safely evaluate the barrels filled with raw sake.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] While the technology described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to understand the storage conditions at the barrel level, it is not possible to obtain genuine information in real time for each individual bottle after the sake has been transferred from the barrel and bottled. In particular, for small-batch, multi-variety products like sake, obtaining genuine information in the bottled state is cumbersome, and sellers are hesitant to sell them on auction sites where resale is possible. Furthermore, for small-batch, multi-variety products like sake, if tampering occurs in the bottled state, it becomes extremely difficult to obtain genuine information, which diminishes the brand value of the sake.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a management system and program for sake auctions that allows for the purchase of multiple containers of sake at once and guarantees reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the sake auction management and operation device according to the present invention is a sake auction management and operation device for selling containers containing sake, comprising: an NFT assignment unit that assigns attribute information attached to each of the multiple containers as a non-fungible token; and an auction processing unit that puts the multiple containers containing the same type of sake up for auction over a predetermined period, wherein the auction processing unit transfers ownership of the non-fungible tokens attached to the containers to the successful bidder when the successful bidder meets predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of the sake auction management and operation program according to the present invention is a computer-executable sake auction management and operation program for selling containers containing sake, comprising: an NFT assignment process that assigns attribute information attached to each of the multiple containers as a non-fungible token; and an auction process that puts the multiple containers containing the same type of sake up for auction over a predetermined period, wherein the auction process transfers ownership of the non-fungible tokens attached to the containers to the successful bidder when the successful bidder meets predetermined conditions.

[0008] This system assigns attribute information (such as information about the sake barrel before it was repackaged) to each individual container containing sake when selling them, as a non-fungible token. Therefore, even if ownership of the non-fungible tokens attached to the containers is transferred to the successful bidder, authentic information can still be obtained for the bottled sake. As a result, even if the successful bidder resells the containers, the originator can still track the containers, and buyers can purchase sake with peace of mind.

[0009] Furthermore, in this configuration, multiple containers containing the same type of sake are auctioned over a predetermined period, transferring ownership of non-fungible tokens to the successful bidder. This allows bidders to purchase multiple containers at once and resell the sake in a reliable manner. As a result, for example, by purchasing non-fungible tokens of sake that will be aged and sold in five years at a low price now, and selling them when their market value increases, it becomes possible to not only consume the sake oneself but also make a profit. Thus, this is a sake auction management device and management program that allows for the purchase of multiple containers of sake at once and guarantees reliability.

[0010] Another characteristic of the configuration is that the auction processing unit sets the winning bid price to the minimum winning bid price or the maximum losing bid price from a sequence of numbers obtained by arranging the bid amounts of each of the multiple containers in descending order.

[0011] In a uniform-price auction like this one, bidders cannot see each other's bids, but the system allows bidders to purchase multiple bottles of the same sake in a single auction, thus increasing its appeal to bidders while maximizing sellers' income.

[0012] Other features of the configuration include a storage unit that stores a sake database including the taste profiles of the sake, an acquisition unit that acquires the bidder's preference information, and a selection unit that selects the sake from the sake database that matches the preference information. The auction processing unit presents the container containing the sake selected by the selection unit to the bidder.

[0013] As demonstrated in this configuration, by presenting bidders with containers of sake that match their preferences, it becomes possible to recommend sake that takes the bidder's preferences into account, rather than selling rare items selected by the seller as in traditional auctions. As a result, even sake brands with low global recognition can be presented to bidders, enhancing the appeal of sake auctions.

[0014] Other features of the configuration include the fact that the selection unit ranks the sake based on the similarity between the preference information and the profile, and the auction processing unit puts the container containing the sake selected by the bidder from the ranked sake up for auction.

[0015] As demonstrated in this configuration, ranking sake based on the similarity between bidders' preference information and sake profiles increases convenience for bidders, attracts more bidders to participate in sake auctions, and enhances the appeal of sake auctions.

[0016] Another feature of the selection unit is that it filters the ranked sake based on at least one of the intended use of the sake and the type of food to be paired with it, as entered by the bidder.

[0017] Filtering sake based on at least one of the following criteria—purchase purpose (e.g., gift or home consumption) and type of food pairing (e.g., Japanese or Western cuisine)—can enhance the convenience for bidders and further increase the appeal of sake auctions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of a sake auction system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the auction process of the management and operation device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the auction process of the management and operation device. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of the management and operation program of the sake auction. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the selection process of the management and operation program of the sake auction.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of a management and operation device and a management and operation program for a sake auction according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Hereinafter, a sake auction system for selling sake bottles containing sake at an auction site will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0020] [Overall Configuration] Due to reasons such as the risk of deterioration (deterioration of flavor due to long-term storage), low market maturity, and difficulty in value evaluation (uncertainty of aging years and limited production vintage), auction sales of sake have not become widespread. Therefore, the sake auction system 100 in the present embodiment enhances the attractiveness by increasing the awareness in the international market and suppressing environmental deterioration such as temperature, and aims to achieve a supply-demand balance.

[0021] The sake auction system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a system that allows a successful bidder to purchase multiple bottles (an example of a container) containing the same type of sake in bulk. "Multiple bottles containing the same type of sake" refers to bottles containing sake that has been aged under the same conditions, such as bottles of sake that has been aged to a certain extent in a tank and then bottled and aged further, bottles of sake that has been transferred from tanks or wooden barrels where the raw sake was aged, or bottles of sake that has been aged at low temperatures or sub-zero temperatures (around 0°C) in a dedicated refrigerated room. Furthermore, the sake auction system 100 in this embodiment is a sealed type in which the bid amounts of other bidders are not visible, and it is an auction system in which multiple identical goods (the same sake) can be purchased simultaneously (at once) in multiple quantities.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the sake auction system 100 is configured so that the management and operation device 1 and the bidder terminals 2 can communicate with each other via the network 3. The management and operation device 1 is a server owned by the vendor that manages and operates the sake auction. The management and operation device 1 lists sake bottles that have been hashed using blockchain 4 on the auction site 5. The bidder terminals 2 are terminals that allow bidders to access the auction site 5 via the network 3. For convenience, only one terminal is shown in the diagram, but in reality, each bidder owns their own terminal.

[0023] Management and operation device 1 is managed and operated by an information manager (e.g., a sales platform management company) and manages information on sake bottles sold by information providers (e.g., a sake brewing company). Management and operation device 1 consists of a PC, a web server, an API (Application Programming Interface), etc. Management and operation device 1 may be hardware such as a PC owned by the information manager, or it may be a cloud server or a rented server.

[0024] Bidder terminal 2 is operated and used by bidders using auction site 5, which is publicly available on network 3. Bidder terminal 2 consists of desktop PCs, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc.

[0025] The management and operation device 1 comprises a first storage unit 11, a first communication unit 12 (an example of an acquisition unit), and a control unit 13. While the management and operation device 1 includes other functional units, only those relevant to this embodiment are described.

[0026] The first memory unit 11 stores various information such as the operation management program 11a and the sake database 11b necessary for information processing of the management device 1. The first communication unit 12 is a communication interface that has the function of transmitting signals output from the control unit 13 to the auction site 5 and bidder terminals 2 via the network 3, and the function of sending signals received from the auction site 5 and bidder terminals 2 via the network 3 to the control unit 13. The control unit 13 can transmit and receive signals to and from the first memory unit 11 and the first communication unit 12.

[0027] The first memory unit 11 includes main memory and secondary memory. Main memory is a storage area for temporarily storing programs and data, and is composed of RAM or the like. Secondary memory is a non-temporary storage area for permanently storing programs and data, and is composed of HDD, SSD or the like. Secondary memory may also be external hardware such as a cloud server or rental server.

[0028] The control unit 13 is the central part of the computer and includes a processor that receives instructions and performs calculations and data processing. The processor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit), or other hardware for executing applications stored in the first memory unit 11. The processor may be an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC, and is not particularly limited.

[0029] The control unit 13 has the following functional units: a selection unit 13a, an NFT assignment unit 13b, an auction processing unit 13c, and a display control unit 13d. The selection unit 13a selects sake bottles to be put up for auction on the auction site 5. The NFT assignment unit 13b assigns attribute information to each of the multiple sake bottles as a Non-Fungible Token. The auction processing unit 13c puts multiple sake bottles containing the same type of sake up for auction over a predetermined period of time. The display control unit 13d displays the web page of the auction site 5 on the bidder terminal 2. A detailed explanation of each functional unit of the control unit 13 will be given later.

[0030] The bidder terminal 2 comprises a second storage unit 21, a second communication unit 22, a display unit 23, and an operation unit 24. The second storage unit 21 stores information such as programs, applications, and data in advance. The second storage unit 21 also stores information such as non-fungible tokens transmitted from the management and operation device 1. The second communication unit 22 has the function of transmitting signals output from the operation unit 24 to the management and operation device 1 via the network 3, and the function of sending signals received from the management and operation device 1 via the network 3 to the display unit 23.

[0031] The display unit 23 is constructed using a touch panel, liquid crystal panel, etc. The display unit 23 displays the auction site 5, etc., received from the management and operation device 1 via the network 3. The content displayed on the display unit 23 and the web page of the auction site 5 are controlled based on signals from the display control unit 13d of the management and operation device 1. The operation unit 24 is constructed using at least one element from among a touch switch, a display screen such as a liquid crystal panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner, etc. When an information provider operates the operation unit 24, a signal corresponding to that operation is input to the display unit 23.

[0032] [Detailed configuration of the management and operation device] The first memory unit 11 stores an operation management program 11a based on a predetermined auction method, a sake database 11b containing sake taste profiles, and a similarity calculation program 11c that calculates the similarity between user (bidder) preference information and the sake database 11b.

[0033] The operational management program 11a has a publicly known algorithm for uniform-price auctions and is a program for auctioning multiple bottles of sake containing the same type of sake over a predetermined period of time.

[0034] The Japanese sake database 11b contains basic information about Japanese sake, including its name and type, alcohol content, and price, as well as profile information about Japanese sake, including its richness, sweetness / dryness, aroma, and intended use.

[0035] The similarity calculation program 11c calculates the similarity s between the preference information entered by the user (bidder) and the sake database 11b. For example, the preference information entered by the user (bidder) includes the sake's richness [x], sweetness / dryness [y], aroma [z], and sake profile information including the sake's richness [x]. i ], sweetness level [y i ], fragrance [z i When ] is assumed, the calculation is performed using the Euclidean distance as shown in equation (1).

number

[0036] The weights for intensity [x], sweetness / dryness [y], and aroma [z] defined in equation (1) are recalculated using equations (2) to (4) each time the Japanese sake database 11b is updated. First, equation (2) calculates the range of the maximum and minimum values, and then equations (3) to (4) normalize the reciprocals of each range [Wx] to obtain the weights.

number

number

number

[0037] The first communication unit 12 acquires preference information entered by the user (bidder) via the operation unit 24 of the bidder terminal 2. For example, preference information includes the richness, sweetness / dryness, aroma, intended use of purchase (for gifts, for drinking at home), and food pairing (Japanese food / ingredients, Western food / sauces, meat dishes, etc.).

[0038] The selection unit 13a selects sake bottles to be put up for auction on the auction site 5. For example, the selection unit 13a selects sake bottles to be put up for auction from the sake database 11b registered by information providers (e.g., sake breweries, etc.). In making this selection, the selection unit 13a may read the similarity calculation program 11c stored in the first memory unit 11 and select sake from the sake database 11b that matches the user's (bidder's) preferences.

[0039] The selection unit 13a may rank sake based on the similarity between the user's (bidder's) preference information and the sake taste profiles stored in the sake database 11b. In this case, the selection unit 13a may transmit the list of ranked sake to the display control unit 13d, which may then display this list on the display unit 23 of the bidder terminal 2 as a web browser, and the user (bidder) may select a sake bottle via the operation unit 24.

[0040] Furthermore, the selection unit 13a may filter the list of ranked sake based on at least one of the intended use of sake and the type of food to be paired with it, as entered by the user (bidder). In this case, the selection unit 13a transmits the filtered list of sake to the display control unit 13d, which displays this list on the display unit 23 of the bidder terminal 2 as a web browser, and the user (bidder) can select a sake bottle via the operation unit 24.

[0041] The NFT assignment unit 13b assigns attribute information to each of the multiple sake bottles as a non-fungible token. This attribute information includes information about the sake barrels before the sake was transferred to the sake bottles (such as the brewery of origin, manufacturing process, and manufacturing date) and information about the sake bottles after they have been transferred (such as aging information, owner, expiration date, and type of sake), which are registered in the sake database 11b. The non-fungible tokens are managed on blockchain 4 using NFT standards such as ERC-721. The attribute information assigned to each of the multiple sake bottles is stored on blockchain 4 as a hash value of the entire data, and each time ownership of a sake bottle is transferred, a hashed block related to the owner is added and the hash value is updated. This non-fungible token allows the successful bidder who purchased the sake bottle to prove ownership of the sake bottle they won in the auction.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reactive seal used for supply chain management and anti-counterfeiting is attached to each liquor bottle. This reactive seal consists of an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag or a QR code (registered trademark). When a buyer purchases a liquor bottle, they can scan the reactive seal with their smartphone and access detailed information such as the origin, manufacturing process, distribution route, and usage instructions of the liquor bottle, which consists of attribute information attached to each of the multiple liquor bottles based on non-fungible tokens recorded on Blockchain 4. This ensures that even if a successful bidder who can prove ownership of the liquor bottle with a non-fungible token resells the liquor bottle, the buyer who purchases the liquor bottle from the successful bidder can scan the reactive seal to verify that the authentic information of the non-fungible token matches the information of the actual liquor bottle.

[0043] The auction processing unit 13c auctions multiple bottles containing the same type of sake over a predetermined period. Figure 2 shows an example of an auction executed by the auction processing unit 13c. As shown in Figure 2, if 100 bottles of sake bottled from sake barrels, etc., in October 2024 are aged for one year and sold in October 2015, the bottles are auctioned in multiple sales periods (six periods in this embodiment) over a predetermined period (one year). If any bottles remain unsold, they are sold normally from October 2015.

[0044] The auction processing unit 13c may present the bidder with the sake bottles selected by the selection unit 13a as multiple sake bottles containing the same type of sake. Specifically, as described above, the selection unit 13a selects sake considering the bidder's preferences, transmits the information about the multiple sake bottles containing the selected sake to the display control unit 13d, and the display control unit 13d displays the auction site 5 on the bidder terminal 2 as a web browser and presents the multiple sake bottles containing the same type of sake to the bidder.

[0045] In this embodiment, the auction processing unit 13c employs a uniform price auction method, setting the winning bid price to the minimum winning bid or the maximum losing bid in a sequence of numbers obtained by arranging the bid amounts of each successful bidder for multiple bottles of sake in descending order. As shown in Table 1, the uniform price auction method makes it possible to properly evaluate the valuation and value of sake, which has a low market maturity and is difficult to assess, not only in the case of single demand but also in the case of multiple demand (sales where multiple bottles of the same sake can be purchased in one auction), and is an optimal strategy for bidders and sellers. [Table 1]

[0046] Figure 3 shows an example of a uniform-price auction executed by the auction processing unit 13c. As shown in Figure 3, if there are three bidders, A, B, and C, and five items (liquor bottles) to be auctioned, the sixth lowest bid in the descending order of bids is 35 (dollars). The successful bidders are A (2 bottles), B (2 bottles), and C (1 bottle), each purchasing at a uniform price of 35 (dollars) that does not deviate from their respective assessed values ​​of the sake. In this case, the seller's income is 35 (dollars) x 5 bottles = 175 (dollars), and the assessed value and worth of the sake are properly assessed.

[0047] The auction processing unit 13c transfers ownership of the non-fungibility tokens attached to the liquor bottles to the successful bidder when the successful bidder meets predetermined conditions. In the example shown in Figure 3, the seller allocates 2 bottles to A, 2 to B, and 1 to C from the 5 liquor bottles owned by the seller. The hash value of the fungibility token is updated by hashing the block related to the successful bidder for each bottle, and ownership is transferred. The predetermined conditions include not only winning the bid, but also the successful bidder's age, payment conditions, delivery conditions, etc.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, when a sake bottle containing sake is sold, the NFT assignment unit 13b assigns attribute information (such as information about the sake barrel before it was divided into smaller portions) to each of the multiple sake bottles as a non-fungible token. Therefore, even if ownership of the non-fungible tokens assigned to the sake bottles is transferred to the successful bidder, the authentic information can still be obtained in the bottled state. As a result, even if the successful bidder resells the sake bottles, the originator can track the containers, and buyers can purchase sake with peace of mind.

[0049] Furthermore, the auction processing unit 13c in this embodiment auctions multiple sake bottles containing the same type of sake over a predetermined period, transferring ownership of the non-fungible token to the successful bidder. As a result, bidders can purchase multiple containers together and resell the sake in a reliable manner. Consequently, for example, by purchasing a non-fungible token of sake that will be aged and sold after 5 years at a low price now, and selling it when its market value increases, it becomes possible to not only consume it oneself but also make a profit.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the selection unit 13a presents bidders with sake bottles containing sake that match the bidders' preferences. Therefore, instead of selling rare items selected by the seller, as in conventional auction systems, it is possible to recommend sake that takes the bidders' preferences into account. As a result, even sake brands with low global recognition can be presented to bidders, enhancing the appeal of the sake auction system 100.

[0051] This selection unit 13a ranks sake based on the similarity between the bidder's preference information and the sake profile, thereby increasing the convenience for bidders, making it possible to increase the number of bidders who want to participate in the sake auction, and enhancing the appeal of the sake auction system 100. Furthermore, the selection unit 13a filters the ranked sake based on at least one of the intended use of the sake (e.g., for gifting or for drinking at home) and the type of food to be paired with it (e.g., Japanese or Western food), thereby further enhancing the convenience for bidders and increasing the appeal of the sake auction system 100.

[0052] [Management and Operation Program] Next, we will describe a computer-executable program for managing and operating a sake auction for selling containers containing sake. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the sake auction management and operation program. As shown in Figure 4, the management and operation program includes an NFT assignment process (#43) which assigns attribute information to each of several sake bottles as a non-fungible token, and an auction process (#44) which puts several sake bottles containing the same type of sake up for auction over a predetermined period of time.

[0053] First, the selection unit 13a of the management and operation device 1 selects sake bottles to be put up for auction on the auction site 5 (#41). This selection unit 13a selects sake bottles to be put up for auction from the sake database 11b registered by the information provider (e.g., sake brewing company, etc.). At this time, the information manager (e.g., sales platform management company, etc.) may arbitrarily select the sake bottles to be put up for auction, or they may select the sake bottles to be put up for auction based on the subroutine shown in Figure 5, which will be described in detail later.

[0054] Next, a reaction sticker consisting of an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag or QR code (registered trademark) is attached to the sake bottles to be put up for auction on site 5 (#42). This reaction sticker allows access to detailed information about the sake bottle, such as its origin and manufacturing process, which is based on attribute information attached to each of the multiple sake bottles. Furthermore, the NFT attachment unit 13b attaches the attribute information attached to each of the multiple sake bottles as a Non-Fungible Token (#43). This attribute information includes information about the sake barrel before the sake was transferred to the sake bottles (the brewery of origin, manufacturing process, manufacturing date, etc.) and management information for the sake bottles after they have been transferred (aging information, owner, expiration date, type of sake, etc.). In other words, the non-fungible token attached to each sake bottle is linked to the reaction sticker attached to the same sake bottle.

[0055] Next, the auction processing unit 13c puts multiple bottles containing the same type of sake up for auction at a uniform price over a predetermined period (#44). For example, as shown in Figure 2, if 100 bottles of sake bottled from a sake barrel, etc. in October 2024 are aged for one year and sold in October 2015, the bottles are put up for auction in each of the sales periods, which are divided into multiple periods (six periods in this embodiment) over a predetermined period (one year).

[0056] Next, if, for example, no bid is made in the first period shown in Figure 2 and the item is put up for auction in the second period (#45NO, #46YES), the auction processing unit 13c puts it up for auction again at a uniform price (#44). On the other hand, if, for example, no bid is made in the first period shown in Figure 2 and the item is not put up for auction in the second period (#45NO, #46NO), the auction processing unit 13c puts it up for regular sale starting in October 2015 (#47).

[0057] If a bid is made in a uniform-price auction (#45YES), for example, as shown in Figure 3, if bidder A wins 2 bottles, bidder B wins 2 bottles, and bidder C wins 1 bottle, and each successful bidder meets the predetermined conditions, the auction processing unit 13c transfers ownership of the non-fungibility token attached to the liquor bottle to the successful bidder. In the example shown in Figure 3, of the 5 liquor bottles owned by the seller, 2 bottles are allocated to A, 2 to B, and 1 to C. The block related to the successful bidder of each liquor bottle is hashed to update the hash value of the fungibility token and transfer ownership.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the selection process for the management and operation program. The management and operation program includes a storage process for storing a sake database 11b containing sake taste profiles, an acquisition process for obtaining bidder preference information, and a selection process (#41) for selecting sake from the sake database 11b that matches the bidder's preference information. This selection process (#41) may rank the sake based on the similarity between the preference information and the bidder's taste profile (#55). The selection process may also filter the ranked sake based on at least one of the intended use of the sake and the type of food to be paired with it, as entered by the bidder (#56).

[0059] Figure 5 shows the subroutine for the sake selection process (Figure 4, #41) for auction. First, the selection unit 13a of the management and operation device 1 reads the similarity calculation program 11c from the first storage unit 11 and calculates the similarity between the preference information entered by the user (bidder) and the sake database 11b (#51). Specifically, the preference information entered by the user (bidder) includes the sake's richness [x], sweetness / dryness [y], aroma [z], and sake profile information including the sake's richness [x]. i ], sweetness level [y i ], fragrance [z i When ] is assumed, the calculation is performed using the Euclidean distance shown in equation (1) above.

[0060] If the similarity score is below the threshold Th (#52NO), the bidder is notified that there are no sakes that match their preference information and is prompted to re-enter the information (#53, #54). The preference information entered by the bidder includes the richness of the sake, its sweetness / dryness, aroma, intended use (gift, drinking at home), and food pairing (Japanese food / ingredients, Western food / sauces, meat dishes, etc.). The threshold Th is set to a predetermined value, but it may also be set using machine learning or other methods based on past performance data from sake auctions. If the bidder re-enters the preference information (#54YES), the selection unit 13a recalculates the similarity score (#51). If the bidder does not re-enter the preference information (#54NO), the information manager (e.g., a sales platform management company) arbitrarily selects the sake bottles to put up for auction.

[0061] On the other hand, if the similarity is greater than the threshold Th (#52 YES), the selection unit 13a ranks the sake based on the similarity between the preference information and the taste profile of the sake (#55). The selection unit 13a transmits the list of ranked sake to the display control unit 13d, which displays this list on the display unit 23 of the bidder terminal 2 as a web browser. The selection unit 13a also filters the ranked sake based on the purchase purpose of the sake entered by the bidder (for gifts, for drinking at home) and the type of food to be paired with it (Japanese food or ingredients, Western food or sauces, meat dishes, etc.) (#56). Next, the display control unit 13d selects a sake bottle from the list of sake displayed on the display unit 23 of the bidder terminal 2 through the user's (bidder's) operation unit 24 (#57). Alternatively, the process in #57 may be omitted, and the sake bottles may be selected from the ranked list of sake by the user (bidder) via the operation unit 24 (#57).

[0062] [Other embodiments] (1) In the embodiments described above, a sake bottle was used as an example of a container for sake, but the container is not limited to a bottle and may be a paper carton, a metal container, or the like. (2) The first memory unit 11 in the above-described embodiment may store preference information associated with the bidder's ID. In this case, the bidder does not need to input preference information each time an auction takes place, and sake that matches the preference information can be automatically recommended. (3) In the embodiment described above, the sake auction system 100 employs a uniform price auction method, but a differential price auction method may also be employed. (4) In the above-described embodiment, the selection unit 13a ranked the sake based on the similarity between the bidder's preference information and the taste profile of the sake. However, the information manager (e.g., a sales platform management company) may arbitrarily select sake that matches the bidder's preference information and put it up for auction. Alternatively, the selection unit 13a may be omitted, and the sake may be auctioned off based on a request from an information provider (e.g., a sake brewery). (5) In the embodiments described above, the similarity between the bidder's preference information and the taste profile of the sake was calculated based on the Euclidean distance, but the Mahalanobis distance or the Hamming distance may also be used. Alternatively, the bidder may input natural language into the generating AI to select the sake to be auctioned from the sake database 11b. [Industrial applicability]

[0063] This invention can be used in a management and operation device and management and operation program for Japanese sake auctions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1: Management and operation device 12: First Communications Department (Acquisition Department) 11b: Japanese Sake Database 13a: Selection section 13b: NFT assignment section 13c: Auction Processing Section

Claims

1. A management and operation device for a sake auction that sells containers containing sake, An NFT assignment unit that assigns attribute information to each of the multiple containers as a non-fungible token, The system comprises an auction processing unit that puts multiple containers containing the same type of sake up for auction over a predetermined period of time, The auction processing unit is a management and operation device that, when the successful bidder meets predetermined conditions, transfers ownership of the non-fungible token assigned to the container to the successful bidder.

2. The management and operation device according to claim 1, wherein the auction processing unit sets the winning bid amount to the minimum winning bid price or the maximum losing bid price from a sequence of numbers obtained by arranging the bid amounts of each of the multiple containers in descending order.

3. A storage unit that stores a sake database including the taste profile of the aforementioned sake, An acquisition unit that obtains bidder preference information, The system further includes a selection unit that selects a sake from the sake database that matches the preference information, The auction processing unit presents the container containing the sake selected by the selection unit to the bidder, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The selection unit ranks the sake based on the similarity between the preference information and the profile. The management and operation device according to claim 3, wherein the auction processing unit puts the container containing the sake selected by the bidder from the ranked sake up for auction.

5. The management and operation device according to claim 4, wherein the selection unit filters the ranked sake based on at least one of the intended use of the sake and the type of food to be paired with it, as entered by the bidder.

6. A computer-executable program for managing and operating a sake auction for the sale of containers holding sake, An NFT assignment process that assigns attribute information to each of the multiple containers as a non-fungible token, This includes an auction process in which multiple containers containing the same type of sake are put up for auction over a predetermined period of time, The auction process is a management and operation program that, when the successful bidder meets predetermined conditions, transfers ownership of the non-fungible tokens assigned to the container to the successful bidder.

Images