Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

This technology enables the management of ownership of tangible goods that are the subject of transactions. [Solution] The system includes a transaction information registration unit that records information regarding the acquisition of a physical item by a first user, linked to a first blockchain wallet associated with the first user, and a digital certificate issuance unit that issues a digital certificate for the item linked to the first blockchain wallet at the time the information regarding the acquisition of the item is linked to the first blockchain wallet.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In transactions on a blockchain system, NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens) are used to prove ownership. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that transfers a token linking an article and a person from the blockchain wallet of an owner to the blockchain wallet of a transferee of the article via the blockchain wallet of an administrator in response to a transfer request from the owner of the article.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On a blockchain system, transactions of physical articles such as clothing and accessories are also carried out. Although digital information such as ownership is managed via a blockchain wallet, a mechanism for managing the ownership information of physical articles and the authenticity of the articles themselves using a blockchain wallet and for use in various transactions including secondary distribution and marketing by manufacturers has not been provided.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables management of the location of the ownership of physical articles that are transaction targets.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transaction information registration unit that records information relating to the acquisition of a physical item by a first user, linked to a first blockchain wallet associated with the first user, and a digital certificate issuing unit that issues a digital certificate of the item linked to the first blockchain wallet at the time the information relating to the acquisition of the item is linked to the first blockchain wallet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that enables the management of the ownership of tangible goods that are the subject of a transaction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the system configuration of the trading system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the hardware configuration of the transaction information management server 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram illustrating a functional module of the transaction information management server 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A sequence diagram illustrating a method for managing ownership information of items linked to a blockchain wallet using the transaction system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram illustrating a method for managing ownership information of items linked to a blockchain wallet using the transaction system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A sequence diagram illustrating a method for managing ownership information of items linked to a blockchain wallet using the transaction system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram illustrating a method for managing ownership information of items linked to a blockchain wallet using the transaction system 1 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the system configuration of the trading system 1 (information processing system) according to this embodiment. The trading system 1 includes a trading information management server 10, a user terminal 20, and a blockchain system 30. The trading information management server 10, the user terminal 20, and the blockchain system 30 are connected via a communication network N.

[0011] Transaction System 1 is a system that manages ownership information of tangible goods by linking it to a blockchain wallet when a user conducts transactions such as buying, selling, or transferring physical goods. These goods include tangible items such as clothing and fashion accessories. When a user purchases goods through an online e-commerce site or physical store using a blockchain wallet, the ownership information of the goods is linked to and managed in the blockchain wallet along with the purchase information. Even if a user purchases goods at a physical store or e-commerce site without using a blockchain wallet, the purchase information is linked to the blockchain wallet, allowing the ownership information to be managed in conjunction with the blockchain wallet. Furthermore, when a user sells or transfers purchased goods to other users, or engages in other secondary market transactions, the ownership information of the goods can also be managed by linking it to the blockchain wallet.

[0012] The transaction information management server 10 has the function of managing transaction information and ownership information of physical goods in conjunction with the blockchain wallet when a user conducts a transaction such as buying, selling, or transferring physical goods. In this embodiment, ownership information of goods is managed using NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Unlike fungible tokens (FTs) such as Bitcoin, NFTs have an identifier that makes them distinguishable from other NFTs. In other words, each NFT is a unique token that exists only once in the world.

[0013] The user terminal 20 is a device that users operate when purchasing goods on online e-commerce sites or when buying, selling, or transferring goods through a blockchain wallet. The user terminal 20 can be any device with communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, personal computer (PC), or laptop computer. The user terminal 20 has a dedicated application installed for using the blockchain wallet.

[0014] The blockchain system 30 is a distributed computing network in which multiple computers participating in the blockchain are connected via P2P (Peer to Peer). Each of the multiple computers that receive a transaction verifies the validity of the transaction, and only legitimate transactions are recorded in a ledger in units called blocks. The blockchain system 30 can execute programs called smart contracts, which are executed by multiple computers participating in the blockchain. The transaction information management server 10 may, for example, issue a transaction to call a method included in the smart contract 5, thereby causing multiple computers participating in the blockchain to execute a specified method.

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates the hardware configuration of the transaction information management server 10. The transaction information management server 10 includes a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a storage device 12 such as memory (e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory)), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication IF (Network Interface) 13 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 14 for receiving input operations, and an output device 15 for outputting information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, and / or microphone. The output device 15 is, for example, a display, touch panel, and / or speaker. The storage device 12 stores programs to be executed by the processor 11, as well as various data. The programs are read from the storage device 12 into main memory, interpreted and executed by the processor 11, thereby executing various functions.

[0016] The transaction information management server 10 may consist of one or more physical servers, or it may be configured using a virtual server running on a hypervisor, or it may be configured using a cloud server.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional modules of a program executed by the processor 11 of the transaction information management server 10. As shown in Figure 3, the functional modules executed by the processor 11 include a transaction information registration unit 101, a digital certificate issuance unit 102, a hierarchical setting unit 103, and a transaction processing unit 104. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the storage device 12 implements a transaction information storage unit 121.

[0018] The transaction information storage unit 121 stores information associated with the user's blockchain wallet in association with the user account. Information associated with the blockchain wallet includes, in addition to the public key and private key information necessary for using the blockchain wallet, available cryptocurrencies and digital certificate information. Further, it includes information on transactions on the blockchain made by the user via the blockchain wallet and item identification information attached to the items acquired by the user. The item identification information is, for example, information that can uniquely identify an item, such as a photo of the item, an image of a price tag, information on a tag attached to the item, or information that can identify the type of the item (product name, brand, etc.).

[0019] Examples of the tag information include DPP (Digital Product Passport) and NFC chip information. In recent years, DPP has attracted attention as a tool for realizing a circular economy system such as recycling materials as resources without discarding the product. Note that the item identification information is not limited to these, and may be information that can uniquely identify an item (such as NFC chip information) or information that can identify the type of the item (DPP, photo information, etc.) although it is not unique. Further, a reliability level is set for the item identification information. For example, information with high specificity, such as NFC chip information that can uniquely identify an item, has the highest reliability level, and next, the reliability level of public information that can identify the type of the item (product name, brand name, etc.), such as DPP, is set high. On the other hand, the reliability level of information such as a photo of an item taken by the user himself / herself is set low. The item identification information is stored in the transaction information storage unit 121 by the user registering it via the blockchain wallet after acquiring the item.

[0020] <000009�>Next, a method for managing the ownership information of items associated with a blockchain wallet by the transaction system 1 will be described using the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing procedure when user A purchases item X (here, clothing as an example) at an online EC site or a physical store via his / her own blockchain wallet A.

[0022] When user A purchases item X from an online e-commerce site, they log in to blockchain wallet A using user terminal 20, complete the purchase procedure for item X on the e-commerce site, and make the payment in cryptocurrency via blockchain wallet A. Similarly, when purchasing at a physical store, user A logs in to blockchain wallet A using user terminal 20 at checkout and makes the payment in cryptocurrency via blockchain wallet A (Step ST1).

[0023] Once payment is complete, a purchase history (transaction history) for item X is generated, and the transaction history is recorded in the transaction information storage unit 121 by the transaction information registration unit 101 of the transaction information management server 10. The transaction history is recorded in association with blockchain wallet A (step ST2).

[0024] Once the transaction history is recorded, the digital certificate issuing unit 102 issues a digital certificate for item X. In this embodiment, the digital certificate is an NFT (Non-Fungible Token), and the information of the digital certificate is stored in the transaction information storage unit 121 linked to the blockchain wallet A (step ST3).

[0025] Hierarchical information is assigned to the digital certificate by the hierarchical setting unit 103. The hierarchical information may also be embedded in the digital certificate itself. When a digital certificate is generated, the lowest hierarchical level, level 1, is set as the initial setting. As will be described later, the hierarchical level is changed by reading the item identification information attached to item X.

[0026] User A, while logged into the blockchain wallet, can read tag information (item identification information) attached to item X using user terminal 20. When User A reads the tag information (step ST4: YES), the hierarchical setting unit 103 changes the hierarchical level of the item X's digital certificate according to the type of tag information read (step ST5). Specifically, if the read information is information with the highest reliability setting, such as information from an NFC chip, it is changed to the highest level, hierarchical level 3. If the information is information with a lower reliability setting than an NFC chip, such as DPP, it is changed to the second highest level, hierarchical level 2. Furthermore, if the user registers a photo of item X taken by the user or a photo of the price tag, the lowest level, hierarchical level 1, is maintained. Note that the number of levels and the criteria for setting the levels are examples and are not limited to these, as long as an appropriate level can be set according to the type of information read.

[0027] In this way, by reading the tag information attached to the physical item X, the hierarchy of the digital certificate is changed to a higher hierarchy corresponding to the type (trust level) of the information, increasing the confidence that user A actually owns item X. Note that reading the tag information is at user A's discretion, and even in secondary market transactions described later, a certain level of digital certificate hierarchy is not required. However, a higher digital certificate hierarchy increases the confidence that user A genuinely owns item X, which is advantageous in transactions.

[0028] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process when user A purchases item X from an online e-commerce site or physical store without using blockchain wallet A.

[0029] When user A purchases item X from an online e-commerce site, they use user terminal 20 to complete the purchase procedure for item X on the e-commerce site and make the payment electronically without going through blockchain wallet A. When purchasing at a physical store, they make the payment electronically or with cash (step ST31).

[0030] After payment is completed, user A logs into blockchain wallet A and registers the receipt data or photo of the purchase of item X (step ST32). A purchase history (transaction history) of item X is then generated, and the transaction history is recorded in the transaction information storage unit 121 by the transaction information registration unit 101 of the transaction information management server 10. The transaction history is recorded in association with blockchain wallet A (step ST33).

[0031] Once the transaction history is recorded, the digital certificate issuing unit 102 provisionally issues a digital certificate for item X (step ST34).

[0032] Next, when user A logs into blockchain wallet A within a certain time and registers the item identification information of item X (step ST35: YES), the digital certificate issuing unit 102 issues a digital certificate (step ST36). The hierarchical setting unit 103 then sets hierarchical information for the issued digital certificate according to the type of registered item identification information. For example, if it is NFC chip information, the highest hierarchical level 3 is set; if it is DPP information, hierarchical level 2 is set; and if it is a photograph of item X, hierarchical level 1 is set. For example, if the NFC chip is read again after a photograph of item X has been registered and a digital certificate has been issued, the hierarchical level will change from 1 to 3.

[0033] Next, using the sequence diagram in Figure 6, we will explain the processing steps when a user sells item X to another user via a blockchain wallet. Here, we will explain using a buy-and-sell transaction on a smart contract in which user A (holder of the digital certificate for item X) sells item X to user B (buyer).

[0034] Once User A and User B agree on the purchase price, User B operates their user terminal 20 to deposit the purchase price in cryptocurrency onto the smart contract (Step ST11). User A also deposits a digital certificate for item X onto the smart contract (Step ST12).

[0035] Once the deposit of cryptocurrency by user B and the deposit of a digital certificate by user A are confirmed on the blockchain (step ST13: YES), the transaction processing unit 104 notifies user A's user terminal 20 of the request to send item X to user B (step ST14).

[0036] Once User B has successfully received item X, User B performs a transfer action on the blockchain (Step ST15). When the transfer action is performed, the cryptocurrency deposited on the smart contract is transferred to User A's blockchain wallet, and the deposited digital certificate is transferred to User B's blockchain wallet (Step ST16). The transaction information registration unit 101 updates the information stored in the transaction information storage unit 121 and changes the linkage of the digital certificate from User A's blockchain wallet to User B's blockchain wallet.

[0037] Furthermore, if the item X received from User A is different from what was expected, or if item X is severely damaged, User B may request the contract to be terminated instead of performing the transfer action. In that case, the cryptocurrency that User B had deposited on the smart contract may be returned to User B's blockchain wallet, and the deposited digital certificate may be returned to User A's blockchain wallet. In this case, it may also be determined that User A has defaulted on the contract, and the transaction processing unit 104 may lower User A's trust score. The trust score may be managed for each user and stored in the transaction information storage unit 121. The transaction processing unit 104 may also display the trust score of the other user to a user who is attempting to conduct a transaction involving the transfer of a digital certificate on the blockchain when the transaction is concluded.

[0038] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process when a user transfers item X to another user via a blockchain wallet. Here, we will explain using the example of user A (the holder of the digital certificate for item X) transferring item X to user B via a smart contract.

[0039] User A performs an action on the smart contract to request the transfer of item X, which they own. At this time, they specify the blockchain wallet address of the recipient user B (step ST21).

[0040] When the transfer request action is performed, a digital certificate for item X is deposited from user A's blockchain wallet onto the smart contract (step ST22).

[0041] When User A sends Item X to User B, and User B successfully receives Item X, User B performs a transfer action on the smart contract (Step ST23).

[0042] When the transfer action is performed, the digital certificate deposited on the smart contract is transferred to user B's blockchain wallet (step ST24). The transaction information registration unit 101 updates the information stored in the transaction information storage unit 121 and changes the linkage of the digital certificate from user A's blockchain wallet to user B's blockchain wallet.

[0043] Furthermore, in the secondary market for item X, whether through buying, selling, or transferring, if the owner of the digital certificate changes (moves to the destination blockchain wallet), the digital certificate's tier may be reset to 1 at that time, regardless of its previous tier. Subsequently, the tier may be changed when the new owner reads the tag information (item identification information) attached to item X.

[0044] (How to use digital certificates) Users who possess digital certificates for goods can use these certificates for purposes other than trading goods on the blockchain, such as those listed below.

[0045] (Using the object of item X) Users who possess a digital certificate for item X may be able to use an object of item X on the internet. For example, if item X is clothing, they may be able to use VR (virtual reality) technology to dress their avatar in item X in a virtual space. Alternatively, they may be able to use AR (augmented reality) technology to dress their own image in item X. Furthermore, they may be able to use an object of item X when sharing information about their possessions with others in a virtual space using VR or AR. For example, they may be able to display an object of item X as the contents of a closet in a virtual space. Alternatively, instead of displaying the object, they may be able to display information such as the name or brand name of item X.

[0046] (Use in marketing) A user who possesses a digital certificate for item X may make their ownership information public on a platform such as an e-commerce site, allowing fashion brands and others to offer various offers (such as event participation rights or special discount coupons) to that user based on that information. Furthermore, the user may also be able to receive purchase offers from other users based on their ownership information.

[0047] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user purchases a physical item, a digital certificate proving ownership of the item is issued and linked to a blockchain wallet for management. This allows for efficient management of the ownership of items in transactions on the blockchain.

[0048] Furthermore, even if a user purchases goods without using a blockchain wallet, they can register receipt data or images to link the purchase history to the blockchain wallet and issue a provisional digital certificate. Additionally, by linking the item identification information to the blockchain wallet after the provisional issuance, the digital certificate is officially issued. Therefore, even when purchasing goods from e-commerce sites or stores where blockchain wallets are unavailable, ownership information of the goods can be managed using the transaction system 1 according to the present invention.

[0049] Furthermore, by allowing users who possess a digital certificate for an item to read tag information attached to the item, the tier of the digital certificate can be changed to a higher level of trust. This means that users themselves can increase the trustworthiness of the certificate through their own actions. Regardless of the digital certificate's tier, transactions (buying, selling, and transferring) can be conducted on the blockchain. However, in the case of tier 1, there is a possibility that ownership of the digital certificate and ownership of the actual item are not linked. By informing users conducting transactions on the blockchain and businesses conducting marketing in advance about such risks, it is possible to provide a system that allows users to understand the risks and use the convenient service with confidence.

[0050] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The flowcharts, sequences, and specific examples of elements of the embodiments described in the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1...Transaction system, 10...Transaction information management server, 11...Processor, 12...Storage device, 13...Communication interface, 14...Input device, 15...Output device, 20...User terminal, 30...Blockchain system, 101...Transaction information registration unit, 102...Digital certificate issuance unit, 103...Hierarchy setting unit, 104...Transaction processing unit, 121...Transaction information storage unit

Claims

1. A transaction information registration unit records information regarding the acquisition of physical goods by a first user, linked to a first blockchain wallet associated with the first user. An information processing system comprising: a digital certificate issuing unit that issues a digital certificate for the item linked to the first blockchain wallet at the time that information regarding the acquisition of the item is linked to the first blockchain wallet.

2. The aforementioned digital certificate issuing unit: The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein if the article is acquired via the first blockchain wallet, the digital certificate is issued permanently; if the article is acquired without the first blockchain wallet, the digital certificate is issued provisionally; and after the provisional issuance of the digital certificate, if the article identification information attached to the article is linked to the first blockchain wallet, the digital certificate is issued permanently.

3. The system includes a hierarchy setting unit for setting the hierarchy of the aforementioned digital certificates, The aforementioned hierarchy setting unit, The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a hierarchy is set according to the type of item identification information attached to the item linked to the first blockchain wallet.

4. When a transaction of buying and selling the aforementioned goods is conducted on the blockchain from the first user to the second user, The system includes a transaction processing unit that, upon confirmation of the deposit of cryptocurrency equivalent to the agreed-upon purchase price by the second user and the deposit of the digital certificate by the first user, requests the first user to send the goods to the second user. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second user performs a transfer action after receiving the goods, thereby transferring the cryptocurrency of the agreed-upon purchase price to the first blockchain wallet and the digital certificate to the second blockchain wallet linked to the second user.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein, upon receiving a request from the second user to cancel the sales transaction, the cryptocurrency of the agreed sales amount is returned to the second blockchain wallet and the digital certificate is returned to the first blockchain wallet.

6. The aforementioned transaction processing unit, The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein if the request to cancel the aforementioned sales transaction is due to either the delivery of the wrong item or damage to the said item, the system lowers the credit score of the first user associated with the digital certificate.

7. The aforementioned transaction processing unit, The information processing system according to claim 6, which presents the credit score to a user who wishes to purchase the aforementioned items.

8. When a transfer transaction of the aforementioned goods from the first user to the second user takes place on the blockchain, The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first user specifies the address of a second blockchain wallet associated with the second user who is the recipient of the transfer, and the deposit of the digital certificate is confirmed, and the second user performs a transfer action after receiving the item, thereby transferring the digital certificate to the second blockchain wallet associated with the second user.

9. The aforementioned hierarchy setting unit, The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein, if the digital certificate is transferred to a blockchain wallet linked to another person, the hierarchy of the digital certificate after the transfer is set to the lowest hierarchy, regardless of the hierarchy before the transfer.

10. The aforementioned hierarchy setting unit, The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein when the item identification information is newly linked to the destination blockchain wallet, the hierarchy of the digital certificate is changed according to the type of item identification information.

11. A transaction information registration process in which a computer records information regarding the acquisition of a physical item by a first user, linked to a first blockchain wallet associated with the first user, An information processing method comprising: a digital certificate issuance step in which a computer issues a digital certificate for the item linked to the first blockchain wallet at the time that information regarding the acquisition of the item is linked to the first blockchain wallet.

12. Computers, A transaction information registration unit records information regarding the acquisition of physical goods by a first user, linked to a first blockchain wallet associated with the first user. A program that functions as a digital certificate issuing unit, which issues a digital certificate for the item linked to the first blockchain wallet at the moment that information regarding the acquisition of the item is linked to the first blockchain wallet.

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