Information processing methods, information processing systems, and computer programs

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing method, an information processing system, and a computer program that utilize NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). [Solution] The information processing method involves a blockchain system that, when data relating to an entity to which the entity's unique identification data is associated is stored in storage, issues an NFT corresponding to the data as a parent NFT, and when data relating to the entity that is approved or added by stakeholders involved in the entity's movements or activities is stored in storage, issues an NFT corresponding to the data relating to the entity as a child NFT in a parent-child relationship with the parent NFT, and outputs the data corresponding to the parent NFT and the data corresponding to the child NFT as the data of the entity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing system, and a computer program using NFT (Non-Fungible Token).

Background Art

[0002] Various systems using NFT that utilize blockchain to enable only users with access rights to access data have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses associating the creditworthiness of data with the NFT corresponding to each of the data to be accessed to improve the value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] NFT is also used to describe the evaluation of physical objects such as people or goods and the transition of the state of physical objects.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method, an information processing system, and a computer program using NFT.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing method in one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a blockchain system that, when data relating to an entity to which unique identifier data of the entity is associated is stored in storage, issues an NFT corresponding to the data as a parent NFT, and when data relating to the entity that is approved or added by stakeholders involved in the movement or activity of the entity is stored in storage, issues an NFT corresponding to the data relating to the entity as a child NFT in a parent-child relationship with the parent NFT, and outputs the data corresponding to the parent NFT and the data corresponding to the corresponding child NFT as data of the entity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, NFTs enable the acquisition of entity data and data obtained from stakeholders of that entity in a tamper-proof and highly reliable manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an overview diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first device in an information processing system. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of nodes that make up a blockchain system. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram related to NFT issuance in an information processing system. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing the process from submitting a carrier certificate to submitting it for sale in an information processing system. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing the process when a user purchases an access rights NFT. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the use of carrier certification by information processing systems. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the use of information processing systems in the distribution of goods. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram relating to NFT issuance in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a sequence diagram of incentive distribution based on parent-child NFTs. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This disclosure will be described in detail with reference to drawings illustrating its embodiments. The following embodiments describe an information processing system to which the information processing method of this disclosure is applied. In this disclosure, "blockchain system" refers to a system that includes multiple computers that can communicate with each other and a network connecting the multiple computers, and creates a blockchain through distributed processing of the multiple computers. The blockchain incorporates the contents of the requested transaction.

[0010] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is an overview diagram of the information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes a first device 1 that can acquire unique identification data (ID: Identity) of entities (people or items) to be processed. The information processing system 100 further includes a second device 2 used by users or corporations that utilize the entity's data, a third device 3 used by others (hereinafter referred to as stakeholders) that contribute to the entity's movements or activities, a blockchain system 4, and storage 5. The first device 1, the second device 2, the third device 3, the blockchain system 4, and the storage 5 can communicate with each other via the network N.

[0011] Network N is a communication network that includes a carrier network and a public communication network (the Internet). Network N may also include dedicated lines. The carrier network includes base stations. The public communication network includes access points.

[0012] The information processing system 100 disclosed herein records data relating to the attributes, movements, or activities of entities from the first device 1 to storage 5 on a blockchain or off-chain via a network N. The information processing system 100 uses a blockchain system 4 to control whether or not the data recorded in storage 5 is accessible from authorized and legitimate second device 2. Specifically, the information processing system 100 determines whether or not access from the second device 2 is permitted using access rights NFTs issued for each piece of data, and enables the distribution of the costs associated with the use of each piece of data as rewards to entities and other users or legal entities contributing to the entities' movements or activities via the third device 3.

[0013] The information processing system 100 in this disclosure further links data relating to the movements or activities of an entity with data relating to the entity from stakeholders, such as other individuals, corporations, or organizations, that contribute to the movements or activities of the entity, using NFTs. As a result, the information processing system 100 in this disclosure makes it possible to link and verify the data relating to the movements or activities of stakeholders of the entity under evaluation from the second device 2.

[0014] In particular, in the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure, in the blockchain system 4, in association with the unique identification data of an entity, an organizational NFT corresponding to the entity in a group, organization, etc. to which the entity belongs is issued. The blockchain system 4 issues NFTs corresponding to the attribute data of the entity itself and the data related to the movement or activities of the entity itself. The information processing system 100 issues NFTs of data related to an entity from stakeholders who contribute to the movement or activities of the entity with respect to the NFT corresponding to the data related to the entity itself in a parent-child relationship. It is more high-quality if the stakeholders are limited to others within the organization who have access rights to the organizational NFT. In the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure, based on the NFTs in a parent-child relationship, the data related to the movement or activities of the entity can be confirmed in a state taking into account the influence of the stakeholders. Further, in the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure, based on the NFTs in a parent-child relationship, it is possible to distribute the system usage fee and the cost at the time of purchasing the access right based on the data of the movement or activities of the entity to the entity and the stakeholders as a reward.

[0015] Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of each device constituting the information processing system 100 of the present disclosure will be described, and the basic operations of each device will be described.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the information processing system 100 is realized as a career data circulation system that records the attribute data and activity data of an entity (person) within an organization as career certificates in the storage 5 and enables the career certificates to be utilized in job hunting (job transfer) activities and the like. By using the information processing system 100, taking into account the evaluation from others (stakeholders) who contribute to the career of the entity, and further, taking the career data circulation system as an example, it is possible to return a reward according to the contribution degree of others to others will be described.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first device 1 in the information processing system 100. The first device 1 is a device used by the person being evaluated (hereinafter referred to as the user). The first device 1 is a communication device that includes an operation unit 14 and a display unit 13 on which the user can input data, such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone, and is equipped with communication means for connecting to the network N.

[0018] The first device 1 comprises a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, a communication unit 12, a display unit 13, and an operation unit 14. The processing unit 10 uses a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 uses memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). The processing unit 10 may be configured as a single hardware (SoC: System On a Chip) integrating the processor, memory, and further the storage unit 11 and the communication unit 12.

[0019] The storage unit 11 is a non-temporary storage medium such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 11 stores a computer program (program product) necessary for the processing unit 10 to execute processing, reference setting data, and a blockchain account and private key corresponding to an entity (user). The program product includes a first program P1. The first program P1 includes a web browser program. The first program P1 may also include a wallet application corresponding to the blockchain system 4. The wallet application may be embedded in the web browser program. The first program P1 may be implemented as a special application program for a terminal of a carrier data distribution system. The first program P1 is a program that, when read into memory and executed by the processing unit 10, causes a general-purpose computer to function as the first device 1 in this disclosure, which performs various processes.

[0020] The first program P1 stored in the memory unit 11 may be a first program P91 stored in a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium 9, which the processing unit 10 reads and stores in the memory unit 11. Alternatively, the first program P1 may be a first program P1 downloaded by the processing unit 10 from an external download server via the communication unit 12 and stored in the memory unit 11.

[0021] The communication unit 12 enables communication via the network N. The communication unit 12 is a wireless communication device that connects to a carrier network. It may be a wired network card or a WiFi wireless communication device. The processing unit 10 can send and receive data to and from the blockchain system 4, storage 5, other second devices 2, and third devices 3 via the communication unit 12 and the network N, which includes a public communication network.

[0022] The display unit 13 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 13 may also be a touch panel-integrated display. The display unit 13 can display a UI (User Interface) that is displayed based on the first program P1.

[0023] The operation unit 14 is a user interface that enables input and output between the user and the processing unit 10. The operation unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel built into the display unit 13. The operation unit 14 may include a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, or it may also include physical buttons, switches, physical dials, etc. The operation unit 14 may be configured to accept voice operation using a microphone and a voice recognition processing unit.

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second device 2, and Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third device 3. The second device 2 is used by other users or corporations that wish to use data on the user's activities, and the third device 3 is used by individuals within the organization who are stakeholders in the user's activities. The second device 2 and the third device 3 are communication devices such as personal computers, tablet terminals, or smartphones, equipped with communication means to connect to the network N, and their hardware configuration is the same as that of the first device 1, so corresponding reference numerals are used and detailed explanations are omitted. The first device 1, the second device 2, and the third device 3 are similar except that the positions of the individuals or organizations using them differ.

[0025] The second program P2 is stored in the storage unit 21 of the second device 2, and the third program P3 is stored in the storage unit 31 of the third device 3. The second program P2 and the third program P3 may be a web browser program or a special application program, as described in the first device 1. The second program P2 and the third program P3 may be stored by reading the second program P92 and the third program P93 stored in the non-temporary storage medium 9, respectively.

[0026] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a node 40 that constitutes the blockchain system 4. A node 40 may be a server computer, a desktop or laptop personal computer, or a communication terminal device such as a smartphone. A node 40 comprises a processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43. Furthermore, any device that comprises at least a processing unit 41 and a communication unit 43 can have a portion of the processing unit 41 that constitute part or all of the node 40.

[0027] The processing unit 41 uses a processor such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, or NPU, as well as memory. The processing unit 41 may be configured as a single piece of hardware integrating the processor, memory, and also a storage unit 42 and a communication unit 43. The memory of the processing unit 41 may store a private key that each node 40 uniquely owns. The processing unit 41 then executes various processes based on the node program stored in the storage unit 42, causing the general-purpose computer to function as a node 40 in the blockchain system 4.

[0028] The storage unit 42 uses a hard disk or flash memory to store programs and data referenced by the processing unit 41, including the node program. The storage unit 42 stores blockchain accounts. The node program includes, for example, a program to function as a smart contract for issuing NFTs. The aforementioned private key may be stored in the storage unit 42. The storage unit 42 may also store a public key based on the private key.

[0029] The communication unit 43 is a communication module that enables mutual communication within the private chain of node 40. The communication unit 43 uses a network card, an optical communication device, or a wireless communication device, etc.

[0030] Based on calculations performed at each node 40, the smart contract 400 described later is invoked and the prescribed processing is executed. In the blockchain system 4, the verification process of the smart contract 400 and the consensus process by each node 40 are performed within the private chain. The smart contract 400 may be implemented as a collection of multiple smart contracts. In the blockchain system 4, the web server functionality of some nodes 40 enables the transmission and reception of data related to NFTs between the first device 1, the second device 2, and the third device 3.

[0031] The information processing system 100 configured in this way provides a web application (hereinafter referred to as the carrier distribution web application) that enables the distribution of carrier certificates through the functions of the web server described above. This carrier distribution web application is available to the first device 1 of the user, the second device 2 of the user who wishes to utilize (view) the carrier certificate, and the third device 3 of the contributors (stakeholders) involved in the user's activities within the same organization, based on DID (Decentralized Identity).

[0032] The information processing system 100, via the carrier distribution web application, legitimately records the user's carrier certificate within the organization from the first device 1 to storage 5 after authentication. In the information processing system 100, the blockchain system 4 issues NFTs corresponding to the organization NFT issued to the organization to users belonging to the organization, and issues child NFTs in a parent-child relationship to the NFT issued to the user to contributors (stakeholders) involved in the user's activities within the organization. This parent-child relationship allows the carrier distribution web application to add descriptions and approvals from contributors to whom the child NFT is attached to the user's own carrier certificate, which is associated with the parent NFT. Furthermore, the information processing system 100, using smart contracts 400 on the blockchain system 4, can evaluate the contribution of data added by contributors based on the content of the data, the quality of the data, or the speed of the contribution. Therefore, when a cost is paid for the utilization of the user's carrier proof (carrier data) from the second device 2 via the carrier distribution web application, the rewards will be fairly distributed not only to the user but also to the contributors in proportion to the utilization cost, and not only the user but also other contributors within the organization will receive incentives for their activities and involvement.

[0033] In the first embodiment, by applying the information processing system 100 to the carrier data circulation system, first, it is possible to make it difficult to falsify the descriptions and approvals from the organization and the contributor with respect to the carrier proof of the user. As a result, it becomes difficult to fake the carrier, and a system that can utilize highly reliable carrier data can be realized. Second, by using the NFT of the parent-child relationship, the evaluation of the contribution degree of the organization and the contributor themselves to which the user belongs is made difficult to falsify and associated with the user's carrier proof so that it can be referred to. As a result, it is possible to evaluate the user considering not only the evaluation of the user himself / herself but also the evaluation from the contributor and the credibility of the contributor himself / herself. Third, when the NFT of the parent-child relationship is used and utilized for the user's carrier proof, by giving an incentive corresponding to the utilization to the contributor, it is possible to realize the evaluation of others who have contributed to the user's career advancement and promote the contribution to further career advancement within the organization. Hereinafter, specific processes regarding the evaluation of the user's career using the NFT of the parent-child relationship and the evaluation of the contribution degree of the stakeholders will be described.

[0034] <From the issuance of the DID to the registration of the carrier proof> First, the procedure in which the user acquires a certificate of affiliation from the organization using the information processing system 100 and registers the carrier data in the storage 5 is performed by the first device 1, and the processing when the addition and approval of the evaluation from the contributor are added will be described.

[0035] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram related to NFT issuance in the information processing system 100. The user attempts to log in to the carrier distribution web application using the first device 1 to register their carrier certificate. As a result, the first device 1 receives authentication of the user's identity based on the user's unique identification data (e.g., My Number (registered trademark)) (step S101). If authentication is successful, the first device 1 becomes able to execute processing based on the blockchain account based on the authentication result and requests the blockchain system 4 to issue a DID (Decentralized Identity) (broadcasts a transaction) (step S102). If authentication fails in step S101, the processing from step S102 onward will not be executed. The request for DID issuance in step S102 includes the authentication result from step S101.

[0036] In response to a request for DID issuance (DID issuance transaction), the blockchain system 4, through processing at each node 40, verifies the authentication result (blockchain account) at the first device 1 included in the request and issues a DID to the first device 1 (step S401).

[0037] If a DID has already been issued to the user, and identity verification can be performed, the process will start from step S103 onwards, which uses the DID, as described below.

[0038] The processing unit 10 of the first device 1 uses the issued DID to request proof of the user's affiliation with an organization from the smart contract 400 (step S103). The organization to which the user belongs is the school, workplace, etc., to which the user belongs at that time. In step S103, the first device 1 may obtain proof of affiliation by, for example, logging into a web application provided by the organization itself, or a web application provided by a service adopted by the organization. In step S103, the first device 1 may send the request by means of communication such as email.

[0039] In the organization, the third device 3, upon receiving a request for proof of affiliation from a user, performs a Proof of Affiliation (Step S301) with the blockchain system 4 if the organization has confirmed that the requesting user is indeed an affiliate. In Step S301, the third device 3 broadcasts the proof transaction to the blockchain system 4 using zkTLS (Zero-Knowledge Transport Layer Security) via the carrier distribution web application. By using zkTLS in Step S301, it is possible to perform proof of affiliation using the blockchain system 4 while maintaining tamper-proofness. In Step S301, the third device 3 may simply accept confirmation of affiliation.

[0040] Blockchain system 4's smart contract 400, in the background of the carrier distribution web application, issues an organization NFT linked to the organization's blockchain account for the combination of the target user and organization if it can verify that the target user truly belongs to the organization (step S402). In step S402, blockchain system 4 can determine that the proof has been verified if it succeeds in verifying the proof transaction. Blockchain system 4 can also determine that the proof has been verified if the affiliation verification is accepted by an electronic signature or the like.

[0041] When an organization NFT is issued, the third device 3 in the organization requests that a parent NFT corresponding to the issued organization NFT be issued to the user's blockchain account (step S302).

[0042] The smart contract 400 of the blockchain system 4 executes the process of storing the carrier certificate (certificate of affiliation) to which the requested DID of step S103 is associated in storage 5 (step S403). The process in step S403 may be executed before or after step S402. The smart contract 400 issues a parent NFT to the user's blockchain account that corresponds to the carrier certificate in the user's organization (step S404). The parent NFT contains data that identifies the carrier certificate data, such as the address of the carrier certificate in storage 5.

[0043] In step S403, the carrier certificate includes user attribute data such as name, gender, date of birth, address, email address, telephone number and emergency contact information, and official qualifications, all associated with the DID. At step S403, the carrier certificate may also include the user's own PR data, which is described by the user via the first device 1.

[0044] Blockchain system 4 issues an ownership NFT and SBT (Soul Bound Token) of the carrier certificate in the user's organization to the user's blockchain account (step S405). Blockchain system 4 further issues an access rights NFT to the organization's blockchain account for the attribute data and activity data of the user and organization targeted in step S405 (step S406). The access rights NFT contains the address of the carrier certificate on storage 5 and search keywords extracted from the attribute data and activity data of the user in the organization of the carrier certificate.

[0045] In the target organization, using the issued organizational NFTs, the third device 3 creates user carrier data (activity data) obtained from storage within the organization (not shown) from each of the user's stakeholders who are authorized to access the user's carrier certificate (step S303). In step S303, the third device 3 may associate the created carrier data with the affiliation certificate data stored in storage 5, or it may append the data to the existing data.

[0046] In step S303, the career data described and created by the stakeholders by the third device 3 includes, if the organization is a company, the company name, length of employment, employment type, department, and job title. The career data described by the stakeholders includes evaluations and achievements within the company, goal setting and achievement, project and participation history and results, behavioral characteristics, performance evaluation scores, or evaluation feedback. The career data described by the stakeholders includes training attendance history or usage history of overseas assignment programs. The career data described by the stakeholders may also include basic salary, bonus and allowance history, salary increase and promotion history, and welfare benefit usage. The career data described by the stakeholders may further include, as labor management data, attendance records, overtime hours, leave taken, overtime work applications, or health check results. If the user is a student, the career data includes the school name, period of enrollment, academic transcript, graduation certificate, and degree certificate. Career data includes affiliated seminars, presentation content, study abroad experience, contest awards, volunteer history, and internship participation history.

[0047] In response to approval of the carrier certificate created in step S303, the third device 3 signs it using the private key stored in its device (step S304). As a result, the carrier certificate is created as a VC (Verifiable Credentials) with a DID associated with it. The third device 3 requests the blockchain system 4 to record the created signed carrier certificate into storage 5 (step S305).

[0048] In response, the blockchain system 4 encrypts the user's carrier certificate and stores it in storage 5 (step S407), and issues a child NFT corresponding to the stored VC to the user's blockchain account (step S408). As a result, a child NFT is issued for each stakeholder (supervisor, colleague, etc.) who can contribute to the user's activities within the target organization to which the user belongs. The relationship between the parent NFT and the child NFTs is described in the parent NFT. Multiple child NFTs can be associated with a parent NFT.

[0049] Of the processes described above, steps S103-S408 are executed for all target organizations to which the user belongs. Steps S303-S408 are executed for all stakeholders within the organization to which the user belongs. For each different affiliation, projects, participation history, and results are created as VCs. As described above, a user's career certificate will not be created as a VC unless it is approved by stakeholders via the third device 3 and the carrier data is recorded from the organization's storage, in addition to proof of affiliation. In other words, a career certificate for which organizational approval has not been obtained and a child NFT has not been issued will not be recorded in storage 5 via the carrier distribution web application and will not be usable.

[0050] <Setting up and listing items for carrier verification> Secondly, we will explain the process by which carrier certification (carrier data) becomes accessible to users.

[0051] In the information processing system 100 of the first embodiment, the user can select which parts of the carrier certificate created as a VC via the organization's third device 3 are to be disclosed to users as a carrier data distribution system. By partially selecting disclosure, the system can be made available (listed) so that the user's carrier certificate can be obtained from the second device 2 via the carrier distribution web application.

[0052] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the process up to the listing of a carrier certificate in the information processing system 100. The first device 1 acquires its own carrier certificate (VC) on storage 5 based on the originally issued ownership NFT (or SBT) via the carrier distribution web application (step S111). The first device 1 accepts from the user the selection of items to be disclosed for the target carrier certificate on storage 5 via the carrier distribution web application (step S112). The first device 1 signs the carrier certificate, leaving the selected items, encrypts it, and stores it on storage 5 (step S113). In step S113, the storage of the carrier certificate on storage 5 may be performed via the blockchain system 4.

[0053] Through the above-described process, carrier data added from the third device 3 can be made inaccessible to users by setting items other than those to be disclosed to non-disclosure or by deleting the association with the affiliation certificate.

[0054] The first device 1 outputs a request via the carrier distribution web application to put the access rights NFT for the selected carrier certificates (VCs) of the disclosure items into an offering state (step S114).

[0055] Blockchain system 4, when the selection of disclosure portions is performed on the carrier distribution web application in the first device 1, makes an overview of the carrier certificate (carrier data) viewable as a purchasable NFT from the second device 2 (step S411). As a result of the processing in step S411, the carrier certificate for which the disclosure portion has been selected becomes available for purchase (listed) as a corresponding access rights NFT from the second device 2 used by the user on the carrier distribution web application.

[0056] <Cost allocation for carrier certification> Thirdly, we will explain the process of making carrier certification (carrier data) available to users, and the distribution of profits obtained from the circulation of carrier certification.

[0057] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the process when a user purchases an access rights NFT. The user's second device 2 can view a list of carrier certificate access rights NFTs that are available for purchase from the carrier distribution web application. When the second device 2 receives a selection from the list of available access rights NFTs, it outputs a request to purchase the selected access rights NFT (step S201). The request to purchase the access rights NFT in step S201 may be a broadcast of a purchase transaction to the blockchain system 4. Prior to step S201, the authenticity and authority of the carrier certificate (VC) corresponding to the selected access rights NFT may be verified by the second device 2.

[0058] In response to a request from the second device 2 to purchase an access rights NFT, the blockchain system 4 verifies the blockchain account of the user of the second device 2 (S421) and issues the access rights NFT to the requester (step 422). Multiple access rights NFTs can be issued for a single carrier certificate. Prior to the issuance in step S422, in addition to the cost of sending the purchase transaction, a fixed system usage fee may be paid, or a cost based on the value calculated in a process described later may be paid. If payment of a cost based on the value described later is required, the cost may be verified by the second device 2 after the value calculation before the process in step S423 is executed.

[0059] Each node 40 of the blockchain system 4 performs the calculation of the value of the access rights NFT (step S423). The processing in steps S422 and S423 may be performed in any order. In step S423, the blockchain system 4 calculates the value of the target carrier proof based on, for example, a fixed value corresponding to the age or years of experience included in the attributes, the number of carrier proofs (VCs) with the same attributes, and the sales record of access rights NFTs for carrier proofs with the same attributes. The blockchain system 4 may also calculate the value based on the number of parent-child NFTs corresponding to the target carrier proof (number of child NFTs), and the level of trustworthiness calculated separately for the child NFTs of the corresponding NFTs. The method of calculating the value may also be calculated by other methods, such as the complexity of the carrier proof data.

[0060] Through processing by each node 40 of the blockchain system 4, the smart contract 400 calculates a reward for the user who is the original owner of the parent NFT and an incentive for the stakeholders, in accordance with the value calculated in step S424 (step S424). In step S424, the reward for the user who benefits from the utilization of the career data does not need to be calculated. In step S424, the smart contract 400 may calculate the contribution based on the number of stakeholders, the length of work history, educational background, etc., and rank of the stakeholders, with the user's career as 1, as a percentage or ratio, or it may be calculated as the payment amount.

[0061] The blockchain system 4, through processing by each node 40, performs the payment of rewards to the user's block account and the payment of incentives to stakeholders (steps S425, S426).

[0062] The process described with reference to the sequence diagram above makes tamper-proof and highly reliable carrier certifications accessible to users by associating them with carrier data created by stakeholders. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of how the information processing system 100 can utilize carrier certifications.

[0063] In the carrier data distribution system 200, which enables the distribution of carrier certificates by utilizing the information processing system 100, as shown in Figure 9, users can verify their identity using the carrier distribution web application (indicated by the code P4 in Figure 9), and a certificate of affiliation (carrier certificate) with a DID associated with it is created via the blockchain system 4 and stored in storage 5. A parent NFT corresponds to the organization-specific carrier certificate that is initially created and stored in storage 5, which corresponds to the user's affiliation with an organization, and a child NFT corresponds to the carrier data written by stakeholders within the same organization that corresponds to this carrier certificate.

[0064] The second device 2, via the blockchain system 4, is stored in storage 5 and allows the selection of access rights NFTs for career certificates in the listing status. Users of the second device 2 include, for example, recruiters at companies where users wish to work. Users of the second device 2 may also be data scientists, researchers, or analysts who handle career data (career certificates) as big data. These users can use the career distribution web application P4 to identify the access rights NFT for the target user's career certificate, or they can search for the access rights NFT using search keywords described in the access rights NFT or the parent / child NFT corresponding to the career certificate corresponding to the access rights NFT.

[0065] Users can purchase an access rights NFT for a desired career certificate and then view in detail the attribute data, company name, length of employment, employment type, academic transcripts, and other information about their activities within the organization contained in the corresponding career certificate. Users pay a cost (usage fee) for purchasing the access rights NFT. The usage fee may be a system usage fee for the carrier data distribution system or a usage fee attached to each individual access rights NFT. Users may obtain the access rights NFT without requiring payment of a cost, and may do so through a free transfer. The access rights NFT should be associated with the parent NFT of the corresponding career certificate and transferred to the user according to the transfer conditions (whether a cost is required, how the cost is calculated, purchaser conditions, etc.) set in the smart contract for transfer in the blockchain system 4.

[0066] The costs paid by users are calculated as rewards for the users themselves and incentives for stakeholders, based on the value calculated in relation to the purchase of the access rights NFT. User rewards may be paid not when the NFT is used for employment, but when it is used as a subject for data science. Incentives may be paid in cryptocurrency corresponding to blockchain system 4, or in assets other than cryptocurrency corresponding to the access rights NFT (whether on-chain or off-chain).

[0067] In this way, the carrier data distribution system 200 links the relationship between VCs (career certificates associated with DIDs) that prove a user's affiliation, etc., and the career data approved by stakeholders regarding the user's career, or the career data that is created, using parent-child NFTs. Based on these NFTs, it becomes possible to provide incentives to stakeholders in accordance with the contributions of the organization or stakeholders, based on the relationship between the user, the organization, and the stakeholders.

[0068] In the first embodiment, it was described that data relating to user activities, data of stakeholders contributing to user activities, and access from data users are processed by a smart contract 400 deployed on the blockchain system 4. However, with the exception of processing on blockchain accounts in the blockchain system 4 and processing such as NFT issuance, other processing may be configured to be performed on a server computer off-chain.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the primary method of utilization described was for a company's recruiter to view in detail career data related to a user's affiliation with an organization and their activities within the organization. Another method of utilizing highly reliable career data approved by stakeholders based on parent-child NFTs is matching job seekers corresponding to parent NFTs that take into account the contribution of stakeholders with organizations such as companies, academia, or research institutes that are looking for job seekers. In this case, as information output to the organization looking for job seekers, the smart contract 400 of the blockchain system 4 or the background processing of the career distribution web application calculates the value or evaluation value of the job seeker based on the parent-child NFTs, thereby realizing a more reliable matching system.

[0070] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, an example of applying the information processing system 100 of this disclosure to a logistics system for managing the distribution of goods will be described. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the utilization of the information processing system 100 for the distribution of goods. The hardware configuration of the information processing system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the information processing system 100 in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0071] In the logistics system 300 of the second embodiment, a first device 1 used by the shipper, such as a supplier or manufacturer of goods, and a third device 3 used by a business operator that performs transit and sorting in logistics are mainly used. The first device 1 may also be used by the party ordering the goods.

[0072] In the logistics system 300, when goods are ready for shipment, the shipper uses the first device 1 to read a barcode or two-dimensional code, etc., that encodes the unique identification data attached to the goods. The first device 1 creates goods data to which the unique identification data is associated, and this data is stored in storage 5. The goods data includes attribute data such as information about the shipper or the consignee. In the logistics system 300, a parent NFT is issued for the goods data, and child NFTs are issued according to the data identifying each stakeholder at the time of shipment confirmation, goods confirmation during transit or sorting, and goods confirmation upon arrival. This ensures that records of the shipper, sorting location, and receipt confirmation of the goods are stored in storage 5 in a tamper-proof and reliable manner. It is possible to trace where the goods came from, where they passed through, which businesses were involved, and where they were transported to. Furthermore, based on each child NFT, it becomes possible to provide incentives to stakeholders according to the contributions of each business.

[0073] When handling logistics data, such as the actual routes taken by goods, as big data, the second device 2 used by users such as data scientists may be made to use the logistics data by purchasing access rights NFTs, similar to the first embodiment.

[0074] The processing of the information processing system 100 in the second embodiment will be explained with specific examples. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram related to NFT issuance in the second embodiment. The sender uses the first device 1 to obtain individual identification data of the items to be sent from a barcode reader or camera, etc., in order to register the items. As a result, the first device 1 sends a registration request for the items to the blockchain system 4, associating it with the individual identification data of the items (step S121).

[0075] The registration of the unique identification data for the first item in step S121 is performed by the first device 1 used by the consignee or ordering party, rather than by the first device 1 of the shipper, and the shipper may use the third device 3 to perform the processing described later (S321).

[0076] The smart contract 400 of blockchain system 4 issues a parent NFT for the item itself in the background of a web application (hereinafter referred to as the logistics web application) that enables the registration or referencing of logistics data via the functions of a web server (step S431). This issues a parent NFT that originally belongs to the item to be transported, that is, a parent NFT that belongs to the blockchain account corresponding to the item's unique identification data.

[0077] Once the goods are actually transported, at the transit point or sorting point, the person in charge of sorting or other related tasks uses the third device 3 to read the individual identification data of the goods. The goods have a barcode or two-dimensional code that encodes the individual identification data attached to them, which is read by a barcode reader or camera connected to the third device 3. The third device 3 then associates the read individual identification data with the identification data of the organization to which the person using the third device 3 belongs, and certifies to the blockchain system 4 that the goods have arrived at (passed through) the transit point or sorting point (step S321). In step S321, the third device 3 broadcasts the certification transaction to the blockchain system 4 using zkTLS, for example, via a logistics web application.

[0078] Blockchain system 4 executes a process to store proof of the arrival of goods, including individual identification data of the goods and identification data of the organization responsible for transit or sorting, in storage 5 (step S432). In step S432, blockchain system 4 can determine that the proof has been confirmed if it successfully verifies the transaction of proof of goods using the blockchain account corresponding to the unique identification data of the goods, or the blockchain account of each of the third devices 3. Blockchain system 4 can also determine that the proof has been confirmed if affiliation verification is accepted by an electronic signature or the like.

[0079] The proof of arrival stored in storage 5 includes, as item attribute data, the orderer, type, shipping date, consignee, etc., as item attribute data associated with the item's unique identifier.

[0080] Blockchain system 4 issues ownership NFTs and SBTs for the goods to the blockchain account corresponding to the unique identification data of the goods (step S433). Blockchain system 4 issues access rights NFTs for the goods data to the blockchain account of the transit point or sorting organization (blockchain account of the third device 3) (step S434).

[0081] The person in charge of the relay point or sorting uses the third device 3 to create a record of the inspection or sorting of the target items as logistics data based on the access rights NFT (step S322). The third device 3 requests the blockchain system 4 to record the created item data into storage 5 (step S323). In steps S322 and S323, the third device 3 may associate logistics data indicating the results of the confirmation (inspection) with the item data stored in storage 5, or it may append to it. In step S323, the logistics data includes identification data of the relay point or sorting organization, the date and time when relaying, sorting, or inspection was performed, the results of the confirmation (inspection), etc.

[0082] The third device 3 may sign the logistics data created in steps S322 and S323 using a secret key stored in its own device. As a result, the logistics data may be created as a VC.

[0083] The blockchain system 4 stores the logistics data created by the third device 3 in the storage 5 (step S435), and issues child NFTs corresponding to the stored logistics data to the blockchain account corresponding to the unique identification data of the goods (step S436). As a result, child NFTs are issued to each stakeholder involved in the transportation of the goods to the parent NFT corresponding to the unique identification data of the goods being transported. The process from steps S321 to S323 is repeated each time the arrival of the goods is confirmed at a transit point or sorting point, and multiple child NFTs can be associated with one parent NFT.

[0084] <Cost allocation for item data> Once the goods are received by the consignee, the transportation route of the goods can be verified from a second device 2 used by a third party, or from a third device 3 used by the consignee, by obtaining an access rights NFT issued for the goods. Confirmation of arrival from the third device 3 used by the consignee is taken as confirmation of receipt, and the transportation costs may be paid at this point. The transportation costs should be distributed to the sender who dispatched the goods, the organizations at the transit or sorting points, and the consignee, according to their respective contributions.

[0085] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram of incentive distribution based on parent and child NFTs. When the receipt of goods by the consignee is registered from the logistics web application, each node 40 of the blockchain system 4 processes and calculates incentives for the stakeholders involved in the transportation of the goods, based on the child NFTs corresponding to the parent NFT of the goods (step S437).

[0086] The blockchain system 4 determines incentives for stakeholders based on the processing of each node 40 (step S438). The blockchain system 4 pays the determined incentives to each stakeholder's third device 3 (step S439).

[0087] The process described with reference to the sequence diagram above makes it possible to record tamper-proof and highly reliable item data (such as shipping records) in association with arrival certificates (confirmation or inspection results) created by stakeholders.

[0088] In this way, the logistics system 300 links the attribute data of each item with the arrival certificate (confirmation or inspection result) approved by stakeholders related to the transportation of the items using parent-child NFTs. Based on these NFTs, it becomes possible to provide incentives to stakeholders in accordance with the contributions of the organization or stakeholder, based on the relationships between users, organizations, and stakeholders.

[0089] In the second embodiment, it was described that the attribute data of the goods and the stakeholders' data regarding the transportation of the goods are processed by a smart contract 400 deployed on the blockchain system 4. In the second embodiment as well, other processing may be configured to be performed on an off-chain server computer, with the exception of processing on the blockchain account of the blockchain system 4 and processing such as the issuance of NFTs.

[0090] Logistics System 300 can be applied not only to the delivery of regular goods but also to the supply system during disasters. This will also enable the calculation of the contribution of organizations participating as volunteers.

[0091] In the first embodiment, an example of applying the information processing system 100 to a carrier data distribution system 200 was described, and in the second embodiment, an example of applying the information processing system 100 to a logistics system 300 was described. The information processing system 100, which associates parent NFTs issued for data on the attributes, movements, or activities of uniquely identifiable entities with child NFTs that have a parent-child relationship for activities such as stakeholder verification, can be applied to other fields as well. For example, the carrier data distribution system 200 may not be a system that issues access rights NFTs to external users such as job seekers or those looking to change jobs, but rather may be used solely to scalable record internal activity records and clarify stakeholders. For example, in the case of the logistics system 300, by limiting the target items to supplies for disaster relief, it is possible to record with high reliability and difficulty in tampering whether the supplies were delivered to the victims as intended by the sender (orderer), and which organizations were involved in sorting, etc. Alternatively, it could be applied to a poverty relief supply system that specifically targets items suitable for the poor.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100 Information Processing Systems 1 1st device 10 Processing Unit 11 Storage section P1 Program 1 2 Second device 20 Processing Units 21 Memory section P2 Program 2 3 Third device 30 Processing Unit 31 Storage section P3 Program 3 4 Blockchain System 40 nodes 5 Storage

Claims

1. When a blockchain system stores data relating to an entity to which the entity's unique identification data is associated, it issues an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) corresponding to the data as a parent NFT. When data relating to the entity approved or added by stakeholders involved in the entity's movements or activities is stored in the storage, an NFT corresponding to the data relating to the entity is issued as a child NFT in a parent-child relationship with the parent NFT. As data for the aforementioned entity, the output includes data corresponding to the parent NFT and data corresponding to the corresponding child NFT. Information processing methods.

2. The blockchain system distributes incentives to one or more child NFTs that have a parent-child relationship with an NFT corresponding to the data relating to the entity, based on the costs incurred in utilizing the data relating to the entity. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned blockchain system An organizational NFT is issued for the identification data of the organization to which the aforementioned entity belongs. Only approvals or additions from stakeholders belonging to the organization to which the aforementioned Organization NFT is issued may be stored as data relating to the said entity. The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. When a blockchain system stores user attribute data, to which user unique identification data is associated, in storage, it issues an NFT corresponding to the attribute data as a parent NFT. When data relating to the user's affiliation or activities, approved or added by stakeholders related to the user's activities, is stored in the storage, an NFT corresponding to the data relating to the user's affiliation or activities is issued as a child NFT in a parent-child relationship with the parent NFT. The data for the user includes attribute data of the user corresponding to the parent NFT and data regarding the user's affiliation or activities approved or added by the stakeholder corresponding to the child NFT. Information processing methods.

5. The system includes a blockchain system, a device capable of sending transactions to the blockchain system, and storage accessed by the blockchain system and the device. The device stores in the storage data relating to the entity to which the entity's unique identification data is associated. The device requests the blockchain system to issue an NFT corresponding to the data as a parent NFT. The storage stores data relating to the entity that is approved or added by stakeholders involved in the entity's movements or activities. The aforementioned blockchain system An NFT corresponding to the data relating to the aforementioned entity is issued as a child NFT in a parent-child relationship with the parent NFT. As data for the aforementioned entity, the output includes data corresponding to the parent NFT and data corresponding to the corresponding child NFT. Information processing system.

6. A computer that functions as a node in the blockchain system, When data relating to the entity to which the entity's unique identification data is associated is stored in storage, an NFT corresponding to the data is issued as a parent NFT. When data relating to the entity approved or added by stakeholders involved in the entity's movements or activities is stored in the storage, an NFT corresponding to the data relating to the entity is issued as a child NFT in a parent-child relationship with the parent NFT. As data for the aforementioned entity, the output includes data corresponding to the parent NFT and data corresponding to the corresponding child NFT. A computer program that executes a process.

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