Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

This technology can provide compensation for viewers providing viewing data and properly manage the digital assets that constitute that compensation. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system includes an acquisition unit that acquires viewing data of viewers of a program, a provision unit that provides the viewing data to a requester, a receiving unit that receives digital assets from the requester as a reward for the provision of viewing data by the provision unit, and a management unit that manages the digital assets using blockchain.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of information processing related to management of digital assets, specifically to the field of information processing related to management of digital assets issued in response to provision of program viewing data, and more specifically belongs to the technical field of management control for digital assets issued in response to provision of program viewing data. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an interactive broadcast viewing technology capable of realizing a viewer-participating program with a high sense of presence. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-71847 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] However, there has been room for improvement in terms of providing a technology for obtaining a reward in return for provision of viewing data by a viewer and appropriately managing the digital asset that is the reward. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system includes an acquisition unit that acquires viewing data of a viewer of a program, a provision unit that provides the viewing data to a request source, a reception unit that receives, from the request source, a digital asset that is a reward for the viewing data being provided by the provision unit, and a management unit that manages the digital asset using a blockchain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a client device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of a server device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of a client device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing performed by a server device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which viewers exchange non-fungible tokens with each other. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a selection screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a viewer sells non-fungible tokens to other viewers. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the output processing of information regarding non-fungible tokens as digital coupons. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen that includes information about the non-fungible tokens held by the viewer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0008] <Embodiment 1> 1. System Configuration Diagram Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 1000. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1000 includes, as a system configuration, a server device 100, a client device 110, a blockchain system 120, and an advertiser system 130.

[0009] The server device 100, the client device 110, the blockchain system 120, and the advertiser system 130 are communicated with each other via the network 150. The network 150 includes a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), and the Internet, or any combination thereof. The network 150 includes wired and wireless networks.

[0010] Server device 100 is a server device that provides the main functions of the information processing system 1000. The main processes described below are executed by server device 100. Server device 100 may also control the processes related to the distribution of digital broadcast programs. The processes related to distribution include encoding, multiplexing, modulation, and transmission. Encoding is a compression process for efficiently transmitting video and audio data. For example, encoding methods such as MPEG-2 and H.264 are used. Multiplexing is the process of combining the encoded video and audio data into a single data stream. In the multiplexing process, for example, multiplexing is performed in a format called Transport Stream (TS). Modulation is the process of modulating the multiplexed data so that it can be transmitted over radio waves. For example, modulation methods such as QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying), 16QAM (16-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), and 64QAM (64-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) are used. The transmission process is the process of transmitting a modulated signal as radio waves from an antenna.

[0011] The marketplace functionality described later may be provided by server device 100, or by another server device capable of communicating with server device 100 and client device 110.

[0012] The client device 110 is a device for viewers to watch programs. Here, a program may be a television broadcast program, or it may be a video-distributed course program from an educational institution (e.g., a junior high school, high school, university, graduate school, vocational school, or cram school). A course program is a program that forms systematic knowledge. A course may also be called a class, subject, subject, lesson, or lecture. A program may also be called content. The client device 110 may be a television receiver, a PC (Personal Computer), a smart TV, or a smartphone. If the client device 110 is a PC, the user can watch programs such as terrestrial, BS, and CS broadcasts on the client device 110 by connecting an external TV tuner to the PC and connecting an antenna cable. If the client device 110 is a smartphone, for example, if the smartphone has a built-in tuner capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts, the user can watch terrestrial digital broadcast programs on the client device 110. Unless otherwise specified in this specification, the client device 110 will be described as a smartphone.

[0013] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, this specification assumes that a digital wallet is installed on the client device 110. However, this does not limit the embodiments. The digital wallet may be installed on another device, such as the smartphone of the operator of the client device 110.

[0014] The blockchain system 120 uses the blockchain mechanism to distribute and manage various types of information. The blockchain system 120 includes a plurality of node devices interconnected by a P2P (Peer to Peer) network. The blockchain system 120 divides transaction data indicating past processing histories and the like into blocks of a fixed capacity, and generates a blockchain in which these blocks are arranged and connected in sequence. The blockchain system 120 causes each block to hold the hash value of the immediately preceding block, and distributes and stores the generated blockchain in each of the plurality of node devices. As a result, the blockchain system 120 improves the tamper resistance of the blockchain.

[0015] The advertiser system 130 is a system of an advertiser that places advertisements on programs. The advertiser system 130 designates and provides the advertisements to be placed on the programs to the server device 100. Further, the advertiser system 130 receives viewer viewing data from the server device 100, issues a non-fungible token corresponding to the received viewing data using the blockchain system 120, and transmits the non-fungible token to the server device 100.

[0016] 2. Hardware Configuration (1) Hardware Configuration of Server Device 100 Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 100. As shown in Figure 2, the server device 100 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a memory 202, a non-volatile memory 203, an image processing unit 204, an external I / F 205, a communication I / F 206, and an internal bus 250.

[0017] The CPU 201, the memory 202, the non-volatile memory 203, the image processing unit 204, the external I / F 205, and the communication I / F 206 are connected to the internal bus 250. Each unit connected to the internal bus 250 is configured to be able to exchange data with one another via the internal bus 250.

[0018] Memory 202 consists of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory: a volatile memory using semiconductor elements). The CPU 201 controls various parts of the server device 100 using memory 202 as work memory, according to a program stored in, for example, non-volatile memory 203. Non-volatile memory 203 stores image data, audio data, other data, and various programs for the operation of the CPU 201. Non-volatile memory 203 is composed of, for example, a hard disk (HD) or ROM (Read Only Memory). That is, the CPU 201 loads the program stored in non-volatile memory 203 into memory 202 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the server device 100 shown in Figure 4 and the flowchart processing shown in Figure 6, which will be described later. The server device 100 is an example of a computer. Non-volatile memory 203 is an example of a storage medium. Values, data, information, etc., used by the CPU 201 when executing processing based on a program are stored in memory 202 or non-volatile memory 203.

[0019] The image processing unit 204 performs various image processing operations on image data stored in the non-volatile memory 203 or recording medium 208, video signals acquired via the external I / F 205, image data acquired via the communication I / F 206, and captured images, based on the control of the CPU 201. The image processing operations performed by the image processing unit 204 include A / D conversion, D / A conversion, image data encoding, compression, decoding, resizing, noise reduction, and color conversion. The image processing unit 204 may be composed of dedicated circuit blocks for performing specific image processing operations. Alternatively, depending on the type of image processing, the CPU 201 may perform the image processing according to a program without using the image processing unit 204.

[0020] External I / F205 is an interface for connecting the server device 100 to external devices via wired or wireless cable, and for inputting and outputting video and audio signals. Communication I / F206 is an interface for communicating with external devices or the network 150, etc., and for sending and receiving various data such as files and / or commands.

[0021] For the sake of simplicity, each hardware configuration included in the server device 100 is shown as a single entity, but there may be multiple such configurations. For example, the server device 100 may include multiple CPUs 201. Furthermore, the data used by the CPUs 201 when executing processing based on a program is not limited to memory 202 and non-volatile memory 203, but may also be stored in the memory of other devices that can communicate with the server device 100.

[0022] (2) Hardware configuration of client device 110 Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the client device 110. As shown in Figure 3, the client device 110 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU 301, a memory 302, a non-volatile memory 303, an image processing unit 304, an imaging unit 305, a display 306, an operation unit 307, a recording medium interface 308, an external interface 309, a communication interface 310, and an internal bus 350.

[0023] The CPU 301, memory 302, non-volatile memory 303, image processing unit 304, display 306, operation unit 307, recording medium interface 308, external interface 309, and communication interface 310 are connected to the internal bus 350. Each component connected to the internal bus 350 is configured to exchange data with each other via the internal bus 350.

[0024] Memory 302 consists of, for example, RAM. The CPU 301 controls various parts of the client device 110 using memory 302 as work memory, according to a program stored in, for example, non-volatile memory 303. Non-volatile memory 303 stores image data, audio data, other data, and various programs for the operation of the CPU 301. Non-volatile memory 303 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or ROM. That is, the CPU 301 loads the program stored in non-volatile memory 303 into memory 302 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the client device 110 shown in Figure 5 and the processing shown in the sequence diagram of the client device 110 shown in Figure 7. Values, data, information, etc., used by the CPU 301 when executing processing based on the program are stored in memory 302 or non-volatile memory 303.

[0025] The image processing unit 304 performs various image processing operations on image data stored in the non-volatile memory 303 or recording medium 208, video signals acquired via the external I / F 309, image data acquired via the communication I / F 310, and captured images, based on the control of the CPU 301. The image processing operations performed by the image processing unit 304 include A / D conversion, D / A conversion, image data encoding, compression, decoding, resizing, noise reduction, and color conversion. The image processing unit 304 may be composed of dedicated circuit blocks for performing specific image processing operations. Alternatively, depending on the type of image processing, the CPU 301 may perform the image processing according to a program without using the image processing unit 304.

[0026] The imaging unit 305 captures an image of a subject based on the control of the CPU 301. The subject is, for example, a viewer watching a program.

[0027] The display 306 displays an image or a GUI screen or the like that constitutes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on the control of the CPU 301. The CPU 301 generates display control signals according to the program and controls each part of the client device 110 to generate a video signal for display on the display 306 and output it to the display 306. The display 306 displays the image based on the output video signal. The client device 110 itself is configured to have an interface for outputting a video signal for display on the display 306, and the display 306 may be configured as an external monitor.

[0028] The operation unit 307 is an input device for receiving user input, including any or any combination thereof, such as a keyboard or other character information input device, a mouse or touch panel, a button, a dial, a joystick, a touch sensor, or a touchpad. The touch panel is an input device that is superimposed on the display 306 to form a flat surface and outputs coordinate information corresponding to the position of contact. A user can be defined as an operator who operates the client device 110, a person who uses the information processing system 1000, or a viewer who watches a program.

[0029] The recording medium interface (I / F) 308 is capable of receiving a recording medium 208 such as a memory card, and, based on the control of the CPU 301, reads data from the received recording medium 208 and writes data to the recording medium 208. The external interface (I / F) 309 is an interface for connecting the client device 110 to external devices via wired or wireless cable, and for inputting and outputting video and audio signals. The communication interface (I / F) 310 is an interface for communicating with external devices or the network 150, etc., to send and receive various data such as files and / or commands.

[0030] For the sake of simplicity, each hardware configuration included in the client device 110 is shown as a single entity, but there may be multiple such configurations.

[0031] 3. Functional Configuration (1) Functional configuration of server device 100 Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the server device 100. As shown in Figure 4, the server device 100 includes, as a functional configuration, an acquisition unit 410, a supply unit 420, a receiving unit 430, and a transmission unit 440.

[0032] The acquisition unit 410 acquires viewing data of program viewers. Viewing data is data that shows when, by whom, and how the program was viewed. Viewing data includes, for example, identification information to identify the viewer, identification information to identify the program viewed by the viewer, viewing time, viewing device information, viewer attributes, etc. Viewing time is information about the time period and number of hours the viewer watched the program. Viewing device information is information about the type of client device 110 used for viewing (for example, television, smartphone, PC, etc.). Viewer attributes are viewer attribute information such as the viewer's age, gender, place of residence, family structure, etc. Viewing data may also include viewing history. Viewing history is a record of programs that the viewer has watched in the past.

[0033] If the program is a program from an internet video distribution service, the acquisition unit 410 can acquire viewing data from log data, etc., related to the viewer's viewing of the program from the internet video distribution service. Furthermore, if a dedicated survey device for acquiring viewing data is built into or attached to the client device 110, the acquisition unit 410 may acquire viewing data from the survey device. Regarding viewer attributes, the acquisition unit 410 may acquire them, for example, from member registration information registered by the viewer during member registration and stored in the non-volatile memory 203, etc., or from the results of a questionnaire survey acquired by the viewer via the Web, etc., and stored in the non-volatile memory 203, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the viewing data may include behavioral information that indicates the viewer's actions. Behavioral information refers to information about various real-time actions that occur when a viewer watches a program. Behavioral information can also be described as information that quantifies and summarizes real-time information such as what actions the viewer takes when watching a program, what programs they are interested in, and which scenes (or segments) of which programs they are watching, so that it can be analyzed. The acquisition unit 410 receives, for example, viewing information, program viewing time, operations during viewing, and the viewer's gaze information during viewing from the client device 110, and acquires this information as behavioral information.

[0035] Viewing information refers to real-time information about which program is being watched. Program viewing time refers to information about which program is being watched, when, and for how long. Operation during viewing refers to information acquired when the viewer operates the control unit 307 while watching. Gaze information during viewing refers to information about where the viewer is looking within the program displayed on the display 306, and is acquired from viewer image data captured by the imaging unit 305, etc.

[0036] The acquisition unit 410 acquires viewing information by, for example, collecting operation data such as channel switching and selection operations by the operation unit 307 from the client device 110, and by collecting viewing history and usage status of applications related to viewing programs from the client device 110. The acquisition unit 410 also acquires viewing information by, for example, collecting viewing history and viewing time of videos of programs distributed by the server device 100, and by collecting website browsing history if programs are distributed to be viewable via a website. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 410 acquires gaze information from the behavioral information as a result of determining the viewer's gaze captured by the imaging unit 305 using eye-tracking technology.

[0037] The viewing data acquired by the acquisition unit 410 is stored in a predetermined storage area such as memory 202 or non-volatile memory 203.

[0038] The provisioning unit 420 provides viewing data to the requester. The requester is, for example, the advertiser system 130. The advertiser system 130 controls the issuance of digital assets using blockchain technology based on the provided viewing data. Examples of digital assets include non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or cryptocurrencies. For the sake of simplicity, unless otherwise specified, non-fungible tokens will be used as an example of digital assets in the following explanation. However, this does not limit the embodiments.

[0039] The advertiser system 130 determines the content of the non-fungible token to be issued (image, video, music, etc.). The advertiser system 130 determines the content of the non-fungible token based, for example, on viewer viewing data and the content of the programs viewed. Hereinafter, the content of the non-fungible token will also be referred to as NFT content. The NFT content may be stored directly on the blockchain system 120, or it may be stored on a decentralized storage system such as IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), and the hash value of the NFT content may be recorded on the blockchain system 120. The issuance of the non-fungible token is carried out by a smart contract. The smart contract is written on the blockchain system 120 and defines the issuance conditions of the non-fungible token, the method of transferring ownership, etc. When the advertiser system 130 executes this smart contract, a new non-fungible token is generated.

[0040] The smart contract associates the generated non-fungible token with the hash value of the NFT content and other metadata (description, creator, issue date, ownership history, etc.), and records this data on the blockchain system 120. The advertiser system 130 sends identification information that identifies the generated non-fungible token, the hash value of the NFT content, and the smart contract address indicating the location of the smart contract to the server device 100.

[0041] The receiving unit 430 receives (receives) from the advertiser system 130 identification information that identifies the non-fungible token, the hash value of the NFT content, and the address of the smart contract that indicates the location of the smart contract.

[0042] The transmitting unit 440 transmits the information received by the receiving unit 430 (i.e., identification information that identifies the non-fungible token, the hash value of the NFT content, and the address of the smart contract indicating the location of the smart contract) to the corresponding viewer's client device 110 or the like.

[0043] (2) Functional configuration of client device 110 Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of the client device 110. As shown in Figure 5, the client device 110 includes a digital wallet 510 as part of its functional configuration.

[0044] The digital wallet 510 is a service unit that provides wallet functionality and manages non-fungible tokens using the blockchain system 120. The digital wallet 510 can also be described as a wallet function provider that manages the digital assets of viewers. The digital wallet 510 manages non-fungible tokens using the blockchain system 120 based on identification information that identifies the non-fungible tokens, the hash value of the NFT content, and the smart contract address that indicates the location of the smart contract, all of which are transmitted from the transmission unit 440. The digital wallet 510 can also be described as a management unit that manages non-fungible tokens using the blockchain system 120.

[0045] The digital wallet 510 manages public and private keys. The public key is used, for example, to encrypt digital assets exchanged by other users. The private key is used, for example, to decrypt encrypted digital assets exchanged by other users.

[0046] The digital wallet 510 includes, as a functional configuration, a display control unit 520, a setting unit 530, a public access control unit 540, an output unit 550, a receiving unit 560, an exchange processing unit 570, and a sales processing unit 580.

[0047] The display control unit 520 displays a selection screen on the display 306 that includes information about the non-fungible tokens held by the viewer, which are managed in the digital wallet 510. Information about non-fungible tokens refers to symbols or images that visually represent the content of the non-fungible tokens (such as images, videos, or music). For the sake of simplicity, the following explanation will assume that images are displayed instead of symbols.

[0048] The setting unit 530 sets the price for multiple non-fungible tokens of a viewer that are managed in the digital wallet 510. For example, the setting unit 530 sets the price entered for the selected non-fungible token in response to the user's selection and input operations for multiple non-fungible tokens of a viewer displayed on the screen. The price may be a fixed price or the lowest price (starting price) of an auction, depending on the sales method of the non-fungible token. If the non-fungible token is sold at a fixed price, the buyer can purchase it at the offered price. If the non-fungible token is sold at an auction, the highest bidder can purchase it at the highest price at the end of the set bidding period. For the sake of simplicity, the following explanation will use fixed-price sales as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0049] The disclosure control unit 540 discloses information about non-fungible tokens held by viewers, which are managed in the digital wallet 510. Disclosing information about non-fungible tokens means making it possible for other viewers to purchase the non-fungible tokens, for example, by registering the non-fungible tokens on a designated marketplace. The disclosed information about non-fungible tokens includes information about the non-fungible tokens themselves and information about transactions involving the non-fungible tokens. Information about the non-fungible tokens themselves includes, for example, identification information of the non-fungible token (token ID), symbols or images that visually represent the content of the non-fungible token (image, video, or music, etc.), metadata of the non-fungible token, etc. Information about transactions includes, for example, the requirements for the non-fungible tokens to be exchanged if the transaction involves an exchange, and the amount of money set by the setting unit 530 if the transaction involves buying and selling, etc.

[0050] The output unit 550 outputs (displays) a screen containing information about non-fungible tokens held by the viewer on the display 306, in response to a predetermined output operation by the viewer, which is managed in the digital wallet 510. The digital asset information is information used as a coupon ticket. The information used as a coupon ticket is information that is a coupon ticket, and includes, for example, information such as the type of coupon, the discount amount or discount rate, the target product or service, the terms of use, and the expiration date. The information used as a coupon ticket may be included in a two-dimensional code, etc., and displayed on the screen, or it may be displayed on the screen as is.

[0051] The receiving unit 560 receives digital asset exchange requests and the like from other viewers via a predetermined marketplace or the like regarding the digital asset information published by the publishing control unit 540. An exchange request is a request (message) received when a viewer exchanges a digital asset published by one viewer with a digital asset from another viewer. An exchange request includes at least information about the digital asset selected by another viewer from the viewer's own published digital asset information, and information about the digital asset from the other viewer that is the target of the exchange.

[0052] When the receiving unit 560 receives an exchange request and performs a predetermined operation to agree to the exchange request, the exchange processing unit 570 sends information to the requesting party as an exchange response, indicating that the exchange will be agreed to. The exchange processing unit 570 also performs processing related to the exchange of non-fungible tokens. Specific examples of the exchange processing will be explained later using Figure 7, etc.

[0053] The sales processing unit 580 executes processes related to the sale of non-fungible tokens. Specific examples of sales processes will be explained later using Figure 9, etc.

[0054] 4. Information Processing The information processing of Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0055] (1) Overview of the process The acquisition unit 410 acquires viewing data of the program's viewers. The provisioning unit 420 provides the requesting party with the viewing data obtained from the viewer. The receiving unit 430 receives information from the requester regarding a non-fungible token, which is a reward for the provision of viewing data by the providing unit 420. A reward is a compensation, reward, or return for an action or contribution. Digital wallet 510 manages non-fungible tokens, indicated by information about non-fungible tokens, using blockchain system 120.

[0056] By performing such processing, it is possible to provide technology that rewards viewers for providing viewing data and appropriately manages the digital assets that constitute the reward.

[0057] (2) Details of the process (2-1) Processing of providing non-fungible tokens based on viewing data Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing performed by the server device 100. In step S610, the acquisition unit 410 acquires viewing data of the program's viewers. In step S620, the providing unit 420 provides viewing data to the requester. The requester is, for example, the advertiser system 130. The advertiser system 130 generates a unique non-fungible token for the viewer based on the viewing data.

[0058] In step S630, the receiving unit 430 receives from the advertiser system 130, etc., identification information that identifies the generated non-fungible token, the hash value of the NFT content, and the address of the smart contract indicating the location of the smart contract, as information about the non-fungible token.

[0059] In step S640, the transmitting unit 440 transmits the information received in step S630 (i.e., identification information that identifies the non-fungible token, the hash value of the NFT content, and the address of the smart contract indicating the location of the smart contract) to the corresponding viewer's client device 110 (or a digital wallet 510 installed on the client device 110).

[0060] By performing the process shown in Figure 6, a unique, non-fungible token corresponding to the viewing data can be generated and provided to the viewer.

[0061] (2-2) Exchange process for non-fungible tokens Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process of exchanging non-fungible tokens between viewers. The exchange of non-fungible tokens may take place via P2P between digital wallets or through a marketplace. The explanation will focus on the case where the exchange takes place via P2P between digital wallets. In sequence SQ710, the display control unit 520 displays a selection screen on the display 306 that includes information on multiple non-fungible tokens held by the viewer and managed in the digital wallet 510, in response to a predetermined operation by the viewer.

[0062] Figure 8 shows an example of the selection screen 800. The selection screen 800 is displayed on the display 306 of the client device 110. The selection screen 800 displays a list of images that visually represent the content of the non-fungible token held by the viewer (images, videos, music, etc.). Images 810 to 860 are images that visually represent the content of the non-fungible token held by the viewer.

[0063] In sequence SQ720, the display control unit 520 identifies (or selects) a non-fungible token corresponding to the image selected on the selection screen 800. The non-fungible token selected in sequence SQ720 may be singular or plural. The non-fungible token selected in sequence SQ720 can be said to be an exchangeable non-fungible token that can be exchanged with other viewers.

[0064] In sequence SQ730, the public control unit 540 publishes information about the non-fungible tokens selected in sequence SQ720, which are managed in the digital wallet 510 and held by the viewer. The public control unit 540 publishes information about the non-fungible tokens selected by the viewer as information about the non-fungible tokens to be published, for example by registering them on a predetermined marketplace. As described above, the information about the non-fungible tokens to be published includes information about the non-fungible token itself and information about transactions involving the non-fungible token. Information about the non-fungible token itself includes, for example, identification information of the non-fungible token (token ID), symbols or images that visually represent the content of the non-fungible token (image, video, or music, etc.), metadata of the non-fungible token, etc. Information about transactions includes, for example, the requirements for the non-fungible tokens to be exchanged.

[0065] In sequence SQ740, the receiving unit 560 receives digital asset exchange requests from other viewers via a predetermined marketplace or the like, regarding the digital asset information published by the publishing control unit 540. Exchange requests include, for example, information on digital assets selected by other viewers from among the digital asset information of the viewer that the viewer has published, and information on the digital assets that the other viewers are interested in exchanging.

[0066] When a predetermined operation to respond to an exchange request is performed via a predetermined screen displayed on the display 306 of the client device 110, in sequence SQ750, the exchange processing unit 570 transmits information indicating that the exchange request will be responded to to the client device 110B or the other viewer that made the request.

[0067] In sequence SQ760, the exchange processing unit 570 executes the process related to the exchange of non-fungible tokens. The process related to the exchange of non-fungible tokens first includes the creation of a transaction. The transaction includes the following information: an identifier uniquely assigned to the transaction, a timestamp, the digital wallet address of the user holding the non-fungible tokens to be exchanged (viewer of client device 110A), the digital wallet address of the counterparty user (viewer of client device 110B), an identifier identifying the non-fungible tokens to be exchanged, the smart contract address indicating the location of the smart contract, the hash value of the NFT content, and the transaction fee. The created transaction is signed with the private key of digital wallet 510. The signed transaction is broadcast to blockchain system 120. The broadcasted transaction is verified (verified for the validity of the signature, ownership of the non-fungible tokens, etc.) and approved by the nodes of blockchain system 120. During verification, the public key of digital wallet 510 is used. Approved transactions are grouped into a new block and added to blockchain system 120. For example, the new block is shared and recorded by all nodes in blockchain system 120. Once the transaction is recorded in blockchain system 120, ownership of the non-fungible tokens is exchanged, and the exchange process is complete.

[0068] (2-3) Processing of sales of non-fungible tokens Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a viewer sells non-fungible tokens to other viewers. In sequence SQ910, the sales processing unit 580 connects the digital wallet 510 to the selected marketplace in response to a selection operation via a predetermined screen.

[0069] In sequence SQ920, the sales processing unit 580 executes processing related to the sale of non-fungible tokens. However, the main processing related to the sale is performed by the marketplace. The sales processing unit 580 exchanges data with the marketplace, displays the screen on the display 306, and performs input such as selection operations via the screen. However, for the sake of simplicity, unless otherwise specified, it will be assumed that the marketplace performs processing such as displaying the screen on the display 306 and performing input such as selection operations via the screen.

[0070] The marketplace selects non-fungible tokens to be sold based on the viewer's listing or selection of buttons or similar actions. The marketplace also selects a sales method based on the viewer's selection. Examples of sales methods include fixed-price sales and auction sales. Fixed-price sales are a method of selling at a fixed price. Auction sales are a method of selling to the highest bidder within a set period. If fixed-price sales are selected, the marketplace sets the fixed price based on the viewer's specified actions. If auction sales are selected, the marketplace sets the minimum winning bid price and the sales period (auction period) based on the viewer's specified actions.

[0071] Furthermore, the selection of these sales methods, the setting of fixed prices and / or the setting of the minimum winning bid price and sales period (auction period) may be made by the setting unit 530 to the marketplace in response to the viewer's listing operation, etc.

[0072] When a viewer makes an input such as selecting the "Confirm Listing" button, the digital wallet 510 requests the marketplace to create a listing transaction. The marketplace creates the listing transaction. The listing transaction includes the following information: an identifier uniquely assigned to the listing transaction, a timestamp, the digital wallet address of the user (viewer of client device 110A) holding the non-fungible token being listed, an identifier identifying the non-fungible token being listed, the smart contract address indicating the location of the smart contract, the hash value of the NFT content, the selling price, the selling method, and the transaction fee. The transaction fee may be set according to the content of the listing transaction.

[0073] The marketplace sends the created listing transaction to the digital wallet 510. The sales processing unit 580 displays a screen on the display 306 containing the details of the listing transaction (for example, an image visually representing the content of the non-fungible token being listed (image, video, music, etc.), sales method, sales price, transaction fee, etc.). Upon receiving an instruction to approve via the screen, the signed listing transaction is broadcast from the digital wallet 510 to the blockchain system 120. The private key of the digital wallet 510 is used to verify the listing transaction. The broadcasted listing transaction is verified (verification of the validity of the signature, ownership of the non-fungible token, etc.) by the nodes of the blockchain system 120 and approved. The public key of the digital wallet 510 is used when the listing transaction is verified. The approved listing transactions are grouped into a new block and added to the blockchain system 120. For example, the new block is shared and recorded by all nodes of the blockchain system 120. Once the listing transaction is recorded, the non-fungible token is listed on the marketplace. In this state, other viewers will be able to view and purchase non-fungible tokens on the marketplace.

[0074] In sequence SQ930, the CPU 301 of client device 110B selects the non-fungible token to be purchased in response to a selection operation of non-fungible tokens related to purchases by other viewers. In sequence SQ940, the CPU 301 of client device 110B executes processing related to the purchase of non-fungible tokens in response to selection operations such as the purchase button by other viewers. However, the main processing related to the purchase will be described as being performed by the marketplace.

[0075] The marketplace creates a purchase transaction in response to selections such as the purchase button by other viewers. The purchase transaction includes the following information: an identifier uniquely assigned to the purchase transaction, a timestamp, an identifier identifying the non-fungible token being purchased, the smart contract address indicating the location of the smart contract, the hash value of the NFT content, and the buyer's address. The created purchase transaction is signed by the private key of the other viewer's digital wallet. The signed purchase transaction is broadcast to blockchain system 120. The broadcasted purchase transaction is verified (verified for the validity of the signature, the buyer's balance, etc.) and approved by the nodes of blockchain system 120. The public key of the digital wallet 510 is used when the purchase transaction is verified. The approved purchase transactions are grouped into a new block and added to blockchain system 120. For example, the new block is shared and recorded by all nodes of blockchain system 120. Once the purchase transaction is recorded in blockchain system 120, ownership of the non-fungible token is exchanged. At the same time, the purchase price is transferred from other viewers who are also purchasers to the viewer's wallet (digital wallet 510).

[0076] (2-4) Output processing as a digital coupon Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the output processing for information regarding non-fungible tokens as digital coupons. Note that digital coupons may be obtained by viewers exchanging acquired non-fungible tokens, or the non-fungible tokens themselves may be used as digital coupons. In step S1010, the output unit 550 determines whether it has received a predetermined output operation, etc., from the viewer via the display 306 and / or the operation unit 307. If the output unit 550 determines that it has received a predetermined output operation, etc. (YES in step S1010), it proceeds to step S1020 in the flowchart process. If it determines that it has not received a predetermined output operation, etc. (NO in step S1010), it repeats the process in step S1010.

[0077] In step S1020, the output unit 550 outputs (displays) a screen containing information about non-fungible tokens held by the viewer, selected via a screen or the like, to the display 306.

[0078] Figure 11 shows an example of screen 1100, which includes information about non-fungible tokens held by the viewer. Image 1110 is an image that visually represents the content of the non-fungible token (such as an image, video, or music). Information 1120 is information as a coupon ticket, such as the type of coupon, discount amount or discount rate, eligible products or services, terms of use, and expiration date. Information 1120 is used when the coupon is visually verified. QR code 1130 is a two-dimensional code on which Information 1120 is printed. QR code 1130 is used when the coupon is read by a device with a QR code reading function and its contents are verified.

[0079] By making non-fungible tokens usable as coupon tickets, viewers can, for example, receive discounts when purchasing tickets at movie theaters or concerts, or use them as a substitute for participation rights to events such as preview screenings. Furthermore, non-fungible tokens may be exchanged for digital items related to the program (exclusive avatars of the program's characters and viewer-only video content). This would enhance the practical usability of non-fungible tokens.

[0080] According to the processing of Embodiment 1, digital assets using blockchain technology can be issued based on the viewing data of program viewers. Therefore, it is possible to provide a technology that assigns unique value to the behavior of viewers. According to the processing of Embodiment 1, viewers can enjoy the value of their own viewing data. Furthermore, according to the processing of Embodiment 1, viewers can exchange non-fungible tokens with other viewers or sell non-fungible tokens, thereby increasing the liquidity of non-fungible tokens and increasing the value of non-fungible tokens.

[0081] (Variation 1) Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 will now be described. Configurations and processes not described in Modification 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Modification 1 is included in Embodiment 1 and is not different from Embodiment 1.

[0082] The advertiser system 130 described above may be replaced with a system from a research company that conducts research on advertising for the program. Alternatively, the same processing as the advertiser system 130 may be performed by a system from a research company that conducts research on advertising for the program.

[0083] In other words, the research company's system may receive viewer viewing data from the server device 100, issue non-fungible tokens corresponding to the received viewing data using the blockchain system 120, and send them to the server device 100.

[0084] The effects described above can also be achieved by variation 1.

[0085] (Modification 2) Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 will now be described. Configurations and processes not described in Modification 2 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Modification 2 is included in Embodiment 1 and is not different from Embodiment 1.

[0086] In the modified example 2, the setting unit 530 of the digital wallet 510 may automatically set a price based on the market price of nonfungible tokens similar to the nonfungible token to be sold in the marketplace, or output information suggesting a price near the area where the price is set. Nonfungible tokens similar to the nonfungible token to be sold are nonfungible tokens generated based on viewing data of the same program, or nonfungible tokens generated based on similar viewing data of the same program. Similar viewing data means that viewing times overlap, the combination of viewed programs is above a threshold, or the similarity of viewing history patterns is above a threshold.

[0087] According to variation 2, rare, non-fungible tokens, etc., are given a price based on their market value.

[0088] (Other variations) The client device 110 may perform some or all of the functions of the server device 100 described above. For example, the client device 110 may directly provide viewing data to the advertiser system 130. The client device 110 may also receive a non-fungible token from the advertiser system 130. Furthermore, the server device 100 and / or client device 110 may perform some of the marketplace's functions.

[0089] <Note> The product may be provided in any of the following embodiments. (Note 1) An information processing system, A data acquisition unit that acquires viewer data for the program, A providing unit that provides the aforementioned viewing data to the requester, A receiving unit receives from the requester information regarding digital assets which are a reward for the provision of the viewing data by the providing unit, A management department manages the aforementioned digital assets using blockchain technology, An information processing system having (Note 2) The information processing system described in Appendix 1, The aforementioned requesting party is the system of the advertisers who place advertisements in the program. Information processing system. (Note 3) The information processing system described in Appendix 1, The aforementioned requesting party is a system of a research company that conducts research on advertising for the program. Information processing system. (Note 4) An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, A public access control unit that makes public information on the digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, A receiving unit that receives a digital asset exchange request with respect to the digital asset information disclosed by the aforementioned disclosure control unit, It further possesses, The aforementioned exchange request includes information on the digital assets of other viewers that are eligible for exchange. Information processing system. (Note 5) The information processing system described in Appendix 4, The system further includes a display control unit that displays a selection screen containing information on multiple digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, The public access control unit makes public the information of the digital asset selected on the selection screen. Information processing system. (Note 6) An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, A setting unit that sets a price for the digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, A public access control unit that makes public information on the digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, It further possesses, The information on the disclosed digital assets includes the consideration set by the setting unit. Information processing system. (Note 7) An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, The system further includes an output unit that outputs a screen containing the information of the digital assets received by the receiving unit to the display unit of the viewer's terminal device. The aforementioned digital asset is a digital asset that is used as a coupon ticket. Information processing system. (Note 8) The information processing system described in Appendix 4, The aforementioned viewer further has a wallet function providing unit for managing the aforementioned digital assets, The aforementioned wallet function provider manages the public key and the private key. The aforementioned public key is used to encrypt the digital assets of other viewers that are to be exchanged. The aforementioned private key is used to decrypt the encrypted digital assets of the other viewers that are subject to exchange. Information processing system. (Note 9) An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, The aforementioned digital asset is a non-fungible token. Information processing system. (Note 10) An information processing system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, The aforementioned digital asset is a cryptocurrency. Information processing system. (Note 11) An information processing method performed by an information processing system, We obtain viewer data for the program, The aforementioned viewing data is provided to the requester, Receiving information from the requester regarding digital assets that are a reward for providing the aforementioned viewing data, The aforementioned digital assets are managed using blockchain technology. Information processing methods. (Note 12) It is a program, Computers, A program to function as an information processing system as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 10.

[0090] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 100: Server device 110: Client device 150: Network 201:CPU 202: Memory 203: Non-volatile memory 204: Image Processing Unit 205: External I / F 206: Communication I / F 1000: Information Processing System

Claims

1. An information processing system, A data acquisition unit that acquires viewer data for the program, A providing unit that provides the aforementioned viewing data to the requester, A receiving unit receives from the requester information regarding digital assets which are a reward for the provision of the viewing data by the providing unit, A management department manages the aforementioned digital assets using blockchain technology, An information processing system having

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The aforementioned requesting party is the system of the advertisers who place advertisements in the program. Information processing system.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, The aforementioned requesting party is a system of a research company that conducts research on advertising for the program. Information processing system.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, A public access control unit that makes public information on the digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, A receiving unit that receives a digital asset exchange request with respect to the digital asset information disclosed by the aforementioned disclosure control unit, It further possesses, The aforementioned exchange request includes information on the digital assets of other viewers that are eligible for exchange. Information processing system.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, The system further includes a display control unit that displays a selection screen containing information on multiple digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, The public access control unit makes public the information of the digital asset selected on the selection screen. Information processing system.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, A setting unit that sets a price for the digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, A public access control unit that makes public information on the digital assets managed by the aforementioned management unit, It further possesses, The information on the disclosed digital assets includes the consideration set by the setting unit. Information processing system.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, The system further includes an output unit that outputs a screen containing the information of the digital assets received by the receiving unit to the display unit of the viewer's terminal device. The aforementioned digital asset is a digital asset that is used as a coupon ticket. Information processing system.

8. The information processing system according to claim 4, The aforementioned viewer further has a wallet function providing unit for managing the aforementioned digital assets, The aforementioned wallet function provider manages the public key and the private key. The aforementioned public key is used to encrypt the digital assets of other viewers that are to be exchanged. The aforementioned private key is used to decrypt the encrypted digital assets of the other viewers that are subject to exchange. Information processing system.

9. The information processing system according to claim 1, The aforementioned digital asset is a non-fungible token. Information processing system.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1, The aforementioned digital asset is a cryptocurrency. Information processing system.

11. An information processing method performed by an information processing system, We obtain viewer data for the program, The aforementioned viewing data is provided to the requester, Receiving information from the requester regarding digital assets that are a reward for providing the aforementioned viewing data, The aforementioned digital assets are managed using blockchain technology. Information processing methods.

12. It is a program, Computers, A program for functioning as an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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