Program and information processing system

Abstract

Improve the interest of the service. [Solution] The program causes a computer to function as a matching means that matches an image selected by a user from a plurality of images relating to an NFT-able object to the object to be NFT-ized as an image of the object, and each of the plurality of images is an image of the object photographed from each of a plurality of predetermined angles.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Games using blockchain have been known for some time. As this type of game, a game in which an object in a virtual space can be converted into an NFT is known. It is also known that a user can set an image (e.g., a thumbnail) to be associated with a specific target (e.g., a video stream in a video streaming service) in a specific service (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Niconico Help: Setting thumbnails when posting videos", [online], [searched May 17, 2024], Internet<https: / / qa.nicovideo.jp / faq / show / 12181?site_domain=default> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, in services such as games, there is a demand for improving entertainment value.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the interest of a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment shown in the present disclosure, Computer, Functioning as an association means for associating an image selected by a user from among a plurality of images relating to an object that can be converted into an NFT with the object to be converted into an NFT as an image of the object The program is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of a service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to acquisition of a mountain. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a list of mountains acquired by a user. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen when mining is performed. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of asset acquisition and consumption. [Figure 8] A figure showing an example of a screen for selecting gems to be converted into NFTs. [Figure 9] A figure showing an example of a screen for selecting an image to be associated with a jewel to be converted into an NFT. [Figure 10] A figure showing an example of a screen displaying a list of NFT gems. [Figure 11] A figure showing an example of a screen displaying a list of NFT gems. [Figure 12] A figure showing an example of a screen for selecting an image to be associated with a jewel to be converted into an NFT. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing an example of a process for converting a gem into an NFT. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Game system hardware configuration> 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 10, a server 20, and a block chain system (in other words, a block chain network) 3. The block chain system 3 also includes a plurality of node devices 30.

[0011] The terminal device 10, the server 20, and the blockchain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30) are connected to each other via a network 2. The network 2 may be configured, for example, by the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), other communication lines, or a combination of these.

[0012] The server 20 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication IF (interface) 24, and an input / output IF 25. These components included in the server 20 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0013] The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the server 20. The processor 21 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor 21 reads a program from the storage 23 and loads it in the memory 22. The processor 21 executes the loaded program.

[0014] The memory 22 is a main storage device. The memory 22 is composed of storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 22 temporarily stores the programs and various data read by the processor 21 from the storage 23, thereby providing a working area for the processor 21. The memory 22 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 21 is operating according to the programs.

[0015] In this embodiment, the program may be a program that realizes the game by the terminal device 10. The program may also be a program that realizes the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10 and the server 20. The program may also be a program that realizes the game through cooperation between the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the blockchain system 3. The game may be, for example, a game executed on a browser launched in the terminal device 10. The various data include, for example, data related to the game, such as user information and game information, and instructions and notifications transmitted and received between devices such as the terminal device 10 and the server 20.

[0016] The storage 23 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 23 is configured with a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The storage 23 stores various data related to the game.

[0017] The communication IF 24 controls the transmission and reception of various data between the server 20 and the terminal device 10, etc., via a network. The communication IF 24 also controls the transmission and reception of various data between the server 20 and the block chain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30) via a network.

[0018] The input / output IF 25 is an interface through which the server 20 receives input of data and also an interface through which the server 20 outputs data. The input / output IF 25 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs an image.

[0019] The terminal device 10 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable terminal, or a game device. The terminal device 10 may be a mobile terminal. The terminal device 10 may be a portable terminal that a user uses when playing a game.

[0020] The terminal device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication IF 14, an input / output IF 15, an input unit 17, and a display unit 18. These components included in the terminal device 10 are connected to each other via a communication bus.

[0021] The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10. The processor 11 may include a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 11 reads a program from the storage 13 and loads it in the memory 12. The processor 11 executes the loaded program.

[0022] The memory 12 is a main storage device. The memory 12 is composed of storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory 12 temporarily stores the programs and various data that the processor 11 reads from the storage 13, thereby providing a working area for the processor 11. The memory 12 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 11 generates while it is operating according to the programs.

[0023] The storage 13 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage 13 is configured with a storage device such as a flash memory or a HDD. The storage 13 stores various data related to the game.

[0024] The communication IF 14 controls transmission and reception of various data between the terminal device 10 and the server 20, etc. via a network. The communication IF 14 may also control transmission and reception of various data between the terminal device 10 and the block chain system 3 (in other words, the node device 30) via a network.

[0025] The input / output IF 15 is an interface through which the terminal device 10 receives input of data and also an interface through which the terminal device 10 outputs data. The input / output IF 15 may input and output data via, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or the like. The input / output IF 15 may include an input unit 17, a display unit 18, or the like.

[0026] The input unit 17 accepts input from a user. The input unit 17 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a touchpad or a mouse. The display unit 18 displays an image. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The terminal device 10 may include, for example, a touch screen that is an electronic component that combines the input unit 17 and the display unit 18. In this case, the input unit 17 may have a function of detecting a position input on the input surface by a user operation (for example, a touch operation, a tap operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a flick operation, a pinch-in operation, a pinch-out operation, etc.) and transmitting information indicating the detected position as an input signal.

[0027] The input unit 17 may be, for example, a keyboard, various physical buttons, various sensors (for example, an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor), an operation stick, a camera, or a microphone, etc. The display unit 18 may be, for example, a projector, etc.

[0028] In this embodiment, the input unit 17 is described as being a keyboard and a mouse. Note that, in this embodiment, operations on various UIs such as buttons may be performed by clicking a mouse cursor on an area on the display unit 18 where the buttons are displayed.

[0029] A plurality of node devices 30 constitute a blockchain system 3. Each node device 30 holds a distributed ledger. Each node device 30 stores the same data in the distributed ledger. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, assets held by a user are managed in the distributed ledger of the blockchain system 3.

[0030] The node device 30 (in other words, a computer, an information processing device) may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The node device 30 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a storage 33, a communication IF 34, and an input / output IF 35. These components included in the node device 30 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0031] The processor 31 controls the overall operation of the node device 30. The processor 31 may include a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The processor 31 reads a program from the storage 33 and loads it in the memory 32. The processor 31 executes the loaded program.

[0032] The memory 32 is a main storage device. The memory 32 is composed of storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory 32 temporarily stores the programs and various data that the processor 31 reads from the storage 33, thereby providing a working area for the processor 31. The memory 32 also temporarily stores various data that the processor 31 generates while it is operating according to the programs.

[0033] The storage 33 is an auxiliary storage device and is configured with a storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD, for example.

[0034] The communication IF 34 controls transmission and reception of various data between the node device 30 and the server 20 via the network. The communication IF 34 may also control transmission and reception of various data between the node device 30 and the terminal device 10 via the network.

[0035] The input / output IF 35 is an interface through which the node device 30 receives input of data and also an interface through which the node device 30 outputs data. The input / output IF 35 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device that displays and outputs an image.

[0036] In addition, the server 20 and the terminal device 10 may function as the node device 30. In other words, the blockchain system 3 may include the server 20 and the terminal device 10.

[0037] <Functional configuration of the game system> 2 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the server 20, the terminal devices 10, and the node devices 30. The server 20 in this embodiment has, for example, a function of providing each of the terminal devices 10 with various data and programs required to realize a game, and a function of collecting and managing data related to the game from each of the terminal devices 10.

[0038] In this embodiment, the server 20 identifies each user and the terminal device 10 using a user account that is registered in advance for each game. The method of registering the account is not particularly limited. For example, the terminal device 10 or another device such as a personal computer may transmit information required for registering a user's account to the server 20 based on a user's operation, and the server 20 may create and store an account for each user based on the received information.

[0039] 2, the server 20 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through cooperation of the processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, communication IF 24, input / output IF 25, etc. The storage unit 220 stores various data used by the control unit 210. The various data include, for example, a program, game information, and user information. The program is a program for realizing a game. The game information and user information are data that the control unit 210 refers to when executing the program.

[0040] The game information includes, for example, information for defining various virtual spaces (in other words, game spaces). A virtual space is a space in which objects such as a character that can be controlled by a user (hereinafter also referred to as a "player character") are placed. The game information also includes, for example, information regarding the placement positions and setting values ​​of various objects such as buildings, trees, stones, items, etc. placed in the virtual space. Hereinafter, a character object placed in a virtual space may be simply referred to as a "character".

[0041] The user information is information managed for each game account. The user information includes, for example, information about the player character, information about the owned assets, information indicating the progress of the game, and information about the mountain (the mountain will be described later) acquired by the user (in other words, information about the right to execute the game in a specific virtual space). The owned assets can be said to be a value owned by the user in the virtual space. Examples of the value include electronic currency, tokens, items, characters, and the like. Examples of electronic currency include virtual currency (in other words, crypto assets) and in-game currency that can be used in the game. That is, the storage unit 220 may store information such as electronic currency, tokens, items, or characters owned by each user, for example, in association with identification information that can identify each user. In this embodiment, "granting (in other words, having the user acquire)" a predetermined value (in other words, an object) of an item or the like to the user can also be said to be stored in a predetermined storage unit in association with the user's account as a value owned by the user.

[0042] The control unit 210 controls various processes related to the game by executing programs stored in the memory unit 220. The control unit 210 has a transmission / reception unit 211, a game control unit 212, an asset management unit 213, a market management unit 214, and an NFT control unit 216.

[0043] The transmission / reception unit 211 transmits or receives various data. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives requests to transmit various data and programs, requests for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function, data to be subject to synchronization processing, and the like from each terminal device 10, and passes them to the game control unit 212, asset management unit 213, market management unit 214, NFT control unit 216, or the like. The transmission / reception unit 211 also transmits various data and programs to each terminal device 10 in accordance with the control of the game control unit 212, asset management unit 213, market management unit 214, NFT control unit 216, or the like.

[0044] In this embodiment, the multiplay function is a function that allows game processing by multiple accounts to proceed in a synchronized state. When multiple accounts logged in to the game system 1 participate in the same game, the server 20 and the terminal device 10 of the game system 1 execute various processes to support the multiplay function.

[0045] The game control unit 212 executes arithmetic processing described in a program stored in the storage unit 220 to provide a game to the terminal device 10 .

[0046] The game control unit 212 defines the virtual space based on information for defining the virtual space included in the game information. The game control unit 212 places objects in the virtual space based on setting information of the objects included in the game information. The game control unit 212 controls the objects placed in the virtual space. Specifically, the game control unit 212 changes the position, orientation, shape, color, etc. of the objects in the virtual space, and causes the objects to perform a predetermined action.

[0047] The game control unit 212 also places the player character in the virtual space based on the play information transmitted from the terminal device 10. The game control unit 212 also performs various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the play information transmitted from the terminal device 10. In other words, the game control unit 212 controls objects and performs various determination processes based on the input operation of the user. The play information is output in response to the input operation of the user. As an example, the play information may include, as the operation content of the player character, coordinate information of the player character, information on the action of the player character, information indicating the button operated by the user, etc. The play information may also include information on the setting of the player character. As an example, the coordinate information of the character is information indicating the position of the character in the game space. As an example, the action information is information on the action of the character. As an example, the action of the character may include an action of swinging a pickaxe, an action of using various items, or a jump, which will be described later. As an example, the information on the setting of the character may include information on the equipment, appearance, etc. of the character. Furthermore, the setting of the character may be changed by the user.

[0048] The game control unit 212 may place the player characters of the multiple players in one virtual space and control the player characters of each player based on play information transmitted from the terminal device 10 of each player. In other words, the game control unit 212 performs control to enable a game space, which is an example of a virtual space, to be shared by multiple users.

[0049] Furthermore, when the game control unit 212 receives, for example, a request for synchronization processing to support the multiplay function or data to be subjected to synchronization processing from the terminal device 10 via the transmission / reception unit 211, the game control unit 212 executes synchronization processing to support the multiplay function. Furthermore, the game control unit 212 issues a command to the transmission / reception unit 211 to instruct transmission of game information or user information. For example, when the server 20 transmits information to a plurality of terminal devices 10, the game control unit 212 transmits information to each terminal device 10 simultaneously, thereby synchronizing the game proceeding among the terminal devices 10. By executing synchronization processing, it becomes possible to simultaneously reflect an event in the game resulting from an operation input in one terminal device 10 in the other terminal devices 10.

[0050] The asset management unit 213 manages the assets held by the user. The asset management unit 213 also manages a part or all (in other words, at least a part) of the assets held by the user in the distributed ledger of the blockchain system 3. In other words, the asset management unit 213 may store information on the assets held by the user in the storage unit 220, or may store it in the distributed ledger. Note that, in a case where the server 20 is configured to function as the node device 30, the asset management unit 213 may store information on the assets held in the distributed ledger stored in its own storage unit 220. Also, in a case where the server 20 is configured not to function as the node device 30, the asset management unit 213 may perform control such as sending a request to the blockchain system 3 for storage in the distributed ledger.

[0051] The terminal device 10 has, for example, a function as an input device that accepts input operations by a user, and a function as an output device that outputs images and sounds of a game.

[0052] The terminal device 10 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through cooperation of the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication IF 14, input / output IF 15, etc. The storage unit 120 stores various data used by the control unit 110. The various data include, for example, a program, game information, and user information. The program is a program for realizing a game on the terminal device 10 side. The game information and user information are data referenced when the control unit 110 executes a program. The game information and user information stored in the storage unit 120 may include information similar to the game information and user information stored in the storage unit 220.

[0053] The control unit 110 executes a program stored in the storage unit 120 to control various processes related to the game executed on the terminal device 10. The control unit 110 includes, for example, an operation reception unit 111, a transmission / reception unit 112, a device processing unit 113, and a display control unit 114.

[0054] The operation reception unit 111 receives operations (hereinafter also referred to as "input operations") input by the user via the input unit 17. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 detects input operations on a mouse or a keyboard serving as the input unit 17. Note that the input operations are not limited to operations of physically contacting the input unit 17, and may also include non-contact operations. Note that the operation reception unit 111 can also receive input operations performed using an operating device connected via the input / output IF 15 in the same way as input operations on the input unit 17.

[0055] The transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits or receives various data. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits various data and various requests to the server 20. As an example, the data transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 112 to the server may include play information, game information, and user information. In other words, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 transmits information related to the input operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 111 to the server 20.

[0056] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives various data, programs, and various requests from the server. As an example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server 20 may include the type of object (e.g., character or item) to be placed in the game space, coordinate information of the object, action information of the character, information related to the character settings, and other information. As an example, the data that the transmitting / receiving unit 112 receives from the server may include data for synchronization to support a multiplay function. The data for synchronization may include, for example, data to be synchronized and the type of that data, data for specifying the time of synchronization, and the like.

[0057] The device processing unit 113 executes various processes related to the progress of the game. The device processing unit 113 identifies the user's instruction content based on the user's input operation detected by the operation reception unit 111. The device processing unit 113 also executes various determination processes related to the progress of the game based on the identified instruction content, etc. The device processing unit 113 also progresses the game while communicating with the server 20 based on the result of the determination process, etc.

[0058] The device processing unit 113 defines a virtual camera for designating an area of ​​the virtual space to be presented to the user. The device processing unit 113 arranges the virtual camera in the virtual space by defining the position and orientation of the virtual camera in the virtual space. The device processing unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to generate an image depicting the viewing area defined by the virtual camera and the objects arranged in the viewing area. In other words, the device processing unit 113 instructs the display control unit 114 to display an image according to the progress of the game on the display unit 18.

[0059] The position and orientation of the virtual camera can be appropriately determined for each virtual space. For example, the device processing unit 113 uses the position and orientation of a specific object as a reference and positions the virtual camera so that the specific object is located at the center of the viewing area in a specific orientation. At that time, the device processing unit 113 adjusts the position and orientation of the virtual camera using the direction, distance, and angle to the specific object. The specific object may be, for example, a dynamic object such as a player character or a non-player character, or a static object such as a building, a tree, or a stone. The dynamic object includes a player character that operates based on the operation of each user, and a non-player character that operates based on a program.

[0060] The display control unit 114 displays images relating to the game on the display unit 18. A specific example will be described below.

[0061] The display control unit 114 generates an image that depicts the area of ​​the field of view of the virtual camera defined by the device processing unit 113 in the virtual space and objects present in that area, and displays the image on the display unit 18. The display control unit 114 can superimpose and draw objects related to a UI (User Interface) required for various operations of the game, such as icons, buttons, and menus showing various parameters, on the image to be displayed on the display unit 18.

[0062] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may arrange objects in the virtual space based on data of the objects sent from the server 20 and information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space, and may display a predetermined area of ​​the virtual space on the display unit 18. The control unit 210 of the server 20 may arrange objects in the virtual space and control the virtual camera, generate an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, and transmit the image to the terminal device 10, and the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may display the image on the display unit 18. In other words, various processes related to control of objects based on a user's input operation, control of the virtual camera, generation of an image to be displayed on the display unit 18, etc. may be performed by the server 20 or the terminal device 10.

[0063] The node device 30 functions as a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320 through cooperation of a processor 31, a memory 32, a storage 33, a communication IF 34, an input / output IF 35, etc. The storage unit 320 stores programs including a part of a game program, a distributed ledger used in the blockchain system 3, etc.

[0064] The control unit 310 controls the operation of the node device 30 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 320 .

[0065] When the control unit 310 receives a request for registration of information related to the holding of an item or a specific token transmitted from the server 20 when the user acquires various items or a specific token described later (for example, from another user or a game operator (for example, by mining described later)), the control unit 310 registers the information in the distributed ledger. The control unit 310 may register information on the transaction history of each item or specific token in the distributed ledger, for example, based on information on the transaction (in other words, transfer) of the item or specific token transmitted from the server 20 or the terminal device 10. Specifically, the distributed ledger stores multiple blocks including a hash value and a transaction. The transaction may be, for example, information indicating the transaction content of the item or specific token. The transaction includes, for example, input information indicating the transfer source and output information indicating the transfer destination. The hash value is calculated from information included in the previous block, and the distributed ledger stores the transaction history of the item or specific token, etc., with each block linked like a chain by the hash value. By managing such transaction history in a distributed ledger of each node device 30, information indicating which user holds which item and information indicating how many specific tokens each user holds can be stored on the blockchain. Note that, instead of the transaction history of items, information regarding the holding state of items, etc. of each user may be managed in a distributed ledger to store information indicating which user holds which item on the blockchain. In this way, in the game of this embodiment, holding information of items and specific tokens is stored on the blockchain. Note that there may be items, etc. whose holding information is not stored on the blockchain.

[0066] The functions of the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30 shown in FIG. 2 are merely an example. Each of the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30 may have at least a part of the functions of the other devices. In other words, the server 20 or the node device 30 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the terminal device 10 in this embodiment, the terminal device 10 or the node device 30 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the server 20, and the terminal device 10 or the server 20 may have some or all of the functional blocks of the node device 30. In addition, each of the devices such as the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30 may not be realized by an integrated device, and may be realized by, for example, a plurality of devices connected via a network or the like. In addition, the game system 1 may not include, for example, the terminal device 10, the server 20, or the node device 30.

[0067] <Processing according to this embodiment> Next, the process according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processor 11 of the terminal device 10, the processor 21 of the server 20, or the processor 31 of the node device 30 executes a program stored in the game system 1 to perform each process described later. However, at least a part of the process performed by the processor 11, which is the process described later, may be executed by a processor other than the processor 11 (for example, the processor 21 or the processor 31). In addition, at least a part of the process performed by the processor 21, which is the process described later, may be executed by a processor other than the processor 21 (for example, the processor 11 or the processor 31). In addition, at least a part of the process performed by the processor 31, which is the process described later, may be executed by a processor other than the processor 31 (for example, the processor 11 or the processor 21). In other words, the computer that executes the program in this embodiment may be any of the terminal device 10, the server 20, and the node device 30, or may be realized by a combination of multiple devices. In addition, some or all of the various processes may be executed on the blockchain.

[0068] Here, an overview of the game of this embodiment will be described. In the game of this embodiment, there is a map 40 that is common to a plurality of users (specifically, all users) participating in the game. An example of the map 40 is shown in FIG. 3. A plurality of mountains are arranged on the map 40. In the map 40 shown in FIG. 3, the positions of the mountains are indicated by triangular symbols.

[0069] The user acquires (in other words, selects) a mountain (in other words, a virtual space in which the user plays the game) from the map 40. The mountain is acquired, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a map 40 (in other words, a list of mountains that the user can acquire) as shown in FIG. 3 based on a predetermined input operation by the user. Then, the user can acquire a specific mountain by selecting the specific mountain on the map 40 displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, by clicking on the specific mountain displayed). Specifically, for example, when an operation to select a specific mountain from among the mountains displayed on the map 40 is performed, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display an acquire button 41 that accepts an operation to acquire the selected mountain. Then, the game control unit 212 causes the user to acquire the mountain selected by the user based on the operation on the acquire button 41.

[0070] Furthermore, the user is able to mine for specific items in the mountain that the user has acquired. In other words, once the user has acquired a mountain, the user is able to play a game in which mining is performed in the acquired mountain. That is, in this embodiment, "acquiring a specific mountain" can be rephrased as "acquiring the right to mine in a specific mountain" and can also be rephrased as "acquiring the right to play a game in a specific virtual space." Note that the system may be configured to allow the user to mine in a mountain without acquiring the mountain (in other words, acquiring the right to mine).

[0071] In addition, in the game of this embodiment, an item A used for mining in the mountain is prepared. In order to perform mining, the user needs to have the item A. In other words, the item A is an item necessary for participating in the game. In this embodiment, the item A is a pickaxe. If the user does not have the item A, the mountain may not be acquired. In the game of this embodiment, a plurality of types of item A with different characteristics are prepared. In addition, the item A is an item that can take an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) state. The NFT state means a state in which information that proves that the item A is unique is stored on the blockchain. In other words, the NFT state means a state in which an NFT corresponding to the item A is issued and managed by the blockchain. In the following, digital assets such as an item for which a corresponding NFT is issued are also referred to as an NFT. In this embodiment, the NFT of the item A (in other words, the generation of the item A) is performed by the operator of the game, and cannot be performed by the user (in other words, minting by the user). In other words, in the game of this embodiment, the user is not allowed to obtain item A that has not been converted into an NFT. However, the user may be allowed to convert item A into an NFT.

[0072] In addition, in the game of this embodiment, the user can obtain items B and C by mining. Although details will be described later, item B is an item that can be in an NFT state. Also, item C is an item that can be exchanged for a specified token. Hereinafter, the token that can be obtained by exchanging for item C is referred to as a "specific token."

[0073] Furthermore, in the game of this embodiment, there are multiple types of item B, which are collectible items. Specifically, item B is a gemstone that the user collects. Furthermore, item C is a mineral (hereinafter referred to as "pyroxene") that is different from gemstones. In other words, the game of this embodiment has the gameplay of mining in the mountains using a pickaxe as item A to obtain gemstones as item B and pyroxene as item C.

[0074] In addition, the specific token that can be acquired by exchanging with item C is crypto-assets (e.g., virtual currency). In the game of this embodiment, the specific token can be used to level up item A, repair item A (in other words, fix it), and turn item B into an NFT, etc.

[0075] Regardless of whether they have been converted into NFTs or not, assets such as item A, item B, or item C held by each user may be managed on a blockchain (in other words, a distributed ledger).

[0076] Mining in a mountain as a predetermined event is performed, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a home screen 42 illustrated in FIG. 4 based on a predetermined input operation by the user. A mining start button 43 is displayed on the home screen 42, which accepts an operation related to starting mining in the mountain acquired by the user. Then, the game control unit 212 causes the user to start mining in the mountain acquired by the user based on the operation on the mining start button 43.

[0077] The home screen 42 is displayed first when the game (in other words, an application related to a predetermined service) is started on the terminal device 10. Here, "displayed first when started" includes a case where the home screen 42 is displayed after various displays related to the start (for example, a title display, a display related to loading, etc.). The home screen 42 is not limited to being displayed at the time of start, but is displayed at a predetermined opportunity. For example, the home screen 42 may be displayed when an operation is performed on the home button 90, or when mining in the mountain as an in-game operation is completed. A predetermined background image (for example, a background image including a player character, etc.) may be displayed on the home screen 42. In addition, a plurality of menu items related to the game may be displayed on the home screen 42. Specifically, various UIs that accept operations related to the display of various screens may be displayed on the home screen 42. For example, a mine button 91, an item button 92, a loan-related button 93, a shop button 94, and a home button 90 may be displayed as the UIs. The display control unit 114 may display, on the display unit 18, a screen displaying a map 40 as exemplified in FIG. 3 or a screen displaying a list of acquired mountains 44 as exemplified in FIG. 5, based on an operation on the mine button 91. The display control unit 114 may display, on the display unit 18, a gem list screen 60 as exemplified in FIG. 8(a) or a gem list screen 80 as exemplified in FIG. 10, based on an operation on the item button 92. The display control unit 114 may display, on the display unit 18, a screen for performing various operations related to lending or borrowing a pickaxe, based on an operation on the lending-related button 93. The display control unit 114 may display, on the display unit 18, a shop screen 81 as exemplified in FIG. 11, based on an operation on the shop button 94. The display control unit 114 may display, on the display unit 18, a home screen 42, based on an operation on the home button 90. The display control unit 114 may switch the display between a screen displaying the map 40 illustrated in FIG. 3 and a screen displaying the list 44 of acquired mountains illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the operation of the map display button 95 and the my mine display button 96 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, respectively.It should be noted that the mine button 91, the item button 92, the loan-related button 93, the shop button 94, and the home button 90 may be displayed while various screens other than the home screen 42 are being displayed.

[0078] The mountain to be mined by the user is determined, for example, as follows. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a list 44 of mountains acquired by the user, as shown in FIG. 5, based on a predetermined input operation by the user. The list 44 of mountains may be a list of mountains acquired by the user on the map 40 displayed on the display unit 18. When an operation to select a specific mountain from the mountains acquired by the user (in other words, the mountains displayed in the list) displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, a click operation on the specific mountain) is performed, the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a mining target determination button 46 that accepts an operation to determine the selected mountain as the mountain to be mined. The game control unit 212 sets the mountain selected by the user as the mountain to be mined based on an operation on the mining target determination button 46. When an operation is performed on the mining start button 43, mining is started on the mountain set as the mountain to be mined by the operation on the mining target determination button 46. That is, in this embodiment, the user can select (in other words, change) the mountain to be mined by selecting the mountain to be mined from the list of mountains 44 acquired by the user and operating the mining target determination button 46. When the user performs an operation to select a specific mountain from the list of mountains 44 acquired by the user, the mining start button 43 is displayed instead of or in addition to the mining target determination button 46 (see FIG. 5), and when the mining start button 43 is operated, mining in the specific mountain may be started. As shown in FIG. 4, the home screen 42 (in other words, the screen that accepts an operation related to the start of mining) may display a display 48 that allows the user to recognize the mountain set as the mountain to be mined (in other words, the mountain where mining is started by an operation to start mining). The home screen 42 may also display a display 49 that allows the user to recognize the pickaxe set as the pickaxe to be used for mining (in other words, the pickaxe to be equipped to the player character).

[0079] When the mining start button 43 is operated, the game control unit 212 places the player character 38 in the mountain 37 where mining is performed as a virtual space, as shown in FIG. 6. Then, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 38 based on the input operation by the user. That is, the mountain 37 is a virtual space in which the user can operate the player character 38 to play a predetermined game (specifically, a game in which mining is performed, in other words, a predetermined in-game) (in other words, a predetermined event can be executed). That is, the start of mining in a specific mountain 37 can be said to be the start of playing a game in a specific virtual space, or to enter a specific virtual space. Based on the input operation by the user, the game control unit 212 moves the player character 38 in the virtual space, or makes the player character 38 perform an action of using the pickaxe 39 (specifically, an operation of swinging the pickaxe 39). The method of operating the player character 38 in the virtual space can be the same as that of a conventional action game, or may be, for example, as follows. The game control unit 212 may move the player character 38 within the mountain 37 based on an operation of the "W", "A", "S", or "D" keys on the keyboard. The game control unit 212 may also cause the player character 38 to jump based on an operation of the space key on the keyboard. The game control unit 212 may also cause the player character 38 to perform a mining action of swinging the pickaxe 39 and digging into the mountain 37 based on a left-click operation of the mouse.

[0080] Gems and pyroxenes are buried (in other words, arranged) in the mountain 37. The user can acquire the gems and pyroxenes that he or she has dug up (in other words, discovered). That is, when the player character 38 operated by the user digs up an item such as a gem or pyroxene, the game control unit 212 grants (in other words, allows the user to acquire) the excavated item.

[0081] It should be noted that mining can be interrupted midway. For example, the display control unit 114 of the terminal device 10 displays a predetermined menu screen (not shown) on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined input operation by the user (for example, an operation on the Tab key of the keyboard). The menu screen displays an exit button that accepts an operation related to exiting the mountain. Then, the game control unit 212 causes the player character 38 to exit the mountain 37 (in other words, ends the mining) based on the operation on the exit button. At this time, the game control unit 212 stores the progress state of the mining in the storage unit 220. Then, when mining is started again in the same mountain 37, the game control unit 212 reads out the stored progress state and resumes the mining from where it left off. That is, when mining is resumed, the part of the mountain 37 that was previously excavated is in a dug state, and the gems, etc., among those buried in the mountain 37, that were previously excavated are in a dug state. In other words, when the user exits and re-enters mountain 37 as a specific virtual space, the changes made by the user the previous time the user entered the space are reflected in the specific virtual space. In other words, in this embodiment, the game in the specific virtual space can be interrupted and resumed from where it was in progress.

[0082] Furthermore, the user can dispose of the mountains he or she has acquired at will. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when an operation is performed to select a specific mountain from among the mountains acquired by the user and displayed on the display unit 18 (in other words, the mountains displayed in a list), the display control unit 114 causes the display unit 18 to display a disposal button 47 that accepts an operation related to the disposal of the selected mountain. Then, the game control unit 212 disposes of the selected mountain (in other words, cancels the user's acquisition state for the selected mountain) based on the operation on the disposal button 47. The disposed mountain disappears from the list 44 of mountains acquired by the user, and mining in that mountain becomes impossible.

[0083] In this embodiment, the pickaxe to be used in mining is selected before starting mining by operating the mining start button 43. The operation related to the selection of such a pickaxe can be the same as the operation of selecting the weapon to be used (in other words, to be equipped to the player character 38) in conventional games. The pickaxe to be used may be changeable during mining.

[0084] Pickaxes used for mining are assigned a durability value, and the durability value decreases as the pick is used for mining (for example, from a durability value of "100" to a durability value of "0"). When the durability value reaches a predetermined value (for example, durability value of "0"), the pickaxe becomes unusable. In other words, mining cannot be performed using a pickaxe whose durability value has reached the predetermined value. Specifically, when the durability value reaches the predetermined value, the pickaxe can be swung, but it cannot dig into the ground surface even when swung. Note that when the durability value reaches the predetermined value, mining may still be possible using the pickaxe, although its performance will decrease.

[0085] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 111 receives an operation by the user instructing recovery of the durability value of the pickaxe (in other words, repairing item A). Then, the game control unit 212 performs a process of recovering the durability value of the pickaxe based on the operation. Furthermore, a predetermined amount of specific tokens is required to recover the durability value of the pickaxe, and when the durability value of the pickaxe is recovered by the operation, the predetermined amount of specific tokens is consumed.

[0086] A rank is set for the pickaxe. The rank includes so-called levels. When the rank of the pickaxe increases, a certain parameter of the pickaxe changes. Specifically, when the rank of the pickaxe increases, a certain parameter that affects the ease of obtaining gems and gemstones (in other words, the efficiency of mining) changes. More specifically, when the rank of the pickaxe increases, a parameter related to the swing speed of the pickaxe changes and the swing speed of the pickaxe increases. This increases the speed of mining, and therefore the efficiency of mining increases. When the rank of the pickaxe increases, the maximum durability value increases. This increases the time that mining can be continued without recovering the durability value, and therefore the efficiency of mining increases. When the rank of the pickaxe increases, the power of the pickaxe increases, and the amount of digging with one swing (in other words, the amount of influence that one operation has on the mountain) and the like may also increase. This increases the speed of mining, and therefore the efficiency of mining increases.

[0087] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 111 receives an operation to instruct an increase in the rank of the pickaxe. Then, the game control unit 212 performs a process to increase the rank of the pickaxe based on the operation. Furthermore, a predetermined amount of specific tokens is required to increase the rank of the pickaxe, and when the rank of the pickaxe is increased by the operation, the predetermined amount of specific tokens is consumed.

[0088] In the game of this embodiment, items that can be obtained through a route different from item A, item B, and item C may be prepared. For example, there may be items that can be purchased in the game (e.g., items that can be equipped by a player character) using in-game currency that is not a crypto asset (e.g., assets owned by a user that are not managed by a blockchain but are managed by the storage unit 220, etc.). The in-game currency may be something that can be purchased using legal currency, etc.

[0089] Also, various items in this embodiment (for example, item A, item B, and item C) may be read as objects. Objects include characters, items, and the like. That is, item B and item C that are granted by playing a game (in other words, executing an event) in a mountain as a specific virtual space may be characters, etc.

[0090] In this embodiment, the map is updated (in other words, newly generated) at a predetermined time period (specifically, once a day). In addition, in accordance with the update of the map, the obtainable mountains are also updated (in other words, newly generated) at a predetermined time period (specifically, once a day). Also, only one user can obtain one mountain, and once a user obtains a mountain (in other words, the right to mine the mountain), other users cannot obtain the mountain. In other words, the mountain is obtained on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that the update of the map and the update of the obtainable mountains may be a renewal of past maps and mountains (in other words, new maps and mountains are generated, and past maps disappear or past mountains become unobtainable), or may be an expansion of past maps or addition of new mountains in addition to the mountains generated in the past (in other words, an increase in obtainable mountains), etc.

[0091] Here, the flow of asset acquisition and consumption in the game of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0092] As described above, in the game of this embodiment, the user needs to have a pickaxe in order to participate in the game. In this embodiment, the pickaxe can be purchased in the marketplace within the game, and the user purchases the pickaxe in the marketplace. The pickaxe can be purchased with a specific token. Transactions in the marketplace are managed by the market management unit 214. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 111 of the terminal device 10 receives an operation of the user selecting an item that the user wants to purchase. Information regarding the operation is then sent to the market management unit 214 of the server 20, and the market management unit 214 performs a process of delivering the item selected by the user to the user based on the operation, and delivering the price from the user to the person who sold the item.

[0093] The user then uses the pickaxe to mine in the mountains, obtaining a variety of items including gems and gemstones.

[0094] The pyroxene acquired by the user can be exchanged for a specific token. The exchange of the pyroxene and the specific token may be performed automatically or based on an operation instructing the user to perform the exchange. For example, all pyroxene owned by the user may be periodically converted into a specific token. Specifically, all pyroxene owned by the user may be automatically converted into a specific token at a predetermined time every day, and all pyroxene owned by the user at that time may be lost. In addition, the pyroxene may be automatically exchanged for a specific token at a specific timing, such as when the user leaves the mountain. In this embodiment, the pyroxene is given to the user by mining in the mountain, and the pyroxene is exchanged for a specific token, but the specific token may be given directly to the user in place of or in addition to the pyroxene by mining in the mountain.

[0095] In this embodiment, the specific token is a virtual currency managed by a blockchain. The specific token may be a token that can be exchanged for other crypto assets at a predetermined exchange (for example, a decentralized exchange). The specific token may be a unique token related to the game of this embodiment, a token with an issuance limit set, or a virtual currency that can be used outside the game.

[0096] In addition, gems acquired by a user can be converted into NFTs by satisfying certain conditions. That is, in this embodiment, it is possible to issue an NFT corresponding to the gem and manage it in a blockchain. Specifically, for example, after a user acquires a gem, a process of converting the gem into an NFT may be started in response to a user's operation on the acquired gem, or a process of converting the gem into an NFT may be started automatically without a user's operation on the acquired gem. In addition, by converting the gem into an NFT, it may be possible to take it outside the game and buy and sell it in a marketplace outside the game. In other words, converting an item into an NFT can be said to be in a state where it can be bought and sold in a marketplace outside the game. In addition, converting an item into an NFT can be said to be possible to take it outside the game. In addition, gems may be traded in the marketplace within the game regardless of whether they are NFTed or not.

[0097] Furthermore, the gem may be exchangeable for a specific token. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 may receive an operation in which the user selects a gem that the user wants to exchange for a specific token in the game. Then, information regarding the operation is sent to the server 20, and the asset management unit 213 may grant the specific token to the user in place of the selected gem based on the operation. In other words, the gem may be an item that can be NFTed and exchanged for a specific token. Note that the exchange between the gem and the specific token may be performed only before or after the gem is NFTed, or may be performed both ways.

[0098] The NFT control unit 216 controls the conversion of objects owned by the user into NFTs. In other words, the NFT control unit 216 controls the conversion of objects in the virtual space into NFTs. In this embodiment, the NFT control unit 216 controls the conversion of gems, which are an example of such objects, into NFTs. In other words, in this embodiment, the object is an item that can be acquired by using an NFTed item (specifically, a pickaxe).

[0099] That is, the game system 1 is capable of issuing NFTs corresponding to gems and managing them on a blockchain. Specifically, for example, the NFT conversion control unit 216 converts gems owned by the user into NFTs based on the user's operation. In other words, in the game of this embodiment, the user can own gems before NFT conversion and gems after NFT conversion.

[0100] Specifically, the game control unit 212 grants a predetermined object to the user based on the user's gameplay. Furthermore, the NFT conversion control unit 216 converts the predetermined object into an NFT based on a predetermined operation by the user. More specifically, when the user discovers a gem in the virtual space (specifically, a mountain), the game control unit 212 grants the discovered gem to the user. The NFT conversion control unit 216 converts the gem owned by the user into an NFT based on the user's operation of selecting to convert the gem owned by the user into an NFT. Note that a fee (in other words, a consideration, for example, a predetermined amount of a specific token) is required for NFT conversion, and when converting a gem into an NFT through this operation, the fee may be consumed from the user's assets.

[0101] We will explain an example of the process of turning a gem into an NFT.

[0102] The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 causes the display unit 18 to display a gem list screen 60, which displays a list of gems owned by the user, as illustrated in FIG. 8(a), based on a predetermined operation by the user (for example, an operation on the item button 92 on the home screen 42). The control unit 110 also causes the display unit 18 to display a detailed information display screen 64, as illustrated in FIG. 8(b), based on an operation to select a specific gem from among the gems listed on the gem list screen 60. The detailed information display screen 64 displays information on the type, quality, or size of the selected gem as detailed information about the selected gem. The detailed information display screen 64 also displays an image of the selected gem as detailed information. The detailed information display screen 64 also displays an NFT execution button 66 as a UI for accepting operations related to NFTing the selected gem. The user can then operate the NFT execution button 66 to NFT the selected gem.

[0103] Based on the operation of the NFT execution button 66, the control unit 110 presents the user with candidate images (hereinafter referred to as candidate images 71) to be associated with the gemstone to be converted into NFT. Specifically, based on the operation of the NFT execution button 66, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a candidate display screen 70, as exemplified in FIG. 9. A plurality of candidate images 71 are displayed on the candidate display screen 70. Then, an image selected from the plurality of candidate images 71 (hereinafter referred to as the "selected image") is associated with the gemstone to be converted into NFT. As will be described in more detail below, the selected image is used as a thumbnail 72 of the NFT gemstone, as exemplified in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0104] The multiple candidate images 71 are images of the gemstone to be converted into NFT from different angles. In other words, the multiple candidate images 71 differ from one another in the angle from which the gemstone is viewed.

[0105] In this embodiment, regardless of the type of gem to be converted into NFT, five candidate images 71 are presented, and the user can select an image to be associated with the gem to be converted into NFT from among the five candidate images 71. In other words, the user can select the angle of the gem from among multiple candidates for the image to be associated with the gem to be converted into NFT. The number of candidate images 71 presented to the user may be less than five, or may be five or more. The number of candidate images 71 presented to the user may change depending on the attributes of the gem to be converted into NFT. The attributes of the gem include, for example, the type, size, quality, shape, or rarity of the gem.

[0106] Moreover, the candidate image 71 presented to the user is an image prepared in advance (in other words, prepared in advance by the game creator (in other words, by the operator)). Specifically, the candidate image 71 is an image of a 3D model of a gem (specifically, a 3D model (in other words, a 3D object) used in the game) photographed from a specified angle. A plurality of images of the 3D model of the gem photographed from each of a plurality of angles are stored in the storage unit 220 as the candidate images 71 in advance. When presenting the candidate image 71 to the user, the control unit 110 acquires the candidate image 71 corresponding to the gem to be converted into NFT, which is one of the candidate images 71 stored in the storage unit 220 in advance, and presents it to the user (in other words, displays it on the display unit 18). In other words, the control unit 110 presents a plurality of images of a 3D model related to the gem to be converted into NFT, photographed from each of a plurality of angles, to the user as the candidate images 71. The 3D model of the gem may be displayed, for example, on the detailed information display screen 64 or the like. The user may be able to rotate the 3D model on the detailed information display screen 64 or the like to view the gem from any angle. In other words, the control unit 110 may be able to rotate and display the 3D model of the gem before and after NFT on a specified screen based on a user operation.

[0107] In this embodiment, the candidate images 71 corresponding to each of the attributes of the gemstones (for example, type, size, etc.) are prepared. That is, for example, the types of gemstones include diamond, aquamarine, red spinel, etc., and the carat number is set as the size of each gemstone. The candidate images 71 corresponding to each gemstone are stored in advance in the storage unit 220, such as the candidate image 71 corresponding to a 10-carat diamond, the candidate image 71 corresponding to a 5-carat diamond, and the candidate image 71 corresponding to a 10-carat aquamarine. Note that each candidate image 71 may be used in common for gemstones having different predetermined parameters related to the attributes of the gemstones. For example, a specific candidate image 71 may be used in common for gemstones that have the same result of rounding off the parameters related to the size, such as a 10-carat gemstone and a 10.5-carat gemstone, in other words, for objects whose predetermined parameters are within a predetermined range.

[0108] In addition, the candidate image 71 presented to the user does not have to be an image prepared in advance. For example, the control unit 210 may automatically generate the candidate image 71 at a predetermined timing, such as when a predetermined operation related to NFT conversion is performed. That is, the control unit 210 may automatically generate images of the gem to be converted into NFT from each of a plurality of predetermined angles at a predetermined timing. In addition, the candidate image 71 presented to the user may be an image, etc., in which a predetermined character is added to a prepared image, etc. (in other words, an image of the gem). Specifically, the control unit 110 may present to the user, as the candidate image 71 in which the gem is photographed from each of a plurality of angles, an image in which a character corresponding to the gem (character that will be described later and that describes the object (see FIG. 12)) is added to a prepared image in which the gem is photographed from each of a plurality of angles. In other words, the control unit 110 may present to the user, as the candidate image 71, an image in which a predetermined image (for example, an image of a character or an image of a background) is added to an image of the gem.

[0109] In this embodiment, the "photographed image" of a specific object may be an image of the specific object viewed from a specific angle. In other words, the "photographed image" is not limited to an image of a 3D model of a specific object photographed from a specific angle, but may be an image of the specific object viewed from a specific angle that is drawn manually or automatically by a computer.

[0110] Each of the multiple candidate images 71 displayed on the candidate display screen 70 is an image of the gemstone to be NFTed from a predetermined multiple angle, but the multiple angles are fixed regardless of the attributes of the gemstone (in other words, regardless of the type or size of the gemstone). However, the multiple angles may be angles determined according to the attributes of the gemstone. For example, when a first type of gemstone is NFTed, multiple candidate images 71 of the first type of gemstone taken from multiple angles corresponding to the first type of gemstone may be presented to the user. When a second type of gemstone is NFTed, multiple candidate images 71 of the second type of gemstone taken from multiple angles corresponding to the second type of gemstone may be presented to the user. When a first size gemstone is NFTed, multiple candidate images 71 of the first size gemstone taken from multiple angles corresponding to the first size of gemstone may be presented to the user. In addition, when converting the second size gem into an NFT, the user may be presented with multiple candidate images 71 taken of the second size gem from multiple angles corresponding to the second size gem.

[0111] The control unit 110 may display, on the candidate display screen 70, a display showing a recommended candidate image 71 (in other words, a recommended angle) among the multiple candidate images 71 (in other words, a display that allows the recommendation to be identified). The display may be, for example, a display of a figure (including a frame, etc.), a symbol, or a character that is added to the recommended candidate image 71. In other words, the display may be a display that allows the user to identify the recommended image. In addition, when performing the display, the control unit 110 may determine the recommended candidate image 71 based on the attributes of the gemstone (for example, type, size, etc.). With this configuration, for example, when the size of the gemstone is large, an image of the gemstone viewed from the side so as to highlight its size can be determined as the recommended candidate image 71 and presented to the user, and when the size of the gemstone is small, an image of the gemstone viewed from an angle so as to highlight the intricacy of the cut can be determined as the recommended candidate image 71 and presented to the user. For example, information indicating the correspondence between the attributes of a gemstone and recommended candidate images 71 (in other words, recommended angles) may be stored in the memory unit 220, and the control unit 110 may present the user with recommended candidate images 71 that correspond to the attributes of the gemstone based on the information.

[0112] With the candidate display screen 70 displayed, the control unit 110 accepts a user operation of selecting a specific image from among the multiple candidate images 71. Specifically, the control unit 110 accepts an operation of clicking a specific image from among the presented candidate images 71 and clicking the execute button 74 displayed on the candidate display screen 70 as an operation of selecting the specific image as a selected image to be associated with the gem to be converted into an NFT. This operation can also be said to be an operation related to the NFT of a gem owned by the user. Then, based on this operation, the NFT conversion control unit 216 converts the target gem into an NFT and associates the selected image with the gem. Specifically, based on this operation, the NFT conversion control unit 216 controls the issuance of an NFT corresponding to the gem. The NFT includes information proving that the gem is unique, information indicating the owner of the gem (here, the user who owns the gem before NFT and performed the operation to convert the gem into an NFT), and metadata. In addition, the metadata includes information regarding the selected image. That is, based on this operation, the NFT control unit 216 performs control to store information about the selected image as NFT metadata on the blockchain. In other words, based on this operation, the NFT control unit 216 stores information about the selected image selected from multiple candidate images 71 on the blockchain in association with information that proves that the gem is unique.

[0113] In this embodiment, the NFT control unit 216 stores the data obtained by encoding the selected image in Base64 on the blockchain as metadata for the NFT. However, the information about the selected image that the NFT control unit 216 stores as metadata for the NFT is not limited to the data obtained by encoding the selected image in Base64, and may be any information that can identify the selected image. For example, information indicating the location where the selected image is saved (in other words, a link to the selected image) may be stored as metadata. The selected image indicated by the metadata may be saved on a specified server or may be saved on an IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). The information indicating the selected image associated with the NFTed gemstone may not be registered as metadata for the NFT.

[0114] The selection of the selected image by the user does not have to be performed when NFT conversion is performed. For example, it may be possible to select the selected image in advance before NFT conversion is performed. Then, when the user performs an operation to select a gemstone to be converted into NFT, the NFT conversion control unit 216 may associate the selected image that was pre-selected for the selected gemstone with the gemstone. In other words, the NFT conversion control unit 216 may register information regarding the selected image that was pre-selected for the selected gemstone as metadata for the NFT corresponding to the gemstone.

[0115] The selected image (in other words, the image identified by the NFT metadata) selected from the candidate images 71 and associated with the gemstone is used as a thumbnail 72 of the NFT gemstone, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

[0116] The selected image selected from the candidate images 71 when converting each gem to NFT may be displayed as a thumbnail 72 for each gem on a gem list screen 80 that displays a list of NFT gems owned by the user, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The control unit 110 causes the gem list screen 80 to be displayed on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined operation by the user, and causes the display unit 18 to display the selected image selected when converting each NFT gem as the thumbnail 72 for each NFT gem. The gem list screen 80 may be a screen that displays only NFT gems, or may be a screen that displays NFT gems and non-NFT gems. The gem list screen 80 may also be the gem list screen 60.

[0117] In addition, the selection image may be displayed as a thumbnail 72 of each gem on a gem list screen (hereinafter referred to as a "shop screen 81") that displays a list of gems that can be purchased, as exemplified in FIG. 11. For example, gems may be available for sale to other users in a marketplace within the game or outside the game. That is, the shop screen 81 may be a screen related to a marketplace within the game, or may be a screen related to a marketplace outside the game. For example, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the first user accepts an operation by the first user to select a gem (specifically, an NFT-converted gem) to be put up for sale from among gems owned by the first user (for example, an operation on the sell button 67 displayed on the detailed information display screen 64 related to the gem to be put up for sale (see FIG. 8(b))). Then, information related to the operation is sent to the market management unit 214 of the server 20, and the market management unit 214 puts up the gem selected by the first user based on the operation. Specifically, the market management unit 214 controls the gem selected by the first user to be displayed on the shop screen 81 of the terminal device 10 of the other user. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the second user displays the shop screen 81 on the display unit 18 based on a predetermined operation by the second user (for example, an operation on the shop button 94). The shop screen 81 displays a list of gems put up for sale by other users, including the first user. The control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 of the second user accepts an operation by the second user to select a gem to purchase from the gems displayed on the shop screen 81. Information regarding the operation is then sent to the market management unit 214 of the server 20, and the market management unit 214 executes a process of granting the gems selected by the second user to the second user based on the operation and having the second user pay the purchase price (in other words, a process of reducing the specific tokens held by the second user by the amount of the purchase price). The purchase price is transferred to the user (for example, the first user) who put up the purchased gems. The selected image selected when converting each gem into an NFT may be used as the thumbnail 72 on such a shop screen 81.In other words, the selected image selected by the first user when converting the gem into an NFT may be used as the image viewed by other users when the first user sells the gem to another user.

[0118] In addition, the selection image associated with the NFTed object (in this embodiment, a gem) may not be used as the thumbnail 72 in the object list screen (for example, a gem list screen) that displays a list of objects as exemplified in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. For example, when an NFTed object is used to progress in a game, the selection image associated with the object may be used as an image of the object. That is, when the object is, for example, an item used in the progress of a game (for example, a weapon, armor, or a card in a card game, etc.) or a character used in the progress of a game, when the object is used to progress the game (for example, when the object is used to fight an enemy character), the appearance of the object may be the appearance of the selection image (in other words, the control unit 110 may use the selection image as the image of the object displayed on the play screen on which the user plays the game).

[0119] In this embodiment, the background of each candidate image 71 is predetermined, and the user cannot change the background (in other words, the background image) when selecting a selected image. Specifically, in this embodiment, the background of the image (in other words, the thumbnail 72) associated with the gem to be converted into NFT is unified to black, and no matter which candidate image 71 is selected, an image with a solid black background is associated with the gem. In other words, the candidate display screen 70 displays multiple candidate images 71, but the multiple candidate images 71 all have a common background (as an example, the same image). Note that the multiple candidate images 71 may have different backgrounds from each other. Specifically, the background may be different depending on the attributes of the object to be converted into NFT (for example, the type or color of the gem).

[0120] In addition, the user may be able to change the background (in other words, the background image) when selecting the selected image. For example, when a specific image is selected from the multiple candidate images 71 displayed on the candidate display screen 70, the control unit 110 may cause the display unit 18 to display a screen related to background selection. Then, when the user operates to select a background on the screen, the specific image, the background of which is set to the background selected by the user, may be selected as the selected image to be associated with the gem to be converted into NFT. Specifically, the user may be able to select the color of the background, etc. According to this configuration, it is possible to arrange the background so that the object looks better depending on the type of object to be converted into NFT, etc.

[0121] The thumbnail 72 may include characters describing the object (in other words, characters indicating the attributes of the object, characters indicating the characteristics of the object) (see Figs. 10 to 12). Specifically, the thumbnail 72 may include characters related to the name, type, size, quality, shape, rarity, etc. of the object. Such characters constitute a part of the selected image (in other words, an image associated with the gemstone to be NFTed), and the metadata of the NFT may include information indicating the characters. In other words, the selected image (in other words, the candidate image 71) may include characters related to the object (for example, characters indicating the attributes or characteristics of the object, specifically, for example, characters related to at least one of the name, type, size, quality, shape, or rarity), as exemplified in Fig. 12. In addition, the information indicating the characters may not be included in the metadata of the NFT, and when the image associated with the gemstone to be NFTed is displayed as the thumbnail 72, the control unit 110 may display the characters on the image. The name of the object may be a proper noun 75 indicating the object, as exemplified in Fig. 12. For example, an object that satisfies a predetermined condition may have a proper noun 75, and the selected image (in other words, the candidate image 71) may include a character string of the proper noun 75. An object that satisfies a predetermined condition may be, for example, an object whose gemstone attribute (for example, size, quality, rarity, etc.) satisfies a predetermined standard. When a proper noun 75 (in other words, a name) is assigned to a gemstone that satisfies the predetermined standard (in other words, a proper noun 75 is not assigned to a gemstone that satisfies the predetermined standard), the selected image (in other words, the candidate image 71) may include characters related to the name of the gemstone for the gemstone that satisfies the predetermined standard, while the selected image may not include characters related to the name of the gemstone for the gemstone that does not satisfy the predetermined standard (for example, the area in the candidate image 71 illustrated in FIG. 12 where the proper noun 75 is displayed may be left blank). With this configuration, a person who sees the thumbnail 72 can guess the value of the gemstone based on whether or not the name is displayed.The proper noun 75 may be preset according to the attributes of the gem (in other words, prepared in advance by the game creator), or may be automatically determined and assigned by the control unit 210 at a predetermined timing (for example, when the user acquires the gem). When the control unit 210 automatically determines the proper noun 75, the control unit 210 may provide information about the gem to which the proper noun 75 is to be assigned to a generation AI (Artificial Intelligence) and have the generation AI propose the proper noun 75, thereby determining the proper noun 75. The generation AI in this case may be possessed by the game system 1, or an AI provided by an external service may be used.

[0122] In addition, for objects that can be converted to NFT and that satisfy a predetermined condition, a selection image specific to the object that satisfies the predetermined condition may be selectable. That is, for example, the multiple candidate images 71 presented to the user are images of the object taken from each of multiple angles determined in advance, but the control unit 110 may present the candidate image 71 taken at an angle specific to the object that satisfies the predetermined condition when the object satisfies the predetermined condition. In other words, when the object satisfies the predetermined condition, it may be possible to select an image with an angle that cannot be selected when the predetermined condition is not satisfied as the selection image. In addition, for example, when the object satisfies the predetermined condition, the control unit 110 may present the candidate image 71 with a background specific to the object that satisfies the predetermined condition. In other words, when the object satisfies the predetermined condition, it may be possible to select an image with a background that cannot be selected when the predetermined condition is not satisfied as the selection image. Note that the predetermined condition here may be the same as or different from the condition related to the presence or absence of the proper noun 75 described above.

[0123] Furthermore, the control unit 110 may execute search, narrowing down, or sorting of objects based on the characteristics of a selected image (in other words, the thumbnail 72) associated with the object on the object list screen exemplified in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11. For example, the control unit 110 accepts a user operation to specify the characteristics of the thumbnail 72 while the object list screen is displayed. Then, the control unit 110 executes search, narrowing down, or sorting of objects displayed on the object list screen based on the characteristics of the thumbnail 72 specified by the operation. The characteristics may be, for example, a characteristic related to the angle of an object in the thumbnail 72 or a characteristic related to the background of the thumbnail (for example, the color of the background). That is, for example, the user may specify the angle of an object, the color of the background, or the like, and search, narrow down, or sort objects based on the specified condition. Note that the operation related to search, narrowing down, or sorting may be the same as a well-known operation. That is, for example, the object list screen may display a UI that allows input of search, narrowing down, or sorting conditions (for example, a search window that allows input of keywords, or a selection button that allows selection of a specific option from multiple options, etc.), and an operation on the UI may be accepted as an operation to specify the characteristics of the thumbnails 72 as the condition. Note that the object list screen may also allow search, narrowing down, or sorting based on the characteristics (in other words, attributes) of the objects themselves, such as the quality of the objects or the size of the objects. In other words, the object list screen may display a UI that allows an operation to specify the characteristics of the objects themselves as the search, narrowing down, or sorting conditions.

[0124] In addition, the object list screen (for example, the gem list screen 60, 80) may display objects that are being minted (in other words, the process of NFT conversion is in progress). In addition, in this screen, the thumbnail 73 of the object being minted may be a selected image selected by the user as an image to be associated with the object to be NFT converted. In other words, the control unit 110 may display on the display unit 18 a screen that displays a list of objects, in which the selected image selected by the user as an image to be associated with the object to be NFT converted is used as the thumbnail 73 of the object being minted. That is, since minting takes time, for example, several tens of minutes, the selected image selected by the user may also be used as the thumbnail 73 for the object being minted. In addition, the control unit 110 may display on the screen, for the object being minted, a display 85 that can identify that the object is being minted, as exemplified in FIG. 10. In addition, the screen on which the thumbnail 73 of the object being minted is displayed may be a screen on which only the objects being minted are displayed in a list.

[0125] In this embodiment, the selected image associated with the NFTed gem cannot be changed based on the user's operation after the gem is NFTed. Specifically, in this embodiment, information about the selected image is stored on the blockchain as metadata of the NFT, and the information about the selected image cannot be changed based on the user's operation. In other words, in the game of this embodiment, a screen or the like that allows the selected image associated with the NFTed gem is not displayed, and the control unit 110 does not receive operations related to the change by the user who owns the gem. In other words, in this embodiment, the selected image selected by the user and associated with the gem cannot be changed even once after the gem is NFTed (in other words, the user cannot change the selected selected image even once).

[0126] For objects before NFT, in other words, objects other than objects after NFT and objects in mint, and further in other words, objects for which no selected image has been selected, a default image not selected by the user may be used as the image of the object (in other words, thumbnail) on the gem list screen 60, gem list screen 80, etc. Also, the default image may be included in a plurality of candidate images 71 presented to the user and may be selectable by the user as a selected image, or may not be included in the candidate images 71 and may not be selectable as a selected image. Also, until NFT is performed (for example, until the NFT execution button 66 is operated as an operation related to NFT), the thumbnail of the object may not be changed. In other words, the control unit 210 controls the thumbnail of the object to be NFTed to be changed to the image selected by the user in conjunction with the execution of NFT, and may not be able to change the thumbnail based on the image selected by the user until NFT is performed.

[0127] (Processing flow) Next, an example of processing related to NFT of an object will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0128] The control unit 110 of the user's terminal device 10 accepts an operation by the user to select a gem to be converted into NFT (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 110 accepts an operation to select a specific gem from among the gems displayed in the gem list screen 60, and an operation on the NFT conversion execution button 66 as an operation to select the specific gem as the gem to be converted into NFT.

[0129] When an operation to select the gemstone to be converted into NFT is performed, the control unit 110 presents the user with multiple candidate images 71 as candidates for images to be associated with the selected gemstone (in other words, the gemstone to be converted into NFT) (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 18 to display a candidate display screen 70 on which the multiple candidate images 71 are displayed.

[0130] Next, the control unit 110 accepts a user operation to select a specific candidate image 71 from the presented plurality of candidate images 71 (step S3).

[0131] When an operation to select a specific candidate image 71 is performed, the NFT control unit 216 converts the selected gem into an NFT and associates the selected image with the gem (step S4). Specifically, the NFT control unit 216 controls the issuance of an NFT corresponding to the gem based on the operation. At this time, the NFT control unit 216 registers information about the selected image as metadata for the NFT (in other words, stores it on the blockchain).

[0132] The selected image associated with the NFTed gemstone (in other words, the image identified by the NFT's metadata) is used as a thumbnail or the like for that gemstone.

[0133] In this embodiment, the items, tokens, and various logics (in other words, smart contracts) managed on the blockchain are managed on the same blockchain, but some may be managed on different blockchains. The blockchain may be an existing one such as Ethereum or Bitcoin. The NFTs corresponding to item A and item B (in other words, item A and item B that have been converted into NFTs) may be capable of being bridged from the blockchain on which they were issued to another blockchain.

[0134] Each configuration according to this embodiment can also be applied to services (in other words, content) other than the game according to this embodiment.

[0135] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Within the scope of the present invention, the components can be freely combined, any component can be modified, any component can be replaced, any component can be omitted, or other components can be added. The process flow described in this specification is merely an example, and the order and configuration of each process may be different. Some processes described in this specification may not exist. In other words, the process flow and specific determination processes may be different from those exemplified in this specification.

[0136] <Additional Notes> The configuration of this embodiment may be used, for example, to improve the interest of services such as games, etc. The matters described in the above embodiment may also be described as follows.

[0137] (Appendix 1) Computer, Functioning as an association means (e.g., the NFT control unit 216) that associates an image selected by a user from among a plurality of images relating to an NFT-enabled object with the object to be NFTed as an image of the object program. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a variety of images for NFT-enabled objects, thereby improving the interest of the service. Furthermore, if users are free to set images associated with NFT-enabled objects, there is a risk that an image not intended by the operator of the service will be used, which could disrupt the discipline of the service. However, according to this configuration, an image associated with an NFT-enabled object is determined by selecting from among multiple images, which prevents an image not intended by the operator from being associated, thereby reducing the risk of disrupting the discipline of the service.

[0138] (Appendix 2) The image associated with the object is an image used as a thumbnail on a predetermined screen that displays a list of the objects. 2. The program described in Appendix 1. With this configuration, users can set thumbnails for NFT-ed objects, making the service more interesting.

[0139] (Appendix 3) The object is an item that the user can obtain in a virtual space and that can be converted into an NFT by consuming the user's assets. 2. The program according to claim 1 or 2. According to this configuration, the user can specify the image to be associated with the item that the user acquires in the virtual space and converts into an NFT by consuming the user's assets. This can improve the interest of the service.

[0140] (Appendix 4) The association means includes: An image selected by the user from the plurality of images presented to the user when converting the object into an NFT is associated with the object. 2. The program according to claim 1 or 2. According to this configuration, when an object is converted into an NFT, candidate images to be associated with the object can be presented to the user, making it easier for the user to select an image.

[0141] (Appendix 5) Each of the plurality of images is an image of the object photographed from each of a plurality of predetermined angles. 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2. According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a sense of unity in the images of each object while providing a variation in the images of the objects.

[0142] (Appendix 6) The plurality of images all have a common background. 2. The program according to claim 1 or 2. According to such a configuration, the background can be unified, and for a plurality of objects, it is possible to easily compare the objects by comparing the associated images with each other.

[0143] (Appendix 7) The image of the object selected by the user and associated with the object cannot be changed based on the user's operation after the object is NFTized. 2. The program according to claim 1 or 2. According to this configuration, it is possible to fix the image associated with the object, so that, for example, the value of the object can be determined by the image selected by the user, thereby improving the interest of the service.

[0144] (Appendix 8) The system includes an association unit (e.g., an NFT control unit 216) that associates an image selected by a user from among a plurality of images relating to an NFT-enabled object with the object to be NFTed as an image of the object. Information processing system. According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the program described in Supplementary Note 1 can be achieved.

[0145] In addition, the problem-solving means constituted by the above-mentioned program (for example, each configuration described in the appendix) can be appropriately diverted to an apparatus, a system, a method, a medium, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 Game system, 3 Blockchain system, 10 Terminal device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 14 Communication IF, 15 Input / output IF, 17 Input section, 18 Display section, 20 Server, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 23 Storage, 24 Communication IF, 25 Input / output IF, 30 Node device, 31 Processor, 32 Memory, 33 Storage, 34 Communication IF, 35 Input / output IF, 110 Control section, 111 Operation reception section, 112 Transmission / reception section, 113 Terminal processing section, 114 Display control section, 120 Memory section, 210 Control section, 211 Transmission / reception section, 212 Game control section, 213 Asset management section, 214 Market management section, 216 NFT control section, 220 Memory section, 310 Control section, 320 Memory section

Claims

1. Computer, functioning as an association means for associating an image selected by a user from among a plurality of images relating to an object that can be converted into an NFT with the object to be converted into an NFT as an image of the object; Each of the plurality of images is an image of the object photographed from each of a plurality of predetermined angles. program.

2. a matching unit for matching an image selected by a user from among a plurality of images relating to an object that can be converted into an NFT to the object to be converted into an NFT as an image of the object; Each of the plurality of images is an image of the object photographed from each of a plurality of predetermined angles. Information processing system.

Images