Digital content lending method and program

Abstract

To provide a method and program for lending digital contents, which facilitates lending contents to others safely while maintaining the ownership and usage rights of the contents. [Solution] The method includes presenting digital content to terminal B of user B, acquiring information identifying the digital content, acquiring information indicating user A's expression of intent regarding the lending of the digital content, acquiring information indicating that terminal A and terminal B of user A are closer than a predetermined distance, acquiring information identifying terminal B, and in response to acquiring the information identifying the digital content, the information indicating user A's expression of intent, and the information indicating that terminal A and terminal B are closer than the predetermined distance, preventing user A from exclusive use of the digital content and beginning to allow user B's exclusive use of the digital content.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and program for lending digital content. [Background technology]

[0002] Prior art exists for transferring content from one device to another.

[0003] There is a technology that allows a user to easily handle multiple pieces of content provided by multiple content providers. A user receives information based on his / her own identifier via a client device, and can browse a collection of content associated with the authenticated user's identifier. A database search is performed with the identifier of content specified by the user, and if the identifier is registered in the database, the specified content is played back on a terminal device under the user's control. This technology allows a user to easily manage and use content provided by multiple content providers. In addition, by using a platform that implements this technology, it is easy to monopolize content provided by multiple providers (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] There is also technology that allows a user to easily handle multiple pieces of content provided by multiple content providers in a virtual space using a virtual camera and a virtual space in which objects representing multiple pieces of content occupied by the user and multiple folders that can have content subordinate to them in a hierarchical relationship are arranged (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] There is also technology that uses non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to trade content as unique digital works that cannot be copied, making this content available in virtual spaces created online (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0006] These technologies provide an environment that makes it easy to handle content uniquely on a common platform, and they also make it easy to transfer ownership and usage rights of content. However, a sufficient environment is not provided for content lending, such as allowing other people to temporarily use the content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7297275 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7335654 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / ethereum.org / en / nft / (Accessed July 27, 2024) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The disclosed technology aims to make it easier and safer to lend content to others while maintaining the ownership and usage rights of the content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The disclosed technology provides a method for one or more computers managing digital content owned by user A to loan the digital content to user B, the method comprising: utilizing a three-dimensional virtual space to present the digital content on terminal B managed by user B; acquiring information identifying the digital content via terminal B based on an instruction from user B; acquiring information indicating user A's expression of intent to loan the digital content to user B; acquiring information indicating that a distance between terminal A managed by user A and terminal B is closer than a predetermined distance; acquiring information identifying terminal B; and in response to acquiring the information identifying the digital content, the information indicating user A's expression of intent, and the information indicating that the distance between terminal A and terminal B is closer than a predetermined distance, preventing user A from making exclusive use of the digital content and starting to permit user B's exclusive use of the digital content via terminal B. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to more easily and safely lend content to others while maintaining the ownership and usage rights of the content. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Fig. 1A is a diagram showing a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting a plurality of contents that can be used by users. Fig. 1B is a diagram showing a terminal A under the management of a user A (hereinafter also referred to as a "lender") that displays a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting a plurality of contents that can be used by the user A, and a terminal B under the management of a user B (hereinafter also referred to as a "borrower"). Fig. 1C is a diagram showing a terminal A under the management of a user A, and a terminal B under the management of a user B that displays one of the contents owned by the user A. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a list-format user interface that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular piece of content to user B. In FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface of a three-dimensional virtual space that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular piece of content to user B. In FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a QR code 410 for transmitting information identifying a content lending transaction (hereinafter also referred to as a "lending code") paired with a thumbnail of the content 114 displayed on a terminal screen 400 ("QR code" is a registered trademark). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a QR code of a loan code displayed on terminal A under the control of user A (lender) is read by terminal B under the control of user B (borrower). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a display that informs users that content cannot be lent when terminal A under the control of user A (lender) and terminal B under the control of user B (borrower) are physically far apart. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing that restrictions are imposed on the lender of content from viewing the content due to lending of the content. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing that, by lending the content, the lent content 114 can be viewed on a terminal B managed by a user B (borrower). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen displayed when the lent content 114 can no longer be viewed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower) due to the lending of the content. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which restrictions are imposed on user A (lender) viewing of the content due to lending of the content, and a button for forcibly terminating the lending of the content is displayed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for lending content. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a content that a user B (borrower) wants to borrow is transmitted from a terminal B managed by the user B (borrower) to a terminal A managed by a user A (lender). [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (round trip) codes (lender display first). [Figure 14] 14A and 14B show a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (round trip) codes (the borrower is displayed first). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the content lending process. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step S1502 at which content lending is started. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of processing related to the distance between terminals. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart relating to the termination and resumption of lending of digital content. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process in which user B (borrower) further lends content to a third party. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing detailed processing when exclusive use by a third party begins. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process for giving an incentive to a user. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing how a user can edit digital content. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a hardware configuration diagram of the disclosed technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The disclosed technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A shows a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting a variety of contents available to users.

[0014] Figure 1B shows terminal A under the control of user A (hereinafter also referred to as the "lender"), which displays a three-dimensional virtual space exhibiting multiple contents that user A can use, and terminal B under the control of user B (hereinafter also referred to as the "borrower"). FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a terminal A under the management of a user A and a terminal B under the management of a user B, on which one of the contents owned by the user A is displayed.

[0015] Figure 1A shows a three-dimensional virtual space that displays multiple contents available to user A under the management of a specific platform. In this three-dimensional virtual space, user A can organize and arrange multiple contents such as paintings, books, and 3D objects that he owns. Furthermore, this virtual three-dimensional space may be defined as a three-dimensional virtual space that can only be accessed by user A, and a three-dimensional virtual space that is open to specific persons or the general public.

[0016] The three-dimensional virtual space 100 shown in Fig. 1A is a three-dimensional virtual space that is open to the public. Therefore, if the public knows the URL or URI of the three-dimensional virtual space 100, they can visit (view) this three-dimensional virtual space 100 via the Internet.

[0017] In the three-dimensional virtual space 100, contents 112, 114, and 116 are exhibited. The general public can see the appearance (thumbnail image) of these contents, but cannot see the contents (the general public may be allowed to preview a part of the contents). Moreover, it is desirable that the general public cannot copy these contents to a computer under their control. In other words, it is desirable that the platform that realizes this three-dimensional virtual space 100 is designed so that only the person who owns the content can see the contents of the content. By doing so, it is possible to sufficiently guarantee that the content is unique. Such a technology that guarantees the uniqueness of the content can be realized by using, for example, NFT. The uniqueness is clearly indicated by a unique digital certificate that distinguishes the content from other items.

[0018] In addition, the content owner and those authorized by the content owner can add information such as memos to the content. It is also possible to transfer only a part of the content to another person. In addition, it is also possible to lend the content for a certain period of time. This can be done by using the smart contract embedded in the NFT, making it possible to lend the content to another person for a certain period of time. A smart contract is a program that is automatically executed on the blockchain and can include contractual provisions.

[0019] In FIG. 1B, multiple contents of three-dimensional virtual space 100 are displayed only on a terminal managed by user A, who is the owner of the contents, and nothing is displayed on terminal B managed by user B.

[0020] The embodiment provides a technology that enables content owned by user A to be loaned to user B under specified conditions when the distance between terminal A under the control of user A and terminal B under the control of user B is closer than a specified distance (for example, when user A and user B are close enough to have a voice conversation).

[0021] When user A and user B are close enough to each other that they can converse with each other voice-to-voice, it can be assumed that a relationship of trust between user A and user B has been established. In such a case, by making it possible for content to be lent, it is possible to provide a technology that allows content to be lent between people who have an established relationship of trust.

[0022] In the state of Fig. 1B, for example, it is assumed that user B conveys to user A an intention to borrow content 114 existing in the three-dimensional virtual space 100 displayed on terminal A under the management of user A. If user A intends to accept the above offer from user B, user A can operate terminal A to instruct that content 114 be lent to user B so that content 114 can be displayed on terminal B.

[0023] 1C shows the state in which the content 114 is displayed on terminal B under the management of user B. User B can view not only thumbnails of the content 114 displayed on terminal B but also detailed images. For example, if the content 114 is a book, the contents of the book can be viewed.

[0024] In FIG. 1C, when user A attempts to display a detailed image of content 114 or to view the contents of content 114 on terminal A, the details of content 114 cannot be displayed, as shown in display image 114a. In this manner, the content 114 can be lent from user A to user B. As will be described later, the lending can be set to end when a certain condition is met.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a list-format user interface that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular piece of content to user B. In FIG.

[0026] 2, thumbnails of multiple contents are displayed in a list-style table. For example, a row 210 displays a thumbnail of the content 114, and an area 212 displays the name (Title1) and creator (Author1) of the content 114.

[0027] Also, a check mark 216 is displayed in the check box 214. The fact that the check mark 216 is displayed indicates that the user A, who is the owner of the content 114, has selected the content 114 in order to lend it to another person.

[0028] When user A taps on the lending icon 220, a subsequent process is started for lending the content 114 to user B. The subsequent process will be described later.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface of a three-dimensional virtual space that is displayed when user A, who owns a plurality of contents, lends a particular piece of content to user B. In FIG. 3, thumbnails of multiple contents are displayed in a three-dimensional virtual space. For example, a thumbnail of a content 114 is placed.

[0030] For example, when user A taps the thumbnail of content 114 with his / her finger, a pop-up 310 related to content 114 is displayed. The name (Title1) and creator (Author1) of content 114 are displayed in the pop-up 310. In addition, a loan icon 320 is displayed.

[0031] When user A taps on the lending icon 320, the subsequent process is started for lending the content 114 to user B. The subsequent process will be described later.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a QR code 410 for transmitting information identifying a content lending transaction (hereinafter also referred to as a "lending code") paired with a thumbnail of the content 114 displayed on a terminal screen 400 ("QR code" is a registered trademark).

[0033] Displaying a thumbnail image of content 114 is not essential, but it is desirable to display it together with QR code 410 since the purpose of QR code 410 is to make it easier to understand which content is the subject of lending.

[0034] The QR code 410 is an example of a means for transferring information identifying a loan transaction between terminals. Therefore, a means other than the QR code, such as wireless terminal-to-terminal communication using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), may be used.

[0035] Here, the lending code will be described. The lending code may include at least information for identifying a transaction related to a series of procedures for lending designated content owned by user A from terminal A to terminal B between terminal A under the management of user A and terminal B under the management of user B. If terminal B does not have information on the platform that manages the content, it is desirable that the URI of this platform is transmitted from terminal A to terminal B. The URI of the platform may be included in the lending code, or may be transmitted from terminal A to terminal B by a separate transmission means. The information for identifying the content to be lent and the information for identifying terminal B sent from terminal A or terminal B may be linked to information for identifying the transaction in the platform. If at least the information for identifying the transaction, the information for identifying the content to be lent, and the information for identifying terminal B are transmitted to the platform, terminal B can start accessing the lent content by accessing the platform. The route and procedure for transmitting these pieces of information to the platform are not limited to the examples disclosed in this specification and the like. In addition, to enhance the security of the transaction, the platform may manage the expiration date of the QR code.

[0036] It is desirable that user B be able to view the content loaned by user A only on terminal B under user B's management. If user B is allowed to view the loaned content on a device other than terminal B, it is possible that the device may not be under user B's management. In such a case, it may be difficult to ensure security by allowing content loan only to user B. For this reason, it is desirable to set the above-mentioned limitation. This limitation can be ensured by having the platform manage and check unique information (e.g., MAC address) that identifies the hardware of terminal B, or by having terminal B store and check unique information (e.g., cookies).

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a QR code of a loan code displayed on terminal A under the control of user A (lender) is read by terminal B under the control of user B (borrower).

[0038] 5, a QR code 410 and a thumbnail of content 114 are displayed on terminal A under the management of user A. Terminal B under the management of user B captures an image of the screen of terminal A and reads the QR code 410. This operation causes the loan code included in the QR code to be read into terminal B. Terminal B can access the rented content by transmitting this rental code to the platform.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a display that informs users that content cannot be lent when terminal A under the control of user A (lender) and terminal B under the control of user B (borrower) are physically far apart.

[0040] It is desirable that at least an error message be displayed on the screen of user B (borrower) indicating that the content cannot be lent because the distance between terminal A and terminal B is greater than a predetermined distance. The location information of terminal A and terminal B is determined by geolocation, which is realized by searching a database from GPS or network IP addresses, and the distance calculated from the locations of terminal A and terminal B can be determined on the platform. When the distance between the terminals is far, such an error message may be displayed.

[0041] In this way, by setting the condition of the distance between terminals to enable content lending, it is possible to impose restrictions on content lending. By adding such a condition, it is possible to prevent content lending from spreading geographically without limit, and to prevent the value of the content from decreasing. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing that restrictions are imposed on the lender of content from viewing the content due to lending of the content.

[0042] In order to further ensure the uniqueness of the content, when the content is lent to another person, it is desirable to impose restrictions on the viewing of the content, even if the person owns the content.

[0043] 7, a message 720 is displayed on a display screen 700 of terminal A under the control of user A (lender) superimposed on the loaned content 114. The message 720 displays "Lending. Cannot be viewed." It also indicates that a time limit is set for the loan of the content 114, and displays that the remaining time 710 until the end of the loan is 1 hour, 56 minutes, and 34 seconds.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing that, by lending the content, the lent content 114 can be viewed on a terminal B managed by a user B (borrower). In addition, the remaining time 810 until the end of the loan is displayed on the screen 800 of the terminal B managed by the user B (borrower).

[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen that appears when the lent content 114 can no longer be viewed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower) due to the lending of the content. In addition, the screen 902 of the terminal B managed by the user B (borrower) displays that the lending has ended and the remaining time 912 is zero.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which restrictions are imposed on the lender of the content from viewing the content due to lending of the content, and a button for forcibly ending the lending of the content is displayed.

[0047] 10, a message 1002 indicating that the content is being lent, a time remaining until the end of the lending 1004, and a button 1006 for forcibly terminating the lending of the content are displayed on the screen of a terminal A managed by a user A (lender). When the lender taps the button 1006, the lending of the content ends. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for lending content.

[0048] 11 shows a sequence diagram showing information transmission between a computer 1150 that realizes a platform in which a three-dimensional space (hereinafter "my room") displaying contents owned by user A (lender) and open to the public (hereinafter "my room") exists, a terminal A (hereinafter collectively referred to as "lender's machine") under the control of user A (lender), and a terminal B (hereinafter referred to as "borrower's machine") under the control of user B. The sequence will be explained below in order.

[0049] [Sequence 1102] The lender's machine publishes the URI of the My Room. User B (borrower) can learn the URI of User A's (lender) My Room.

[0050] [Sequence 1104] User B (borrower) can visit User A's (lender) My Room and search for content he / she wants to borrow by using terminal B. The content he / she wants to borrow may be communicated to User A (lender) orally.

[0051] [Sequence 1106] The lender's machine identifies the content (content C) that the borrower wants to borrow. For example, user A (lender) can identify the content to be lent by tapping the content on the screen of terminal A managed by user A (lender).

[0052] [Sequence 1108] If a predetermined condition A is met, the lender's machine creates a "lending code" for lending content C. Examples of the predetermined condition A include that the distance between terminal A and terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance, that user A (lender) is willing to lend the content to user B (borrower), and that terminal B managed by user B (borrower) exists (has been identified). [Sequence 1110] The lender's machine transmits the "loan code" to terminal B.

[0053] [Sequence 1112] Terminal B holds the "loan code". It is desirable for terminal B to transmit the loan code to the lender's machine, thereby informing the lender's machine that terminal B holds the "loan code". [Sequence 1114] The lender's machine restricts the lender's use of content C. [Sequence 1116] Terminal B accesses My Room based on the "rental code."

[0054] [Sequence 1118] If a predetermined condition B is met, the lender's machine displays content C on terminal B. The predetermined condition B may be that the lending period is within, that the distance between terminal A and terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance, etc. Note that the predetermined distance is a condition for starting lending, and the distance condition need not be met for subsequent access to content C by terminal B.

[0055] [Sequence 1120] If a predetermined condition C is met, the system returns to the initial state. The predetermined conditions include the time limit for the loan having elapsed, the lender's machine having processed the end of the loan, the predetermined distance condition no longer being met, etc.

[0056] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a content that a user B (borrower) wants to borrow is transmitted from a terminal B managed by the user B (borrower) to a terminal A managed by a user A (lender).

[0057] User B (borrower) visits User A's (lender's) My Room, identifies the content he / she wants to borrow, and taps on the content, etc., to cause terminal B to display a QR code 1202. A thumbnail of the content 114 he / she wants to borrow may be displayed on terminal B. When terminal A managed by user A (lender) reads QR code 1202 displayed on terminal B, the lending code is transmitted from terminal B to terminal A.

[0058] If user A (lender) is willing to lend the identified content 114 to user B (borrower), the content 114 is lent to user B (borrower) by executing the subsequent lending process. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (round trip) codes (lender display first).

[0059] First, a QR code including a lending code of the content 114 to be lent is displayed on terminal A managed by user A (lender). This QR code may include the URI of the user's room.

[0060] The QR code displayed on the terminal managed by user A (lender) is read by terminal B managed by user B (borrower). With this operation, at least the loan code is transmitted from terminal A to terminal B. If terminal B does not know the URI of user A's (lender's) personal room, terminal B can also obtain that URI. Terminal B may access the platform using the URI and inform the platform that it has obtained the loan code. This allows the platform to recognize the address of terminal B and that the loan procedure for content 114 is in progress.

[0061] In Fig. 13B, terminal B managed by user B (borrower) displays QR code 1304 including at least a loan code. QR code 1304 may include loan confirmation information from the platform. Furthermore, a thumbnail of the content 114 to be loaned (thumbnail sent from the platform) may be displayed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower). User A (lender) can visually check this thumbnail to confirm that the content 114 to be loaned has indeed been identified on terminal B.

[0062] Terminal A managed by user A (lender) reads the QR code displayed on terminal B. By verifying that the lending code included in the QR code matches the lending code that terminal A itself sent to terminal B, it can be confirmed that the content 114 to be lent will indeed be lent to terminal B. In addition, if the QR code displayed on terminal B contains a confirmation code from the platform, it can be confirmed that terminal B has also been identified by the platform.

[0063] If this series of processes proceeds smoothly, the content 114 is lent, provided that other conditions (such as the distance between the terminals being less than a predetermined distance) are met. By executing the above-mentioned process, the lending of the content 114 can be realized more reliably. Alternatively, in FIG. 13A, the QR code displayed on terminal A managed by user A (lender) may simply be information identifying the content. User B (borrower) reads the QR code, confirms that it is the content he or she wants to borrow, and proceeds with the operation. In FIG. 13B, a QR code of the lending code is displayed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower). Subsequent processing may be similar to that in FIG. 12. 14A and 14B show a modified example in which a "lender" and a "borrower" exchange (round trip) codes (the borrower is displayed first).

[0064] First, the borrower accesses My Room and identifies the content 114 he or she wishes to borrow. For example, by tapping on the content 114 he or she wishes to borrow, a QR code 1402 including at least a rental code is displayed on terminal B. The rental code may be stored in terminal B. It is preferable that the rental code is a unique rental code generated by the platform when terminal B accesses the platform. Terminal B may transmit information identifying terminal B to the platform via a network (not shown).

[0065] Terminal A managed by user A (lender) reads the QR code 1402 displayed on terminal B. In addition, user A (lender) visually checks the thumbnail of content 114 that he / she wishes to borrow displayed on terminal B, thereby allowing user A (lender) to accurately recognize content 114 that he / she wishes to borrow.

[0066] If user A (lender) is willing to lend the content 114, user A (lender) causes terminal A to display a QR code 1404 including at least a lending code. Additionally, terminal A may display a thumbnail of the content 114 to be lent.

[0067] User B (borrower) uses terminal B to read QR code 1404 displayed on terminal A. User B (borrower) also visually checks the thumbnail of content 114 displayed on terminal A, thereby confirming that user A (lender) is indeed lending content 114 that he or she wishes to borrow.

[0068] If this series of processes proceeds smoothly, the content 114 is lent, provided that other conditions (such as the distance between the terminals being less than a predetermined distance) are met. By executing the above-mentioned process, the lending of the content 114 can be realized more reliably. Alternatively, in FIG. 14A, the QR code displayed on terminal B managed by user B (borrower) may simply be information that identifies the content. User A (lender) who reads the QR code proceeds with the operation if he or she wishes to lend the content. In FIG. 14B, a QR code of the lending code is displayed on terminal A managed by user A (lender). Subsequent processing may be similar to that in FIG. 5.

[0069] 15 is a flow chart showing the content lending process. Each step will be described below. [Step S1502] Lending begins. [Step S1504] It is checked whether all the processes are to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process is terminated. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to the step just before this step. 16 is a flow chart showing the detailed process of step S1502 at which content lending is started. Each step will be described below. [Step S1602] This is the step indicating the start of the process of starting lending. [Step S1604] Information for identifying the digital content is obtained. [Step S1606] Information indicating User A's intention to lend the digital content to User B is obtained. [Step S1608] Information indicating that the distance between terminal A managed by user A and terminal B managed by user B is shorter than a predetermined distance is obtained. [Step S1610] Information identifying terminal B is obtained.

[0070] [Step S1612] It is checked whether information identifying the digital content, information indicating the intention of user A, and information indicating that the distance between terminal A and terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance have been acquired. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1614. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to the step just before this step.

[0071] [Step S1614] User A's exclusive use of the digital contents is restricted, and exclusive use of the digital contents by user B via terminal B is permitted. [Step S1616] The process returns.

[0072] 17 is a flowchart showing the details of the process related to the distance between terminals. Each step will be explained below. [Step S1702] Lending begins. [Step S1704] It is checked whether or not all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing is terminated. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S1706. [Step S1706] Even if the distance between terminal A and terminal B becomes less than a predetermined distance, the permission for exclusive use of the digital content by user B via terminal B is maintained.

[0073] 18 is a flow chart showing how to end and resume lending of digital content. Each step will be described below. [Step S1802] Start lending

[0074] [Step S1804] It is checked whether the first condition is satisfied. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1806. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to the step just before this step.

[0075] Here, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between terminal A and terminal B is no longer closer than a predetermined distance; information indicating an expression of user A's intention to terminate the lending of the digital content to user B has been acquired; information indicating an expression of user B's intention to end exclusive use of the digital content has been acquired; and a predetermined time has elapsed since permission for exclusive use began. [Step S1806] The permission for User B to exclusively use the digital content via Terminal B is terminated.

[0076] [Step S1808] It is checked whether or not all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing is terminated. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S1810.

[0077] [Step S1810] It is checked whether the second condition is satisfied. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1812. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to just before step S1808.

[0078] Here, the second condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between terminal A and terminal B is closer than a predetermined distance; information indicating an intention of user A to resume lending the digital content to user B has been acquired; and information indicating an intention of user B to resume exclusive use of the digital content has been acquired. [Step S1812] Permission for exclusive use of the digital content by User B via Terminal B is resumed.

[0079] 19 is a flow chart showing a process in which user B (borrower) further lends the content to a third party. Each step will be described. [Step S1902] Lending begins. [Step S1904] It is checked whether or not all processing is to be completed. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing is terminated. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S1906.

[0080] [Step S1906] It is checked whether the third condition is satisfied. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1908. If the check is negative (No), the process returns to just before step S1904. [Step S1908] The exclusive use of the digital content by user B via terminal B is restricted, and permission for exclusive use of the digital content by user C via terminal C managed by a third party, user C, is started.

[0081] 20 is a flow chart showing the detailed process when a third party starts exclusive use. Each step will be described.

[0082] [Step S2002] This step indicates the start of detailed processing of step S1908, which prevents user B from having exclusive use of the digital content via terminal B and begins allowing user C, a third party, to have exclusive use of the digital content via terminal C managed by user C. [Step S2004] User C is regarded as user B, and terminal C is regarded as terminal B. [Step S2006] The process returns.

[0083] 21 is a flowchart showing a process for giving an incentive to a user. Each step will now be described. [Step S2102] This step indicates the start of detailed processing of S1614, which restricts user A from exclusive use of the digital content and starts permitting user B, via terminal B, exclusive use of the digital content.

[0084] [Step S2104] An incentive is associated with both or either one of user A and user B, the incentive being able to be used in ownership or exclusive use of digital content.

[0085] Examples of the incentive include giving the user points that can be used to spend money on the platform, increasing the frequency with which the user announces his / her room to third parties on the platform, etc. The amount of the incentive may be varied based on a predetermined probability. [Step S2106] The process returns.

[0086] 22 is a flow chart showing how a user can edit digital content. Each step will now be described. [Step S2202] Lending of the content starts. [Step S2204] It is checked whether or not all processing is to be ended. If the check is affirmative (Yes), the processing ends. If the check is negative (No), the processing proceeds to step S2206.

[0087] [Step S2206] Edit the digital content based on instructions from User B. Note that it is desirable that User A, who is the owner of the content, should in principle be able to edit the content. It goes without saying that if the creator of the content does not permit editing of the content, neither User A nor User B will be able to edit the content.

[0088] FIG. 23 is a hardware configuration diagram of the disclosed technology.

[0089] The hardware configuration of the disclosed technology includes a CPU 3001, a ROM 3002 in which the program and data of the present embodiment can be stored, a RAM 3003, a network interface 3005, an input interface 3006, a display interface 3007, and an external memory interface 3008. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other by a bus 3004.

[0090] The network interface 3005 is connected to a network 3015. The network 3015 may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, the Internet, a telephone network, or the like. The input interface 3006 is connected to an input unit 3016. The display interface 3007 is connected to a display unit 3017. The display unit 3017 may be realized by a plurality of display devices. The external memory interface 3008 is connected to a storage medium 3018. The storage medium 3018 may be a RAM, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk, a memory card, a USB memory, or the like.

[0091] The steps of the method or program of the illustrated embodiment may be rearranged as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, one illustrated step may be executed multiple times at different times as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, multiple steps may be executed simultaneously as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, not all steps are essential, and some steps may not exist or may not be executed as long as there is no contradiction.

[0092] The above points also apply to the constituent elements of the method defined in the claims. That is, the order of the constituent elements can be changed as long as there is no contradiction. Also, multiple constituent elements can be implemented simultaneously as long as there is no contradiction. The implementation of these constituent elements also falls within the technical scope defined in the claims.

[0093] Moreover, each procedure may be executed by an operating system or hardware. Also, the program may be distributed in a state stored in a non-transitory medium.

[0094] The program and method for realizing the above-described embodiment may be executed by a computer having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 23. That is, the program of the embodiment may be implemented as a method for causing a computer to execute the program. The program may be stored in the storage medium 3018, the ROM 3002, or the RAM 3003. Each embodiment may be implemented as a hardware device having a program installed thereon. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 3001 CPU 3002 ROM 3003 RAM 3004 Bus 3005 Network Interface 3006 Input Interface 3007 Display Interface 3008 External Memory Interface 3015 Network 3016 Input section 3017 Display section 3018 Storage medium

Claims

1. A method for allowing one or more computers that manage digital content owned by a user A to lend the digital content to a user B, comprising: Presenting the digital content to a terminal B managed by the user B using a three-dimensional virtual space; acquiring information identifying the digital content via the terminal B based on an instruction from the user B; acquiring information indicating an expression of intent of the user A to lend the digital content to the user B; acquiring information indicating that a distance between a terminal A managed by the user A and the terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance; Obtaining information identifying the terminal B; in response to acquiring information identifying the digital content, information indicating the expression of intent of the user A, and information indicating that the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance, inhibiting the user A from exclusively using the digital content and starting to permit the user B to exclusively use the digital content via the terminal B; The method for renting digital content includes:

2. The information for identifying the terminal B is unique information for identifying the hardware of the terminal B, or unique information for the terminal B. The method for renting digital content according to claim 1 .

3. After the starting, maintaining the permission for exclusive use of the digital content by the user B via the terminal B even when the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is no longer closer than the predetermined distance; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

4. After the starting, terminating the permission of the exclusive use of the digital content by said user B via said terminal B in response to a first condition being satisfied; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is no longer closer than a predetermined distance; information indicating an intention of the user A to terminate lending of the digital content to the user B has been acquired; information indicating an intention of the user B to end the exclusive use of the digital content has been acquired; and a predetermined time has elapsed since permission for the exclusive use began. A method for renting digital content according to claim 4.

6. After said terminating, in response to a second condition being satisfied, resuming permission for exclusive use of the digital content by the user B via the terminal B; The method for renting digital content according to claim 4, further comprising:

7. The second condition includes at least one of the following: the distance between the terminal A and the terminal B is shorter than a predetermined distance; information indicating an intention of the user A to resume lending the digital content to the user B has been acquired; and information indicating an intention of the user B to resume exclusive use of the digital content has been acquired. The method for renting digital content according to claim 6.

8. After the starting, in response to a third condition being satisfied, inhibiting exclusive use of the digital content by the user B via the terminal B, and starting to permit exclusive use of the digital content by the third party via a terminal C managed by the third party; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

9. The third condition is: The information indicating the intention of the user A to approve the user B lending the digital content to the third party is acquired; and Information indicating that the distance between the terminal B and the terminal C managed by the third party is shorter than a predetermined distance has been acquired; and The information identifying the terminal C has been acquired; and 9. The method for renting digital content according to claim 8, comprising at least one of:

10. The initiating comprises: tying an incentive to the user A and / or the user B, the incentive being usable in ownership or exclusive use of digital content; The method for renting digital content according to claim 1 , comprising:

11. the amount of the incentive varies based on a predetermined probability; The method for renting digital content according to claim 10.

12. Editing the digital content based on an instruction from the user B; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

13. A program causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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