Digital business card management system

Abstract

Focusing on NFTs, a means of proving rights related to digital data, the company will apply NFT technology to business cards. [Solution] An IC tag 10 stores individual tag information IT and business card data information IU3 of a providing user U3. An NFT management device 6 issues an NFT 100 on a blockchain BK based on the individual tag information IT read by a receiving user terminal 4 from the IC tag 10. The NFT 100 includes one master NFT 101. The master NFT 101 is linked to the individual address of a receiving user U4 on the blockchain BK, and permits disclosure of the business card data information IU3 of the providing user U3 to the receiving user terminal 4.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital business card management system. [Background technology]

[0002] It has long been customary to exchange business cards with someone as part of a self-introduction when meeting someone for the first time, especially in a business setting. This type of business card is generally made of paper and has business-related information such as name, affiliation, position (title), qualifications, and contact information printed on it.

[0003] When exchanging business cards using conventional paper business cards, people can learn about each other, but they cannot know each other's business connections (for example, friends and other related parties). In addition, it is considered that there is very little possibility that the person you exchanged business cards with will introduce you to their related parties or a third party, which makes it difficult to effectively utilize each other's business connections.

[0004] In this regard, digital business cards capable of transmitting and receiving business-related information (which may be called business card data) are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which one's own business card data and that of another person are exchanged by short-range wireless communication, and the other person's business card data is managed on a server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-105470 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6973840 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the digital business card of Patent Document 1, only the business card data is given to the other party, and the business card itself is not given to the other party. This means that it is easy to forget the fact that the business card has been exchanged, and this often does not lead to business development, so there is still room for improvement.

[0007] In recent years, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become widespread as a means of proving rights related to digital data. NFTs are issued, for example, according to the ERC721 standard (Ethereum Request for Comments 721). The ownership history and transaction history of NFTs are recorded in a distributed ledger such as a blockchain on a P2P network (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.).

[0008] The applicant of the present application focused on NFTs, which are a means of proving rights related to digital data, and came up with the idea of ​​applying NFT technology to business cards, which led to the completion of the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention is a digital business card management system that includes an NFT management device capable of communicating via a communications network with a providing user terminal of a providing user that provides a digital business card with an IC tag, and a receiving user terminal of a receiving user that receives the digital business card, wherein the IC tag stores individual tag information and business card data information of the providing user, and the NFT management device issues an NFT on a blockchain that proves rights to the digital business card based on the individual tag information read by the receiving user terminal from the IC tag, and the NFT includes one master NFT that is linked to the individual address of the receiving user on the blockchain, thereby permitting the receiving user terminal to disclose the business card data information of the providing user.

[0010] In the digital business card management system of the present invention, when the first receiving user and the second receiving user both hold the master NFT of the providing user, when the first receiving user and the second receiving user exchange business cards using their own digital business cards, the NFT management device may notify the providing user terminal that the first receiving user and the second receiving user have exchanged business cards.

[0011] In the digital business card management system of the present invention, the NFT includes the master NFT and multiple general NFTs linked to it, and the NFT management device distributes one of the general NFTs on the blockchain based on individual tag information read from the IC tag by a reading user terminal of a reading user that reads the digital business card received by the receiving user, and one of the general NFTs is linked to the reading user's individual address on the blockchain, allowing the reading user terminal to disclose the business card data information of the providing user, and notifies the providing user terminal that the receiving user has introduced the providing user to the reading user based on the distribution of the general NFT.

[0012] In the digital business card management system of the present invention, a light emitting portion of the IC tag may light up or blink during non-contact communication between the IC tag of the digital business card and each of the user terminals. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, while the digital business card can provide business-related business card data information to each user terminal, the digital business card itself can be handed over to the other person in the same way as in a conventional business card exchange. Therefore, although it looks like a conventional type of business card at first glance, it can utilize the digital data providing function and make a strong impression on the other person, and having the digital business card in the hands of the other person makes it easier to remember the fact that you have exchanged business cards, so that you can enjoy the advantages of both a conventional business card and a digital business card.

[0014] In addition, the providing user's business card data information is stored in the IC tag of the digital business card, and permission to display the business card data information is sent from the NFT management device to the receiving user terminal or reading user terminal, so the NFT management device does not have to store or manage the business card data information.The providing user can control the business card data information, including their own personal data, thereby enhancing privacy and reducing security risks.

[0015] Furthermore, since the business card data information stored in the IC tag of the digital business card is read by the receiving user's terminal, there is also the advantage that it is less affected by the quality of the connection environment of a communication network such as the Internet.

[0016] Furthermore, when a receiving user introduces a providing user to a reading user using the providing user's digital business card, the receiving user can accurately know in real time to whom and when the holder of his / her own digital business card introduced the providing user, without being informed of this fact by the receiving user. Therefore, by using digital business cards, it becomes easier to introduce one's own related parties or to be introduced to third parties without bothering the person with whom one exchanged business cards (the person with one's own digital business card), and one can make effective use of each other's business connections. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital business card management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an RF tag mounted on a digital business card. [Diagram 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of an NFT management device. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of an NFT issuance mode in the digital business card management system CS. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an aspect when business cards are exchanged between a providing user and a receiving user. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a screen of a recipient user terminal. [Figure 7]This is a sequence diagram showing an example of an NFT distribution mode in the digital business card management system CS. [Figure 8] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a manner in which a receiving user introduces a providing user to a reading user; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a screen of a reading user terminal. [Figure 10] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when a providing user causes a reading user to read a digital business card. FIG. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the operation of the NFT management device when two receiving users who have exchanged business cards with the providing user in the past exchange business cards using digital business cards. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the drawings show a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiment described in the present specification.

[0019] First, an overview of a digital business card management system CS according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 etc. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital business card management system CS. The digital business card management system CS of the embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as system CS) issues NFTs 100 corresponding to the serial number (which can also be called individual tag information IT, described in detail later) of a digital business card 1 on a blockchain BK, and provides the NFTs 100 to users such as a receiving user U4 and a reading user U5, described later.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the digital business card management system CS comprises a digital business card 1 equipped with an RF tag 10, a providing user terminal 3 used by a providing user U3 who provides the digital business card 1 when exchanging business cards, a receiving user terminal 4 used by a receiving user U4 who receives the digital business card 1 when exchanging business cards, a reading user terminal 5 used by a reading user U5 who is introduced to the providing user U3 by the digital business card 1 held by the receiving user U4, and an NFT management device 6 operated by a service provider of the digital business card management system CS.

[0021] The RF tag 10 is embedded in a business card made of paper, plastic, or the like. In the embodiment, the business card made of paper, plastic, or the like with the RF tag 10 embedded therein is referred to as a digital business card 1. The RF tag 10 is an integrated circuit (IC) tag having a tamper-resistant function, a cryptographic operation function, and a near field communication (NFC) function. The RF tag 10 stores individual tag information IT for identifying each RF tag 10, business card data information IU3 (which may be called providing user information) of a providing user U3, and the like. The individual tag information IT of the RF tag 10 is used as information for identifying the serial number of the digital business card 1 in which the RF tag 10 is mounted.

[0022] Each of the user terminals 3-5 is a terminal (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer) with an NFC function, and is configured to be able to perform contactless communication with the RF tag 10 in the digital business card 1. The providing user terminal 3 is capable of writing individual tag information IT and providing user information IU3 (business card data information) to the RF tag 10 in the digital business card 1. The receiving user terminal 4 and the reading user terminal 5 are capable of reading necessary information such as the individual tag information IT and providing user information IU3 from the RF tag 10 in the digital business card 1.

[0023] The providing user information IU3 (business card data information) includes personal data of the providing user U3. Examples of the personal data of the providing user U3 include business-related information such as name, affiliation such as company or department, job title, qualifications, and contact information. The contact information includes the affiliation's telephone number, mobile phone number, fax number, email address, and SNS (Social Network Service) account.

[0024] Each of the user terminals 3 to 5 is configured to be communicatively connected to the NFT management device 6 via the communication network NW, and is capable of exchanging various information with the NFT management device 6. The communication network NW is configured, for example, by the Internet, a mobile communication network, and base stations, but there is no restriction on the type of communication protocol, and there is no restriction on the type or scale of the network.

[0025] The NFT management device 6 is composed of one or more computers and functions, for example, as a web server on the communication network NW. The NFT management device 6 is also connectable to the blockchain BK via the communication network NW. The NFT management device 6 of the embodiment performs processing to transmit transaction requests from each user terminal 3-5 to the blockchain BK, and manages the NFTs 100 that are associated (linked) with individual tag information IT that identifies the serial number of each digital business card 1.

[0026] Note that even if the same digital business card 1 has multiple serial numbers, the individual tag information IT is different for each digital business card 1, and therefore the NFTs 100 linked to each individual tag information IT will naturally be different. In addition, the NFT management device 6 may function as a node that constitutes the blockchain BK.

[0027] The blockchain BK (distributed ledger) is based on a P2P network consisting of multiple computer-related devices (nodes) connected to a communication network NW, and is constructed by distributed applications and smart contracts provided by, for example, Ethereum, Polygon, etc. The blockchain BK of the embodiment is a smart contract type that processes NFTs according to Ethereum.

[0028] The NFT 100 is used to prove various rights, such as the right to own the digital business card 1, and is issued from a specific contract address in the blockchain BK, for example, according to the ERC721 standard. The NFT 100 is associated (linked) with a contract address and a token ID for identification. The holder of the NFT 100 and the transaction history are recorded in the blockchain BK. Note that a public blockchain such as Ethereum or Polygon may be applied as the blockchain BK, or another private blockchain may be applied.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an RF tag 10 mounted on a digital business card 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the RF tag 10 includes an antenna coil 11, an I / O circuit 12, a RAM 13, a ROM 14, an NVM 15 (Nonvolatile Memory), a CPU 16, and the like.

[0030] The antenna coil 11 receives radio waves having an RF signal (including a command) transmitted by each of the user terminals 3 to 5, and transmits radio waves having an RF signal (including a response) output from the I / O circuit 12. The I / O circuit 12 demodulates the RF signal from the antenna coil 11 and outputs the demodulated signal to the CPU 16, and modulates a signal from the CPU 16 and outputs the modulated RF signal to the antenna coil 11.

[0031] The RF tag 10 of the embodiment is a card-type device or tag-type device that complies with ISO14443 Type B. A light-emitting unit 17 (e.g., an LED or the like) capable of emitting light in a plurality of light-emitting modes is connected to the antenna coil 11. Power is supplied to the light-emitting unit 17 (LED) by electromagnetic induction through the antenna coil 11 from the receiving user terminal 4 or the reading user terminal 5 that communicates with the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 in a non-contact manner. Although the digital business card 1 does not include a battery or an external power source, when non-contact communication is performed between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the receiving user terminal 4 or the reading user terminal 5, the light-emitting unit 17 (LED) lights up or blinks during communication or for a predetermined period of time.

[0032] The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs and various data read from the ROM 14 and the NVM 15. Programs and various data are stored in the ROM 14 and the NVM 15. Examples of the NVM 15 include a flash memory and an EEPROM.

[0033] The individual tag information IT is stored in advance in the NVM 15, for example, at the manufacturing stage of the RF tag 10. As described above, the individual tag information IT is used as information for identifying the serial number of the digital business card 1 in which the RF tag 10 is embedded. The RF tag 10 stores business card data information IU3 (a web page, details of which will be described later) dedicated to the digital business card 1 identified by the individual tag information IT. Note that the NFT management device 6 stores in advance a URL (hereinafter referred to as the business card display URL) for accessing the business card data information IU3 stored in the RF tag 10.

[0034] The CPU 16 reads or writes information from or to the NVM 15, or executes arithmetic processing, in response to a read command or a write command transmitted from each of the user terminals 3 to 5 and input via the antenna coil 11 and the I / O circuit 12, based on a program stored in the ROM 14 or the NVM 15. The read command for the NVM 15 is preferably an NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) read command. If the RF tag 10 is set to be read in NDEF format, it becomes possible to display, for example, the provided user information IU3 (business card data information) read from the RF tag 10 on the receiving user terminal 4 or the reading user terminal 5, even if the receiving user terminal 4 or the reading user terminal 5 does not have a dedicated application.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the NFT management device 6. As shown in FIG. 3, the NFT management device 6 includes a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, and an information processing unit 63. The communication unit 61 has a function of communicating with a communication network NW. The storage unit 62 is, for example, a hard disk drive or the like, and stores an operating system, an NFT management program, and the like. A user information database 64 and an NFT information database 65 are constructed in the storage unit 62. The user information database 64 and the NFT information database 65 may be provided in a database server (not shown).

[0036] The user information database 64 is a database that registers various information about each user U3 to U5 who has been issued an account as a member of the digital business card management system CS. In the user information database 64, a user ID for identification, a password, an email address, an address, a telephone number, a key pair of a public key and a private key used in the blockchain BK, and an individual address on the blockchain BK are registered in association with each user U3 to U5.

[0037] Here, a key pair of a public key and a private key is issued individually to each of the users U3 to U5 in the blockchain BK in response to an issuance request from the NFT management device 6, for example, when an account is issued. An individual address is generated according to a predetermined algorithm based on the public key. An individual address can be associated with an NFT 100 in the blockchain BK.

[0038] The NFT information database 65 is a database that registers various information about the NFT100 issued (minted) in the blockchain BK. In the NFT information database 65, the contract address of the NFT100, the token ID of the NFT100, the individual addresses of the users U3 to U5 who hold the NFT100 (individual addresses linked to the NFT100), individual tag information IT, a URL for displaying the business card, and transaction information (which may not be present) are registered in association with each NFT100.

[0039] Here, the business card display URL is the address of the business card data information IU3 (provided user information, web page) that stores the RF tag 10, and is represented by, for example, a domain, a path (directory), and a URL parameter (which may include a host name) generated from the provided user information IU3 (business card data information). The business card data information IU3 (provided user information, web page) is composed of, for example, a structured document file such as an HTML document or an XHTML document that describes various information about the NFT 100.

[0040] The information processing unit 63 is equipped with RAM, ROM, a CPU (not shown), etc., and functions, for example, as an NFT issuance request receiving means, an NFT issuing means, an NFT management means, a write command sending means, a distribution request receiving means, and an NFT distribution means in accordance with the NFT management program stored in the memory unit 62, and executes various processes.

[0041] For example, when a receiving user U4 receives a digital business card 1 from a providing user U3 after exchanging business cards and issues an NFT 100 linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10), the information processing unit 63 receives an NFT issuance request (including the individual tag information IT and providing user information IU3) read by the receiving user terminal 4 from the RF tag 10 from the receiving user terminal 4 via the communications network NW.

[0042] Then, the information processing unit 63 issues (mints) on the blockchain BK an NFT 100 that certifies various rights of the digital business card 1 based on the individual tag information IT included in the received NFT issuance request. In an embodiment, one master NFT 101 and multiple general NFTs 102 are issued on the blockchain BK for each individual tag information IT (serial number of the digital business card 1).

[0043] Here, the master NFT 101 refers to the highest level of those corresponding to any individual tag information IT, and the general NFT 102 refers to the lower level linked to the master NFT 101. In this specification, the term NFT 100 is used as a general term for the master NFT 101 and the general NFT 102.

[0044] The information processing unit 63 then associates and manages the individual tag information IT and the business card display URL with the issued NFT 100. For example, the individual tag information IT and the business card display URL are associated (linked) with the contract address and token ID of the issued NFT 100, and are registered in the NFT information database 65 for management.

[0045] At this time, the master NFT 101 that proves the ownership of the digital business card 1 is linked to the individual address of the receiving user U4, and it is recorded in the blockchain BK that the receiving user U4 is the owner of the master NFT 101. Next, the information processing unit 63 transmits a command to the receiving user terminal 4 via the communication network NW to write the business card display URL to the receiving user terminal 4. As a result, the business card display URL is written to the receiving user terminal 4.

[0046] When a reading user U5 holds the reading user terminal 5 over the digital business card 1 held by a receiving user U4, for example, to perform contactless communication between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the reading user terminal 5, the information processing unit 63 receives an NFT distribution request (including individual tag information IT and providing user information IU3) read from the RF tag 10 by the reading user terminal 5 via the communication network NW from the reading user terminal 5.

[0047] At this time, since the receiving user U4 is the holder of the master NFT 101, the general NFT 102 is distributed to the reading user U5 on the blockchain BK. That is, the general NFT 102 that certifies the past reading history of the digital business card 1 is linked to the individual address of the reading user U5, and it is recorded in the blockchain BK that the reading user U5 is one of the holders of the general NFT 102. Next, the information processing unit 63 transmits a command to the reading user terminal 5 via the communication network NW to write the business card display URL to the reading user terminal 5. As a result, the business card display URL is written to the reading user terminal 5.

[0048] When the reading user U5 holds the reading user terminal 5 over the digital business card 1 held by the providing user U3 to perform contactless communication between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the reading user terminal 5, the NFT 100 corresponding to the individual tag information IT has not yet been issued, so the information processing unit 63 does not receive or cancels the reception of the NFT distribution request. However, the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) read from the RF tag 10 is displayed directly (without reading the business card display URL) on the reading user terminal 5 (see FIG. 10).

[0049] Next, the operation of the digital business card management system CS according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 11. Here, it is assumed that each of the users U3 to U5 has registered to use the blockchain BK using their respective user terminals 3 to 5, and that each of the user terminals 3 to 5 has a wallet, an application capable of storing and managing NFTs 100, installed in advance.

[0050] First, as shown in FIG. 4, based on instructions from the providing user U3, the providing user terminal 3 transmits a write command including individual tag information IT and providing user information IU3 to the RF tag 10 of each digital business card 1 via contactless communication (step S01). In response to the write command from the providing user terminal 3, the RF tag 10 writes the individual tag information IT and providing user information IU3 to the NVM 15 (step S02), and transmits a response indicating successful completion to the providing user terminal 3.

[0051] In this way, the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3 are stored (recorded) in a series of RF tags 10 (digital business cards 1). Note that the providing user information IU3 is common to each RF tag 10, but the individual tag information differs for each RF tag 10.

[0052] When the providing user U3 and the receiving user U4 exchange business cards, the receiving user U4 holds the receiving user terminal 4 over (brings close to) the digital business card 1, which activates the RF tag 10 due to the electromagnetic field of the receiving user terminal 4, and non-contact communication between the receiving user terminal 4 and the RF tag 10 begins (see FIG. 5). The receiving user terminal 4 then transmits the above-mentioned NDEF read command to the RF tag 10 by non-contact communication (step S03). In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or flashes during non-contact communication or for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the digital business card 1 itself emits light.

[0053] Then, when the RF tag 10 receives the NDEF read command from the receiving user terminal 4, it reads the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3 from the NVM 15 in response to the NDEF read command (step S04), and transmits a response including the individual tag information IT, etc. to the receiving user terminal 4 (step S05). The receiving user terminal 4 that receives the response from the RF tag 10 displays an operation button 20 that prompts the issuance of the NFT 100 (see FIG. 6). The operation button 20 is, for example, a button or icon as a graphical user interface. When the operation button 20 is pressed (step S06: YES), the receiving user terminal 4 transmits an NFT issuance request including the individual tag information IT to the NFT management device 6 via the communication network NW (step S07). Note that the operation of pressing the operation button 20 is specifically realized by tapping or clicking.

[0054] The NFT management device 6, which has received the NFT issuance request from the receiving user terminal 4, generates a dedicated business card display URL identified by the individual tag information IT in response to the NFT issuance request (step S08). Next, the NFT management device 6 sends an NFT issuance request including the individual tag information IT (or the business card display URL) and the individual address of the receiving user U4 to the blockchain BK (step S09).

[0055] When the blockchain BK receives an NFT issuance request from the NFT management device 6, an NFT 100 linked to the individual tag information IT is issued (minted) from a specific contract address in the blockchain BK (step S10). The issued NFT 100 (one master NFT 101 and multiple general NFTs 102) is linked to the individual address of the receiving user U4, and the fact that the receiving user U4 is the holder of the NFT 100 is recorded in the blockchain BK. Next, an NFT issuance completion notification including the contract address of the NFT 100, the token ID, and the individual address of the receiving user U4 is sent from the blockchain BK to the NFT management device 6 (step S11).

[0056] In addition, in a request to issue an NFT, the individual tag information IT of the RF tag 10 may be specified as the token ID of the NFT 100, a data string generated from the individual tag information IT using a specified algorithm may be specified as the token ID, or a unique token ID may be issued at a specific contract address in the blockchain BK.

[0057] Next, the NFT management device 6, which has received the notification of completion of NFT issuance on the blockchain BK, registers various information related to the issued NFT 100 (step S12). For example, the contract address, token ID, individual address of the receiving user U4, individual tag information IT, and business card display URL of the issued NFT 100 are associated (linked) and registered in the NFT information database 65.

[0058] Next, the NFT management device 6 transmits a write command to the receiving user terminal 4 via the communications network NW to write the business card display URL to the receiving user terminal 4 (step S13). Next, the receiving user terminal 4, which has received the write command from the NFT management device 6, writes the business card display URL to the receiving user terminal 4 in response to the write command (step S14) and transmits a response indicating successful completion to the NFT management device 6. Then, in the receiving user terminal 4, display of the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) read from the RF tag 10 is permitted and displayed (step S15).

[0059] Because the receiving user U4 receives the digital business card 1 from the providing user U3 when exchanging business cards, the NFT 100 held by the receiving user U4 becomes the master NFT 101 that proves ownership of the digital business card 1. The receiving user U4 manages the NFT 100 in the wallet of the receiving user terminal 4 and can view it as needed. Incidentally, on the receiving user terminal 4 in which the business card display URL is stored, it is possible to display the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) even without the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10).

[0060] In the embodiment, the wallets installed in each user terminal 3-5 are associated (linked) with the SNS accounts and email addresses registered by each user U3-U5, for example, using Web 3.0 technology (Web3Auth, etc.). The NFT management device 6 uses the correspondence between the wallets and SNS accounts, etc. of each user U3, U4 to notify the providing user terminal 3 via SNS, email, etc. that the receiving user U4 holds the NFT 100 (master NFT 101) linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10), in other words, that the business card exchange has been performed using the digital business card 1 (step S16).

[0061] Examples of SNS include, but are not limited to, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LINE, YouTube, TikTok, WeChat, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

[0062] According to the above configuration, the digital business card 1 can provide business-related business card data information IU3 to user terminals 3-5, and yet the digital business card 1 itself can be handed over to the other party in the same way as in a conventional business card exchange, so that although it looks like a conventional type of business card at first glance, it can exert a digital data providing function and can leave a strong impression on the other party, and having the digital business card 1 in the other party's hand makes the fact of the business card exchange more memorable, so that it is possible to enjoy both the advantages of a conventional business card and the advantages of the digital business card 1. In the embodiment, during non-contact communication between the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the receiving user terminal 4, the light emitting section 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or flashes, making a particularly strong impression on the receiving user U4 with whom the business cards are exchanged.

[0063] In addition, the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) of the providing user U3 is stored in the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1, and permission to display the business card data information IU3 is sent from the NFT management device 6 to the receiving user terminal 4, so the NFT management device 6 does not have to hold or manage the business card data information IU3, and the providing user U3 can control the business card data information IU3, which includes his or her own personal data, thereby enhancing privacy and reducing security risks.

[0064] Furthermore, since the business card data information IU3 stored in the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 is read by the recipient user terminal 4, there is the advantage that it is less affected by the quality of the connection environment of a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0065] Next, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the receiving user U4 introduces the providing user U3 to the reading user U5 using the digital business card 1 held by the receiving user U4, the reading user U5 holds the reading user terminal 5 over (brings close to) the digital business card 1, the RF tag 10 is activated by the electromagnetic field of the reading user terminal 5, and non-contact communication between the reading user terminal 5 and the RF tag 10 is started. Then, the reading user terminal 5 transmits an NDEF read command to the RF tag 10 by non-contact communication (step S17). In this case, too, the light emitting unit 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or blinks during non-contact communication or for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the digital business card 1 itself emits light.

[0066] Then, when the RF tag 10 receives an NDEF read command from the reading user terminal 5, it reads the individual tag information IT and the providing user information IU3 from NVM 15 in response to the NDEF read command (step S18), and sends a response including the individual tag information IT, etc. to the reading user terminal 5 (step S19).

[0067] The reading user terminal 5 that receives the response from the RF tag 10 displays an operation button 21 that prompts the user to receive the NFT 100 (see FIG. 9). The operation button 21 may also be implemented as, for example, a button or icon serving as a graphical user interface. When the operation button 21 is pressed (step S20: YES), since the NFT 100 linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10) held by the receiving user U4 has already been issued, the reading user terminal 5 transmits an NFT distribution request including the individual tag information IT to the NFT management device 6 via the communications network NW (step S21). Note that pressing the operation button 21 is also specifically achieved by tapping or clicking.

[0068] Next, the NFT management device 6 that receives the NFT distribution request from the reading user terminal 5 transmits the NFT distribution request including the individual tag information IT (or the business card display URL) and the individual address of the reading user U5 to the blockchain BK (step S22). When the blockchain BK receives the NFT distribution request from the NFT management device 6, one of the multiple general NFTs 102 linked to the individual tag information IT is distributed from a specific contract address in the blockchain BK (step S23). The distributed general NFT 102 is linked to the individual address of the reading user U5, and it is recorded in the blockchain BK that the reading user U5 has the general NFT 102. Next, an NFT distribution completion notification including the contract address of the general NFT 102, the token ID, and the individual address of the reading user U5 is transmitted from the blockchain BK to the NFT management device 6 (step S24).

[0069] Next, the NFT management device 6, which has received the notification of completion of NFT distribution of the blockchain BK, updates various information related to the issued general NFT 102 (step S25). For example, the contract address, token ID, individual address of the reading user U5, individual tag information IT, and business card display URL of the issued general NFT 102 are associated (linked) and registered in the NFT information database 65.

[0070] Next, the NFT management device 6 transmits a write command to the reading user terminal 5 via the communications network NW to cause the reading user terminal 5 to write the business card display URL (step S26). Next, the reading user terminal 5, which has received the write command from the NFT management device 6, writes the business card display URL to the reading user terminal 5 in response to the write command (step S27) and transmits a response indicating successful completion to the NFT management device 6. Then, in the reading user terminal 5, display of the business card data information IU3 (provided user information) read from the RF tag 10 is permitted and displayed (step S28).

[0071] The NFT 100 distributed to the reading user U5 becomes a general NFT 102 that proves the past reading history of the digital business card 1. The reading user U5 can manage the general NFT 102 in the wallet of the reading user terminal 5 and can view it as needed. Even on the reading user terminal 5 in which the business card display URL is stored, it is possible to display the business card data information IU3 (provided user information) without the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10).

[0072] Next, the reading user terminal 5 notifies the providing user terminal 3 via SNS, email, etc. that the reading user U5 possesses a general NFT 102 linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10), in other words, that the reading user U5 has read the digital business card 1 held by the receiving user U4 and been introduced to the providing user U3 (step S29).

[0073] According to the above configuration, when the receiving user U4 introduces the providing user U3 to the reading user U5 using the digital business card 1 held by the receiving user U4, the person holding the digital business card 1 (the receiving user U4) can accurately know in real time who (the reading user U5) introduced the providing user U3 to and when, without being informed of the fact by the receiving user U4. Therefore, by using the digital business card 1, it becomes easy to introduce one's related person or to be introduced to a third party without bothering the other person with whom the business card was exchanged (the person holding the digital business card 1 (the receiving user U4)), and it is possible to effectively utilize each other's business connections. In the embodiment, when the RF tag 10 of the digital business card 1 and the reading user terminal 5 communicate in a non-contact manner, the light emitting unit 17 (LED) of the RF tag 10 lights up or flashes, so that the reading user 5 who reads the digital business card 1 can be impressed.

[0074] In step S15, the receiving user terminal 4 of the receiving user U4 who holds the master NFT 101 displays the business card data information IU3 (providing user information) read from the RF tag 10, and the providing user information IU3 may also disclose private information about the providing user U3, such as a portrait, address, a brief history such as educational background and work history, and information about hobbies and private life. In contrast, in step S28, the reading user terminal 5 of the reading user U5 who holds the general NFT 102 also displays the providing user information IU3 read from the RF tag 10, but it is preferable that the providing user information IU3 disclose only public information about the business of the providing user U3.

[0075] Such a configuration makes it easier for the receiving user U4 and providing user U3 who have viewed the providing user information IU3 including private information to communicate with each other, for example by easily engaging in common topics of conversation, and is effective in deepening the relationship between the receiving user U4 and providing user U3 who have received the digital business card 1. Since only the receiving user U4 who received the digital business card 1 can obtain the master NFT 101, the reading user U5 will not see the providing user information IU3 including private information, which is also effective in ensuring privacy.

[0076] In addition, the providing user U3 can use the providing user terminal 3 to modify various information related to the issued general NFT 102 registered in the NFT information database 65 of the NFT management device 6, and can rank the general NFT 102, for example, as platinum, gold, silver, or bronze. In this case, even if the providing user U3 is a reading user U5 who holds the general NFT 102, the providing user U3 can disclose the providing user information IU3 including private information to the reading user terminal 5 according to the ranking. The degree of disclosure can be set according to the ranking (for example, for a platinum type general NFT 102, the disclosure content can be set to the same level as the master NFT 101, and the range of disclosure of private information can be narrowed as the ranking decreases to gold or silver).

[0077] Now, in the embodiment, when two receiving users U4', U4" who have exchanged business cards with the providing user U3 in the past exchange business cards using the digital business card 1', the providing user terminal 3 is configured to be notified via SNS, email, etc. that the receiving user U4' holds an NFT 100' (master NFT 101') linked to the individual tag information IT' of the digital business card 1' (RF tag 10'), in other words, that the receiving user U4' and the receiving user U4" have exchanged business cards using the digital business card 1'.

[0078] For ease of explanation, the two receiving users U4', U4" will be referred to as the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4', and it will be assumed that the first receiving user U4' provided the digital business card 1' to the second receiving user U4". Additionally, components related to the first receiving user will have "'" added to the already-mentioned reference numerals, and components related to the second receiving user will have """ added to the already-mentioned reference numerals.

[0079] The operation of the digital business card management system CS when the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" exchange business cards is generally as described using Figure 4. Then, when the provision of the digital business card 1' is completed (step S30: YES), the NFT management device 6 determines whether the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" hold an NFT 100 (master NFT 101) linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10) on the blockchain BK, i.e., whether they have previously received the digital business card 1 from the providing user U3 (step S31, see Figure 11).

[0080] If the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" have already exchanged business cards with the providing user U3, both receiving users U4', U4" hold NFTs 100 (master NFTs 101) linked to the individual tag information IT of the digital business card 1 (RF tag 10) on the blockchain BK (step S31: YES), so the NFT management device 6 uses the correspondence between the wallets and SNS accounts, etc. of each user 3 to 5 to notify the providing user terminal 3 via SNS, email, etc. that the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4", who have previously exchanged business cards with the providing user U3 using a digital business card, have exchanged business cards using the digital business card 1' (step S32).

[0081] With this configuration, when the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4" exchange business cards using the digital business card 1', the receiving user U4 can accurately know in real time that the people holding his / her digital business card 1 (the first receiving user U4' and the second receiving user U4") have become acquainted with each other, without having to be informed of this fact by each receiving user U4', U4". This increases the number of mutual acquaintances, making communication easier, and enabling the relationship between the providing user U3, the first receiving user U4', and the second receiving user U4" to be deepened. Therefore, it is extremely easy for people exchanging digital business cards 1, 1' to understand each other's personal networks, and new personal networks can be formed and expanded more easily and reliably than before, which can contribute to the development of business between them.

[0082] The configuration of each part in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] BK Blockchain CS Digital Business Card Management System IT Individual Tag Information IU3 Business card data information (provided user information) NW Communication network U3 Provided User U4, U4′, U4″ Receiving User U5 Read User 1. Digital business cards 3. User terminal provided 4 Recipient user terminal 5. Reader terminal 6 NFT management device 10 RF Tag 11 Antenna coil 15 NVM 17 Light emitting part (LED) 20,21 Operation buttons 61 Communications Department 62 Memory section 63 Information Processing Department 64 User Information Database 65 NFT Information Database 100,100′ NFT 101,101′ Master NFT 102 General NFT

Claims

1. A digital business card management system including an NFT management device capable of communicating with a providing user terminal of a providing user that provides a digital business card with an IC tag and a receiving user terminal of a receiving user that receives the digital business card via a communication network, The IC tag stores individual tag information and business card data information of the providing user, The NFT management device issues an NFT on a blockchain that proves the right to the digital business card based on the individual tag information read by the receiving user terminal from the IC tag, The NFT includes a master NFT, The master NFT is linked to an individual address of the receiving user on the blockchain, and permits the receiving user terminal to disclose the business card data information of the providing user. Digital business card management system.

2. In a case where a first receiving user and a second receiving user both hold the master NFT of the providing user, when the first receiving user and the second receiving user exchange business cards using their own digital business cards, The NFT management device notifies the providing user terminal that the first receiving user and the second receiving user have exchanged business cards.

2. The digital business card management system according to claim 1.

3. The NFT includes the master NFT and a plurality of general NFTs linked thereto, The NFT management device distributes one of the general NFTs on the blockchain based on individual tag information read from the IC tag by a reading user terminal of a reading user that reads the digital business card received by the receiving user, One of the general NFTs is linked to an individual address of the reading user on the blockchain to permit the reading user terminal to disclose the business card data information of the providing user; Based on the distribution of the general NFT, notify the providing user terminal that the receiving user has introduced the providing user to the reading user; 3. A digital business card management system according to claim 1 or 2.

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