Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a system capable of efficiently and safely realizing transfer of a deposit or security deposit associated with issuance of value information.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: a remittance unit that when value information indicating an electronic value is issued to a user by a business operator that issues the value information, records in a blockchain a transaction of remitting digital currency equivalent to a deposit or security deposit associated with the issuance of the value information to a deposit address or a security deposit receiving address; and a return unit that when a predetermined condition for the digital currency to be returned to the business operator or the user is satisfied, records in the blockchain a transaction of returning the digital currency to the business operator's address or the user's address.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A system for recording and managing the history of electronic money issuance, cashing, etc. on a blockchain is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The system described in Patent Document 1 is a system that enables the management of the circulation of electronic money by recording the issuance, cashing, etc. of electronic money on a blockchain and specifying the deposit. Note that the deposit accompanying the issuance of electronic money is realized by depositing cash at a depositary, depositing by bonds, or concluding a performance guarantee preservation (trust) contract. That is, it is not possible to realize a deposit corresponding to the issuance amount of electronic money on the system.

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for realizing a mechanism that can efficiently and safely handle the transfer and refund of deposit money or guarantee money accompanying the issuance of value information indicating electronic value such as electronic money by the system.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of efficiently and safely realizing the transfer of deposit money or guarantee money accompanying the issuance of value information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] When value information indicating an electronic value is issued to a user from a business operator that issues the value information, an information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention records, in a blockchain, a transaction of transferring digital currency corresponding to a deposit or a guarantee deposit associated with the issuance of the value information to a deposit address or a guarantee deposit storage address, and when a predetermined condition for returning the digital currency to the business operator or the user is satisfied, records, in the blockchain, a transaction of returning the digital currency to the address of the business operator or the address of the user, and includes a return unit.

[0008] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a computer recording, in a blockchain, a transaction of transferring digital currency corresponding to a deposit or a guarantee deposit associated with the issuance of value information to a deposit address or a guarantee deposit storage address when the value information indicating an electronic value is issued to a user from a business operator that issues the value information, and recording, in the blockchain, a transaction of returning the digital currency to the address of the business operator or the address of the user when a predetermined condition for returning the digital currency to the business operator or the user is satisfied.

[0009] A program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a computer to record, in a blockchain, a transaction of transferring digital currency corresponding to a deposit or a guarantee deposit associated with the issuance of value information to a deposit address or a guarantee deposit storage address when the value information indicating an electronic value is issued to a user from a business operator that issues the value information, and record, in the blockchain, a transaction of returning the digital currency to the address of the business operator or the address of the user when a predetermined condition for returning the digital currency to the business operator or the user is satisfied.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system capable of efficiently and safely realizing a transfer of a deposit or a guarantee deposit associated with the issuance of value information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. In the present invention, the term "unit" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes a case where the function of the "unit" is realized by software. The software may be, for example, a program (smart contract) operating on a blockchain. Also, even if the function of one "unit" or device is realized by two or more physical means or devices, or the functions of two or more "units" or devices are realized by one physical means or device, it is acceptable.

[0013] The information processing system 10 is, for example, a system that executes a smart contract for deposit or margin collection associated with the issuance of value information indicating an electronic value by an issuer, and records transactions related to digital currency (e.g., stablecoin) corresponding to the deposit or margin on a blockchain.

[0014] Value information indicating electronic value includes, for example, data for conducting electronic payment using electronically stored balances (hereinafter referred to as "electronic money"), and tokens traded on a blockchain.

[0015] Electronic money is, for example, value information handled by prepaid payment instrument issuers as stipulated in the Funds Settlement Law (e.g., "Suica (registered trademark) electronic money") or value information handled by funds transfer operators (e.g., "PayPay (registered trademark) money").

[0016] Tokens are, for example, NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens), which are tokens traded on a blockchain. NFTs are tokens with non-fungible properties. Therefore, digital content associated with NFTs (e.g., photos, videos, data indicating service membership tickets, etc.) has non-fungibility. That is, by using NFTs, the owner of digital content can be proven. Therefore, a user can prove that they are a member of a service, for example, by purchasing an NFT associated with a membership ticket for enjoying a predetermined service.

[0017] Deposit money is, for example, money for compensating damages to users who hold value information, and refers to money that the issuer of the value information deposits in advance with a predetermined institution, etc. Specifically, deposit money is, for example, a performance guarantee deposit that the issuer of electronic money (prepaid payment instrument issuer or funds transfer operator) remits to a depositary, etc., according to the issuance amount of the electronic money (Articles 14 and 43 of the Funds Settlement Law, etc.). For example, when the issuance amount of electronic money (total issuance amount issued by a predetermined business operator) fluctuates due to a user's use of electronic money, the amount of deposit money that the issuing business operator must deposit with a depositary, etc. (e.g., half of the total issuance amount) fluctuates.

[0018] The security deposit refers to the money paid, for example, as a guarantee for a user to become a member who enjoys a predetermined service. When the user ceases to be a service member, at least a part of the paid security deposit is returned to the user.

[0019] Digital currency is, for example, a token (data) with value managed by a blockchain. Digital currency circulates as electronic currency and is used in transactions. Digital currency includes, for example, stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), virtual currencies such as Bitcoin.

[0020] A blockchain is a system used for transactions of virtual currencies and various tokens. A blockchain is composed of a plurality of nodes (computers) and can manage ledger data in a decentralized manner. The decentralized ledger is managed with difficulty of forgery by the so-called blockchain mechanism. Here, a general mechanism for decentralized ledger management by a blockchain is adopted, and detailed description is omitted here.

[0021] A smart contract refers to, for example, a program or computer protocol executed on a blockchain according to predetermined rules triggered by a transaction or external information.

[0022] <<Outline of the Configuration>> With reference to FIG. 1, the outline of the configuration of the information processing system 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes, for example, an information processing device 100, an issuer device 200, and a user terminal 300.

[0023] Each device constituting the information processing system 10 is communicably connected to each other by a communication network. The communication network is a wired network or a wireless network. Although not shown, the information processing system 10 may be configured to include a plurality of each of the information processing device 100, the issuer device 200, and the user terminal 300.

[0024] The information processing device 100 is, for example, a device that executes a deposit management process and a margin management process.

[0025] In the deposit management process, for example, when an operator (hereinafter referred to as the "issuing operator") that issues electronic value information issues electronic money, a transaction of depositing digital currency corresponding to the deposit amount of the electronic money is stored in the blockchain. In the deposit management process, when the conditions for returning the deposit to the issuing operator are satisfied, a transaction of returning digital currency to the issuing operator is recorded in the blockchain.

[0026] Specifically, the information processing device 100 specifies the amount of the deposit based on the issuance amount of the electronic money issued by the issuing operator. The information processing device 100 executes a smart contract (hereinafter referred to as the "first transfer contract") that records a transaction of transferring digital currency corresponding to the amount of the deposit from the address of the issuing operator in the blockchain to the deposit address. Then, for example, when the issuance amount of the electronic money issued by the issuing operator decreases, the information processing device 100 executes a smart contract (hereinafter referred to as the "first return contract") that records a transaction of returning digital currency corresponding to at least a part of the deposit deposited by the issuing operator from the deposit address in the blockchain to the address of the issuing operator.

[0027] The deposit address is, for example, the address of a deposit office or an operator (such as a bank or a trust company) that manages the deposit on the blockchain.

[0028] In the margin management process, for example, when the issuing operator issues an NFT associated with a predetermined service, a transaction of preserving digital currency corresponding to the margin paid by the user to the issuing operator at the time of purchasing the NFT as the margin is stored in the blockchain. In the margin management process, when the conditions for returning the margin to the user are satisfied, a transaction of returning digital currency to the user is recorded in the blockchain.

[0029] Specifically, the information processing device 100 identifies the amount of the deposit paid by the user who purchased the NFT to the issuer. The information processing device 100 executes a smart contract (hereinafter referred to as the "second transfer contract") that records a transaction of transferring digital currency equivalent to the deposit from the user's address in the blockchain to the deposit storage address. Then, for example, when the user returns the NFT to the issuer, the information processing device 100 executes a smart contract (hereinafter referred to as the "second return contract") that records a transaction of transferring digital currency equivalent to the paid deposit from the deposit storage address in the blockchain to the user's address.

[0030] The deposit storage address may be, for example, the address of the issuer who issued the NFT on the blockchain, or the address of the operator entrusted by the issuer to manage the deposit.

[0031] The issuer device 200 is a device that receives operation inputs from the issuer. The issuer device 200 transmits information related to the value information issued to the user to the information processing device 100. Further, the issuer device 200 executes a process of issuing value information (electronic money or NFT) to the user terminal 300 based on a request (hereinafter referred to as an "issuance request") of the user obtained from the user terminal 300.

[0032] The information processing device 100 and the issuer device 200 may be, for example, a cloud computer, a server computer, a personal computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (e.g., cable, satellite set-top box, digital video recorder), a handheld computer device (e.g., PDA, email client, etc.), or other types of computers, or a communication platform.

[0033] The user terminal 300 is a device that transmits and receives various types of information to and from the issuer device 200. The user terminal 300 has a function of receiving user operation inputs and acquiring and returning value information issued by the issuer device 200.

[0034] The user terminal 300 may be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone (feature phone), a personal computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (e.g., cable, satellite set-top box, digital video recorder), a handheld computer device (e.g., PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), email client, etc.), a wearable terminal (eyeglass-type device, watch-type device, etc.), other types of computers, or a communication platform.

[0035] <<Overview of the process>> Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the overview of the processing of the information processing system 10 will be described.

[0036] In step S10, the issuer device 200 issues value information (e.g., electronic money, NFT, etc.) based on, for example, an issuance request acquired from the user terminal 300.

[0037] In step S11, the information processing device 100 identifies the amount of the deposit or guarantee money (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "deposit money, etc.") based on the amount of the issued value information.

[0038] For example, in the deposit management process, the information processing device 100 identifies the amount of the deposit corresponding to the issued electronic money based on the provisions of the Funds Settlement Law. Also, for example, in the guarantee money management process, the information processing device 100 identifies the amount of the guarantee money paid by the user when the NFT is issued.

[0039] In step S12, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a smart contract (first remittance contract or second remittance contract) that records in the blockchain a transaction of remitting digital currency corresponding to the amount of the deposit or the like to the deposit address or the margin storage address.

[0040] In step S13, when the conditions for returning the deposit or the like to the issuer or the user are satisfied, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a smart contract (first return contract or second return contract) that records a transaction of returning digital currency corresponding to the deposit or the like to the address of the issuer or the address of the user.

[0041] In this way, the information processing system 10 can electronically handle the deposit or the like by managing it on the blockchain in a digital currency, which is difficult to falsify, along with the issuance of value information. Thereby, while ensuring the safety of the management of the deposit or the like, the efficiency of the management can be realized.

[0042] ===Information Processing Apparatus 100=== With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 110, a deposit specifying unit 120, a margin specifying unit 130, a remittance unit 140, and a return unit 150. The functions of these units are realized, for example, by using a storage area such as the memory 1002 shown in FIG. 7 or by the processor 1001 executing a program stored in the storage area.

[0043] The storage unit 110 includes, for example, a deposit management database D111 and a margin management database D112.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the deposit management database D111 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the deposit management database D111. The deposit management database D111 is, for example, a database that stores by associating value information and a user when the issued value information is electronic money. Note that the deposit management database D111 does not have to be stored in the information processing apparatus 100. For example, the deposit management database D111 may be stored in the issuer apparatus 200, or may be stored in another apparatus (not shown).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the deposit management database D111 includes, for example, items of [User ID], [Held Value Information], and [Issued Amount]. In [User ID], an identification code that can uniquely identify the user holding the value information is stored. In [Held Value Information], information indicating the name of the value information held by the user is stored. In [Issued Amount], information indicating the amount of the value information is stored.

[0046] The margin management database D112 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the margin management database D112. The margin management database D112 is, for example, a database related to information including the user who acquired the value information and the margin when the issued value information is an NFT. Note that the margin management database D112 does not have to be stored in the information processing apparatus 100. For example, the margin management database D112 may be stored in the issuer apparatus 200, or may be stored in another apparatus (not shown).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the margin management database D112 includes, for example, items of [User ID], [Held Value Information], [Issued Amount], and [Margin Amount]. In [User ID], an identification code that can uniquely identify the user holding the value information is stored. In [Held Value Information], information indicating the name of the value information held by the user is stored. In [Issued Amount], information indicating the amount of the value information is stored. In [Margin Amount], information indicating the amount of the margin paid by the user when the value information is issued is stored.

[0048] For example, when the value information is electronic money, the deposit specifying unit 120 specifies the amount of the deposit corresponding to the amount of the issued electronic money. Specifically, the deposit specifying unit 120 may specify the amount of the deposit based on the conditions stipulated in the Payment Services Act according to the amount of the issued electronic money by the issuer, or may specify the amount of the deposit predetermined by the issuer (for example, an amount equal to the total amount of the issued electronic money). The deposit specifying unit 120 may also obtain information indicating the amount of the deposit from the issuer device 200, for example.

[0049] An example of a condition stipulated in the Payment Services Act is that if the unused balance of an issued prepaid payment instrument (electronic money) exceeds 10 million yen on a reference date (the end of March or the end of September), an amount equivalent to at least half of that unused balance must be deposited (Article 14 of the Payment Services Act).

[0050] For example, when the value information is an NFT, the security deposit identifying unit 130 identifies the amount of security deposit that a user who purchases an NFT (e.g., a membership ticket) associated with a specific service pays to an issuer when joining the service. Specifically, the security deposit identifying unit 130 acquires, for example, from the issuer device 200, at least one of information indicating the amount of security deposit, information indicating the amount of the NFT issued, and information capable of identifying the NFT. The security deposit identifying unit 130 identifies the amount of security deposit for the membership ticket based on, for example, the acquired information.

[0051] Here, for example, when acquiring information indicating the issuance amount of an NFT, the security deposit identifying unit 130 may identify at least a portion of the issuance amount of the NFT (for example, 10% of the issuance amount) as the security deposit amount. This allows the information processing device 100 to omit the security deposit payment procedure by the user, thereby making the security deposit payment process more efficient. Also, for example, when acquiring information that can identify an NFT, the security deposit identifying unit 130 refers to the security deposit management database D112 to identify the security deposit amount corresponding to the NFT.

[0052] The remittance unit 140 is a functional unit that executes a smart contract (the first remittance contract or the second remittance contract) that records a transaction of remitting digital currency equivalent to the amount of the deposit or the like on the blockchain.

[0053] Specifically, when the value information is electronic money, the remittance unit 140 executes the first remittance contract and records a transaction of remitting digital currency equivalent to the amount of the deposit specified by the deposit specifying unit 120 from the address of the issuing business operator in the blockchain to the deposit address.

[0054] Also specifically, when the value information is an NFT, the remittance unit 140 executes the second remittance contract and records a transaction of remitting digital currency equivalent to the amount of the margin specified by the margin specifying unit 130 from the user's address in the blockchain to the margin storage address.

[0055] Also specifically, when at least a part of the issuance amount of the NFT is specified as the amount of the margin in the margin specifying unit 130, the remittance unit 140 may execute the second remittance contract that remits digital currency equivalent to the specified amount from the user's address in the blockchain to the margin storage address.

[0056] When the conditions (hereinafter referred to as "refund conditions") for refunding the deposit or the like to the issuing business operator or the user are satisfied, the refund unit 150 executes a smart contract (the first refund contract or the second refund contract) that records a transaction of refunding digital currency equivalent to the deposit or the like to the address of the issuing business operator or the user's address on the blockchain.

[0057] The refund condition is a condition based on the amount of the issued electronic money when the value information is electronic money. For example, when the issued electronic money is a prepaid payment means, if the remaining unused balance of the issued electronic money is less than 10 million yen on the reference date (e.g., the end of March or September), the deposit is not required, and thus the entire amount of the deposited money can be refunded to the issuing operator (Article 14 of the Act on Settlement of Funds). Also, for example, if the remaining unused balance of the issued electronic money (prepaid payment means) is 10 million yen or more on the reference date and the amount of the already deposited money exceeds half of the remaining unused balance, the amount obtained by subtracting half of the remaining unused balance from the total of the deposited money can be refunded to the issuing operator. In this refund condition, the refund unit 150 determines whether the refund condition is met based on the total amount by, for example, referring to the deposit management database D111 and specifying the total amount of the issued electronic money. Note that the refund condition is not limited to the condition based on such Act on Settlement of Funds and may be, for example, a condition predetermined by the issuing operator. Specifically, when it is determined by the issuing operator that the same amount as the total of the issued amount of electronic money is to be deposited, when the total of the issued amount of electronic money changes from 10 million yen to 9 million yen, it may be that 1 million yen of the deposited 10 million yen can be refunded to the issuing operator.

[0058] Also, when the value information is NFT, the refund condition may be a condition indicating that the issued NFT has been returned to the issuing operator. In this case, when the refund unit 150 acquires information indicating that the user has returned the NFT to the issuing operator from the issuer device 200, it determines that the refund condition is met.

[0059] In addition, the refund condition may be a condition that adds other conditions to the condition indicating that the NFT has been returned to the issuing operator when the value information is an NFT. For example, a condition that the issuing operator approves that the deposit is refundable based on the return of the NFT to the issuing operator may be added to the refund condition. In this case, the refund unit 150 determines that the refund condition is satisfied based on the information indicating that the NFT has been returned and the information indicating that the issuing operator has approved that the deposit is refundable.

[0060] In addition, the refund condition may be a condition indicating that the expiration date set for the NFT has passed when the value information is an NFT. In this case, the refund unit 150 refers to a database (not shown) that manages the NFT and determines whether the refund condition is satisfied based on the information indicating the expiration date of the NFT.

[0061] Thereby, the information processing system 10 can realize the process of refunding the deposit according to various conditions.

[0062] ===Modification Example=== Hereinafter, only the configuration different from the configuration of the information processing system 10 described above will be described, and it is assumed to be the same as the information processing system 10 described above unless otherwise specified.

[0063] <<First Modification Example>> Next, the information processing system 10 according to the first modification example will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the first modification example. When the value information is an NFT, the information processing system 10 according to the first modification example specifies the issuance amount of the NFT according to the amount of the deposit paid by the user.

[0064] The information processing system 10 according to the first modification example further includes, for example, an issue amount calculation unit 160. When the value information is an NFT, the issue amount calculation unit 160 may calculate the issue amount of the NFT based on the information indicating the amount of the margin to be paid at the time of purchasing the NFT (the information indicating the margin obtained from the issuer device 200). Specifically, for example, the higher the amount of the margin paid by the user, the lower the issue amount of the NFT (for example, the monthly payment amount of the service). Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can adjust the balance between the issue amount of the value information and the amount of the margin.

[0065] <<Second Modification Example>> Next, the information processing system 10 according to the second modification example will be described. The information processing system 10 according to the second modification example is a system that realizes notifying a predetermined user that a digital currency equivalent to a deposit or the like is non-refundable when it is determined that the digital currency is non-refundable from an address for deposit or an address for storing the margin to the issuer or the user.

[0066] The case where it is non-refundable means that the address of the issuer or the address of the user becomes unusable. For example, when the issuer defaults (defaults on its obligations) or when the user can no longer use the private key.

[0067] Specifically, when the value information is electronic money, the refund unit 150, for example, obtains information indicating that the address of the issuer is unusable from the issuer. The refund unit 150 transmits information indicating that the deposit to the issuer is non-refundable to an operator (for example, a trust bank) entrusted with the management of the private key corresponding to the address of the issuer.

[0068] Specifically, when the value information is an NFT, the refund unit 150 acquires information indicating that the address of the issuer or the user, for example, from the issuer or the user, is unusable. The refund unit 150 transmits information indicating that it is impossible to refund the deposit to the user to a business operator (hereinafter referred to as the "entruster") entrusted with the management of the private key corresponding to the address of the issuer or the user.

[0069] In this case, based on the information indicating that it is impossible to refund, the entruster causes a smart contract to be executed that transfers the deposit or the like from the deposit address or the deposit address for the deposit to the address of a predetermined user using the private key of the issuer or the user.

[0070] Thereby, when an event occurs in which the address of the issuer or the user becomes unusable, the information processing system according to the second modification example enables the refund of the deposit or the like. In addition, the user and the issuer can safely manage and operate the value information and the digital currency.

[0071] <<Third Modification Example>> First, the information processing system 10 according to the third modification example will be described. The information processing system 10 according to the third modification example is a system that realizes giving the user digital currency corresponding to the NFT from a business operator (hereinafter referred to as the "collateral manager") that manages the NFT issued from the issuer to the user as collateral. The collateral manager may be the issuer or another business operator.

[0072] The remittance unit 140 executes a smart contract that locks up a predetermined NFT (hereinafter referred to as the "locked-up NFT") owned by the user based on a request from the user terminal 300. Locking up means that the owner of the NFT is set so that the NFT cannot be sold to others. Then, the remittance unit 140 executes a smart contract that transfers the digital currency corresponding to the locked-up NFT from the address of the collateral administrator to the address of the user. Here, the remittance unit 140 identifies the digital currency corresponding to the locked-up NFT by referring to, for example, the deposit management database D112.

[0073] When the digital currency corresponding to the locked-up NFT is remitted (returned) from the address of the user to the address of the collateral administrator, the return unit 150 releases the lock-up on the locked-up NFT.

[0074] Note that an expiration date may be set for the locked-up NFT. In this case, when the expiration date has passed without the digital currency being returned from the user to the collateral administrator, a smart contract is executed to transfer the locked-up NFT from the address of the user to the address of the collateral administrator. In this way, by applying the mechanism for operating value information and digital currency, a mechanism for lending the digital currency corresponding to the value information can be provided.

[0075] ===Issuer device 200=== The configuration of the issuer device 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the issuer device 200 includes, for example, an information transmission / reception unit 201 and a storage unit 202. The functions of these units are realized, for example, by using a storage area such as the memory 1002 shown in FIG. 7 or by the processor 1001 executing a program stored in the storage area.

[0076] The information transmission / reception unit 201 transmits and receives various types of information between the information processing apparatus 100 and the user terminal 300. For example, the information transmission / reception unit 201 transmits information regarding the deposit amount, etc., information for executing various smart contracts, information indicating that the return conditions have been satisfied, etc. to the information processing apparatus 100. For example, the information transmission / reception unit 201 transmits and receives information regarding value information, information regarding the user, etc. to and from the user terminal 300.

[0077] The storage unit 202 stores various types of information. The storage unit 202 may store, for example, the deposit management database D111 and the guarantee deposit management database D112 stored in the storage unit 110 of the information processing apparatus 100. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 may execute various processes by referring to the deposit management database D111 and the guarantee deposit management database D112 in the storage unit 202.

[0078] ===User Terminal 300=== The configuration of the user terminal 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 300 includes, for example, an information transmission / reception unit 301 and a storage unit 302. The functions of these units are realized, for example, by using a storage area such as the memory 1002 shown in FIG. 7 or by the processor 1001 executing a program stored in the storage area.

[0079] The information transmission / reception unit 301 transmits, for example, an issuance request for value information to the issuer apparatus 200. The information transmission / reception unit 301 may transmit, for example, information regarding the value information held to the information processing apparatus 100 or the issuer apparatus 200. The storage unit 302 stores various types of information.

[0080] ===Processing Procedure=== With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the processing procedure of the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of deposit management processing in the information processing system 10. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of guarantee deposit management processing in the information processing system 10.

[0081] <<Deposit Management Process>>

[0082] The deposit management process will be described. Hereinafter, the issuer will be described as the one who issues electronic money.

[0083] In step S100, the user terminal 300 sends a request for issuing electronic money to the issuer device 200.

[0084] In step S101, the issuer device 200 issues electronic money to the user terminal 300 based on the issuance request. The issuer device 200 sends information indicating the amount of the issued electronic money to the information processing device 100.

[0085] In step S102, the information processing device 100 refers to the deposit management database D111 and identifies the amount of the deposit corresponding to the total amount of the issued electronic money based on the issued amount of the electronic money.

[0086] In step S103, the information processing device 100 executes the first remittance contract and records in the blockchain a transaction of remitting digital currency equivalent to the identified amount of the deposit from the address of the issuer to the deposit address. Note that the issuer device 200 may execute the first remittance contract.

[0087] In step S104, the information processing device 100 refers to the deposit management database D111 and identifies the amount of the deposit that can be returned to the issuer if the return conditions are met. The information processing device 100 may obtain information indicating the return amount from the issuer device 200.

[0088] In step S105, the information processing device 100 executes the first return contract and records in the blockchain a transaction of returning digital currency equivalent to the identified amount of the deposit that can be returned to the issuer from the deposit address to the address of the issuer. Note that the issuer device 200 may execute the first return contract.

[0089] Accordingly, transactions related to the deposit money associated with the issuance of value information can be realized by recording them on the blockchain.

[0090] <<Margin Management Process>> The margin management process will be described. Hereinafter, the issuer will be described as issuing NFTs. Also, it is assumed that the user purchases NFTs and pays the margin in digital currency.

[0091] In step S200, the user terminal 300 sends a value information issuance request to the issuer device 200.

[0092] In step S201, the issuer device 200 issues an NFT to the user terminal 300 based on the acquired issuance request.

[0093] In step S202, the information processing device 100 acquires from the issuer device 200 information for specifying the amount of the margin (at least any one of the information indicating the amount of the margin, the information indicating the issuance amount of the NFT, and the information capable of specifying the NFT).

[0094] In step S203, the information processing device 100 specifies the amount of the margin corresponding to the NFT based on the information acquired in step S202.

[0095] In step S204, the information processing device 100 executes the second transfer contract and records on the blockchain a transaction of transferring digital currency corresponding to the specified amount of the margin from the user's address to the margin storage address. Note that the issuer device 200 may execute the second transfer contract.

[0096] In step S205, when the information processing apparatus 100 satisfies the repayment conditions based on the information acquired from the issuer apparatus 200, the information processing apparatus 100 executes the second repayment contract and records, on the blockchain, a transaction for returning digital currency equivalent to the security deposit from the address for storing the security deposit to the user's address. Note that the issuer apparatus 200 may execute the second repayment contract.

[0097] Thereby, a transaction regarding the security deposit paid by the user can be realized by recording it on the blockchain.

[0098] ===Hardware Configuration=== With reference to FIG. 7, an example of the hardware configuration when the information processing apparatus 100, the issuer apparatus 200, and the user terminal 300 are realized by a computer 1000 will be described. Note that various functions of the information processing apparatus 100, the issuer apparatus 200, and the user terminal 300 can be realized by dividing them among a plurality of apparatuses.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. As shown in FIG. 7, the computer 1000 includes, for example, a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage device 1003, an input I / F unit 1004, a data I / F unit 1005, a communication I / F unit 1006, and a display unit 1007.

[0100] The processor 1001 is a control unit that controls various processes in the computer 1000 by executing programs stored in the memory 1002.

[0101] The memory 1002 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), for example. The memory 1002 temporarily stores program codes of programs executed by the processor 1001 and data required during the execution of the programs.

[0102] The storage device 1003 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory, for example. The storage device 1003 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing each of the above configurations.

[0103] The input I / F unit 1004 is a device for receiving an input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F unit 1004 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, a wearable device, and the like. The input I / F unit 1004 may be connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), for example.

[0104] The data I / F unit 1005 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 1000. Specific examples of the data I / F unit 1005 include a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F unit 1005 may be provided outside the computer 1000. In that case, the data I / F unit 1005 is connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as USB, for example.

[0105] The communication I / F unit 1006 is a device for performing data communication via the Internet N, either wired or wirelessly, with a device outside the computer 1000. The communication I / F unit 1006 may be provided outside the computer 1000. In that case, the communication I / F unit 1006 is connected to the computer 1000 via an interface such as USB, for example.

[0106] The display unit 1007 is a device for displaying various information. Specific examples of the display unit 1007 include, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a display of a wearable device, and the like. The display unit 1007 may be provided outside the computer 1000. In that case, the display unit 1007 is connected to the computer 1000 via, for example, a display cable or the like. Further, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F unit 1004, the display unit 1007 can be configured integrally with the input I / F unit 1004.

[0107] ===Summary=== When value information indicating an electronic value is issued to a user from an operator who issues the value information, the information processing system 10 records, in a blockchain, a transaction in which digital currency corresponding to a deposit or a guarantee deposit associated with the issuance of the value information is transferred to a deposit address or a guarantee deposit storage address by a transfer unit 140; and a return unit 150 that records, in the blockchain, a transaction in which digital currency is returned to the operator's address or the user's address when a predetermined condition for returning the digital currency to the operator or the user is satisfied. Thereby, the information processing system 10 can realize the efficiency of the management while ensuring the safety of the management of the deposit and the like.

[0108] Further, the transfer unit 140 of the information processing system 10 records, in the blockchain, a transaction in which at least a part of the amount related to the issuance of the value information is used as a guarantee deposit and digital currency corresponding to the guarantee deposit is transferred to the guarantee deposit storage address. Thereby, the information processing system 10 can omit the procedure for the user to pay the guarantee deposit, and thus can improve the efficiency of the guarantee deposit payment process.

[0109] In addition, the remittance unit 140 of the information processing system 10 records in the blockchain a transaction of remitting digital currency corresponding to the margin associated with the issuance of value information that is an NFT from the address of the business operator or the user to the address for storing the margin. When the return unit 150 of the information processing system 10 records in the blockchain a transaction of returning the digital currency from the address for storing the margin to the address of the business operator or the user when the business operator approves that the NFT has been returned from the user's address to the business operator's address. Thereby, the information processing system 10 can realize the process of returning the margin under various conditions.

[0110] In addition, when the expiration date set for the value information corresponding to the deposit or margin has passed, the return unit 150 of the information processing system 10 records in the blockchain a transaction of returning the digital currency to the address of the business operator. Thereby, the information processing system 10 can realize the process of returning the margin under various conditions.

[0111] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 further includes an issuance amount calculation unit 160 that calculates an issuance amount, which is the amount related to the issuance of value information, based on the amount of the margin associated with the issuance of value information that is an NFT. When an NFT is issued to a user with the issuance amount, the remittance unit 140 records in the blockchain a transaction of remitting digital currency corresponding to the margin to the address for storing the margin. Thereby, the information processing system 10 can adjust the balance between the issuance amount of the value information and the amount of the margin.

[0112] In addition, when it is determined that the digital currency cannot be returned to the business operator, the return unit 150 of the information processing system 10 notifies a business operator different from the original business operator that the digital currency cannot be returned to the original business operator. Thereby, when an event occurs in which the address of the issuing business operator or the user becomes unusable, it is possible to refund the deposit or the like. The user and the issuing business operator can safely manage and operate the value information and the digital currency.

[0113] The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Each element included in the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shape, size, etc. are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. Also, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 10… Information processing system, 100… Information processing apparatus, 110… Storage unit, 120… Deposit identification unit, 130… Guarantee deposit identification unit, 140… Remittance unit, 150… Return unit, 160… Issued amount calculation unit, 200… Issuer apparatus, 300… User terminal

Claims

1. When the value information indicating an electronic value is issued to a user by a business operator, a remittance unit that records in a blockchain a transaction of remitting digital currency corresponding to a deposit or a security deposit associated with the issuance of the value information to a deposit address or a security deposit storage address; A refund unit that records in the blockchain a transaction of refunding the digital currency to the address of the business operator or the address of the user when a predetermined condition for returning the digital currency to the business operator or the user is satisfied; An information processing system comprising:

2. The remittance unit records in the blockchain a transaction of remitting, as the security deposit, at least a part of the amount related to the issuance of the value information, the digital currency corresponding to the security deposit to the security deposit storage address. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The remittance unit records in the blockchain a transaction of remitting digital currency corresponding to a security deposit associated with the issuance of the value information which is an NFT from the address of the business operator or the address of the user to the security deposit storage address. The refund unit records in the blockchain a transaction of refunding from the security deposit storage address to the address of the business operator or the address of the user when information indicating approval of the business operator regarding the return of the NFT from the address of the user to the address of the business operator is acquired. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. When the expiration date set for the value information corresponding to the deposit or the security deposit has passed, the refund unit records in the blockchain a transaction of refunding the digital currency to the address of the business operator. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The information processing system further includes an issuance amount calculation unit that calculates an issuance amount, which is an amount related to the issuance of the value information, based on the amount of the margin associated with the issuance of the value information that is an NFT. When the NFT is issued to the user at the issuance amount, the remittance unit records, in the blockchain, a transaction of remitting the digital currency corresponding to the margin to the address for storing the margin. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. When it is determined that the digital currency cannot be returned to the operator, the return unit notifies another operator different from the operator that the digital currency cannot be returned to the operator. The information processing system according to claim 1.

7. A computer When the value information indicating the electronic value is issued from the operator to the user, record, in the blockchain, a transaction of remitting the digital currency corresponding to the deposit or margin associated with the issuance of the value information to the deposit address or the margin storage address; When a predetermined condition for returning the digital currency to the operator or the user is satisfied, record, in the blockchain, a transaction of returning the digital currency to the address of the operator or the address of the user; An information processing method comprising the above.

8. In a computer When the value information indicating the electronic value is issued from the operator to the user, record, in the blockchain, a transaction of remitting the digital currency corresponding to the deposit or margin associated with the issuance of the value information to the deposit address or the margin storage address; When a predetermined condition for returning the digital currency to the operator or the user is satisfied, record, in the blockchain, a transaction of returning the digital currency to the address of the operator or the address of the user; A program that causes

Images