Authenticity certification system and authenticity certification method

Abstract

This authenticity certification system is provided with: a distributed file server that generates, on the basis of digital asset data relating to a product to be authenticated, a hashed identifier that is individually allocated to the product to be authenticated; a dedicated platform that records, on a blockchain, NFT information relating to the product to be authenticated, the NFT information being linked to the identifier, and outputs a generated transaction hash or a two-dimensional code corresponding to the transaction hash; and a recording means for associating first verification information held for each of a plurality of users related to the product to be authenticated with the NFT information and recording the same in the order in which the plurality of users are involved. During authenticity certification, the first verification information linked with the NFT information corresponding to the transaction hash acquired from an authentication certifier, or the two-dimensional code corresponding to the transaction hash, is read from the recording means, and the authenticity certification of the product to be authenticated is carried out by determining consistency between the read first verification information and first signature information held by the authentication certifier.

Description

Appraisal certification system and appraisal certification method

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication and certification system and an authentication and certification method.

[0002] Products requiring authentication, such as bags, luggage, clothing, watches, arts and crafts, and automobiles, typically follow a complex distribution route, beginning with production by manufacturers, manufacturers, or copyright holders, and then being sold to consumers through distributors such as logistics companies, wholesalers, and retailers. During the manufacturing and distribution process, consumers require authentication certificates, i.e., proof that the items are genuine and not counterfeit. In recent years, products requiring authentication have increasingly been sold to consumers via the Internet, and secondhand versions of these products requiring authentication (including secondary, tertiary, and other n-th-order distributions (n ​​is an integer greater than or equal to 4)) are also sold to consumers via the Internet. Furthermore, as consumer-to-consumer transactions have become more common, there is a growing need for more comprehensive authentication certificates for these products requiring authentication.

[0003] Products requiring authentication are usually issued with a certificate (hereinafter referred to as a "guarantee card") to prove and guarantee that they are genuine. The guarantee card contains information about the product (hereinafter referred to as "product information"), such as the product's name, product number, manufacturer / creator (author), manufacturing location, and manufacturing date. However, in recent years, it has become possible to obtain just the guarantee card via the Internet, etc. As a result, the authentication provided by the guarantee card is no longer considered to be fully reliable.

[0004] Conventionally, a method has been disclosed in which a medium such as a plastic card equipped with an IC chip storing information is used as a certificate, and the authenticity of the certificate is determined by comparing the information printed on the surface of the certificate with the information read from the memory of the IC chip (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, when the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to a product requiring authentication, counterfeiting becomes difficult, and although the authenticity of the guarantee card itself can be confirmed, the only thing linking the guarantee card to the product is the product number engraved on the product. This makes it difficult to provide sufficient authentication proof.

[0005] Also disclosed is a technology that attaches an IC chip to a product requiring authentication, allowing the product information recorded on the IC chip to be read using a smartphone, mobile phone, or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 2). However, when the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 is applied to a product requiring authentication, if a password is not set when reading the above-mentioned product information, third parties other than distributors and consumers can intercept the product information. As a result, third parties can intercept product information that consumers do not want to be known, such as whether the product requiring authentication is genuine or whether the manufacturing date is recent. On the other hand, if a password is set, the password itself may become unknown as the product requiring authentication travels through a complex distribution route, making it impossible to provide authentication certification when necessary. There is also a risk that the password itself may be hacked.

[0006] Also disclosed is a technology for authenticating a product by assigning a serial code to the product, reading the serial code with a serial code reader, and checking the code against a product database (see, for example, Patent Document 3). However, when the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3 is applied to a product requiring authentication, the same problems as those of the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 arise.

[0007] For this reason, a new method has been proposed in recent years for authenticating an item by using multi-signature authentication (multi-signature authentication) of two or more items: a product requiring authentication that has a small recording medium attached or incorporated therein, and a guarantee card that also has a small recording medium attached or incorporated therein (a microchip (IC chip), two-dimensional code, electronic watermark, etc. can be used as appropriate depending on the shape, structure, size, etc.) (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

[0008] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 4, a private key and a small recording medium recording product information on the product requiring authentication are attached to or embedded in the product requiring authentication and a guarantee card (which may include a microchip (IC chip), two-dimensional code, electronic watermark, etc., depending on the shape, structure, size, etc.). The product information and transaction information at each distribution stage until the product requiring authentication is delivered to the consumer are then recorded on a blockchain. The consumer uses the private key attached to the product requiring authentication and the guarantee card, respectively, to read the product information and transaction information from the blockchain. This allows only the consumer to easily provide highly reliable authentication certification. Furthermore, by sequentially writing product information (manufacturers, copyright holders, etc.) and transaction information (distributors, wholesalers, retailers, etc.) on the blockchain, product information and transaction information can be accurately recorded while complementing each other, and further, tampering of the product information and transaction information can be firmly prevented.

[0009] JP 2001-357377 A International Publication No. 2014 / 207890 JP 2020-35197 A Japanese Patent No. 6894033 A

[0010] However, the products requiring authentication naturally include not only analog (physical) goods (hereinafter referred to as analog goods) but also digital goods (hereinafter referred to as digital goods). Digital goods include, for example, digital images, digital audio, digital music, digital video, etc. The social need for stronger, more reliable, and more multifaceted authentication certification of the above digital goods has become particularly apparent in recent years with the spread of the Internet. For example, the Mangamura Incident, a pirated manga website that opened in January 2016 and was shut down in April 2018, is said to have caused copyright infringement damages totaling more than 300 billion yen (Source: "Mangamura Operator Arrested, Extradited from Philippines, Suspected Copyright Infringement, Possibly 320 Billion Yen in Damages," Asahi Shimbun Digital, September 25, 2019). In addition to manga, pirated copies of magazines, novels, photo books, movies, dramas, and other video content were also reportedly available for free posting on the internet (Source: "The Mangamura Incident (Copyright Infringement Portion Only)," by Okumura Koji, Professor at Keio University Law School, June 2, 2021).

[0011] The above-mentioned Patent Document 4 discloses a technology that focuses on the above-mentioned analog goods. Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 4 does not mention enough about authentication certification systems and methods for the above-mentioned digital goods. For these reasons, there is a demand for highly reliable authentication certification even when authenticating digital goods.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an authentication and certification system and authentication and certification method that are capable of performing highly reliable authentication and certification even when authenticating digital property.

[0013] The authentication certification system according to the present invention comprises a distributed file server that generates a hashed identifier that is individually assigned to a product to be authenticated based on digital property data of the product; a dedicated platform that records NFT (Non-fungible token) information of the product to be authenticated that is linked to the identifier on a blockchain and outputs a generated transaction hash or a two-dimensional code corresponding to the transaction hash; and a recording means that links first verification information held by each of a plurality of users related to the product to be authenticated with the NFT information and records it in the order in which the plurality of users are involved.During authentication certification, the dedicated platform reads out the first verification information linked to the NFT information corresponding to the transaction hash obtained from an authentication certifier or the two-dimensional code corresponding to the transaction hash, and certifies the authentication of the product to be authenticated by determining consistency between the read first verification information and first signature information held by the authentication certifier.

[0014] In the authentication certification system of the present invention, the first verification information read out at the time of authentication certification may be consistent with the first signature information held by a user among the multiple users who was involved before the most recent user involved in the product to be authenticated.

[0015] In the authentication certification system of the present invention, the first verification information read out at the time of the authentication certification may be consistent with the first verification information held by the most recent user among the multiple users who is involved in the product requiring authentication.

[0016] In the authentication and certification system of the present invention, the first verification information may indicate at least one of a blockchain wallet address held by the user, a public key used when generating the blockchain wallet address, and a private key used when generating the blockchain wallet address.

[0017] In the authentication certification system according to the present invention, the plurality of users include at least one of consumers, manufacturers, producers, authors, and various traders, and further authentication certification is performed using the product to be authenticated to which a private key α1 and a small recording medium (a1) recording product information relating to the product to be authenticated are attached or incorporated, and the transaction hash or the two-dimensional code output and generated from the dedicated platform, and at least one of the manufacturers, producers, authors, and various traders records the product information and transaction information at each distribution stage until the product to be authenticated is delivered to the consumer in the blockchain. and an application [B] used to read the transaction information from the blockchain, and the dedicated platform may be configured such that at least one of the manufacturer, producer, author, and various traders uses the application [A] to record second verification information obtained based on the product information and / or the transaction information on the blockchain, and at the time of authentication certification, the authentication certifier may use the private key α1 assigned to the product to be authenticated and the application [B] to determine the consistency between the second signature information read from the blockchain based on the product information and the transaction information and the second verification information, thereby authenticating the product to be authenticated.

[0018] In the authentication certification system according to the present invention, further authentication certification is performed using a guarantee card to which a private key β1 and a small recording medium (b) recording the product information are attached or embedded, and the transaction hash or the two-dimensional code output and generated from the dedicated platform. The dedicated platform may record third verification information obtained based on the product information and / or the transaction information on the blockchain using the application [A] by at least one of the manufacturer, producer, author, and various traders, and at the time of authentication certification, the authentication certifier may use the private key β1 attached to the guarantee card and the application [B] to determine the consistency between the third signature information read from the blockchain based on the product information and the transaction information and the third verification information, thereby authenticating the product to be authenticated.

[0019] In the authentication and certification system of the present invention, the dedicated platform may record fourth verification information obtained based on the transaction hash or a two-dimensional code corresponding thereto in the blockchain, and at the time of authentication and certification, perform authentication and certification of the product requiring authentication by determining the consistency between the fourth signature information obtained based on the transaction hash obtained from the authentication certifier or the two-dimensional code corresponding thereto and the fourth verification information.

[0020] In the authentication certification system according to the present invention, at the time of authentication certification, at least one of the results of the comparison between the first verification information and the first signature information, the results of the comparison between the third verification information and the third signature information, and the results of the comparison between the fourth verification information and the fourth signature information may be consistent, and the results of the comparison between the second verification information and the second signature information may be consistent, thereby satisfying the authentication of the product requiring authentication.

[0021] In the authentication and certification system of the present invention, the dedicated platform may use the transaction hash as the fourth verification information, and at the time of authentication and certification, may use the transaction hash obtained from the authentication and certification party as the fourth signature information.

[0022] The authentication and certification method according to the present invention is characterized in that it uses a distributed file server to generate a hashed identifier that is individually assigned to a product to be authenticated based on digital property data of the product, uses a dedicated platform to record NFT information of the product to be authenticated that is linked to the identifier on a blockchain and output the generated transaction hash or a two-dimensional code corresponding thereto, uses a recording means to link first verification information held by each of multiple users related to the product to be authenticated to the NFT information and record it in the order in which the multiple users are involved, and at the time of authentication and certification, reads out the first verification information linked to the NFT information corresponding to the transaction hash obtained from an authentication certifier or the two-dimensional code corresponding thereto, and determines the consistency between the read first verification information and first signature information held by the authentication certifier, thereby certifying the authentication of the product to be authenticated.

[0023] The authentication certification system of the present invention comprises a platform that records information about the authentication certification target linked to a first identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication certification target on a blockchain and outputs a generated second identifier or a two-dimensional code corresponding thereto, and a recording means that records verification information held by each of multiple users related to the authentication certification target, linking it to the information, and is characterized in that at the time of authentication certification, authentication of the authentication certification target is performed using multi-signature authentication, which requires multiple correspondences.

[0024] The authentication certification system according to the present invention may further include a distributed file server that generates a first identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication certification target.

[0025] In the authentication and certification system of the present invention, during authentication and certification, authentication and certification of the authentication and certification object may be performed using multi-signature authentication for multiple associations, such as only the first identifier, only the second identifier, or both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0026] In the authentication and certification system according to the present invention, at least one authentication factor used to perform multi-signature authentication may be one that has been given third-party authentication.

[0027] The authentication and certification method of the present invention is characterized in that it uses a platform to record information about the authentication and certification target linked to a first identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication and certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication and certification target on a blockchain, and also outputs a generated second identifier or a two-dimensional code corresponding thereto, and uses a recording means to record verification information held by each of multiple users related to the authentication and certification target in association with the information, and at the time of authentication and certification, performs authentication and certification of the authentication and certification target using multi-signature authentication which requires multiple correspondences.

[0028] In the authentication and certification method according to the present invention, a distributed file server may be used to generate a first identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication and certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication and certification target.

[0029] In the authentication and certification method of the present invention, during authentication and certification, authentication and certification of the authentication and certification object may be performed using multi-signature authentication for multiple associations, such as only the first identifier, only the second identifier, or both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0030] In the authentication and certification method according to the present invention, at least one authentication factor used to perform multi-signature authentication may be third-party certified.

[0031] The authentication certification system of the present invention comprises a server that generates a first identifier that is individually assigned to an authentication certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication certification target, a platform that records the generated first identifier, and a recording means that records verification information held by each of multiple users related to the authentication certification target in association with the first identifier, and is characterized in that at the time of authentication certification, authentication certification of the authentication certification target is performed using multi-signature authentication, which requires multiple correspondences.

[0032] The authentication certification system according to the present invention may further include a storage device that generates a second identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication certification target.

[0033] In the authentication and certification system of the present invention, during authentication and certification, authentication and certification of the authentication and certification object may be performed using multi-signature authentication for multiple associations, such as only the first identifier, only the second identifier, or both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0034] In the authentication and certification system according to the present invention, at least one authentication factor used to perform multi-signature authentication may be one that has been given third-party authentication.

[0035] The authentication certification system of the present invention comprises a server that generates an identifier that is individually assigned to an object to be authenticated based on the digital property data of the object to be authenticated, a platform that records the generated identifier, and a recording means that records product information regarding the object to be authenticated and transaction information at each distribution stage until the object to be authenticated is delivered to the consumer, linked to the identifier, and is characterized in that at the time of authentication certification, the product information and transaction information linked to the identifier are read from the platform, and authentication of the object to be authenticated is performed using the product information and the transaction information.

[0036] In the authentication and certification system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the authentication and certification of the authentication target is performed by determining the consistency between the product information and the transaction information at the time of authentication and certification.

[0037] Preferably, the platform also records the identifier in a database.

[0038] The subject of the appraisal certification may be a tangible object.

[0039] Alternatively, the subject of the appraisal certification may be an intangible object.

[0040] In addition, when the recording means links product information regarding the object of authentication certification and transaction information at each distribution stage until the object of authentication certification is delivered to the consumer with the identifier and records them on the platform in the order in which multiple users involved in the object of authentication certification are involved.

[0041] The authentication and certification system of the present invention comprises a server that generates an identifier that is individually assigned to an object to be authenticated and certified based on the digital property data of the object to be authenticated and certified, a platform that records the generated identifier, and a recording means that records verification information held by each of multiple users related to the object to be authenticated and certified in association with the identifier, and is characterized in that at the time of authentication and certification, the verification information linked to the identifier is read from the platform, and authentication and certification of the object to be authenticated and certified is performed using the verification information and signature information held by the authentication certifier.

[0042] In the authentication and certification system according to the present invention, it is preferable that during authentication and certification, the authentication and certification of the authentication target is performed by determining the consistency of the verification information and the signature information read from the platform.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferable that the verification information read out during the authentication and certification has consistency with signature information held by a user who, among the plurality of users, was involved before the most recent user involved in the subject of authentication and certification.

[0044] Alternatively, the verification information read out at the time of authentication and certification may be consistent with signature information held by the latest user, of the plurality of users, who is related to the subject of authentication and certification.

[0045] Furthermore, the verification information includes first verification information read from the platform and linked to the identifier obtained from the authentication certifier, and second verification information obtained based on the product information and / or the transaction information using application [A] used by at least one of manufacturers, producers, authors, and various businesses to record product information regarding the object of authentication certification and transaction information at each distribution stage until the object of authentication certification is delivered to the consumer, and at the time of authentication certification, the platform may satisfy authentication of the object of authentication certification by comparing the first verification information with first signature information held by the authentication certifier and by comparing the second verification information with second signature information read from the platform based on the product information and the transaction information and by comparing the second verification information with consistency.

[0046] The subject of the appraisal certification may be a tangible object.

[0047] Alternatively, the subject of the appraisal certification may be an intangible object.

[0048] Furthermore, when recording the verification information held by each of a plurality of users related to the subject of authentication certification in association with the identifier, the recording means may record the information in the order in which the plurality of users are involved.

[0049] The authentication and certification method of the present invention is characterized in that it uses a server to generate a first identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication and certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication and certification target, uses a platform to record the generated first identifier, uses a recording means to record verification information held by each of multiple users related to the authentication and certification target in association with the first identifier, and at the time of authentication and certification, performs authentication and certification of the authentication and certification target using multi-signature authentication which requires multiple correspondences.

[0050] In the authentication and certification method of the present invention, a storage may be used to generate a second identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication and certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication and certification target.

[0051] In the authentication and certification method of the present invention, authentication and certification of the authentication and certification object may be performed using multi-signature authentication for multiple associations, such as only the first identifier, only the second identifier, or both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0052] In the authentication and certification method of the present invention, at least one authentication factor used to perform multi-signature authentication may be one that has been given third-party authentication.

[0053] The authentication certification method of the present invention is characterized in that it uses a server to generate an identifier that is individually assigned to the object of authentication certification based on the digital property data of the object of authentication certification, records the generated identifier, and uses a recording means to record product information regarding the object of authentication certification and transaction information at each distribution stage until the object of authentication certification is delivered to the consumer, linked to the identifier, and at the time of authentication certification, the product information and transaction information linked to the identifier are read out, and authentication of the object of authentication certification is performed using the product information and the transaction information.

[0054] The authentication and certification method of the present invention is characterized in that it uses a server to generate an identifier that is individually assigned to the authentication and certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication and certification target, records the generated identifier, and uses a recording means to record verification information held by each of multiple users related to the authentication and certification target in association with the identifier, and at the time of authentication and certification, the verification information linked to the identifier is read out, and authentication and certification of the authentication and certification target is performed using the verification information and signature information held by the authentication and certifier.

[0055] According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, NFT information linked to a unique identifier is recorded in the blockchain data for only genuine products from multiple users, such as manufacturers, creators, and copyright holders. This allows for accurate recording of NFT information and prevents tampering with the NFT information itself. This enables highly reliable authentication even when authenticating digital goods. Furthermore, if a pirated version, which is equivalent to a counterfeit or counterfeit digital product, appears, incorporating a function that can capture the pirated version along with "5W1H" information into the authentication system can serve as a deterrent to the distribution of pirated versions.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the system configuration of an authentication certification system to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams illustrating the processing operations of digital property authentication certification. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating an NFT transaction hash or two-dimensional code from digital property data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration required for analog property authentication certification. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of analog property authentication certification. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of blockchain data recording product information and transaction information that is recorded on a dedicated platform when performing analog property authentication certification. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams illustrating the processing operations of hybrid (analog-digital) authentication certification. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of owner certification via a blockchain wallet. FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of hybrid authentication certification based on owner certification data (blockchain wallet owner certification) as well as a transaction hash or two-dimensional code. FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of hybrid authentication certification that combines identifiers and analog property authentication certification. FIG. 11 is another diagram showing an example of hybrid authentication certification that combines identifiers and analog property authentication certification. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of an authentication certification method using traceability. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of a modified authentication certification method using traceability. FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) are diagrams for explaining the processing operations of digital property authentication certification in another embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process of generating an identifier for a product requiring authentication from digital property data when storage is available in another embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the process of generating an identifier for a product requiring authentication from digital property data when storage is unavailable in another embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of analog property authentication certification in another embodiment. FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are diagrams for explaining the processing operations of hybrid authentication certification in another embodiment.Fig. 19 is a flowchart of owner authentication using an identifier representing a user in another embodiment. Figs. 20(a) and 20(b) are diagrams showing an example of hybrid authentication based on a transaction hash or a two-dimensional code together with owner authentication data in another embodiment. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the flow of an authentication method using traceability in another embodiment. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the flow of a modified example of an authentication method using traceability in another embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing analog goods, digital goods obtained by digitizing tangible objects, and digital goods that are digital from the beginning.

[0057] An example of an appraisal and certification system and an appraisal and certification method to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows the system configuration of an authentication certification system 1 to which the present invention is applied. The authentication certification system 1 is used by users (including persons involved with the product 5 to be authenticated, such as manufacturers, creators, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as various businesses, etc.), owners, and consumers). The authentication certification system 1 comprises terminals 2 and 72 operated by users (e.g., various businesses, etc.) and a distributed file server 3 operated by an administrator, etc., connected via a public communication network 10, such as the Internet, to form a dedicated platform 8 via this public communication network 10. Note that the users operating terminals 2 and 72 can be arbitrarily set depending on the application; however, the following description will be given as an example in which terminal 2 is operated by various businesses, etc., and terminal 72 is operated by a consumer, as needed.

[0059] The terminal 2 may be implemented as an electronic device such as a personal computer (PC), but may also be implemented as any other electronic device, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet device, or wearable device. Various businesses operate the terminal 2 to perform various tasks to generate an identifier from the product 5 requiring authentication. The product 5 requiring authentication certification can be broadly categorized into analog goods and digital goods. For example, analog goods include any product requiring authentication certification, such as bags, suitcases, clothing, watches, arts and crafts, and automobiles. Digital goods include any digital content requiring authentication certification, such as digital images, digital audio, digital music, and digital video. Digital goods also include digitized information about analog goods (e.g., product images, serial numbers, authentication certificates, etc.). The product 5 requiring authentication includes not only new products but also used products (secondary distribution, tertiary distribution, and other n-th distribution (n is an integer greater than or equal to 4)).

[0060] Similarly, the terminal 72 is configured as an electronic device such as a PC, but may also be implemented as any other electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet device, a wearable device, etc. The consumer operates the terminal 72 to attempt to authenticate the product 5 requiring authentication.

[0061] The distributed file server 3 is a distributed file system designed to connect terminals 2 to the same file system, and may be configured as an IPFS (Inter Planetary File System), but is not limited to this. Various vendors access the public communication network 10 via terminals 2 to provide data to the distributed file server 3, and consumers can request the data in a peer-to-peer (P2P) format. The distributed file server 3 stores all digital content requiring authentication certification, such as digital images, digital audio, digital music, and digital video of the product 5 requiring authentication. Simultaneously with this storage, a multi-digit string called an identifier is generated, as described below. When identifying the identifier of the product 5 requiring authentication, if it is new, the image will be identical. However, unique additional information, such as a product management number, is added along with the digital content, resulting in a unique identifier. Note that the distributed file server 3 may be omitted from the authentication certification system 1 and authentication certification method of this embodiment.

[0062] In addition, in the case of second-hand goods, each digital asset is individually characterized by scratches, scuffs, and other deformations, and the identifier generates a unique string. Such characteristic digital assets, unique to second-hand goods, are extremely important in authenticating products in the resale industry. For example, if a buyer of a second-hand watch brings the counterfeit watch back to the store where it was purchased and requests a return, if the NFT (non-fungible token) corresponding to the digital asset and information based on the identifier described below are stored on the blockchain, they can be used as evidence to check the difference between the watch sold to the customer and the watch the customer brought in.

[0063] The dedicated platform 8 references a blockchain 8a. A blockchain having a P2P network such as a distributed ledger can be used as the blockchain 8a. In addition to product information of the product 5 requiring authentication and transaction information at each distribution stage until the product 5 requiring authentication is delivered to the consumer, identifiers generated by hashing based on the digital property data of the product 5 requiring authentication and the like are recorded on the blockchain 8a.

[0064] It should be noted that the blockchain 8a referred to here may be any type of blockchain, such as a public blockchain, a private blockchain, or a consortium blockchain, in addition to a blockchain having a P2P network such as a distributed ledger.

[0065] Recording on the blockchain 8a also includes the concept of recording a state in which hash values ​​for proving specific data are linked together. Recording on the blockchain 8a also includes the concept of recording information in which various information such as hash values ​​is encrypted or digitally signed, and for example, the information recorded on the blockchain 8a may be recorded in a format appropriate for the application, such as encryption technology or digital signature technology.

[0066] As will be described below, the authentication certification system 1 to which the present invention is applied can realize two types of authentication certification, broadly classified as digital property authentication certification and hybrid authentication certification.

[0067] Digital Property Authentication Certification First, the processing operation of digital property authentication certification will be explained. Digital property authentication certification involves acquiring digital property data for the product 5 requiring authentication, as shown in FIG. 2(a). This digital property data is acquired from the target of authentication certification. This digital property data is digital image data consisting of digital property data captured using a terminal 2, a digital camera, or the like, of the product 5 requiring authentication. This digital property data may be digital property data obtained by a manufacturer, creator, or copyright, etc., capturing images via such a terminal 2. Alternatively, this digital property data may be data originally assigned to the product 5 requiring authentication or recorded on a recording medium linked to the product 5. This digital property data may be any digital content requiring authentication certification, such as digital images, digital audio, digital music, or digital video, and may be assigned file extensions such as jpg, png, gif, mp3, or mov.

[0068] The manufacturer, creator, or copyright owner registers the digital asset data of the product 5 to be authenticated in this manner on the dedicated platform 8. As a result, the dedicated platform 8 acquires NFT information based on the NFT issued via the blockchain 8a referenced by the dedicated platform 8, and automatically generates a transaction hash and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the NFT information. The transaction hash and two-dimensional code of the NFT information issued and generated in this manner make it possible to determine whether the product 5 to be authenticated is a counterfeit or genuine. Note that the NFT information may refer to the publicly known NFT itself, or may refer to information obtained by processing the NFT based on publicly known technologies such as encryption or digital signature generation. The NFT information may also include an identifier associated with the NFT.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 2(b), digital property data is recorded on a distributed file server and an identifier is issued, from which a unique two-dimensional code A can be generated. A unique two-dimensional code B can also be generated from a transaction hash obtained via the blockchain. Although two-dimensional code A and two-dimensional code B are different from each other, they can be used as one of the authentication elements for multisig authentication (multi-signature authentication) in the appraisal certification system 1. While two-dimensional code B is well known, the addition of two-dimensional code A can enhance the security of multisig authentication. Only two-dimensional code A may be used as an authentication element for multisig authentication, or only two-dimensional code B may be used as an authentication element for multisig authentication. Furthermore, to enhance the strength of multisig authentication, two-dimensional codes A and B may be used together as authentication elements for multisig authentication.

[0070] 3 is a flowchart showing a process for issuing a transaction hash or a two-dimensional code of NFT information from such digital property data. Note that FIG. 3 shows an example in which an NFT is used as the NFT information.

[0071] First, in step S11, the manufacturer, creator, author, etc. acquires digital property data for the product 5 requiring appraisal and registers it on the dedicated platform 8. The processing operation for registering this digital property data is performed by the manufacturer, creator, author, etc. by accessing the dedicated platform 8 via the terminal 2. In such a case, the manufacturer, creator, author, etc. may access the dedicated platform 8 within the terminal 2 and install applications required for carrying out various procedures in advance, thereby enabling the procedures to be executed.

[0072] Next, the process proceeds to step S12, where the dedicated platform 8 accepts registration of digital property data. The dedicated platform 8 may be configured as a so-called NFT marketplace or the like. When the dedicated platform 8 accepts registration of digital property data, it issues, for example, an NFT marketplace registration number for that digital property data each time. This registration number is issued each time registration of digital property data is accepted, and therefore is unique.

[0073] Next, the process proceeds to step S13, where the digital property data accepted for registration in step S12, the issued registration number, and information on the manufacturer, creator, author, etc. are collected into a single folder or the like, and registered on the distributed file server 3. Details of the manufacturer, creator, author, etc. information include names, corporate information, pen names, pen names, etc., while work information includes information on the work title, year of production, year of publication, work specifications (size, format, technology used), copyright of the work, and rights information on the work, such as portrait rights and design rights. The method of collecting and registering the digital property data, registration number, manufacturer, creator, author, etc. information into a single folder during registration is one example, and any other method may be used as long as the digital property data, registration number, and manufacturer, creator, author, etc. information (hereinafter collectively referred to as additional information) are registered in a linked state.

[0074] Next, the process proceeds to step S14, where a unique ID is issued for each piece of registered additional information in the distributed file server 3. The ID issued for the digital property data is called the first ID, the ID issued for the registration number is called the second IDa, and the ID issued for information such as the manufacturer, creator, and author is called the second IDb.

[0075] In the case of digital asset data, if identical digital asset data exists elsewhere or if the digital asset data has been copied by another party, the same first ID may be issued. On the other hand, since registration numbers are unique, the second IDa is also unique. Information about the manufacturer, producer, author, etc., such as company name, date of birth, copyright holder name, and copyright title, may not be unique depending on the content. However, since it is possible to assign unique IDs individually, the second IDb can also be unique. For example, time information such as the date, time, and seconds registered in the distributed file server 3 can be added to increase the accuracy of uniqueness. In step S14, at least the digital asset data may be recorded on the distributed file server 3. Moreover, the distributed file server 3 is configured to provide multiple layers of protection against the loss of digital asset data by adopting a distributed architecture. Such configuration is also possible.

[0076] Next, the process proceeds to step S15, where a unique identifier is generated based on the associated additional information. This generated identifier is linked to the additional information, and can become an identifier possessed by the additional information. This identifier is generated based on the first ID, second IDa, and second IDb described above. Since the second IDa is unique, and the second IDb is also unique, even if the same digital property data (first ID) is identical or duplicated, the newly generated identifier will always be unique. This hashed and generated identifier is called an identifier.

[0077] The identifier may be generated based on rules defined in the distributed file server 3 on the basis of the additional information stored in the folder.

[0078] Furthermore, a two-dimensional code may be generated based on the generated identifier (step S23).

[0079] The process proceeds to step S16, where the dedicated platform 8 receives the identifier from the distributed file server 3. If a two-dimensional code is generated in step S23, the dedicated platform 8 receives the two-dimensional code from the distributed file server 3.

[0080] Next, the process proceeds to step S17, where the dedicated platform 8 transmits an identifier based on the additional information to the blockchain 8a.

[0081] In step S18, the blockchain 8a records the NFT information issued based on the identifier transmitted from the dedicated platform 8. By recording the NFT information linked to the identifier in the blockchain 8a (for example, by writing it to the blockchain data 8b), it is possible to completely prevent the NFT information from being tampered with. That is, each block in the blockchain 8a includes a timestamp and a link (hash value) to the previous block, and the data in the block cannot be retroactively changed.

[0082] Next, the process proceeds to step S19, where a transaction hash and / or two-dimensional code corresponding to the NFT information is generated. The generation of this transaction hash and / or two-dimensional code may be performed simultaneously with recording to the blockchain 8a. The transaction hash here is indicated by a string of approximately 64 digits in the case of, for example, Ethereum, for identifying NFT information. The transaction hash may be replaced by a combination of a contract address and a token ID. The contract address here refers to a unique address where a contract is deployed on the blockchain. The token ID refers to the NFT information identified by the contract address. The two-dimensional code is a code for identifying the transaction hash. The issued transaction hash and two-dimensional code are sent to the dedicated platform 8 (which may be, for example, a marketplace), where they are received (step S20).

[0083] Furthermore, the blockchain 8a transmits this NFT information to various businesses as needed (step S21). This transmitted NFT information may be substituted for the issued transaction hash or two-dimensional code. The various businesses receive this NFT information (step S22). The various businesses can receive such transaction hash or two-dimensional code via the terminal 2.

[0084] The authority to acquire digital property data and register it on the dedicated platform 8 is given only to various businesses, etc. For example, if the product 5 requiring appraisal is a bag, suitcase, clothing, watch, arts and crafts, automobile, etc., the authority to register digital property data on this dedicated platform 8 may be given only to various businesses, etc. or those authorized to act as sales agents for the product.

[0085] Various traders, etc., or consumers who purchase a new or used authentic product 5 requiring authentication receive this transaction hash or two-dimensional code from the various traders, etc., or a dedicated platform 8 (e.g., a marketplace) along with the product 5 requiring authentication. The various traders, etc., or consumers who receive the transaction hash or two-dimensional code can use the transaction hash or two-dimensional code to access the blockchain 8a of the dedicated platform 8 and read the NFT information of the product 5 requiring authentication recorded there. This allows only the genuine various traders, etc., or genuine consumers who possess the transaction hash or two-dimensional code to easily perform reliable authentication certification. Therefore, third parties who do not possess these transaction hashes or two-dimensional codes cannot perform such authentication certification at all.

[0086] In this way, in digital property authentication certification, unique NFT information derived from a unique identifier for only genuine products 5 requiring authentication from various businesses, etc. is sequentially written to the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8. This allows the NFT information itself to be accurately recorded and completely prevents tampering with the NFT information itself. Therefore, consumers who purchase products requiring authentication 5 from various businesses, etc. related to the products requiring authentication 5, or products distributed through complex distribution channels or sold over the internet, can easily obtain highly reliable authentication certification.

[0087] Note that the digital property authentication certificate is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in step S13, we have described a case in which additional information is registered together with the digital property data to generate an identifier. However, this is not limited to this, and any information may be registered as long as it is linked to at least some information. The information referred to here refers to any information or data related to the digital property data or generated in association with the digital property data, such as the registration number and information on the manufacturer, creator, and author. The additional information may consist of only one of the registration number and information on the manufacturer, creator, and author. Furthermore, the additional information may not include either the registration number or information on the manufacturer, creator, and author, but may instead consist of any information or data related to the digital property data or generated in association with the digital property data.

[0088] Hybrid Authentication Certification Next, the processing operation of hybrid authentication certification will be described. In hybrid authentication certification, in addition to the digital property authentication certification described above, analog property authentication certification is also combined to perform more accurate authentication of the product 5 requiring authentication.

[0089] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a product 5 requiring authentication and a guarantee card 24 that is sold and distributed together with the product 5 in the case of analog goods authentication certification. １, a small recording medium (a) that records information including product information (product name, product number, manufacturer / manufacturer (author), manufacturing location, manufacturing date, etc.) １ ) 51a is attached or embedded in the guarantee card 24, and the guarantee card 24 has a private key β １ A small recording medium (b) 52a recording information including product information is attached or incorporated. １ ) 51a and the small recording medium (b) 52a, small recording media such as IC chips, two-dimensional codes, electronic watermarks, etc. can be used as appropriate depending on the shape, structure, size, etc. of the product to be authenticated 5 and the guarantee card 24.

[0090] Here, the "private key" refers to information for realizing the authentication and certification of the product to be authenticated 5, and the integrity of the "private key" itself may be determined, for example, at the time of authentication and certification. The "private key" refers to information that cannot be known by anyone other than a specific user, and may be recorded, for example, on the above-mentioned "small recording medium," or may be recorded in a configuration used in the authentication and certification system 1, such as the terminal 72 or the dedicated platform 8.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, a "public key" may be generated as a pair with a "private key." In this case, known encryption techniques or electronic signature techniques can be implemented using the "private key" and "public key." Furthermore, during authentication and certification, consistency may be determined based on whether the "public key" was generated as a pair with the "private key." The "public key" may be recorded, for example, on the above-mentioned "small recording medium," or may be arbitrarily recorded within a configuration used in the authentication and certification system 1, such as the dedicated platform 8, depending on the application. The "private key" and "public key" may be generated using known techniques, and may be arbitrarily generated within a configuration used in the authentication and certification system 1, such as the dedicated platform 8 or the distributed file server 3, depending on the application.

[0092] Small recording medium of product 5 requiring appraisal (a １ The product information in the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24 is input by various vendors when the product 5 requiring appraisal is shipped.

[0093] 5 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of analog goods authentication certification. In addition to the components necessary for digital goods authentication certification described above, the system for analog goods authentication certification includes a dedicated platform 8 that records product information for the product 5 requiring authentication and transaction information at each distribution stage until the product 5 reaches the consumer as blockchain data 8b in a blockchain 8a, a terminal 2a connected to the dedicated platform 8 via a public communication network 10 through an application [A] 9, and a terminal 2b connected to the dedicated platform 8 via the public communication network 10 through an application [B] 11.

[0094] Various vendors use application [A] 9 to write product information and transaction information to the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8.

[0095] The consumer uses the application [B] 11 to obtain the secret key α assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated. １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ Using this, the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication written in the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8 can be read, allowing consumers to easily perform reliable authentication certification.

[0096] Application [A] 9 is downloaded to and operated on terminal 2a, and various businesses and the like can use it to write product information and transaction information to blockchain data 8b on dedicated platform 8. Application [B] 11 is downloaded to and operated on terminal 2b, and consumers can read product information and transaction information for products 5 requiring appraisal that have been written to blockchain data 8b on dedicated platform 8. For example, application [A] 9 may have the same functions as application [B] 11, and application [B] 11 may have the same functions as application [A] 9.

[0097] The private key α recorded on the small recording medium (a1) 51a of the product 5 requiring appraisal １, information including product information, and a secret key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24. １ The information, including the product information, can be read via wireless communication by bringing a reader 25 connected to the terminal 2a or a terminal 2b configured as a smartphone close to the terminal 2a. In such a case, the information can also be read contactlessly using short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier).

[0098] Figure 6 shows an example of blockchain data 8b in which various businesses record product information and transaction information on a dedicated platform 8 for a product 5 requiring authentication when conducting analog property authentication certification.

[0099] After the product 5 requiring authentication is manufactured by a manufacturer, creator, author, etc., it is shipped together with a guarantee card 24. At the time of shipping, the person in charge at the manufacturer, creator, author, etc. first uses application [A] 9 to write information including the following product information and 5W1H information (who, when, where, what, why, and how), such as the product name, product number, manufacturer, manufacturing location, and manufacturing date, into the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8.

[0100] Next, the person in charge of the manufacturer, producer, author, etc. uses application [A] 9 to write the product information inspection results and information including 5W1H information recorded by the person in charge of the manufacturer, producer, author, etc. into the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8.

[0101] Next, after the product 5 requiring appraisal is shipped from the manufacturer, producer, author, etc., the logistics company uses application [A] 9 to write information including the date and time the product was received from the manufacturer, producer, author, etc., the date and time the product was delivered to the wholesaler, and 5W1H information, into the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8.

[0102] After the product 5 requiring appraisal arrives from the distributor, the wholesaler uses application [A] 9 to write information including, for example, the date and time the product was delivered by the distributor, the date and time the distributor transported it to the retailer, and 5W1H information, into the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8.

[0103] In this way, product information and transaction information from various vendors etc. is sequentially written into the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8.

[0104] The authority to write product information and transaction information to the blockchain data 8b is given only to each of the various traders, etc. related to this information. For example, each of the various traders, etc. may be given only the authority to write product information.

[0105] In this way, various businesses etc. sequentially write down the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring appraisal, so that the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring appraisal can be accurately recorded even if the product 5 is distributed through a complex distribution route or sold over the Internet.

[0106] Furthermore, by writing the product information and transaction information to the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8, it is possible to completely prevent the product information and transaction information from being tampered with. That is, each block in the blockchain data 8b includes a timestamp and a link (hash value) to the previous block, and the data in a block cannot be retroactively changed.

[0107] A consumer who purchases a new or used product 5 requiring authentication can use terminal 2b, private key α1 assigned to the product 5 requiring authentication, and private key β1 assigned to the guarantee card 24, to use application [B] 11 to read the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication that have been written to the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8. This allows only the genuine consumer who owns the product 5 requiring authentication and the guarantee card 24 to easily provide highly reliable authentication proof.

[0108] Similarly, with this type of analog goods authentication certification, consumers who purchase a product 5 requiring authentication that has been distributed through complex distribution channels or sold over the internet can easily obtain highly reliable authentication certification. In this analog goods authentication certification, various businesses sequentially write product information and transaction information for the product 5 requiring authentication to the blockchain data 8b on the dedicated platform 8. This allows the product information and transaction information to be accurately recorded and completely prevents tampering with the product information and transaction information. This further increases the reliability of the authentication certification.

[0109] In the analog goods authentication certification, the secret key α １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ By using the above, only the genuine consumer who owns the product 5 to be authenticated and the guarantee card 24 can certify the authentication by reading the product information and transaction information of the product 5 to be authenticated that have been written to the blockchain data 8b of the dedicated platform 8. Therefore, a third party who does not own the product 5 to be authenticated or the guarantee card 24 cannot certify the authentication itself.

[0110] In addition, when conducting the analog goods appraisal certification, the product to be appraised 5 includes a small recording medium (a １ ), along with the private key α ２ A small recording medium (a) ２ )~private key α ｎ A small recording medium (a) ｎ ) can be attached or incorporated into the private key α １ , private key β １ Not only that, but also, for example, the private key α ２ ~α ｎ At least two of all private keys (e.g., private key α １ , and private key β １ , α ２ ~α ｎMulti-signature authentication can be adopted, in which authentication proof is established when at least one of n small recording media (a １ ) to (a ｎ By attaching or incorporating a small recording medium to each part of the product 5 requiring authentication, it is possible to detect even if some of the parts have been replaced with counterfeits. For example, if the product 5 requiring authentication is an automobile, by attaching or incorporating a small recording medium to the body and each tire, authentication certification can be performed for all parts.

[0111] In addition, the appraisal certification system 1 preferably includes a small recording medium (a １ ) to (a ｎ At least one of the above small recording medium (b) and the above small recording medium (c) can be equipped with a GPS function. This makes it possible to easily locate the location of each part of the product requiring appraisal 5 or the guarantee card 24 even if they are lost or stolen.

[0112] When performing hybrid authentication certification by combining such analog goods authentication certification with the above-mentioned digital goods authentication certification, as shown in Figure 7(a), three items are prepared: the product to be authenticated 5 and guarantee card 24 required for analog goods authentication certification, and the transaction hash or two-dimensional code required for digital goods authentication certification.

[0113] Then, using the terminal 72, the private key α assigned to the product 5 to be appraised is １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １is used to read the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication, which are recorded in the blockchain 8a of the dedicated platform 8. At the same time, the transaction hash or two-dimensional code is used to access an application installed on the terminal 72 and perform authentication certification. In addition to being able to determine the consistency of the transaction hash or two-dimensional code on the application side, it is also possible to determine whether the read product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication are both correct. Only when it is determined that both authentication results in these multi-sig authentications are correct can it be determined that the product 5 requiring authentication is genuine.

[0114] Let us suppose that the secret key α is assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated and used for analog goods authentication certification. １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ Even if the digital property authentication certificate is forged or illegally copied, this hybrid authentication certificate cannot be overlooked unless authentication is performed using the transaction hash or two-dimensional code used in this digital property authentication certificate. In other words, this hybrid authentication certificate can provide a more reliable authentication certification system 1 by incorporating digital property authentication certificates in addition to analog property authentication certificates.

[0115] While the present invention has been described using an example in which three items are prepared, namely, the product to be authenticated 5, the guarantee card 24, and either a transaction hash or a two-dimensional code, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7(b), a hybrid authentication certificate can be similarly obtained by preparing a combination of only two items, namely, the product to be authenticated 5 or the guarantee card 24, and either a transaction hash or a two-dimensional code.

[0116] That is, in the analog goods authentication certification, the secret key α assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated is １ , or the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １is used to read the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication recorded in the blockchain 8a of the dedicated platform 8. In addition, the transaction hash or two-dimensional code can be used to determine consistency via an application installed on the terminal 72. Only when all of the authentication results in these multi-sig authentications are determined to be correct can the product 5 requiring authentication be determined to be genuine.

[0117] Furthermore, as an alternative to the above-described analog property authentication certificate, ownership verification may be performed through a blockchain wallet for storing tokens such as Ethereum, as described below. The blockchain wallet ownership verification described below is one example, and may be, for example, a DID (Decentralized Identity), an SSI (Self-Sovereign Identity), or a DIW (Digital Identity Wallet). Furthermore, verifiable credentials (VC) certified by governments or public institutions, such as what is called a gBizID or My Number (Individual Number) in Japan, may also be used as an alternative, and of course, any other means of ownership verification may be used without limitation.

[0118] As an alternative to the above-mentioned guarantee card 24, a microchip (IC chip), a two-dimensional code, an electronic watermark, etc. may be used as appropriate depending on the shape, structure, size, etc.

[0119] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of proof of ownership through a blockchain wallet.

[0120] In step S31, the owner 41 first requests a one-time token from the backend 42. The owner 41 here is, for example, the owner of a blockchain wallet that can be used as a web browser extension or smartphone app, and is shown as an example of the user mentioned above. The owner 41 sends and receives information through the frontend, which refers to the element that directly exchanges data with the owner 41, and in web development, refers to the web browser side (client side). The backend 42 refers to server-side processing and generally refers to mechanisms, functions, and components such as servers, databases, functions, and programs and modules that are invisible to the owner 41.

[0121] Next, the process proceeds to step S32, where the backend 42 returns the one-time token to the owner 41. The expiration date of this one-time token may be, for example, a few seconds to a few minutes.

[0122] Next, the process moves to step S33, where the owner 41 issues a signature creation request to the blockchain wallet 43. This blockchain wallet 43 is, for example, a program that handles crypto assets. With this blockchain wallet 43, the address and its private key are not stored on an external server, and remittance processing and the like may all be performed on the browser.

[0123] Next, the process proceeds to step S34, where the signature is returned from the blockchain wallet 43 to the owner 41.

[0124] Next, the process moves to step S35, where the owner 41 sends the message, one-time token, signature data, and blockchain wallet address to the backend 42. That is, before signing, the owner 41 requests a one-time token for owner authentication from the backend 42, which is used for signing. When sending the signature data to the backend 42, the owner 41 also sends the one-time token described above. The backend 42 verifies the signature data and one-time token.

[0125] The backend 42 converts the signed message into hash data according to the standard, and then transmits the hash message and signature data to the smart contract 44 (step S36). The smart contract 44 here is a mechanism for automatically executing a contract on the blockchain 8a, and runs on the server of the blockchain 8a.

[0126] Next, the process proceeds to step S37, where the smart contract 44 returns the verification address to the backend 42. The backend 42 verifies the verification address. In this case, the backend 42 checks the consistency between the blockchain wallet address and the verification blockchain wallet address.

[0127] Next, the process proceeds to step S38, where the backend 42 transmits the blockchain wallet owner certificate to the owner 41. When the owner 41 wishes to certify the ownership of the product 5 requiring appraisal, this can be achieved by reading out the owner certification data (blockchain wallet owner certification) recorded in the smart contract (blockchain 8a) in this manner.

[0128] Therefore, as an alternative to the analog property authentication certificate described above, it is possible to read out the owner certification data (blockchain wallet owner certification) recorded in the blockchain 8a in this manner, and perform hybrid authentication certification based on the transaction hash or two-dimensional code issued from the dedicated platform 8, as shown in Figure 9(a).

[0129] In addition, when using such a blockchain wallet owner certificate, it may be further combined with an analog goods authentication certificate, as shown in Figure 9(b). In such a case, the private key α assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated in the analog goods authentication certificate １ and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ Alternatively, a private key α １ or private key β １In addition to the proof-of-owner data (blockchain wallet proof-of-owner), transaction hash, or two-dimensional code, the private key α １ and / or private key β １ Based on this, it will be possible to carry out hybrid appraisal certification.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the present invention, authentication via NFT is not essential, and authentication may be performed via an identifier as shown in Figure 10. Since the identifier itself is unique, authentication can be performed via this identifier.

[0131] The consumer or manufacturer / producer / author, etc., obtains the identifier from the dedicated platform 8. At this time, if a two-dimensional code corresponding to the identifier has been generated in step S23 in addition to the identifier, the consumer or manufacturer / producer / author, etc., may obtain the two-dimensional code.

[0132] At the time of authentication, in addition to the acquired identifier or the two-dimensional code corresponding to the identifier, the secret key α assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated as shown in FIG. 10(a) is also used. １ , or as shown in FIG. 10(b), a private key α １ and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ Prepare the following.

[0133] Then, using terminal 2, private key α １ , or private key α １ and private key β １is used to read the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring appraisal recorded in the blockchain 8a via the dedicated platform 8. At the same time, the identifier or a two-dimensional code corresponding to the identifier is used to access the dedicated platform 8 or the distributed file server 3 and read the identifier of the product 5 requiring appraisal recorded there. Only when it is determined that the read product information, transaction information, and identifier of the product 5 requiring appraisal are all correct can the product 5 be determined to be genuine. Note that the criteria for determining whether a product is genuine may be, for example, that at least one of the product information, transaction information, and identifier of the product 5 requiring appraisal is correct, and can be set arbitrarily depending on the application.

[0134] In the example of Figure 10, a hybrid authentication proof may be performed by further combining owner proof data (blockchain wallet owner proof).

[0135] For example, in the case of a digital asset, as shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the acquired identifier or the two-dimensional code corresponding to the identifier, the secret key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 is also used. １ In the case of a digital asset, the product to be authenticated 5 is not embodied as a physical object, and the small recording medium a itself cannot be attached. Therefore, the private key α １ is omitted, and the private key β １ In the example of Fig. 11, a hybrid authentication proof may be performed by further combining owner proof data (blockchain wallet owner proof).

[0136] Authentication by Counting Up The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented by incorporating authentication by counting up.

[0137] In this count-up authentication certification, the time of the authentication certification is sequentially recorded on the blockchain 8a each time the above-mentioned authentication certification is performed. For example, if the authentication certification is performed at 10:15 on August 19th, the time of 10:15 on August 19th is recorded on the blockchain 8a. If the next authentication certification is performed at 9:54 on September 23rd, the time of 9:54 on September 23rd is recorded on the blockchain 8a. If the next authentication certification is performed at 1:34 on November 4th, the time of 1:34 on November 4th is recorded on the blockchain 8a. As a result, the time points at which authentication certifications are recorded are sequentially accumulated on the blockchain 8a.

[0138] The authentication certification by counting up is based on the time when it was recorded in the blockchain 8a. For example, if multiple authentication certifications are recorded in the blockchain 8a at the same time, it is clear that one of the products 5 to be authenticated is genuine and the other is a fake. In such a case, a notification to that effect may be sent.

[0139] Furthermore, if the time difference between the authentication certificates is several tens of seconds, several minutes to several tens of minutes, or even several hours, it may be suspicious because it is rare for the same item to be authenticated frequently. In such cases, a notification to that effect may also be sent.

[0140] In this way, the authenticity is determined based on the time of the authentication certification recorded sequentially in the blockchain 8 a. At this time, a threshold may be set for the interval between the times recorded in the blockchain 8 a, and authentication certification may be performed based on whether or not the interval is below the threshold.

[0141] Furthermore, in addition to the time of the authentication certification, location information regarding the location where the authentication certification was performed may also be linked and recorded in the blockchain 8a. For example, if the location where the authentication certification was performed is "Marunouchi, Tokyo" in addition to the time of August 19th, 10:15, then the time of August 19th, 10:15, and the location information "Marunouchi, Tokyo" are recorded in the blockchain 8a. If the next time the authentication certification was performed is December 21st, 2:09 PM, and the location where the authentication certification was performed is "Address XX in Paris," then the time of December 21st, 2:09 PM, and the location information "Address XX in Paris" are recorded in the blockchain 8a. As a result, the time at which each authentication certification is recorded and its location information are sequentially accumulated on the blockchain 8a.

[0142] In this case, if the location information recorded in the blockchain 8a at the time of the first authentication certification is Tokyo and the location information recorded at the time of the subsequent authentication certification is Paris, and the time interval between these two certifications is only two hours, it is clear that one of the products to be authenticated 5 is genuine and the other is a fake, since it is impossible to fly from Tokyo to Paris in two hours. In such a case, a notification to that effect may be sent to the registered email address, or an alert pop-up may be displayed via an application implemented on the terminal 2, or a red warning message may be displayed on the screen.

[0143] In this way, the authenticity of the authentication certificate is determined based on the time and location information of the authentication certificate recorded sequentially in the blockchain 8a. In this case, if a threshold is set for the interval between the times recorded in the blockchain 8a and the determination is made, the threshold may be set in relation to the location information.

[0144] In addition, this determination of authenticity may be based on whether or not the authentication was performed over a distance that is impossible to travel within a predetermined time, or may be based on whether or not a predetermined number of authentications were performed in a day, or whether the total number of authentications exceeded a predetermined number, regardless of location information. That is, the authenticity is determined based on the number of authentications performed in a predetermined period of time. The authenticity is determined based on whether or not the number of authentications performed in a predetermined period of time exceeds a threshold. If the number of authentications performed in a predetermined period of time exceeds the threshold, it is unusual for so many authentications to be performed in such a short period of time, so the authenticity may be determined to be suspicious and an alert may be sent.

[0145] Furthermore, if the product to be authenticated 5 is a cosmetic product or the like and has an IC chip-equipped tamper-evident seal affixed to it, the IC chip-equipped tamper-evident seal will be broken upon use. Therefore, it is impossible for the product to be authenticated multiple times. Even if multiple authentications were made, it would clearly prove that counterfeit products are in circulation. In such cases, it would be beneficial to determine the authenticity of the product based on the number of authentications made within a specified period.

[0146] Table 1 shows an example of the time and location information of the authentication certifications recorded sequentially in the blockchain 8a. The number of times the authentication result has been displayed indicates the number of times the authentication certification has been performed. The time is displayed using the date and time. The location information is displayed at the country, prefecture, city, town, or village level, but is not limited to this.

[0147]

[0148] Incidentally, the acquisition of the location information is implemented, for example, in the terminal 2 and / or the terminal 72 that is to perform the appraisal certification.

[0149] The current location information may be obtained via an application, or the information may be obtained by tracing the accessed IP address.

[0150] Authentication using traceability The following explains the authentication method using traceability.

[0151] 12 shows the flow of an authentication and certification method using traceability. In the authentication and certification method, multiple users related to the product 5 to be authenticated possess first verification information. The first verification information includes at least one of the above-mentioned blockchain wallet address, the public key used to generate the blockchain wallet address, the private key used to generate the blockchain wallet address, the DID, the SSI, the DIW, or the VC (e.g., the G Biz ID or My Number).

[0152] For example, when a DID is used as the first verification information, the information to be used can be set for each user. This makes it possible to suppress the use of unnecessary information. In addition to the above, for example, a GBiz ID or My Number can be positioned as more reliable information than a DID. Therefore, by using a GBiz ID, My Number, or DIW as the first verification information, it is possible to improve the reliability of the appraisal and certification method.

[0153] Furthermore, during authentication and certification, the first verification information held by the user as the authentication certifier is regarded as first signature information and is used to determine consistency with the first verification information recorded in the blockchain 8a, etc. Note that in the authentication and certification method, the consistency can be determined by, for example, performing the processes of "signature" and "signature verification" in electronic signature technology.

[0154] The following describes a case where a blockchain wallet address is used as the first verification information and the first signature information. Note that the same applies to cases where at least one of DID, SSI, DIW, and VC (e.g., G Biz ID or My Number) is used as the first verification information and the first signature information, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] Before starting this flow, it is assumed that each user, such as a manufacturer, creator, author, logistics company, or consumer, has been assigned the above-described blockchain wallet address. This blockchain wallet address may be assigned by the system operator. The private key and public key associated with this blockchain wallet address may be distributed to users, such as the manufacturer, creator, author, logistics company, or consumer, who hold the blockchain wallet address. Alternatively, the private key and public key may be recorded within a configuration used in the authentication and certification system 1, such as the dedicated platform 8 described above. For example, they may be included in a small recording medium (e.g., a two-dimensional code) or as part of the NFT information. These keys can be set arbitrarily depending on the application. Alternatively, each entity, such as a manufacturer, creator, author, logistics company, or consumer, may independently obtain a blockchain wallet address.

[0156] First, in step S41, digital property data is acquired for the product 5 requiring authentication. This digital property data acquisition is performed for the subject of authentication certification. As described above, this digital property data may be digital property data obtained by a manufacturer, creator, author, etc., capturing an image via the terminal 2. Alternatively, it may be data originally assigned to the product 5 requiring authentication or recorded on a recording medium and linked to the product 5. This digital property data may be any digital content requiring authentication certification, such as digital images, digital audio, digital music, or digital video, and may have file extensions such as .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp3, or .mov. At this time, the aforementioned supplementary information and any product information related to the product 5 requiring authentication may also be acquired together with this digital property data. In such cases, a CSV-formatted file containing such digital property data, registration number, supplementary information, product information, etc. may be acquired.

[0157] Next, the process proceeds to step S42, where such digital property data, accompanying information, product information, etc. are registered on the dedicated platform 8, thereby obtaining NFT information in the same manner as described above, and automatically generating a transaction hash corresponding to the NFT information. This transaction hash may be embodied as data such as an ID (also referred to as a TxID), or may be embodied as a blockchain address.

[0158] Then, a new first hash is generated by further hashing based on this transaction hash. Note that instead of generating the first hash based on the transaction hash, the transaction hash itself may be used as the first hash.

[0159] The issued NFT information is naturally linked to the transaction hash, and is also linked to the first hash generated from the transaction hash. This NFT information is recorded on the blockchain 8a.

[0160] Next, the process proceeds to step S43, in which, similarly to the above-mentioned analog goods appraisal certificate, the small recording medium (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , product information, transaction information, and / or a secret key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24. １ , product information, and transaction information are read, and a second hash generated when recording the read information in the blockchain 8a is obtained.

[0161] The guarantee card 24 includes not only a physical guarantee card that is actually embodied as a card-shaped item, but also a logical guarantee card that is digital information without being embodied as an item.

[0162] Next, the process proceeds to step S44, where a new third hash is generated based on the obtained first hash and second hash. This third hash may be generated by multiplying or summing the first hash and the second hash, and using this as the third hash, or by any other well-known method. The obtained third hash is recorded on the blockchain 8a. At this time, this third hash may be recorded by linking it to the above-mentioned NFT information or a transaction hash corresponding to the NFT information and a two-dimensional code.

[0163] The pre-processing of steps S41 to S44 described above may be performed in advance by the operating company, or may be performed by other related parties (manufacturers, manufacturers, copyright holders, distribution companies, consumers, etc.). The subsequent process of distribution of the product to be appraised 5 from the manufacturers, manufacturers, and copyright holders to distribution companies and consumers begins with step S45, which will be described below.

[0164] In the present invention, blockchain wallet addresses may be assigned using Web 2.0, which can be considered a centralized system, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be embodied using Web 3.0, which stores all of an individual's digital assets in a blockchain wallet without requiring the input of personal information (gender, nationality, race, age, etc.), and which makes it impossible for anyone to erase the wallet. In other words, Web 3.0 may be a decentralized system that does not rely on centralization.

[0165] In step S45, the product 5 requiring appraisal, which was created by the manufacturer / producer / author, is first transferred to the distribution company. That is, in step S45, the ownership of the product 5 requiring appraisal is transferred from the manufacturer / producer / author to the distribution company. At this time, the small recording media (a1) and small recording media (b) accompanying the product 5 requiring appraisal are also transferred in the same manner. The ownership of the NFT information of the product 5 requiring appraisal is also transferred in the same manner.

[0166] Each time a transfer occurs, the blockchain wallet address of the transferee's owner is recorded in association with the NFT information. Before the transfer, the blockchain wallet addresses of the manufacturer, producer, and author were recorded in association with the NFT information, but when the transfer occurs, the blockchain wallet address of the logistics company is recorded in association with the NFT information. In such cases, various businesses may use application [A] or the like to record the blockchain wallet address used at the time of the transfer in the blockchain 8a of the dedicated platform 8.

[0167] That is, in step S45, for example, using application [A] 9 as a recording means, the first verification information (here, blockchain wallet addresses) held by each of multiple users involved in the product to be authenticated 5 can be linked to the NFT information and recorded in the order in which the multiple users are involved. Note that in step S45, for example, the terminal 2, 72 held by the user or the dedicated platform 8 may be used as the recording means instead of application [A] 9. Furthermore, the recording means may record various information such as the first verification information in, for example, the distributed file server 3 or another database, in addition to the blockchain 8a.

[0168] Also, in step S45, the logistics company receives this transaction hash or two-dimensional code from various businesses or the dedicated platform 8 (for example, a marketplace) along with the product requiring appraisal 5. The logistics company that has received the transaction hash or two-dimensional code can use the transaction hash or two-dimensional code to access the blockchain 8a of the dedicated platform 8 and read the NFT information of the product requiring appraisal 5 recorded therein.

[0169] In step S46, the product 5 to be inspected is transferred from the distribution company to the consumer. １ ), and the small-sized recording medium (b) will also be transferred in the same manner. In addition, the ownership of the NFT information of the product requiring appraisal 5 will also be transferred in the same manner.

[0170] Each time a transfer occurs, the blockchain wallet address of the owner of the transfer destination is linked to the NFT information and recorded, so the new owner's blockchain wallet address is linked to the NFT information and recorded.

[0171] Also, in step S46, the consumer receives this transaction hash or two-dimensional code from various businesses or the dedicated platform 8 (e.g., a marketplace) along with the product requiring authentication 5. The consumer who receives the transaction hash or two-dimensional code can use the transaction hash or two-dimensional code to access the blockchain 8a of the dedicated platform 8 and read the NFT information of the product requiring authentication 5 recorded therein.

[0172] Such a consumer can attempt to authenticate the product 5 requiring authentication via the dedicated platform 8. Step S47 will be described below as an example of the operation during authentication, and a user such as a consumer attempting this authentication is referred to as an authentication certifier.

[0173] In step S47, the appraisal certifier first writes to the log by accessing the dedicated platform 8, and ultimately the blockchain 8a. This log writing can be achieved from the user interface of the application, and for example, the appraisal certifier's personal information, such as his / her name and date of birth, and any other information is entered by following the instructions on the user interface. Even without user interface guidance, any information entered by the appraisal certifier, or any character string that has no meaning as information, can be considered as writing to this log.

[0174] In such a case, if a private key is assigned to the authentication certifier when the blockchain wallet address is assigned, the authentication certifier may access the log via this private key. Of course, the authentication certifier may generate and use the blockchain address itself. When signing using the private key, the blockchain wallet address can be automatically obtained on the blockchain 8a. Alternatively, the private key may be entered on a user interface, and the dedicated platform 8 may verify whether or not a blockchain wallet address has been assigned to that private key. If a blockchain wallet address has been assigned to the private key, the dedicated platform 8 signs it. If this signature is created, the log writing is considered successful; otherwise, the log writing is considered unsuccessful. This signature may be automatically executed by a program.

[0175] To write a log, a signature may be required via a private key, for example. Once the signature is entered, a blockchain wallet address can be automatically obtained on the blockchain 8a. Therefore, the blockchain wallet address can be obtained by prompting the appraisal certifier to write a log via the user interface. For example, a public key can be identified via the private key, and the blockchain wallet address can be obtained via this public key.

[0176] The dedicated platform 8 can determine that it is the owner of the blockchain wallet address. On the other hand, if the log writing fails, it can determine that it is not the owner of the blockchain wallet address. If it determines that it is the owner of the blockchain wallet address, it reads out the determined blockchain wallet address (hereinafter referred to as the second blockchain wallet address or the first signature information).

[0177] The method for obtaining the second blockchain wallet address is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and any other method may be used. The second blockchain wallet address may be obtained by having the authentication certifier input it directly.

[0178] In step S47, the blockchain wallet address linked to the NFT information corresponding to the transaction hash or the corresponding two-dimensional code obtained from the authentication certifier is read from the blockchain 8a. Hereinafter, the blockchain wallet address read from the blockchain 8a will be referred to as the first blockchain wallet address (or first verification information).

[0179] Next, the consistency between the first blockchain wallet address and the second blockchain wallet address is determined. If the first blockchain wallet address and the second blockchain wallet address are identical, the matching is complete. Once the matching is complete, it can be determined that the product to be authenticated 5 is genuine and not a counterfeit. On the other hand, if the first blockchain wallet address and the second blockchain wallet address are not identical, it can be determined that the authentication certifier is not the owner of the product to be authenticated 5.

[0180] The reason for this is that each time the ownership of NFT information changes, the first blockchain wallet address that is linked to and recorded serves as evidence that the product is authentic. This serves as evidence that the holder of the second blockchain wallet address that is the same as this first blockchain wallet address currently owns the authentic product 5 that needs to be authenticated. Therefore, by determining the consistency between this first blockchain wallet address and the second blockchain wallet address, it is possible to authenticate the product 5 that needs to be authenticated.

[0181] For example, the first verification information such as the first blockchain address read in step S47 is consistent with the first signature information held by the most recent user of multiple users who is involved in the product to be authenticated 5. In this case, in step S47, only the most recent user can authenticate as the authentication certifier. This makes it easy to identify the user who currently owns or manages the product to be authenticated 5.

[0182] The first verification information such as the first blockchain address read in step S47 is consistent with the first signature information held by, for example, a user (i.e., a past user) who was involved before the most recent user involved in the product to be authenticated 5 among multiple users. In this case, in step S47, the past user can perform authentication certification as an authentication certifier. This makes it possible to identify users who have been involved in the product to be authenticated 5.

[0183] For example, step S47 may involve a process of granting a user who has met the authentication requirements for the product 5 the authority to view at least a portion of the information related to the product 5 (e.g., product information and transaction information used when recording in the blockchain 8a).

[0184] In addition, in step S47, the judgment may be made by combining, for example, the appraisal certificate described below.

[0185] In step S47, a fourth hash is generated based on the transaction hash obtained from the authentication certifier or the transaction hash associated with the NFT information corresponding to the corresponding two-dimensional code. The method for generating this fourth hash is the same as the method for generating the first hash described above.

[0186] In step S47, the small recording medium (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , product information, transaction information, and / or a secret key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24. １, product information, and transaction information are read, and a fifth hash is generated when the read information is recorded in the blockchain 8a.

[0187] Next, a sixth hash is newly generated based on the fourth hash and fifth hash obtained. The method for generating this sixth hash is the same as the method for generating the third hash described above.

[0188] The consistency between the sixth hash and the third hash obtained in this way is determined.

[0189] If the product to be authenticated 5 is genuine, the small recording medium (a １ The fifth hash generated when recording information read from the small recording medium (b) 51a and the small recording medium (b) 52a on the blockchain 8a is the same as the second hash. If the authentication certifier possesses a genuine product, the fourth hash generated based on the transaction hash received from the dedicated platform 8 (e.g., a marketplace) or the transaction hash linked to the two-dimensional code is the same as the first hash.

[0190] Therefore, whether the product to be authenticated 5 is authentic can be determined by determining whether the sixth hash generated based on the fourth hash and the fifth hash is identical to the third hash. Specifically, after generating the sixth hash, a search is performed to determine whether the same third hash is stored on the blockchain 8a. In this way, by determining the authenticity not only based on the first hash and the second hash but also based on the third hash generated based on these, confidentiality can be further improved. In addition, when recording in the blockchain 8a, instead of recording both the first hash and the second hash, it is only necessary to record only one third hash reflecting these, thereby improving the recording speed and speeding up processing operations.

[0191] In the present invention, the authentication of the product to be authenticated 5 may be verified by determining both the consistency between the first and second blockchain wallet addresses and the consistency between the third hash and the sixth hash. That is, if the first and second blockchain wallet addresses are identical and the third hash and the sixth hash are identical, the verification is complete. Upon completion of the verification, it is determined that the product to be authenticated 5 is genuine. On the other hand, if either or both of the first and second blockchain wallet addresses, or the third hash and the sixth hash are not identical, it can be determined that the authentication certifier is not the owner of the product to be authenticated 5.

[0192] In this way, the present invention can perform authentication certification based on completely different methods: the consistency between the first blockchain wallet address and the second blockchain wallet address, and the consistency between the third hash and the sixth hash. Therefore, even if a product 5 successfully evades one method of authentication certification and is determined to be genuine, if it is determined to be a counterfeit by the other method of authentication certification, the product 5 will not be determined to be genuine. In this way, it is possible to achieve higher levels of authentication certification accuracy for products 5 that require stronger authentication certification.

[0193] The above-described steps S43 to S47 may be performed using the application [A] 9 and the application [B] 11, or at least a part of the steps may be performed using the dedicated platform 8, for example.

[0194] In addition to the above, for example, the authentication certification method may perform authentication certification without generating the third hash and the sixth hash. In this case, the second to fourth verification information and the second to fourth signature information are used for authentication certification. Each piece of verification information and each piece of signature information may include, for example, hash-format information, or may include information obtained by encrypting or digitally signing hash-format information (hereinafter referred to as encryption, etc.). Note that each piece of verification information and each piece of signature information may include, for example, at least one of a private key and a public key used for encryption, etc.

[0195] In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, in step S43a, which is a modification of step S43, the small recording medium (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , product information, and transaction information, and records second verification information in the blockchain 8a. The second verification information is stored in the blockchain 8a. １ , product information, and transaction information, and a secret key α １ In addition to the above, the second verification information may represent information that has been encrypted using a private key α １ At least one of the product information and transaction information may be shown in hash format information obtained when recording it in the blockchain 8a, or information obtained by performing encryption or other processing on the hash.

[0196] In step S43a, the private key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24 is １ , product information, and transaction information, and record third verification information in the blockchain 8a. The third verification information is based on the private key β １ , product information, and transaction information, and a secret key β １ In addition to the above, the third verification information may represent information encrypted using a private key β １ At least one of the product information and transaction information may be shown in hash format information obtained when recording it in the blockchain 8a, or information obtained by performing encryption or other processing on the hash.

[0197] In step S43a, fourth verification information generated based on, for example, the transaction hash is recorded in the blockchain. The fourth verification information may indicate the transaction hash or may indicate information obtained by encrypting the transaction hash. The fourth verification information may be generated based on, for example, a two-dimensional code corresponding to the transaction hash.

[0198] Step S43a can be performed using the application [A] 9, or alternatively, for example, at least a part of the processing can be performed using the dedicated platform 8.

[0199] Thereafter, without performing the above-described step S44, in step S47a which is a modification of step S47, the small recording medium (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , product information, and transaction information. The second signature information indicates information including at least one of the product information and transaction information, or may indicate, for example, information in a hash format generated when reading at least one of the product information and transaction information and recording the read information in the blockchain 8a. Note that the second signature information may be obtained, for example, by implementing a generation method similar to that of the fifth hash described above.

[0200] In step S47a, the private key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24 obtained from the appraisal certifier, for example, is １ , and obtain third signature information based on information including at least one of product information and transaction information. The third signature information indicates information including at least one of product information and transaction information, or may indicate, for example, information in hash format generated when reading at least one of product information and transaction information and recording the read information in the blockchain 8a. Note that the third signature information may be obtained, for example, by implementing a generation method similar to that of the fifth hash described above.

[0201] In step S47a, the fourth signature information is obtained based on, for example, a transaction hash obtained from an authentication certifier or a two-dimensional code corresponding to the transaction hash. Note that the fourth signature information may be obtained by, for example, implementing a generation method similar to that for the fourth hash described above.

[0202] Then, in step S47a, at least one of the consistency between the second verification information and the second signature information, the consistency between the third verification information and the third signature information, and the consistency between the fourth verification information and the fourth signature information is determined. The consistency between each piece of verification information and the signature information may be determined, for example, for information of the same format (e.g., information in hash format), or may be determined for information in hash format on one side and information that has undergone processing such as encryption on the other side. In either case, the determination can be made using known techniques. Furthermore, as a method for determining the consistency between each piece of signature information and each piece of verification information, for example, after acquiring each piece of signature information, a search may be performed to determine whether the same verification information is recorded on the blockchain 8a, and then the determination may be made based on the results of the search.

[0203] In this case, for example, if at least one of the results of the comparison between the first verification information and the first signature information, the results of the comparison between the third verification information and the third signature information, and the results of the comparison between the fourth verification information and the fourth signature information is consistent, and if the results of the comparison between the second verification information and the second signature information is consistent, the product to be authenticated 5 may be deemed to be a genuine product. This makes it possible to achieve authentication of the product to be authenticated 5 using other information even if a defect occurs in some of the information used for authentication certification, thereby expanding the possibilities for use.

[0204] Step S47a can be performed using the application [B] 11, or alternatively, for example, it can be performed using the dedicated platform 8 for at least a part of the processing.

[0205] According to the authentication certification system 1 in the above-described embodiment, highly reliable authentication certification can be performed even when authenticating digital goods. Furthermore, the authentication certification method in the above-described embodiment can be implemented using, for example, each component of the authentication certification system 1, and highly reliable authentication certification can be performed even when authenticating digital goods.

[0206] The electronic devices, such as the terminals 2 and 72, the distributed file server 3, the dedicated platform 8, the application [A] 9, and the application [B] 11, each include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and a read-only memory (ROM), and execute the various processes described above. The electronic devices also include a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), for storing various pieces of information.

[0207] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Such novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0208] The present invention also relates to multi-signature authentication in which an authentication proof is established when multiple authentication elements are present. Here, "an authentication proof is established when multiple authentication elements are present" strictly means that an authentication proof is established when an integer number greater than half of the multiple authentication elements are present. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, "an authentication proof is established when multiple authentication elements are present" may mean "an authentication proof is established when all authentication elements are present." Note that the above-mentioned multi-signature authentication is an abbreviation for multi-signature authentication. Multi-signature (multisig) is a security technology used on the Internet, and a state in which multiple digital signatures are required when sending information such as crypto assets is called multi-signature. More specifically, the sender applies a hash function to the data to obtain an output value, which is a hash. Next, the sender encrypts the hash with a private key known only to the sender, and sends the original data, the encrypted hash, and the public key to the receiver. The receiver first applies the original data to the hash function to obtain a hash, and then decrypts the encrypted hash with the public key. If the obtained hash matches the decrypted hash, it is proven that the original data sent by the sender is the sender's own and has not been tampered with.To address the issue of private key leakage, multi-signature requires multiple private keys when sending data.

[0209] Multi-signature authentication is a security technique that requires multiple electronic signatures to authorize a specific action or transaction. The multiple authentication elements used for multi-signature authentication may include, for example, a combination of one or more product information and one or more transaction information, a combination of one or more verification information and one or more signature information, or a combination of multiple private keys. Authentication elements are not limited to these. Furthermore, "third-party authentication" may be added to the authentication element (ID). "Third-party authentication" may be authentication objectively certified by national governments, public institutions, experts, think tanks, non-profit organizations, etc. (e.g., "gBizID" or "My Number (Personal Number)" in Japan). Naturally, it is not limited to these and can be replaced with any other authentication. These technical aspects are described in detail below.

[0210] The authentication and certification system 1 shown in FIG. 1 and other figures may be configured to perform authentication and certification of the authentication target using multi-signature authentication, which requires multiple associations. This enables highly reliable authentication and certification even when authenticating analog or digital goods. The authentication and certification target may be the product (tangible object) itself, digital property data of the product (tangible object), or digital property data without a tangible object (see FIG. 23). At least one of the multiple authentication elements used for multi-signature authentication may be authenticated by a third party. Furthermore, as multiple associations, authentication and certification of the authentication target may be performed using multi-signature authentication only for a first identifier individually assigned to the authentication and certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication and certification target. Alternatively, authentication and certification of the authentication and certification target may be performed using multi-signature authentication only for a second identifier generated by recording information about the authentication and certification target linked to the first identifier on a blockchain. Alternatively, authentication and certification of the authentication and certification target may be performed using multi-signature authentication for both the first and second identifiers.

[0211] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those that utilize blockchain technology using so-called distributed ledger technology (DLT (an aspect in which the same data is recorded in all files)). When authenticating, product information regarding the product requiring authentication and transaction information at each distribution stage until the product requiring authentication is delivered to the consumer are read from the dedicated platform 8, and the authentication of the product requiring authentication is performed using the read transaction information and product information. Various other aspects may be used, even if the same data is not recorded in all files. In yet another aspect, verification information linked to the identifier of the product requiring authentication 5 is read from the dedicated platform 8, and the consistency between the verification information and signature information held by the authentication certifier is determined. The authentication of the product requiring authentication 5 may be performed by also referring to the consistency between the determined verification information and signature information. Product information refers to overall data or detailed information regarding the product, such as the product's basic characteristics, design, quality, price, usage, and market positioning, and may consist of one or more of these pieces of information. Furthermore, transaction information refers to a collection of important data or information necessary for business operations, such as details of products and services related to business transactions, prices, market trends, customer data, competitive information, supply chain management, and compliance with legal regulations, and may consist of one or more of these pieces of information. Embodiments relating to such other aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 23. In describing the embodiments relating to other aspects of the present invention using Figures 14 to 23, the same components as those in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 13 will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0212] The system configuration of an authentication and certification system according to another aspect of the present invention is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but the distributed file server 3 is not used. A storage 103 may be used instead of the distributed file server 3 (see FIG. 15), or the storage 103 may not be used (see FIG. 16). Furthermore, the dedicated platform 8 does not have a blockchain 8a, but instead has a database 108 (see FIGS. 15, 16, etc.). The database 108 does not need to be recorded collectively in a single table; it is sufficient that the elemental data are linked together in some way. It is sufficient that the elements recorded across multiple storage means are linked together in some way.

[0213] In the authentication certification system according to other aspects of the present invention, such as those shown in Figures 14 to 23, it is possible to realize two types of authentication certification, broadly classified as digital property authentication certification and hybrid authentication certification, as described below.

[0214] Digital Goods Authentication Certification First, the processing operations for digital goods authentication certification will be described. Digital goods authentication certification may involve acquiring digital goods data for the product 5 requiring authentication, as shown in FIG. 14(a). Alternatively, the subject of digital goods authentication certification may be any digital content requiring authentication certification, such as digital images, digital audio, digital music, or digital video, which are intangible objects that do not originate from tangible objects. This digital goods data is acquired for tangible or intangible objects. FIG. 23 illustrates analog goods, digital goods obtained by digitizing tangible objects, and digital goods that are digital from the beginning. Analog goods refer to the tangible object itself. Digital goods obtained by digitizing tangible objects are digital image data consisting of digital goods data captured using a terminal 2 or a digital camera, etc., of the tangible product 5 requiring authentication. In addition to digital goods obtained by digitizing the tangible product 5 requiring authentication, digital goods that are digital from the beginning may also be used. The digital property data may be configured as digital property data obtained by a manufacturer, creator, author, etc., by capturing an image via such a terminal 2, or may be data that is originally assigned to the product requiring authentication 5 or that is recorded on a storage medium and linked to the product 5. This digital property data is any digital content that requires authentication certification, such as digital images, digital audio, digital music, digital video, etc., and is given an extension such as jpg, png, gif, mp3, mov, etc.

[0215] The manufacturer, creator, or copyright owner may record the digital property data of the product 5 to be authenticated in this manner on the dedicated platform 8. The platform on which the digital property data of the product 5 to be authenticated is recorded is not limited to the dedicated platform 8, and may be a platform used for multiple purposes. As a result, the dedicated platform 8 may acquire an identifier individually assigned to the product to be authenticated. In this case, a hashed identifier may be acquired and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the identifier may be automatically generated. The identifier of the product 5 to be authenticated in this manner can be used to determine whether the product 5 is genuine. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the digital property data is recorded in the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8, and an identifier is issued, from which a unique two-dimensional code A can be generated. This unique two-dimensional code A can be used as one of the authentication elements for multi-signature authentication in an authentication certification system according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0216] 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the process of issuing a two-dimensional code from such digital product data. Note that Fig. 15 is a flowchart for the case where the storage 103 is present, and Fig. 16 is a flowchart for the case where the storage 103 is not present.

[0217] 15, first, in step S111, various businesses such as manufacturers, producers, and copyright holders (hereinafter referred to as various businesses) acquire digital property data for the product 5 requiring appraisal and record it on the dedicated platform 8. The processing operation for recording this digital property data is performed by the various businesses accessing the dedicated platform 8 via the terminal 2. In such a case, the various businesses may access the dedicated platform 8 within the terminal 2 and install applications required for carrying out various procedures in advance, thereby enabling the procedures to be executed.

[0218] Next, the process proceeds to step S112, where the dedicated platform 8 accepts the recording of digital product data. When the dedicated platform 8 accepts the recording of digital product data, it issues, for example, a marketplace registration number for that digital product data. This registration number is issued each time a new digital product data record is accepted, and therefore is unique.

[0219] Next, the process proceeds to step S113, where the digital product data accepted for recording in step S112, the issued registration number, and information on various vendors, etc., are compiled into a single folder or the like and recorded in storage 103. Details of the information on various vendors, etc., include names, corporate information, pen names, and pen names, while work information includes information such as the title of the work, the year of production and release, work specifications (size, format, technology used), the copyright of the work, and rights information on portrait rights, design rights, and the like included in the work. The method of recording the digital product data, registration number, and information on various vendors, etc., together in a single folder is one example; any method may be used as long as the digital product data, registration number, and information on various vendors, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "ancillary information") are recorded in a linked state. Note that both product information and transaction information include ancillary information.

[0220] Next, the process proceeds to step S114, where a unique ID is issued for each piece of recorded incidental information in the storage 103. The ID issued for the digital property data is called a first ID, the ID issued for the registration number is called a second IDa, and the ID issued for the information on various vendors, etc. is called a second IDb.

[0221] With regard to digital asset data, if identical digital asset data exists elsewhere or if the digital asset data has been copied by another party, the same first ID may be issued. However, since accompanying information such as a registration number is unique, the second IDa will be unique. While information about various vendors, such as company name, date of birth, copyright holder name, and copyrighted work title, may not be unique depending on its content, it is possible to assign unique IDs to each vendor individually, so the second IDb can also be unique. For example, time information such as the date, time, and seconds recorded in storage 103 can be added to increase the accuracy of uniqueness. Note that at least the digital asset data may be recorded in storage 103 in step S114.

[0222] Next, the process proceeds to step S115, where a unique identifier α is generated based on the associated additional information. By linking this generated identifier α to the additional information, it can become the identifier α possessed by the additional information. This identifier α may be generated based on the first ID, second IDa, and second IDb described above. Since the second IDa is unique and the second IDb is also unique, even if the same digital product data (first ID) is identical or duplicated, the newly generated identifier α will always be unique. This hashed identifier may also be referred to as the identifier α. Note that this identifier α may be generated based on rules defined in the storage 103 based on the additional information placed in the folder. A two-dimensional code may also be generated based on the generated identifier α (step S123).

[0223] Proceeding to step S116, the dedicated platform 8 receives the identifier α from the storage 103. If a two-dimensional code was generated in step S123, the dedicated platform 8 may receive the two-dimensional code from the storage 103. Next, proceeding to step S117, the dedicated platform 8 transmits the identifier α based on the accompanying information to the database 108. In step S118, the database 108 records the identifier α transmitted from the dedicated platform 8 in the database 108. By recording the identifier α in such a database 108, it is possible to completely prevent, for example, the identifier α from being tampered with. Furthermore, recording the identifier α in the database 108 may include temporarily storing the data of the identifier α in a cache.

[0224] Next, the process proceeds to step S119, where an identifier β is generated for the product 5 requiring appraisal. The generation of this identifier β may be performed simultaneously with the recording of the identifier α in the database 108. The issued identifier β is sent to the dedicated platform 8 (which may be, for example, a marketplace), which receives it (step S120).

[0225] Furthermore, the database 108 transmits the identifier β of the product 5 requiring appraisal to various traders, etc. as needed (step S121), who then receive the identifier β (step S122).

[0226] 16 , in step S111, various traders may acquire digital property data for the product 5 requiring appraisal and record it on the dedicated platform 8. Next, the process may proceed to step S112, where the digital property data may be recorded on the dedicated platform 8 side. The recorded data may be transmitted from the dedicated platform 8 to the database 108.

[0227] Next, the process proceeds to step S118, where the data transmitted from the dedicated platform 8 is recorded in the database 108. Next, the process proceeds to step S119, where an identifier γ is generated for the product requiring appraisal 5. The generation of this identifier γ may be performed simultaneously with the recording of the data in the database 108.

[0228] Furthermore, the database 108 transmits the identifier γ of the product 5 to be appraised to various traders, etc. as needed (step S121), and the traders, etc. receive the identifier γ (step S122).

[0229] The authority to acquire digital property data and record it on the dedicated platform 8 may be given only to various businesses, etc. For example, if the product 5 to be inspected is a bag, suitcase, clothing, watch, art or craft, automobile, etc., the authority to record the digital property data on this dedicated platform 8 may be given only to various businesses, etc. or persons licensed to act as sales agents for the product.

[0230] A trader or a consumer who purchases a new or used authentic product 5 to be inspected receives the identifiers β and γ of the product 5 from the trader or a dedicated platform 8 (e.g., a marketplace) along with the product 5 to be inspected. The trader or consumer who receives the identifiers β and γ can access the dedicated platform 8 and read the identifiers β and γ of the product 5 to be inspected, which are stored there. This allows only the genuine trader or consumer who possesses the identifiers β and γ of the product 5 to be inspected to easily and reliably authenticate the product. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 , if storage 103 is present, authentication of the product 5 to be inspected may be performed using the identifier α or β of the product 5 to be inspected, or both the identifiers α and β of the product 5 to be inspected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16 , if storage 103 is not present, authentication of the product 5 to be inspected may be performed using the identifier γ of the product 5 to be inspected. Therefore, a third party who does not possess the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be inspected cannot perform such authentication.

[0231] In this way, in the digital property authentication certification, the unique identifiers α, β, γ for only genuine products requiring authentication 5 from various businesses are sequentially written into the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8. This allows the identifiers α, β, γ of the products requiring authentication 5 to be accurately recorded, and also completely prevents the identifiers α, β, γ from being tampered with. Therefore, consumers who purchase products requiring authentication 5 from various businesses, or that are distributed through complex distribution channels or sold over the Internet, can easily obtain highly reliable authentication certification.

[0232] Note that the digital property authentication certificate is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in step S113, the case where the identifiers α, β, and γ are generated by recording additional information in addition to the digital property data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any information may be recorded as long as it is linked to at least some information related to the digital property data. The information referred to here is any information or data related to the digital property data or generated in association with the digital property data, such as the registration number and additional information on various vendors. The additional information may be composed of only one of the registration number and information on various vendors. Furthermore, the additional information may not include either the registration number or information on various vendors, but may instead be any information or data related to the digital property data or generated in association with the digital property data.

[0233] As described above, an authentication certification system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a server that generates identifiers β and γ (first identifiers) individually assigned to an authentication certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication certification target, a platform (dedicated platform 8) that records the generated identifiers β and γ, and a recording means that records verification information held by each of multiple users related to the authentication certification target in association with the identifiers. During authentication certification, the authentication certification of the authentication certification target may be performed using multi-signature authentication, which requires multiple associations. This authentication certification system also enables highly reliable authentication certification. In this case, the authentication certification system may further include a storage 103 that generates an identifier α (second identifier) ​​individually assigned to the authentication certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication certification target. Furthermore, during authentication certification, the authentication certification of the authentication certification target may be performed using multi-signature authentication for only the first identifier, only the second identifier, or both the first and second identifiers as multiple associations. Furthermore, at least one authentication factor used for multi-signature authentication may be authenticated by a third party.

[0234] In another aspect of the present invention, an authentication certification system includes a server that generates identifiers β and γ that are individually assigned to an authentication certification target based on the digital property data of the authentication certification target, a platform (dedicated platform 8) that records the generated identifiers β and γ, and recording means that records product information about the authentication certification target and transaction information at each distribution stage until the authentication certification target is delivered to the consumer, linked to the identifiers β and γ. At the time of authentication certification, the product information and transaction information linked to the identifiers β and γ may be read from the platform, and authentication of the authentication certification target may be performed using the product information and the transaction information. Such an authentication certification system also makes it possible to perform highly reliable authentication certification.

[0235] Hybrid Authentication Certification Next, the processing operation of hybrid authentication certification will be explained. In hybrid authentication certification, in addition to the digital property authentication certification described above, analog property authentication certification may be further combined to perform more accurate authentication of the product 5 requiring authentication. In such analog property authentication certification, a guarantee card 24 as shown in FIG. 4, which is sold and distributed together with the product 5 requiring authentication, may be used. １ The product information in the small recording medium (b) 51a of the guarantee card 24 and the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24 may be input by various vendors when the product 5 requiring appraisal is shipped.

[0236] 17 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of analog goods authentication certification. In addition to the components necessary for digital goods authentication certification described above, the system includes a dedicated platform 8 that records product information for the product requiring authentication 5 and transaction information at each distribution stage until the product requiring authentication 5 reaches the consumer in a database 108, a terminal 2a connected to the dedicated platform 8 via a public communication network 10 by an application [A] 9, and a terminal 2b connected to the dedicated platform 8 via the public communication network 10 by an application [B] 11. Various businesses may use the application [A] 9 to write product information and transaction information to the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8.

[0237] The consumer uses the application [B] 11 to obtain the secret key α assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated. １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ can be used to read the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication that has been written to the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8, thereby enabling consumers to easily perform reliable authentication verification.

[0238] Application [A] 9 is downloaded to and operated on terminal 2a, and various traders and the like can use it to write product information and transaction information to database 108 of dedicated platform 8. Application [B] 11 is downloaded to and operated on terminal 2b, and consumers can read product information and transaction information for products requiring appraisal 5 that have been written to database 108 of dedicated platform 8. For example, application [A] 9 may have the same functions as application [B] 11, and application [B] 11 may have the same functions as application [A] 9.

[0239] Small recording medium of product 5 requiring appraisal (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , information including product information, and a secret key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24. １ The information, including the product information, can be read via wireless communication by bringing a reader 25 connected to the terminal 2a or a terminal 2b configured as a smartphone close to the terminal 2a. In such a case, the information can also be read contactlessly using short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier).

[0240] After the product 5 requiring appraisal is manufactured by various businesses, it is shipped together with a guarantee card 24. At the time of shipping, the person in charge at the various businesses may first use application [A] 9 to write information including some or all of the following product information and 5W1H information (who, when, where, what, why, and how), such as the product name, product number, various businesses, manufacturing location, and manufacturing date, into database 108 of dedicated platform 8.

[0241] Next, the person in charge of the various businesses, etc. may use application [A] 9 to write the inspection results of the product information recorded by the person in charge of the various businesses, etc., and information including some or all of the 5W1H information, into the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8.

[0242] Next, after the product 5 requiring appraisal is shipped from the various businesses, etc., the logistics company may use application [A] 9 to write information including the date and time the product was received from the various businesses, etc., the date and time the product was delivered to the wholesaler, and some or all of the 5W1H information, into database 108 of dedicated platform 8.

[0243] After the product 5 requiring appraisal is received from the distributor, the wholesaler may use application [A] 9 to write information including the date and time when the product was delivered from the distributor and 5W1H information into the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8.

[0244] In this way, product information and transaction information from various vendors etc. is written sequentially into the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8 .

[0245] The authority to write product information and transaction information in the database 108 may be limited to each of the various traders, etc. involved in this information. For example, each of the various traders, etc. may be given only the authority to write product information.

[0246] In this way, various businesses etc. sequentially write down the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring appraisal, so that the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring appraisal can be accurately recorded even if the product 5 is distributed through a complex distribution route or sold over the Internet.

[0247] A consumer who purchases a new or second-hand product 5 requiring authentication uses the terminal 2b to access the private key α assigned to the product 5 requiring authentication. １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ , and can use the application [B] 11 to read the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication that has been written to the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8. This allows only the genuine consumer who owns the product 5 requiring authentication and the guarantee card 24 to easily and reliably prove its authenticity.

[0248] Similarly, with this type of analog goods authentication certification, consumers who purchase a product 5 requiring authentication that has been distributed through a complex distribution channel or sold over the Internet can easily obtain a highly reliable authentication certificate. In this analog goods authentication certification, various businesses may sequentially write product information and transaction information for the product 5 requiring authentication to the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8. This allows the product information and transaction information to be accurately recorded and completely prevents tampering with the product information and transaction information. This further increases the reliability of the authentication certificate.

[0249] In the analog goods authentication certification, the secret key α １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ By using the above function, only genuine consumers who own the product 5 to be authenticated and the guarantee card 24 can certify the authenticity of the product 5 by reading the product information and transaction information of the product 5 to be authenticated that have been written to the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8. Therefore, a third party who does not own the product 5 to be authenticated or the guarantee card 24 cannot certify the authenticity of the product 5 to be authenticated.

[0250] In addition, when conducting the analog goods appraisal certification, the product to be appraised 5 includes a small recording medium (a １ ) and a small recording medium (a) on which information including the private key α2 is recorded. ２ )~private key α ｎ A small recording medium (a) ｎ ) can be attached or incorporated into the private key α １ , private key β １ Not only that, but also, for example, the private key α ２ ~α ｎ At least two of all private keys (e.g., private key α １ , and private key β １ , α ２ ~α ｎMulti-signature authentication can be adopted, in which authentication proof is established when at least one of the following is present, thereby making it possible to further ensure the accuracy of authentication. As mentioned above, multi-signature authentication is a security method that requires multiple electronic signatures to approve a specific action or transaction. Furthermore, if n small recording media (a １ ) to (a ｎ By attaching or incorporating a small recording medium to each part of the product 5 requiring authentication, it is possible to detect even if some of the parts have been replaced with counterfeits. For example, if the product 5 requiring authentication is an automobile, by attaching or incorporating a small recording medium to the body and each tire, authentication certification can be performed for all parts.

[0251] In addition, the appraisal certification system 1 preferably includes a small recording medium (a １ ) to (a ｎ At least one of the above small-sized recording medium (b) and the above small-sized recording medium (c) can be equipped with a GPS function. This makes it possible to easily locate the location of each part of the product requiring appraisal 5 or the guarantee card even if they are lost or stolen.

[0252] When performing hybrid authentication certification by combining such analog property authentication certification with the above-mentioned digital property authentication certification, in addition to the product to be authenticated 5 and guarantee card 24 required for analog property authentication certification, the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product to be authenticated 5 required for digital property authentication certification may be prepared, as shown in Figure 18(a).

[0253] Then, using the terminal 72, the private key α assigned to the product 5 to be appraised is １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １may be used to read out the product information and transaction information of the product to be authenticated 5 recorded in the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8. In addition, the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product to be authenticated 5 may be used to access an application installed on the terminal 72 to perform authentication certification. The application can determine the consistency of the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code, and can also determine whether the read product information and transaction information of the product to be authenticated 5 are both correct. Only when it is determined that all of the authentication results in these multi-signature authentications are correct can it be determined that the product to be authenticated 5 is genuine.

[0254] Let us suppose that the secret key α is assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated and used for analog goods authentication certification. １ , and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ Even if the digital product authentication certificate is counterfeit or illegally copied, this hybrid authentication certificate cannot be overlooked unless authentication is provided through the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product 5 to be authenticated that are used in this digital product authentication certificate. In other words, this hybrid authentication certificate can provide a more reliable authentication certification system by incorporating digital product authentication certificates in addition to analog product authentication certificates.

[0255] 18(a), in addition to the product to be authenticated 5 and the guarantee card 24, the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product to be authenticated 5 are prepared. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 18(b), a hybrid authentication certificate can be similarly obtained by preparing a combination of only the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product to be authenticated 5 in addition to the product to be authenticated 5 or the guarantee card 24.

[0256] That is, in the analog goods authentication certification, the secret key α assigned to the product 5 to be authenticated is １ , or the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １is used to read out the product information and transaction information of the product 5 requiring authentication recorded in the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8. In addition, the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product 5 requiring authentication can be used to determine consistency via an application installed on the terminal 72. Only when all of the authentication results in these multi-signature authentications are determined to be correct can the product 5 requiring authentication be determined to be genuine.

[0257] As an alternative to the above-mentioned guarantee card 24, a microchip (IC chip), a two-dimensional code, an electronic watermark, etc. may be used as appropriate depending on the shape, structure, size, etc.

[0258] FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of ownership verification through an identifier δ representing a user in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0259] In step S131, the owner 41 first requests a one-time token from the backend 42. The owner 41 sends and receives information through the frontend. The frontend is an element that directly exchanges data with the owner 41, and in web development, it refers to the web browser side (client side). The backend 42 refers to server-side processing and generally refers to mechanisms, functions, and components such as servers, databases, functions, and programs and modules that handle processing that are not visible to the owner 41.

[0260] Next, the process proceeds to step S132, where the backend 42 returns the one-time token to the owner 41. The expiration date of this one-time token may be, for example, a few seconds to a few minutes.

[0261] Next, the process moves to step S133, where the owner 41 issues a signature creation request to the identifier δ 143 indicating the user. Next, the process moves to step S134, where the signature is returned to the owner 41 from the identifier δ 143 indicating the user.

[0262] Next, the process moves to step S135, where the owner 41 sends the message, one-time token, signature data, and an identifier δ143 indicating the user to the backend 42. That is, before signing, the owner 41 requests a one-time token for owner authentication from the backend 42, which is used for signing. When sending the signature data to the backend 42, the owner 41 also sends the one-time token described above. The backend 42 verifies the signature data and the one-time token.

[0263] The backend 42 may convert the signed message into hash data in accordance with a standard. Then, the hash message and signature data are sent to the automatic response program 144 (step S136). The automatic response program 144 here is a mechanism for automatically executing the contract on the database 108, and may run on the server of the database 108. Next, the process proceeds to step S137, where the automatic response program 144 returns a verification address to the backend 42. The backend 42 verifies the verification address.

[0264] Next, the process proceeds to step S138, where the backend 42 transmits the owner certification of the identifier δ143 indicating the user to the owner 41. When the owner 41 wishes to certify the owner of the product 5 requiring appraisal, this can be realized by reading out the owner certification data recorded in the database 108 in this manner.

[0265] Therefore, as an alternative to the analog property appraisal certificate described above, it is possible to read out the owner certification data (owner certification of identifier δ143 indicating the user) recorded in database 108 in this way, and perform hybrid appraisal certification based on the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product 5 requiring appraisal issued from the dedicated platform 8, as shown in Figure 20(a).

[0266] In addition, when using the owner certificate of the identifier δ143 indicating such a user, it may be further combined with the analog goods authentication certificate as shown in Fig. 20(b). In such a case, the secret key α １and the private key β assigned to the guarantee card 24 １ Alternatively, a private key α １ or private key β １ In addition to the owner certification data (owner certification of the identifier δ143 indicating the user), the identifiers α, β, γ or two-dimensional code of the product 5 to be authenticated, the private key α １ and / or private key β １ Based on this, it will be possible to carry out hybrid appraisal certification.

[0267] Authentication and Certification Using Traceability The following describes an authentication and certification method using traceability. Figure 21 shows the flow of the authentication and certification method using traceability. In the authentication and certification method, multiple users related to the product 5 to be authenticated possess first verification information. The first verification information is information read from the dedicated platform 8 and linked to an identifier obtained from the authentication certifier. The first verification information includes the identifier δ143 indicating the above-mentioned user.

[0268] During authentication and certification, the first verification information held by the user as the authentication certifier is regarded as first signature information and is used to determine consistency with the first verification information recorded in the database 108. In the authentication and certification method, the consistency can be determined by performing the processes of "signature" and "signature verification" in electronic signature technology, for example.

[0269] The following describes a case where the identifier δ143 indicating the user is used as the first verification information and the first signature information. Note that in the following description, a two-dimensional code may be used instead of the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be authenticated.

[0270] First, in step S141, digital property data is acquired for the product 5 requiring authentication. This digital property data acquisition is performed for the subject of authentication certification. As described above, this digital property data may be digital property data obtained by a manufacturer, creator, copyright owner, etc., by capturing an image via the terminal 2. Alternatively, the digital property data may be data originally assigned to the product 5 requiring authentication or recorded on a recording medium and linked to the product 5. This digital property data may be any digital content requiring authentication certification, such as digital images, digital audio, digital music, or digital video, and may have file extensions such as .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp3, or .mov. At this time, the aforementioned supplementary information and any product information related to the product 5 requiring authentication may also be acquired together with this digital property data. In such cases, a CSV-formatted file containing such digital property data, registration number, supplementary information, product information, etc. may be acquired.

[0271] Next, the process proceeds to step S142, where the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 requiring appraisal are obtained by recording such digital property data, accompanying information, product information, etc. on the dedicated platform 8. Then, a new first hash is generated by further hashing based on the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 requiring appraisal.

[0272] Next, the flow proceeds to step S143, and the small recording medium (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , product information, transaction information, and / or a secret key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24. １ , product information, and transaction information, and obtains a second hash generated upon recording the read information in the database 108.

[0273] The guarantee card 24 includes not only a physical guarantee card that is actually embodied as a card-shaped item, but also a logical guarantee card that is digital information without being embodied as an item.

[0274] Next, the process proceeds to step S144, where a new third hash is generated based on the obtained first hash and second hash. This third hash may be generated by multiplying or summing the first hash and the second hash, and using this as the third hash, or by any other well-known method. The generated third hash is recorded in database 108.

[0275] The pre-processing of steps S141 to S144 described above may be performed in advance by the operating company, or may be performed by other related parties (manufacturers, manufacturers, copyright holders, distribution companies, consumers, etc.). The subsequent process of distribution of the product to be appraised 5 from the manufacturers, manufacturers, and copyright holders to distribution companies and consumers begins with step S145, which will be described below.

[0276] In step S145, the product 5 to be appraised, which was created by the manufacturer / producer / author, is first transferred to the distribution company. That is, in step S145, the ownership of the product 5 to be appraised is transferred from the manufacturer / producer / author to the distribution company. At this time, the small recording media (a1) and small recording media (b) accompanying the product 5 to be appraised are also transferred in the same way. The owners of the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be appraised are also transferred in the same way.

[0277] Each time a transfer occurs, an identifier δ143 indicating the user of the owner of the transfer destination is recorded in association with the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be appraised 5. Before the transfer, the identifier δ143 indicating the user of the manufacturer, producer, and author was recorded in association with the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be appraised 5, but at the time of transfer, a new identifier δ143 indicating the user of the logistics company is recorded in association with the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be appraised 5. In such a case, various businesses may use application [A] or the like to record the identifier δ143 indicating the user at the time of transfer in the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8.

[0278] That is, in step S145, for example, using application [A] 9 as a recording means, the first verification information (here, identifier δ143 indicating the user) held by each of multiple users involved in the product to be appraised 5 can be linked to the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be appraised 5 and recorded in the order in which the multiple users are involved. Note that in step S145, for example, instead of application [A] 9, the terminal 2, 72 held by the user, the dedicated platform 8, or the like may be used as the recording means.

[0279] In step S145, the logistics company receives the identifiers α, β, γ of the product to be appraised 5 from various businesses or the dedicated platform 8 (e.g., a marketplace) along with the product to be appraised 5. The logistics company that has received the identifiers α, β, γ of the product to be appraised 5 can use the identifiers α, β, γ of the product to be appraised 5 to access the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8 and read out the identifiers α, β, γ of the product to be appraised 5 recorded therein.

[0280] The process proceeds to step S146, where the product to be appraised 5 is transferred from the distribution company to the consumer. At this time, the small recording media (a1) and (b) accompanying the product to be appraised 5 may also be transferred. The owners of the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be appraised 5 may also be transferred.

[0281] Each time a transfer occurs, an identifier δ143 indicating the user of the owner of the new location is recorded linked to the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 requiring appraisal, and a new identifier δ143 indicating the user of the owner is recorded linked to the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 requiring appraisal.

[0282] In step S146, the consumer also receives the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be inspected 5 from various businesses or the dedicated platform 8 (e.g., a marketplace) along with the product to be inspected 5. The consumer who has received the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be inspected 5 can access the database 108 of the dedicated platform 8 using the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be inspected 5 and read out the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product to be inspected 5 recorded therein.

[0283] Such a consumer can attempt to authenticate the product 5 requiring authentication via the dedicated platform 8. Step S147 will be described below as an example of the operation during authentication, and a user such as a consumer attempting this authentication will be referred to as an authentication certifier.

[0284] In step S147, the appraisal certifier first writes information to the log by accessing the dedicated platform 8 and, ultimately, the database 108. This writing to the log can be realized from the user interface of the application, and for example, personal information such as the appraisal certifier's name and date of birth, or any other information, may be entered by following the instructions on the user interface. Even without user interface guidance, any information entered by the appraisal certifier, or any character string that has no meaning as information, may be considered to be writing information to the log.

[0285] In such a case, if a private key is assigned to the authentication certifier when the identifier δ143 indicating the user is assigned, the authentication certifier may access the log via this private key. Of course, the authentication certifier may generate and use the identifier δ143 indicating the user. When signing using the private key, the identifier δ143 indicating the user can be automatically obtained from the database 108. Alternatively, the private key may be entered into a user interface, and the dedicated platform 8 may verify whether or not the identifier δ143 indicating the user assigned to the private key exists. If the identifier δ143 indicating the user is assigned to the private key, the dedicated platform 8 signs it. If this signature is executed, the log writing is deemed successful; otherwise, the log writing is deemed unsuccessful. This signature may be executed automatically by a program.

[0286] In order to write a log, a signature may be required, for example, via a private key. Once the signature is entered, an identifier δ143 identifying the user can be automatically obtained in the database 108. Therefore, by prompting the appraisal certifier to write a log on the user interface, the identifier δ143 identifying the user can be obtained. For example, a public key can be identified via the private key, and the identifier δ143 identifying the user can be obtained via this public key.

[0287] The dedicated platform 8 can determine that it is the owner of the identifier δ143 indicating the user. On the other hand, if the log writing fails, it can determine that it is not the owner of the identifier δ143 indicating the user. If it is determined that it is the owner of the identifier δ143 indicating the user, it reads out the identifier δ143 indicating the determined user (hereinafter referred to as first signature information).

[0288] The first verification information of the identifier δ143 indicating the user read in step S147 is consistent with the first signature information held by the most recent user of the multiple users who is involved in the authentication-required product 5. In this case, in step S147, only the most recent user can authenticate the product 5 as the authentication certifier. This makes it easy to identify the user who currently owns or manages the authentication-required product 5.

[0289] The first verification information read in step S147 may be consistent with the first signature information held by, for example, a user (i.e., a past user) who was involved with the authentication-required product 5 before the most recent user among multiple users. In this case, in step S147, the past user can authenticate the product 5 as an authentication certifier. This makes it possible to identify users who have been involved with the authentication-required product 5.

[0290] Furthermore, for example, step S147 may perform a process of granting a user who satisfies the authentication requirements for the product 5 to have the authority to view at least a portion of the information related to the product 5 (e.g., product information and transaction information used when recording in the database 108).

[0291] In addition, in step S147, the determination may be made by combining, for example, the appraisal certificate described below.

[0292] In step S147, a fourth hash is generated based on the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be authenticated, which are obtained from the authentication certifier. The method for generating this fourth hash is the same as the method for generating the first hash described above.

[0293] In step S147, the information including the private key α1, product information, and transaction information recorded on the small recording medium (a1) 51a of the product 5 to be authenticated and / or the information including the private key β1, product information, and transaction information recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24 is read. Then, a fifth hash value generated when recording the read information in the database 108 is obtained.

[0294] Next, a sixth hash is newly generated based on the fourth hash and fifth hash obtained. The method for generating this sixth hash is the same as the method for generating the third hash described above.

[0295] The consistency between the sixth hash and the third hash obtained in this way is determined.

[0296] If the product to be authenticated 5 is genuine, the small recording medium (a １ The fifth hash generated when recording information read from the small-sized recording medium (b) 51a and the small-sized recording medium (b) 52a in the database 108 is the same as the second hash. If the authentication certifier possesses a genuine product, the fourth hash generated based on the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be authenticated received from the dedicated platform 8 (e.g., marketplace) is the same as the first hash.

[0297] Therefore, whether the product to be inspected 5 is genuine can be determined by determining whether the sixth hash generated based on the fourth hash and the fifth hash is identical to the third hash. Specifically, after generating the sixth hash, a search can be performed to determine whether the same third hash is stored in the database 108. In this way, confidentiality can be further improved by determining the authenticity not only based on the first hash and the second hash but also based on the third hash generated based on these hash values. In addition, when recording in the database 108, instead of recording both the first hash and the second hash, it is only necessary to record only one third hash reflecting these hash values, thereby improving the recording speed and speeding up the processing operation.

[0298] In another aspect of the present invention, the authentication of the product to be authenticated 5 may be verified by determining both the consistency between the transaction information and the product information and the consistency between the third hash and the sixth hash. That is, if the consistency between the transaction information and the product information is confirmed and the third hash and the sixth hash are identical, the verification is completed. The completion of the verification may determine that the product to be authenticated 5 is genuine. On the other hand, if either or both of the transaction information and the product information, or the third hash and the sixth hash are not identical, it can be determined that the person verifying the authentication is not the owner of the product to be authenticated 5.

[0299] In this way, the present invention can perform authentication based on two completely different methods: matching the transaction information with the product information, and matching the third hash with the sixth hash. Therefore, even if a product 5 successfully evades one method of authentication and is determined to be genuine, if it is determined to be a counterfeit by the other method of authentication, the product 5 will not be determined to be genuine. In this way, it is possible to achieve higher levels of authentication accuracy for products 5 that require stronger authentication.

[0300] The above-described steps S143 to S147 may be performed using the application [A] 9 and the application [B] 11, or at least a part of the steps may be performed using the dedicated platform 8, for example.

[0301] In addition to the above, for example, the authentication certification method may perform authentication certification without generating the third hash and the sixth hash. In this case, the second to fourth verification information and the second to fourth signature information are used for authentication certification. Each piece of verification information and each piece of signature information may include, for example, hash-format information, or may include information obtained by encrypting or digitally signing hash-format information (hereinafter referred to as encryption, etc.). Note that each piece of verification information and each piece of signature information may include, for example, at least one of a private key and a public key used for encryption, etc.

[0302] In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, in step S143a, which is a modification of step S143, the small recording medium (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , product information, and / or transaction information, and stores second verification information in the database 108. The second verification information includes a private key α １ , product information, and transaction information, and a secret key α １ In addition to the above, the second verification information may represent information that has been encrypted using a private key α １ It may also indicate information in a hash format obtained when at least one of the product information and transaction information is recorded in the database 108, or information obtained by performing processing such as encryption on the hash.

[0303] In step S143a, the private key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24 is １ , product information, and / or transaction information, and stores third verification information in the database 108. The third verification information includes a private key β １, product information, and transaction information, and a secret key β １ In addition to the above, the third verification information may represent information encrypted using a private key β １ It may also indicate information in a hash format obtained when at least one of the product information and transaction information is recorded in the database 108, or information obtained by performing processing such as encryption on the hash.

[0304] In step S143a, fourth verification information generated based on, for example, the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be inspected is recorded in the database 108. The fourth verification information indicates the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be inspected, or may indicate information obtained by encrypting the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be inspected.

[0305] Step S143a can be performed using the application [A] 9, or alternatively, for example, at least a part of the processing can be performed using the dedicated platform 8.

[0306] Thereafter, without performing the above-described step S144, in step S147a which is a modification of step S147, the small recording medium (a １ ) Private key α recorded in 51a １ , product information, and transaction information. The second signature information may indicate information including at least one of the product information and transaction information, or may indicate, for example, information in a hash format generated when reading at least one of the product information and transaction information and recording the read information in database 108. Note that the second signature information may be obtained, for example, by implementing a generation method similar to that of the fifth hash described above.

[0307] In step S147a, the private key β recorded on the small recording medium (b) 52a of the guarantee card 24 obtained from the appraisal certifier, for example, is １, product information, and / or transaction information. The third signature information may indicate information including at least one of the product information and / or transaction information, or may indicate, for example, information in a hash format generated when reading at least one of the product information and / or transaction information and recording the read information in database 108. Note that the third signature information may be obtained, for example, by implementing a generation method similar to that of the fifth hash described above.

[0308] In step S147a, the fourth signature information is obtained based on the identifiers α, β, and γ of the product 5 to be authenticated, which are obtained from the authentication certifier, for example. The fourth signature information may be obtained by performing a generation method similar to that of the fourth hash described above.

[0309] Thereafter, in step S147a, at least one of the consistency between the second verification information and the second signature information, the consistency between the third verification information and the third signature information, and the consistency between the fourth verification information and the fourth signature information may be determined. The consistency between each piece of verification information and the signature information may be determined, for example, for information of the same format (e.g., information in hash format), or may be determined for information in hash format on one side and information that has undergone processing such as encryption on the other side. In either case, the determination may be made using known techniques. Furthermore, as a method for determining the consistency between each piece of signature information and each piece of verification information, for example, after acquiring each piece of signature information, a search may be performed to determine whether the same verification information is stored in database 108, and then the search results may be used to determine whether the pieces of signature information are identical.

[0310] In this case, for example, if at least one of the results of the comparison between the first verification information and the first signature information, the results of the comparison between the third verification information and the third signature information, and the results of the comparison between the fourth verification information and the fourth signature information is consistent, and if the results of the comparison between the second verification information and the second signature information is consistent, the product to be authenticated 5 may be deemed to be a genuine product. This makes it possible to achieve authentication of the product to be authenticated 5 using other information even if a defect occurs in some of the information used for authentication certification, thereby expanding the possibilities for use.

[0311] It should be noted that step S147a can be performed using the application [B] 11, and can also be performed using the dedicated platform 8 for at least a part of the processing, for example.

[0312] In the authentication certification system of another aspect of the present invention that does not use a blockchain as described above, product information regarding the authentication-required product 5 and transaction information at each distribution stage until the authentication-required product 5 reaches the consumer are linked to the identifiers β and γ of the authentication-required product 5 and recorded on the dedicated platform 8 in the order in which multiple users involved in the authentication-required product 5 are involved, and at the time of authentication certification, the product information and transaction information linked to the identifiers β and γ of the authentication-required product 5 are read from the dedicated platform 8, and authentication of the authentication-required product 5 is performed using the product information and transaction information. This makes it possible to perform highly reliable authentication certification even when authenticating digital goods.

[0313] In yet another aspect, the recording means may link the verification information held by each of multiple users related to the authentication-required product 5 to the identifiers β and γ of the authentication-required product 5 and record the information in the order in which the multiple users are involved, and at the time of authentication certification, the verification information linked to the identifiers β and γ of the authentication-required product 5 is read from the dedicated platform 8, and authentication of the authentication-required product 5 may be performed using the verification information and signature information held by the authentication certifier. In this case, too, highly reliable authentication certification can be performed when authenticating digital goods.

[0314] 1 Authentication certification system 2, 72 Terminal 3 Distributed file server 5 Product to be authenticated 8 Dedicated platform 8a Blockchain 8b Blockchain data 10 Public communication network 24 Guarantee card 25 Reader 43 Blockchain wallet

Claims

1. A platform that records information about the item to be appraised on the blockchain, linked to a first identifier individually assigned to the item based on the digital asset data to be appraised, and outputs a second identifier or a corresponding two-dimensional code. A recording means for recording verification information stored for each of the multiple users involved in the above appraisal and certification subject, linked to the above information, Equipped with, When providing authentication certification, the authentication certification for the above-mentioned items will be performed using multi-signature authentication, which requires multiple correspondences. A certification system characterized by the following features.

2. The appraisal and certification system according to claim 1, further comprising a distributed file server that generates a first identifier to be individually assigned to the above-mentioned item for appraisal and certification based on the above-mentioned digital asset data subject to appraisal and certification.

3. The authentication certification system according to claim 1, wherein, at the time of authentication certification, authentication certification of the subject of authentication certification is performed by multi-signature authentication for only the first identifier, only the second identifier, or both the first and second identifiers as multiple correspondences.

4. The authentication and certification system according to claim 1, wherein at least one authentication element used to perform multi-signature authentication is third-party certified.

5. Using the platform, information about the item to be appraised is recorded on the blockchain, linked to a first identifier individually assigned to the item based on the digital asset data to be appraised, and a second identifier or a corresponding two-dimensional code is output. Using recording means, the verification information held by each of the multiple users related to the above-mentioned appraisal and certification subject is recorded in association with the above information. When providing authentication certification, the authentication certification for the above-mentioned items will be performed using multi-signature authentication, which requires multiple correspondences. A method of authentication and certification characterized by the following.

6. The appraisal method according to claim 5, comprising using a distributed file server to generate a first identifier that is individually assigned to the item to be appraised based on the digital asset data of the item to be appraised.

7. The authentication method according to claim 5, wherein, at the time of authentication, authentication of the subject of authentication is performed by multi-signature authentication for only the first identifier, only the second identifier, or both the first and second identifiers as multiple associations.

8. The authentication method according to claim 5, wherein at least one authentication element used to perform multi-signature authentication is third-party certified.