Server and method for providing blockchain-based product exchange coupon gifting service

Abstract

A method for providing a blockchain-based product exchange coupon gifting service, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: when an identification code corresponding to a product exchange coupon registered by a seller is input from a purchaser terminal, providing a web page on an application for a product exchange coupon gifting service, which is pre-installed on the purchaser terminal; verifying the identity of a purchaser on a blockchain through an electronic wallet of the purchaser installed in the application for the product exchange coupon gifting service; receiving, from the purchaser whose identity has been completely verified, a gifting input for a product exchange coupon, which is output on the web page, into a user terminal; in response to the gifting input, depositing a virtual asset from an account of the purchaser on the blockchain to an escrow account of a server providing the product exchange coupon gifting service; and when the deposit of the virtual asset is completed, providing the product exchange coupon to an electronic wallet of the user terminal.

Description

Server and method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service

[0001] The present invention relates to a server and method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service. This invention is the result of a research project conducted by Osrium Co., Ltd., the lead organization. This technology was developed through blockchain convergence technology for realizing a trust metaverse, a research project supported by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) of the Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) under the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) (Project ID: 1711179325).

[0002] Small business owners are facing challenges due to declining sales and other factors. For example, large corporations, particularly franchise-focused businesses, are issuing gift certificates, coupons, and gifticons (hereinafter referred to as "gift certificates") to allow free trading and use of their products or services. These certificates are treated as securities and are actively distributed and traded in online markets. This allows large businesses to secure more funding, increase sales, and attract more loyal users.

[0003] Conversely, small business owners, each with their own unique products and services, are significantly smaller in scale compared to large corporations, and various regulations prevent them from issuing vouchers. Furthermore, even if they could issue them, the excessive fees charged by online marketplaces make distribution and trading them practically impossible.

[0004] While some gift certificates are distributed and traded directly by users, others actively gift them to users. Despite this, gift certificates face numerous issues, including employee misconduct, forgery, theft, and fraud. Many small and medium-sized businesses are reluctant to implement gift certificate programs due to the inability to verify their reliability. Furthermore, refunds for gift certificates are difficult to obtain, and it's impossible to verify their use before they are exchanged for a product.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a blockchain-based gift certificate service provision server and method, which enables anyone to issue a gift certificate based on a blockchain electronic wallet, gift the issued gift certificate, use the gift certificate received through gifting, and provide a series of services up to refunds.

[0006] However, the technical task that this embodiment seeks to achieve is not limited to the technical task described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0007] As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical task, a method performed by a blockchain-based gift certificate service provision server according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: providing a web page on an application for a gift certificate service pre-installed on a purchaser's terminal (hereinafter, "purchaser terminal") when an identification code corresponding to a gift certificate registered by a seller is input from the purchaser's terminal; verifying the purchaser's identity on a blockchain through the purchaser's electronic wallet installed in the application for the gift certificate service; receiving a gift input from the purchaser, for whom the identity verification has been completed, to a user's terminal (hereinafter, "user terminal") for a gift certificate output on the web page; depositing a virtual asset from the purchaser's account on a blockchain to an escrow account of a server providing the gift certificate service in response to the gift input; and providing the gift certificate to the electronic wallet of the user terminal when the deposit of the virtual asset is completed.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present invention may further include: receiving a request for generating the identification code from the seller terminal; generating the identification code and the corresponding web page in response to the generation request; verifying the identity of the seller on a blockchain through the seller's electronic wallet installed in the gift certificate gifting application; receiving a request for registering the gift certificate from the seller terminal for which the identity verification has been completed; and registering the gift certificate on the web page in response to the registration request.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of receiving a registration request for the product voucher from the seller terminal for which the identity verification has been completed may include receiving a registration request for the product voucher having a format and structure corresponding to schema information of the product voucher pre-registered on the blockchain by the server.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of receiving a gift input for a product voucher displayed on the webpage from a purchaser whose identity has been verified to a user terminal may include receiving a request for a gift input for the product voucher based on the user's decentralized identity (hereinafter, DID) information, and when the deposit of the virtual asset is completed, the step of providing the product voucher to the electronic wallet of the user terminal may include the steps of: obtaining a public key on the blockchain based on the user DID information; encrypting and storing management information of the product voucher with the public key; and providing management information of the product voucher to the user terminal when the encryption is completed.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the deposit of the virtual asset is completed, the step of providing the gift certificate to the electronic wallet of the user terminal includes the steps of: verifying the identity of the purchaser on a blockchain through the user's electronic wallet installed in the application of the gift certificate gifting service; receiving an inquiry input for a gift certificate receipt box based on user DID information from the user terminal for which the identity verification has been completed; providing management information of the gift certificate encrypted with the public key in response to the inquiry input; receiving a request for issuing the gift certificate by decrypting the management information of the gift certificate with a private key from the user terminal; and generating and issuing the gift certificate to the user terminal in response to the request for issuing the gift certificate, wherein the private key may be stored in the electronic wallet of the user terminal corresponding to the public key stored on the blockchain as a public key and private key pair are generated when the user DID information is generated.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of generating a voucher and issuing it to the user terminal in response to the voucher issuance request may include the step of generating the voucher electronically signed with a secret key of the server; the step of storing status information of the voucher on a smart contract for managing the disposal of the voucher; and the step of issuing the voucher to the user terminal if the status information is valid.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of depositing a virtual asset from a purchaser's account on a blockchain to an escrow account of a server providing the product voucher gifting service in response to the gifting input may include the step of requesting execution of a smart contract for the deposit of the virtual asset to a blockchain; and the step of receiving a response of completion of execution of the smart contract of the blockchain when the smart contract is executed on the blockchain and the deposit of the virtual asset from the purchaser's account to the escrow account of the server is completed.

[0014] Some embodiments of the present invention may further include a step of providing a web page on an application for a gift voucher service pre-installed on the user terminal when the identification code is input from the user terminal; a step of receiving the gift voucher extracted from an electronic wallet of the user terminal in response to a user's input of using the seller's gift voucher on the web page; a step of requesting and receiving a public key of a server registered on the blockchain through a blockchain; a step of confirming status information of the gift voucher through a smart contract for managing the disposal of the gift voucher; a step of verifying the gift voucher based on the public key and status information of the server; and a step of providing a verification result of the gift voucher to the seller terminal.

[0015] Some embodiments of the present invention may further include: a step of receiving product provision confirmation information from the user terminal upon completion of product provision from the seller to the user; a step of requesting execution of a smart contract for payment of the virtual asset to a blockchain upon receiving the product provision confirmation information; a step of receiving a payment completion response for the virtual asset to the seller's account from the blockchain upon completion of transfer of the virtual asset deposited in the escrow account to the seller's account on the blockchain upon execution of the smart contract on the blockchain; a step of transmitting the payment completion response for the virtual asset to the seller's terminal; and a step of storing status information of the product voucher in a discarded state on a smart contract for managing the discarding of the product voucher.

[0016] Some embodiments of the present invention may further include: a step of storing status information of the voucher in a discarded state on a smart contract for managing the discarding of the voucher upon receiving a refund request from the seller terminal to the buyer; a step of requesting execution of a smart contract for the refund of the virtual asset to a blockchain; a step of receiving an execution completion response of the smart contract for the refund from the blockchain upon completion of the transfer of the virtual asset from the seller's account to the buyer's account upon execution of the smart contract for the refund on the blockchain; and a step of transmitting a completion response for the refund request to the seller terminal.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present invention may further include: receiving a gift refund request for the product voucher from the purchaser's terminal; storing status information of the product voucher as a discarded status in a smart contract for managing the discarding of the product voucher; requesting execution of a smart contract for a refund of the virtual asset to a blockchain; receiving an execution completion response of the smart contract for the refund from the blockchain when the smart contract for the refund is executed on the blockchain and the transfer of the virtual asset from the escrow account to the purchaser's account is completed; and transmitting a gift refund completion response of the product voucher to the purchaser's terminal.

[0018] In addition, a blockchain-based gift certificate service provision server according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a memory in which a program for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate service is stored, and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory, and provides a web page on an application for a gift certificate service pre-installed on the purchaser's terminal (hereinafter, "purchaser terminal") when an identification code corresponding to a gift certificate registered by a seller is input from a purchaser's terminal (hereinafter, "purchaser terminal"), verifies the purchaser's identity on a blockchain through the purchaser's electronic wallet installed in the application for the gift certificate service, and then receives a gift input for a gift certificate output on the web page from a purchaser whose identity has been verified to a user's terminal (hereinafter, "user terminal"), and deposits a virtual asset from the purchaser's account on a blockchain to an escrow account of a server providing the gift certificate service in response to the gift input, and provides the gift certificate to the electronic wallet of the user terminal when the deposit of the virtual asset is completed.

[0019] In addition, other methods for implementing the present invention, other systems, and computer-readable recording media recording a computer program for executing the above methods may be further provided.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to form a market that allows not only large corporations but also small business owners to freely utilize the trading and distribution of coupons, gift certificates, and gifticons, and since all tangible and intangible products can be targeted, it is possible to further increase the sales of small business owners.

[0021] Additionally, the entire series of processes related to gifting are managed on the blockchain, making account hacking, counterfeiting of gift certificates, and illegal distribution impossible, ensuring high security.

[0022] In addition, by enabling gifting between buyers and users for product vouchers registered for sale by sellers, the market for product vouchers can be activated, and by increasing demand for product vouchers, sales of small business owners can be expected to increase.

[0023] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically illustrating a gift voucher service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gift voucher service providing server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the server initial setup process in a gift voucher service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a product exchange voucher registration process in a product exchange voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a process of gifting a product voucher in a gift voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a process of receiving a gift certificate in a gift certificate gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a process of using a product exchange voucher in a product exchange voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a process for refunding a product exchange voucher in a product exchange voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification, and "and / or" includes each and any combination of one or more of the mentioned components. Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it should be understood that a first component mentioned below may also be a second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0035] Hereinafter, a blockchain-based gift certificate gift service provision server (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically illustrating a gift voucher service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, a service is basically performed or provided by a gift voucher service server (100), a seller terminal (200), a buyer terminal (300), and a user terminal (400) as main entities. The gift voucher service of the present invention is performed in such a way that a seller registers a gift voucher on a webpage opened by the gift voucher server, a buyer scans an identification code (e.g., a QR code) to access the webpage, and a gift voucher registered by the seller is gifted to the user, and purchases and pays for the gift voucher, and later, the user uses the gift voucher received at the seller's online or offline store to receive an actual product.

[0038] At this time, in one embodiment of the present invention, the product is a comprehensive concept including tangible and intangible goods or services.

[0039] Furthermore, a voucher allows the exchange of a product in exchange for a gift certificate, and can include any form of circulated product with asset value, such as gift certificates, prepaid cards, or gifticons. Vouchers are not limited to specific products and can be configured to allow exchange for products in various ways, such as quantity, frequency, time, or duration. The attributes of these vouchers are specified in the product identification information described below. Furthermore, any seller registered with the voucher gifting service can issue vouchers.

[0040] In order to perform the product exchange voucher gift service, the seller first logs in to the electronic wallet pre-installed on the seller terminal (200) (S11) and generates and places an identification code for registration and transaction of the product exchange voucher (S12).

[0041] Here, electronic wallets are used to store and manage personal financial information and assets in digital form, and are primarily used to store cryptocurrencies. One embodiment of the present invention enables the secure transmission and reception of virtual assets, such as cryptocurrencies, through electronic wallets. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic wallets utilize the WEB3 protocol to enable decentralized user data and asset management.

[0042] Meanwhile, an example of a seller identification code could be a QR code. Furthermore, a seller's store encompasses both online and offline stores. An online store can include both a website and a mobile web-based store. Once the identification code is generated, the seller registers the voucher with the voucher gifting service server (S13).

[0043] To gift a voucher to a user, the buyer scans the seller's identification code (S21), displays a webpage provided by the server (S22), logs into the pre-installed electronic wallet on the buyer's terminal (300) (S23), and enters the "gift voucher" button displayed on the webpage (S24). This action by the buyer may result in a virtual asset equivalent to the voucher being deposited from the buyer's account to the server's escrow account (S25).

[0044] The user can receive the gift voucher by logging into the electronic wallet pre-installed on the user terminal (400) (S31) as the gift voucher is delivered from the purchaser (S32).

[0045] Thereafter, when the user scans the seller's identification code to use the voucher (S33), a webpage provided by the server is displayed (S34). The user logs into their e-wallet to use the voucher (S35) and presses the "Use Voucher" button displayed on the webpage (S36). The server verifies the voucher via blockchain (S37). The server provides the verification result to the seller's terminal (S38). If the verification result is successful, the seller can provide the user with a product corresponding to the voucher (S39). When the product provision is complete and the user confirms the provision of the product or the automatic remittance timer has elapsed, a request is made to deposit the deposit into the seller's account based on the corresponding event (S40). Upon the payment request, the virtual asset in the escrow account is paid into the seller's account (S41). The payment result is then provided to the seller's terminal (S42).

[0046] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, a refund process can be initiated for the purchaser if the voucher is not used within the validity period or if the voucher is not issued (S50). Furthermore, the refund process can also be initiated if a problem occurs with the provision of the product (S60). Furthermore, if the refund is successfully processed, the voucher is discarded (S70).

[0047] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a gift voucher service providing server (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Meanwhile, the gift voucher service providing server (100) includes a communication module (110), memory (120), and processor (130).

[0049] The communication module (110) transmits and receives data with the seller terminal (200), the buyer terminal (300), and the user terminal (400). In addition, the communication module (110) can transmit and receive data with the internal components of the gift certificate service providing server (100) or an externally connected device. Such a communication module may include both a wired communication module and a wireless communication module. The wired communication module may be implemented as a power line communication device, a telephone line communication device, a cable home (MoCA), Ethernet, IEEE1294, an integrated wired home network, and an RS-485 control device. In addition, the wireless communication module may be implemented as a wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth, HDR WPAN, UWB, ZigBee, Impulse Radio, 60GHz WPAN, Binary-CDMA, wireless USB technology, and wireless HDMI technology.

[0050] The memory (120) stores programs for providing a blockchain-based product exchange voucher gifting service, and the processor (130) executes the programs stored in the memory (120).

[0051] Here, memory (120) refers to a general term for non-volatile storage devices and volatile storage devices that maintain stored information even when power is not supplied. For example, memory may include NAND flash memory such as a compact flash (CF) card, an SD (secure digital) card, a memory stick, a solid-state drive (SSD), and a micro SD card, magnetic computer storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD), and optical disc drives such as a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM.

[0052] In addition, the seller terminal (200), the buyer terminal (300), and the user terminal (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention are user terminals that can connect to a server. In particular, each terminal (200 to 400) is an intelligent terminal that adds computer support functions such as Internet communication and information search to the terminal, and may be a PC, mobile phone, smart phone, pad, smart watch, wearable terminal, POS, or other mobile communication terminal that can install and execute multiple application programs (i.e., applications) desired by the user.

[0053] Hereinafter, a specific method performed by a gift voucher gifting service providing server (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the server initial setup process in a gift voucher service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] First, the server operator installs a designated electronic wallet (S101) and requests the creation of an escrow account on the blockchain through the installed electronic wallet (S102). After the server's escrow account is created on the blockchain (S103), a response notifying the completion of the escrow account creation is sent to the server's electronic wallet (S104).

[0056] Additionally, depending on the embodiment, the server requests the creation of a fee account on the blockchain via the installed electronic wallet (S105). Accordingly, once the server's fee account is created on the blockchain (S106), a response indicating the completion of the fee account creation is sent to the server's electronic wallet (S107).

[0057] Here, the escrow account serves as a mediator for virtual assets, the transaction price between the seller and buyer, while the fee account holds the fees collected during the provision of the gift certificate exchange service. Both escrow and fee accounts are created through a distributed ledger on the blockchain.

[0058] Next, the server operator performs a process of creating a server DID on the server to provide a blockchain-based product exchange voucher gifting service (S108), stores a secret key related to the DID on the server (S109), and stores a public key related to the DID in a DID document and registers it on the blockchain (S110).

[0059] Next, the server operator registers a schema for a product exchange voucher, or certificate of product rights, on the blockchain via the server (S111, S112). The schema for certificate of product rights may include, for example, seller account information, transaction information, product rights name, price, automatic remittance time, fees, and usage period.

[0060] Additionally, the server operator registers a schema for verifying subscribers to the gift certificate exchange service on the blockchain via the server (S113, S114). Here, the schema for verifying subscribers may include, for example, the subscriber's DID, account information, name, date of birth, gender, mobile phone number, email address, and address.

[0061] Thereafter, the server operator performs steps to install smart contracts for providing the gift certificate gifting service to sellers, buyers, and users via blockchain. In one embodiment, the present invention can be utilized by installing a smart contract for managing the disposal of gift certificates, a smart contract for depositing virtual assets, a smart contract for issuing virtual assets, and a smart contract for refunding virtual assets (S115-S122). Additionally, smart contracts can be added, deleted, or modified depending on the embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a product exchange voucher registration process in a product exchange voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The seller installs a designated electronic wallet on the seller terminal (S201) and requests the creation of a seller account on the blockchain through the installed electronic wallet (S202). Accordingly, once the seller account is created on the blockchain server (S203), a response notifying the completion of the account creation is sent to the electronic wallet on the seller terminal (S204).

[0064] Next, the seller requests subscription to the gift voucher service through a pre-installed application on the seller terminal (S205, S206). To this end, the seller terminal can request DID registration and subscriber identification from the server in addition to general service subscription information.

[0065] Upon such request, the server generates a seller DID (S207), stores the public key associated with the seller DID in the seller DID document, and registers the seller DID document on the blockchain (S208). Furthermore, after generating a seller registration certificate by electronically signing it with the server's private key (S209), it responds to the seller terminal that the issuance of the seller registration certificate has been completed (S210).

[0066] Thereafter, the seller sends a request to the server to generate an identification code through the seller terminal to register and sell the product voucher (S211, S212). The identification code is preferably a QR code, but is not necessarily limited to this. In response, the server generates the seller's identification code and a corresponding web page (S213) and provides the generated identification code to the seller terminal (S214).

[0067] Next, the seller places the identification code generated by the server in the store (S215). In one embodiment of the present invention, the store where the identification code is placed includes both online and offline stores.

[0068] Thereafter, when the seller attempts to log in to the gift voucher service through the seller terminal to register the voucher (S216), the seller terminal submits subscriber identification to the server (S217). Upon receiving the subscriber identification, the server requests and receives the server DID document registered on the blockchain (S218), verifies the subscriber identification using the public key included in the server DID document (S219), and provides the verification result to the seller terminal (S220). If the verification is successful, the seller terminal can complete the login to the gift voucher service (S221).

[0069] Next, the seller requests the server to register a product voucher through the seller terminal (S222, S223). To register a product voucher, the server must include information corresponding to the schema for product voucher certification, including the product voucher name, price, automatic remittance time, fee, and period of use. The server registers the product voucher on the seller-specific webpage (S224) and responds to the seller terminal that registration is complete (S225).

[0070] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a process of gifting a product voucher in a gift voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The buyer installs a designated electronic wallet on their terminal (S301) and requests the creation of a buyer account on the blockchain using the installed electronic wallet (S302). Accordingly, once the buyer account is created on the blockchain server (S303), a response notifying the completion of the account creation is sent to the electronic wallet on the buyer terminal (S304).

[0072] Next, the buyer requests to sign up for the gift certificate service via a pre-installed application on the buyer's terminal (S305, S306). To do this, the buyer's terminal can request DID registration and subscriber identification from the server in addition to general service sign-up information.

[0073] Upon such request, the server generates a buyer DID (S307), stores the public key associated with the buyer DID in the buyer DID document, and registers the buyer DID document on the blockchain (S308). Furthermore, after generating a buyer registration certificate by electronically signing it with the server's private key (S309), it responds to the buyer terminal that the issuance of the buyer registration certificate has been completed (S310).

[0074] Next, as the buyer inputs an identification code corresponding to a product exchange voucher registered by the seller through the buyer terminal (e.g., scanning a QR code) (S311), the buyer terminal requests the seller's webpage from the server and outputs it on the application (S312, S313).

[0075] Thereafter, when the buyer attempts to log in to the gift voucher service through the buyer's terminal (S314), the buyer's terminal submits subscriber identification to the server (S315). Upon receiving the subscriber identification, the server requests and receives the server DID document registered on the blockchain (S316), verifies the subscriber identification using the public key included in the server DID document (S317), and provides the verification result to the buyer's terminal (S318). If the verification is successful, the buyer's terminal can complete the login to the gift voucher service (S319).

[0076] Next, when the buyer enters the gift button for the seller's product exchange voucher displayed on the webpage through the application (S320), the buyer's terminal requests the server to gift the item based on the user's information (S321). The user's information may include the user's DID, phone number, email address, etc.

[0077] Upon receiving a gift request, the server requests the blockchain to execute a smart contract for the deposit of virtual assets (S322). The smart contract is executed on the blockchain, and the virtual assets are deposited from the buyer's account to the server's escrow account (S323). Upon completion of the deposit, the server receives a smart contract execution completion response from the blockchain (S324). In order to provide management information on the voucher to the user terminal, the server requests and receives a user DID document registered on the blockchain (S325). The server then encrypts and stores the management information on the voucher using the public key included in the user DID document (S326). At this time, the management information on the voucher may include seller account information, transaction information, voucher name, price, automatic remittance time, fee, and usage period.

[0078] As the encryption is completed, the server transmits a response to the purchaser's terminal notifying that the gifting of the product exchange voucher has been completed (S327), and provides a notification to the user's terminal notifying that the gift of the product exchange voucher has been sent from the purchaser and that the gift has been received (S328).

[0079] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a process of receiving a gift certificate in a gift certificate gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The user installs a designated electronic wallet on their terminal (S401) and requests the creation of a user account on the blockchain through the installed electronic wallet (S402). Accordingly, once the server's user account is created on the blockchain (S403), a response indicating the account creation is complete is sent to the electronic wallet on the user terminal (S404).

[0081] Next, the user requests to sign up for the gift certificate service via a pre-installed application on the user terminal (S405, S406). To do this, the user terminal can request DID registration and subscriber identification from the server in addition to general service sign-up information.

[0082] Upon such request, the server generates a user DID (S407), stores the public key associated with the user DID in the user DID document, and registers the user DID document on the blockchain (S408). Then, the server generates a user subscription certificate by electronically signing it with the server's private key (S409), and responds to the user terminal that the purchaser subscription certificate has been issued (S410).

[0083] Next, when a user attempts to log in to the gift voucher service via their user terminal (S411), the user terminal submits their subscriber identification to the server (S412). Upon receiving the subscriber identification, the server requests and receives a server DID document registered on the blockchain (S413), verifies the user identification using the public key included in the server DID document (S414), and provides the verification result to the user terminal (S415). If the verification is successful, the user terminal can complete the login to the gift voucher service (S416).

[0084] Thereafter, the user checks the voucher inbox via the user terminal application based on user information (S417). At this time, the user information may include the user's DID, email address, phone number, etc. The user terminal requests the server to check the voucher inbox using the user information (S418), and the server provides management information on the voucher encrypted with the public key associated with the user's DID (S419).

[0085] The user terminal that receives this decrypts the management information of the product exchange voucher with a secret key related to the user DID (S420), and then requests the server to issue a product exchange voucher using the management information of the decrypted product exchange voucher (S421).

[0086] In response to a request to issue a voucher, the server generates a voucher electronically signed with the server's private key (S422) and stores the voucher's status information as valid (non-expired) in a smart contract for voucher disposal management (S423). Next, the server issues a voucher electronically signed with the server's private key to the user terminal (S424).

[0087] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a process for using a product exchange voucher in a product exchange voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] To use a voucher in their e-wallet at an online or offline store, the user enters the identification code provided at the store (S501). Accordingly, the user terminal requests the seller's webpage from the server and displays it on the application (S502, S503).

[0089] Next, the user terminal extracts the product voucher from the user's electronic wallet upon receiving the user's input for use of the seller's product voucher on the webpage (S504) and submits the extracted product voucher to the server (S505).

[0090] The server that receives the voucher requests the DID document registered on the blockchain to obtain the public key (S506). It also receives voucher status information through a smart contract for voucher expiration management (S507). Accordingly, the server verifies the voucher, digitally signed with the private key, using the public key and confirms whether the voucher has been expired. Furthermore, it verifies whether the voucher remains valid within its expiration date (S508).

[0091] Next, if the server satisfies all three verification conditions above and the verification is successful, the server transmits a verification response (success) of the product exchange voucher to the seller terminal (S509), and the seller confirms the verification response (success) from the seller terminal (S511) and provides the user with a product corresponding to the product exchange voucher (S512).

[0092] Upon completion of the provision of goods from the seller to the user, the user confirms that the goods have been provided on the user terminal (S513), and the user terminal transmits product provision confirmation information to the server (S514). Upon receiving this, the server requests the blockchain to execute a smart contract for payment of virtual assets (S515). The smart contract is executed on the blockchain, and the virtual assets deposited in the escrow account are transferred to the seller's account. In this case, depending on the embodiment, if a fee account exists, a portion of the virtual assets deposited in the escrow account may be transferred to the fee account, and the remainder may be transferred to the seller's account (S516).

[0093] Additionally, in order to prevent a problem where virtual assets are not transferred to a seller's account, etc., when a user receives a product but does not receive a confirmation input for the product provision, depending on the embodiment, the server may initiate counting of the automatic transfer time while simultaneously transmitting a verification response (success) to the seller's terminal (S510). Furthermore, after the automatic transfer time has elapsed, the virtual asset transfer may be performed automatically (S516).

[0094] Upon completion of the virtual asset transfer (S517), the server responds to the seller terminal that it has paid the virtual asset corresponding to the product voucher (S518), and stores the status information of the product voucher as a discarded status in the smart contract for managing the discarded product voucher (S519). Furthermore, the server responds to the user terminal that the gift receipt has been completed (S520).

[0095] Conversely, if any of the three verification conditions above are not met, the server transmits a verification response (failure) for the product voucher to the seller terminal (S521), and the seller confirms the verification response (failure) from the seller terminal (S522). Additionally, the server provides a gift receipt response (failure) to the user terminal, and may also provide the reason for the gift receipt failure (S523).

[0096] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a process for refunding a product exchange voucher in a product exchange voucher gifting service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refund process for a product exchange voucher can broadly be divided into three types (a-c). However, this is merely an example, and various other examples may be applied depending on actual product transaction situations.

[0098] First, there is a refund process in response to a request for a refund of a product exchange voucher by a buyer (a).

[0099] When a buyer enters a request for a refund for a product exchange voucher on their terminal (S601), the terminal transmits the request to the server (S602). At this time, a refund request by the buyer is only possible if the user has not yet received the voucher.

[0100] In response to a refund request, the server stores the status information of the voucher as a discarded status in a smart contract for managing the disposal of the voucher (S603). Furthermore, the server requests the blockchain to execute a smart contract for a virtual asset refund (S604). Upon the smart contract for the refund being executed on the blockchain and the virtual asset being transferred from the escrow account to the purchaser's account being completed (S605), the server receives a response from the blockchain indicating the completion of the smart contract execution for the refund (S606). Subsequently, the server transmits a response indicating the completion of a gift refund for the unused voucher to the purchaser's terminal (S607).

[0101] Next, the process for refunding the product exchange voucher after its expiration date (b).

[0102] When a buyer inputs a request for a refund of an expired product exchange voucher through the buyer terminal (S611), the buyer terminal transmits a request for a refund of the product exchange voucher to the server (S612).

[0103] In response to a refund request, the server stores the status information of the voucher as a discarded status in a smart contract for managing the disposal of the voucher (S613). Furthermore, the server requests the blockchain to execute a smart contract for a virtual asset refund (S614). Upon the smart contract for the refund being executed on the blockchain and the virtual asset being transferred from the escrow account to the purchaser's account being completed (S615), the server receives a response from the blockchain indicating the completion of the smart contract execution for the refund (S616). Subsequently, the server transmits a response indicating the completion of a gift refund for the expired voucher to the purchaser's terminal (S617). In some embodiments, if the expiration date has passed, all or part of the virtual asset amount corresponding to the voucher may be refunded.

[0104] Next, we discuss the refund process due to a problem with the product (c). This example is at the seller's request. For example, this could occur if a problem occurs with the product after an automatic remittance has been completed.

[0105] First, the seller transmits a refund request to the buyer via the seller terminal to the server (S621, S622). Upon receiving the refund request, the server stores the status of the voucher in the smart contract for managing voucher cancellation, indicating that the voucher has been cancelled (S623).

[0106] Next, the server requests the blockchain to execute a smart contract for a virtual asset refund (S624). As the smart contract for the refund is executed on the blockchain and the virtual asset is transferred from the seller's account to the buyer's account (S625), a response indicating the completion of the smart contract execution for the refund is received from the blockchain (S626). Thereafter, the server transmits a completion response for the refund request to the seller's terminal (S627).

[0107] In the above description, steps S11 to S627 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps, depending on the implementation of the present invention. Furthermore, some steps may be omitted as needed, and the order of steps may be changed. Furthermore, even if other details are omitted, the details described in FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 3 to 8 are mutually applicable.

[0108] The method for providing a gift certificate service according to one embodiment of the present invention described above can be implemented as a program (or application) to be executed in conjunction with a computer, which is hardware, and stored in a medium.

[0109] The above-described program may include codes coded in a computer language, such as C, C++, JAVA, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, or machine language, that can be read by the processor (CPU) of the computer through the device interface of the computer, so that the computer reads the program and executes the methods implemented as a program. Such codes may include functional codes related to functions that define functions necessary to execute the methods, and may include control codes related to execution procedures necessary for the processor of the computer to execute the functions according to a predetermined procedure. In addition, such codes may further include memory reference-related codes regarding which location (address address) of the internal or external memory of the computer should reference additional information or media necessary for the processor of the computer to execute the functions. In addition, if the processor of the computer needs to communicate with any other computer or server located remotely in order to execute the functions, the code may further include communication-related code regarding how to communicate with any other computer or server located remotely using the communication module of the computer, and what information or media to send and receive during communication.

[0110] The above storage medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specifically, examples of the storage medium include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device. That is, the program can be stored in various recording media on various servers that the computer can access or in various recording media on the user's computer. In addition, the medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, so that computer-readable code can be stored in a distributed manner.

[0111] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0112] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a method performed by a server providing a gift certificate service based on blockchain, A step of providing a web page on an application for a gift voucher service pre-installed on a buyer's terminal (hereinafter, "buyer terminal") when an identification code corresponding to a product voucher registered by a seller is entered from the buyer's terminal; A step of verifying the identity of the purchaser on the blockchain through the purchaser's electronic wallet installed in the application of the above product exchange voucher gifting service; A step of receiving a gift input from a purchaser whose identity verification has been completed to a user's terminal (hereinafter, "user terminal") for a product exchange voucher printed on the webpage; In response to the above gifting input, a step of depositing virtual assets from the buyer's account on the blockchain to the escrow account of the server providing the above product exchange voucher gifting service; and Upon completion of the deposit of the virtual asset, a step is provided to provide the product exchange voucher to the electronic wallet of the user terminal. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

2. In paragraph 1, A step of receiving a request for generation of the identification code from the seller terminal; A step of generating an identification code and the corresponding web page in response to the above generation request; A step of verifying the identity of the seller on the blockchain through the seller's electronic wallet installed in the above product exchange voucher gift application; A step of receiving a registration request for the product exchange voucher from a seller terminal where the identity verification has been completed; and Further comprising the step of registering the product exchange voucher on the webpage in response to the registration request. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

3. In paragraph 2, The step of receiving a registration request for the above product exchange voucher from the seller terminal where the above identity verification has been completed is as follows: Receiving a registration request for the commodity exchange certificate having a format and structure corresponding to the schema information of the commodity exchange certificate pre-registered on the blockchain by the server; Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

4. In paragraph 1, The step of receiving a gift input from a purchaser who has completed the above identity verification to a user terminal for a product exchange voucher printed on the above webpage is as follows: Receiving a request for gifting input for the above product exchange voucher based on the above user's DID information, As the deposit of the above virtual asset is completed, the step of providing the above product exchange voucher to the electronic wallet of the user terminal is as follows: A step of obtaining a public key on the blockchain based on the above user DID information; A step of encrypting and storing management information of the above-mentioned product exchange certificate using the above-mentioned public key; and Including a step of providing management information of the product exchange voucher to the user terminal upon completion of the encryption. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

5. In paragraph 4, As the deposit of the above virtual asset is completed, the step of providing the above product exchange voucher to the electronic wallet of the user terminal is as follows: A step of verifying the identity of the purchaser on the blockchain through the user's electronic wallet installed in the application of the above product exchange voucher gifting service; A step for receiving a product exchange voucher receipt inquiry input based on user DID information from a user terminal for which the above identity verification has been completed; A step of providing management information of a product exchange voucher encrypted with the public key in response to the above inquiry input; A step of receiving a request for issuing the product voucher by decrypting the management information of the product voucher from the user terminal with a secret key related to the user DID information; and Including a step of generating a product exchange voucher and issuing it to the user terminal in response to the above product exchange voucher issuance request, The above secret key is stored in the electronic wallet of the user terminal corresponding to the public key stored on the blockchain, as a public key and private key pair are generated when the user DID information is generated. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

6. In paragraph 5, The step of generating a product exchange voucher and issuing it to the user terminal in response to the above product exchange voucher issuance request is as follows: A step of generating the above product exchange voucher electronically signed with the secret key of the above server; A step of storing the status information of the above product voucher on a smart contract for managing the disposal of the above product voucher; and Including a step of issuing the product exchange voucher to the user terminal if the above status information is valid. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

7. In paragraph 1, In response to the above gift input, the step of depositing virtual assets from the buyer's account on the blockchain to the escrow account of the server providing the above product exchange voucher gifting service is as follows: A step of requesting execution of a smart contract for depositing the above virtual asset to the blockchain; and A step of receiving a response of completion of execution of the smart contract of the blockchain, when the smart contract is executed on the blockchain and the virtual asset deposit from the buyer's account to the server's escrow account is completed. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

8. In paragraph 1, A step of providing a web page on an application for a gift certificate service pre-installed on the user terminal when the identification code is entered from the user terminal; A step of receiving a product exchange voucher extracted from an electronic wallet of a user terminal in response to a user's input to use the product exchange voucher of a seller on the above webpage; A step of requesting and receiving a public key of a server registered on the blockchain from the blockchain; A step of checking the status information of the above product voucher through a smart contract for managing the disposal of the above product voucher; A step of verifying the product exchange voucher based on the public key and status information of the server; and Further comprising a step of providing the verification result of the above product exchange voucher to the seller terminal. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

9. In paragraph 8, A step of receiving product provision confirmation information from the user terminal upon completion of product provision from the seller to the user; Upon receiving the above product provision confirmation information, a step of requesting execution of a smart contract for payment of the above virtual asset to the blockchain; A step of receiving a payment completion response from the blockchain to the seller's account for the virtual asset, as the smart contract is executed on the blockchain and the virtual asset deposited in the escrow account is transferred to the seller's account on the blockchain; A step of transmitting a payment completion response of the virtual asset to the seller terminal; and Further comprising a step of storing the status information of the above commodity exchange voucher in a discarded state on a smart contract for managing the discarding of the above commodity exchange voucher. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

10. In paragraph 9, Upon receiving a refund request from the seller terminal to the buyer, a step of storing the status information of the product voucher as a discarded status on a smart contract for managing the discarding of the product voucher; A step of requesting the blockchain to execute a smart contract for a refund of the above virtual asset; A step of receiving a response from the blockchain indicating completion of execution of the smart contract for the refund, as the smart contract for the refund is executed on the blockchain and the transfer of virtual assets from the seller's account to the buyer's account is completed; and Further comprising the step of transmitting a completion response to the refund request to the seller terminal. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

11. In paragraph 1, A step of receiving a gift refund request for the product exchange voucher from the purchaser terminal; A step of storing the status information of the above commodity exchange voucher in a discarded state on a smart contract for managing the discarding of the above commodity exchange voucher; A step of requesting the blockchain to execute a smart contract for a refund of the above virtual asset; A step of receiving a response from the blockchain regarding the completion of execution of the smart contract for the refund, as the smart contract for the refund is executed on the blockchain and the transfer of the virtual asset from the escrow account to the buyer's account is completed; and Further comprising a step of transmitting a gift refund completion response of the product exchange voucher to the purchaser terminal. Method for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

12. Memory storing a program for providing a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service. By executing the program stored in the above memory, when an identification code corresponding to a product exchange voucher registered by the seller is input from the purchaser's terminal (hereinafter, "purchaser terminal"), a web page is provided on the application for a product exchange voucher gifting service pre-installed on the purchaser's terminal. After verifying the identity of the purchaser on the blockchain through the purchaser's electronic wallet installed in the application of the above product exchange voucher gifting service, a gifting input for the product exchange voucher displayed on the webpage is received from the purchaser whose identity verification is complete to the user's terminal (hereinafter, "user terminal"). In response to the gift input, a virtual asset is deposited from the purchaser's account on the blockchain to the escrow account of the server providing the gift voucher service, and upon completion of the deposit of the virtual asset, the product voucher is provided to the electronic wallet of the user terminal, including a processor. A server that provides a blockchain-based gift certificate exchange service.

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