JP7814130B2 - Information management system and information management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information management system that manages usage information for tangible object usage, which is stored in association with a tangible object, for content that can be used in that tangible object usage format.

Some games increase the enjoyment of the game by using tangible objects such as trading cards of characters that appear in the game or character figurines that are associated with the game.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology for loaning players to other players in a game in which teams are formed using players from scanned player cards. Patent Document 1 also states in paragraph [0174] and elsewhere that when a player returns to the original player via loan, a special benefit is granted that increases the player's ability parameters.

JP 2011-234971 A

The player card in Patent Document 1 is an example of a tangible object. The game in Patent Document 1 is content that can be used in the form of a tangible object, and the ability parameters of the players in Patent Document 1 can be considered usage information in the form of a tangible object that is stored in association with the tangible object.

However, the technology in Patent Document 1 is a technology that improves the ability parameters of players who return after a loan transfer through special benefits. Furthermore, the technology in Patent Document 1 is primarily a technology for loaning players who appear in a game, and is not a technology for transferring tangible player cards.

When transferring a tangible object between users, if the transferor's (the original owner of the transferred tangible object) usage information for that tangible object could be transferred to the recipient user along with the tangible object, a groundbreaking new interest could be achieved. In other words, the usage information specific to that tangible object, which could be considered the individuality of each individual object, could continue to change consistently and continuously, even when the tangible object is transferred between users.

However, these issues are not limited to games. Even when using other content that is used in association with a tangible object, the evaluation information (usage information) linked to the content can be transferred in the same way as in the conventional gaming technology described above, and similar issues exist.

For example, if you are using content from a video distribution service where you post tangible still images or videos and receive ratings from viewers, it would be ideal if you could transfer usage information including the viewers' ratings.

For example, if a user is using SNS content that introduces figurines (tangible objects), it would be ideal if they could transfer usage information including comments (comments and stamps) made by other users about their figurines and rating information such as the number of rating operations.

For example, if a user is using SNS content that introduces figurines (tangible objects), it would be ideal if usage information could be transferred that includes information indicating that the user has acquired the right to make comments (comments and stamps) and the right to perform rating operations.

For example, if a user is using content from a special event site that can only be accessed by users who own a specific figure (tangible object), it would be ideal if usage information including participation history, purchase history, location information, etc. on that site could be transferred.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a new technology for transferring, between users, usage information for a tangible object that is stored in association with the tangible object in content that can be used in that tangible object usage format.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an information management system for controlling usage information in a tangible object usage form, which is managed in association with a tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage form, so that the usage information can be transferred between users,
This information management system includes an ownership transfer condition determination means (e.g., ownership transfer condition determination unit 216 in FIG. 10, step S124 in FIG. 16) that determines whether given ownership transfer conditions are met for transferring the tangible object (hereinafter referred to as the "transferred tangible object") owned by a first user to a second user, and a usage information transfer processing means (e.g., usage information transfer processing unit 218 in FIG. 10, steps S214, S218, and S220 in FIG. 17) that executes usage information transfer processing to transfer the usage information (hereinafter referred to as the "transferred usage information") of the transferred tangible object to the second user if the ownership transfer conditions are met.

A "tangible object" refers to a real physical object. The form of the tangible object does not matter. For example, it could be a trading card, character figure, toy, etc.

According to the first invention, when the ownership transfer conditions for transferring a tangible object (transfer tangible object) from a first user (transfer source user) to a second user (transfer recipient user) are met, a usage information transfer process is executed to transfer usage information (transfer usage information) of the transferred tangible object to the second user. A new technology can be realized that makes it possible to transfer the transfer usage information along with the transfer of the transferred tangible object.

A second invention is an information management system according to the first invention, in which the usage information transfer processing means executes a process that makes the transferred usage information available to the second user in the content, as part of the usage information transfer process.

According to the second invention, the second user can use the transfer usage information transferred from the first user in the content.

The third invention is an information management system according to the first or second invention, further comprising an ownership information management means (e.g., ownership information management unit 212 in FIG. 10, steps S214 to S222 in FIG. 17) that manages ownership information (e.g., ownership information 512 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8) that is information about the user who owns the tangible object, and that transfers ownership of the transferred tangible object from the first user to the second user when the ownership transfer conditions are met.

According to the third invention, ownership information for tangible objects (at least information identifying the current owner) is managed, and when ownership transfer conditions are met, the ownership information can be changed to reflect the transfer results.

A fourth invention is an information management system according to any one of the first to third inventions, in which the content is game content, and the form of tangible object use is such that game information previously associated with the tangible object becomes available in the game by inputting identification information for the tangible object into the content, and the settings of the game information change as a result of use in the game.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is an information management system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in which the usage information is information about the settings of the game information that have changed as a result of use in the game, and the usage information transfer processing means executes a process that includes, as part of the usage information transfer process, taking over the settings of the transfer usage information and making them available to the second user in the game.

"Game information" refers to various information that indicates the game progress and game content as a result of a user using a tangible object to access game content. For example, data included in game information, such as how far the user has progressed in a game stage, the player's character's ability parameter values, playing results, which enemies have been defeated, items acquired by defeating enemies, and the types of game stages that can be played, can be set appropriately depending on the game content.

According to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, when a second user who has received a tangible object uses the tangible object in game content, the second user can enjoy continuous gameplay related to the tangible object using game information that changes depending on the first user's content usage history.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is an information management system according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, in which the usage information includes history information on the use of the game information in the game (e.g., the play history of usage information 532 in Figure 4).

According to the sixth aspect, the second user who receives the tangible item can also use the history of the first user as a record of the first user's use of the game content. For example, if a bonus is awarded when the history meets certain conditions, the second user may be able to quickly obtain the bonus by using the first user's history information as a foothold.

A seventh invention is an information management system according to any one of the fourth to sixth inventions, in which the game information is information about a character or an item (hereinafter collectively referred to as "character"), and the form of tangible object use is a form in which the character's settings change when used in the game.

According to the seventh aspect, the second user can play the game while inheriting the settings (e.g., parameter values) of the characters or items used in the game content by the first user.

An eighth invention is an information management system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the content receives evaluations of the tangible object used in the tangible object usage form from users other than the user who owns the tangible object and makes the results of the evaluations public, and the usage information is information about the evaluations received regarding the content.

According to the eighth invention, if the content is content in a public service that makes a tangible object public, accepts ratings from users other than the user who owns the tangible object, and also makes the rating results public (for example, a video using tangible object 10 posted on a video sharing site), a second user who receives the tangible object can inherit the rating results obtained when the first user was the owner.

A ninth invention is an information management system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the content is content that grants a given benefit (for example, the content indicated by the benefit definition data for tangible object use in content data 520 in Figure 4) to a user who owns the tangible object in accordance with use in the tangible object usage form, and the usage information is information about the benefit granted in accordance with the tangible object usage form.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the second user can inherit the benefits that the first user received when he or she owned the transferred tangible item.

A tenth invention is an information management system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, in which the usage information transfer processing means executes, as part of the usage information transfer process, a process of transferring the transfer usage information to the second user when given usage information transfer conditions (e.g., conditions indicated by the transfer execution condition setting data 550 in Figure 6) are met.

According to the tenth aspect, by appropriately setting the conditions for transferring usage information, the degree of freedom in transferring usage information related to the transfer of tangible objects can be increased, and various transfer methods can be realized.

An eleventh invention is an information management system according to the tenth invention, wherein the usage information includes a plurality of element information divided by category or classification, the usage information transfer conditions include information type-specific transfer conditions corresponding to each element information included in the usage information (for example, the conditions set as the type of usage information to be transferred on the detailed settings screen W6 of Figure 5), and the usage information transfer processing means executes the usage information transfer process including a process of transferring to the second user element information included in the transfer usage information that corresponds to the satisfied information type-specific transfer conditions.

According to the eleventh aspect, it becomes possible to set transfer conditions for each element of usage information. This increases the degree of freedom and variety when transferring usage information between users.

A twelfth invention is an information management system according to the eleventh invention, in which the usage information includes, as the element information, information classified by ownership generation of users who owned the corresponding tangible object.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the transfer process, it is possible to set transfer conditions for each element of usage information using information about the generations of users who owned the tangible object. This increases the degree of freedom and variety when transferring usage information between generations of users.

A thirteenth invention is an information management system according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, wherein the ownership transfer condition determination means determines, as a condition for transferring a transfer tangible object jointly owned by a third user and a fourth user to a fifth user, that the ownership transfer condition has been satisfied between the third user and the fifth user and that the ownership transfer condition has been satisfied between the fourth user and the fifth user, and the usage information transfer processing means executes usage information transfer processing to transfer the transfer usage information jointly owned by the third user and the fourth user to the fifth user.

According to the thirteenth invention, even in a configuration in which joint ownership of tangible objects is permitted, the same effect as any of the first to twelfth inventions can be obtained.

The fourteenth invention is an information management method for controlling transferable usage information for a tangible object usage form, which is managed in association with a tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage form, between users. The information management method includes an ownership transfer condition determination step (e.g., step S124 in FIG. 16) for determining whether given ownership transfer conditions for transferring the tangible object owned by a first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferred tangible object") to a second user are met, and a usage information transfer processing step (e.g., steps S214, S218, and S220 in FIG. 17) for executing a usage information transfer process for transferring the usage information of the transferred tangible object to the second user when the ownership transfer conditions are met.

According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to realize an information management method that brings about the same effects as the first aspect.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information management system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining functions performed by a manufacturing management server. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining functions performed by an ownership information management server. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining functions performed by a content providing server. Diagram (part 1) to explain the procedure for transferring ownership of tangible objects. Diagram (part 2) to explain the procedure for transferring ownership of tangible objects. A diagram to explain the contents of the transfer contract and the notification of the transfer completion. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a change in ownership information upon the establishment of a transfer contract. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of transferring usage information by a content providing server. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information management system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in a server storage unit. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. 1 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a manufacturing process for a tangible object. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting new ownership of a tangible object. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow related to providing content. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow related to the transfer of ownership of a tangible object. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow relating to the transfer of usage information.

The following describes examples of embodiments of the present invention, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information management system 1000.
The information management system 1000 is a computer system that includes a manufacturing management server 1100a, an ownership information management server 1100b, a content providing server 1100c, and user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) for each user 2 (2a, 2b, ...) that can communicate with these servers, with the user terminals 1500 acting as a man-machine interface (MMIF). Although only three user terminals 1500 are shown in Fig. 1, the number of user terminals 1500 is not important in actual system operation.

The information management system 1000 and the user terminal 1500 can communicate data with each other via the network 9, and the user terminals 1500 can also communicate data with each other via the network 9. The manufacturing management server 1100a, the ownership information management server 1100b, and the content providing server 1100c can communicate data with each other via the network 9.

Network 9 refers to a communication path over which data communication is possible. In other words, network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, regardless of whether the communication method is wired or wireless.

The manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content providing server 1100c are individual computer systems, but can also be considered as a single computer system as a whole. For example, the manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content providing server 1100c each have a main unit, keyboard, touch panel, and storage, and the main unit is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or SoC (System on a Chip).

The manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content providing server 1100c each perform their respective roles and functions as servers by their respective control boards 1150 performing calculations based on specified programs and data.

Note that while the manufacturing control server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content providing server 1100c are each depicted as a single server device, they may also be implemented as a configuration consisting of multiple cooperating devices. For example, a single large system rack may be equipped with multiple blade servers each performing a different function, and these may be connected via an internal bus for data communication, thereby configuring the entire system as a single computer system. Furthermore, the location of the hardware installation is not important. Multiple independent servers installed in remote locations may be configured to communicate data over network 9, functioning as a whole as the manufacturing control server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content providing server 1100c. Conversely, the functions of the manufacturing control server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content providing server 1100c may also be implemented by a single server system.

The user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) is a computer system that a user uses to utilize the information management system 1000. The user terminal 1500 is an electronic device that can access the manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content provider server 1100c via the network 9, as well as other user terminals 1500. In other words, the user terminal 1500 functions as a man-machine interface in the information management system 1000. Therefore, it can also be said that the information management system 1000 is equipped with a user terminal 1500.

The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input device (e.g., a keyboard, touch panel, game controller, mouse, etc.), a camera, an image display device (e.g., a video monitor, touch panel, head-mounted display, etc.), and a control board 1550.

The control board 1550 is equipped with a CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as a GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication module 1553 that connects to the network 9. These elements equipped on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable the reading and writing of data and the sending and receiving of signals. Part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of a user terminal in the IC memory 1552.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from one of the servers in the information management system 1000, but it may also be configured to read them from a separately obtained storage medium such as a memory card.

The user terminal 1500 may take any form as long as it is a computer system. For example, it may be a smartphone, a wearable computer such as a smartwatch, a portable game device, a home-use game device, a tablet computer, a personal computer, an arcade game device, or the like. When multiple electronic devices are communicatively connected to perform a single function, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smartwatch communicatively connected to the smartphone, those multiple electronic devices can be considered a single user terminal 1500.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the functions performed by the manufacturing management server 1100a.
The manufacturing management server 1100 a is operated by the manufacturer or seller of the tangible object 10 , and registers and manages the unique identification information of the tangible object 10 .

The tangible object 10 is a tangible object that can be touched, such as a trading card, character figure, or model, and is composed of a main body 12 and one or more accessories 14 (14a, 14b). It may consist of only the main body 12.

An IC tag 16 is built into the main body 12. An individual identification information sticker 18 is affixed to the surface of the main body 12. Individual identification information is recorded on the IC tag 16. The individual identification information sticker 18 has the individual identification information printed on it. The IC tag 16 does not have to be built-in, and can be in other forms, such as a shipping tag. The individual identification information sticker 18 may be omitted.

The manufacturing management server 1100 a stores and manages the manufacturing registration data 510 .
The manufacturing registration data 510 is prepared for each tangible object 10, and stores the name of the tangible object (for example, the product name or the name of a character that appears in the content that served as a reference for the design), the name of the manufacturer, lot information, manufacturing date and time, manufacturing location, individual identification information, and image data at the time of manufacturing in association with each other. The manufacturer of the tangible object 10 inputs this information into the manufacturing management server 1100a as one of the manufacturing or shipping processes and registers the manufacturing registration data 510.

Note that production registration data 510 is not limited to being registered when tangible object 10 is manufactured and sold as a finished product. For example, if tangible object 10 is manufactured and sold as a production kit, and an individual assembles and creates and completes tangible object 10, production registration data 510 may be registered when the production kit is manufactured and sold. Furthermore, tangible object 10 itself may be manufactured by an individual. In this case, a set including an IC tag 16 having individual identification information and an individual identification information sticker 18 may be sold as an information management registration set for when an individual manufactures tangible object 10. An individual purchases this set, embeds the IC tag 16 in the body 12 of the tangible object 10 they created, and affixes the individual identification information sticker 18. The individual then uses a specified registration website provided by production management server 1100a to register the individual identification information, etc., associated with the purchased IC tag 16 and individual identification information sticker 18, thereby registering production registration data 510 corresponding to the tangible object 10 they created.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the functions performed by the ownership information management server 1100b.
The ownership information management server 1100b stores and manages ownership information 512 of the tangible object 10, and issues a non-fungible token (NFT) that indicates ownership.

User 2a, who first purchases (or manufactures) tangible object 10, establishes and registers ownership of said tangible object 10.

Specifically, the user uses the user terminal 1500a to access a specific website linked to the ownership information management server 1100b and completes the user registration procedure. Following user registration, the ownership information management server 1100b stores user registration data 511.

Next, user 2a operates the RFID reader/writer 1590 connected to user terminal 1500a to read individual identification information from the tangible object 10 for which ownership is to be established. User terminal 1500a then requests the establishment of new ownership from ownership information management server 1100b, along with the read individual identification information and image data of the tangible object 10 captured by user terminal 1500a.

In response to the request, the ownership information management server 1100b requests the manufacturing management server 1100a to make a manufacturing inquiry about the individual identification information attached to the request.
The manufacturing management server 1100a returns the result of comparing the requested individual identification information with the manufacturing registration data 510 to the ownership information management server 1100b.
If the inquiry result received from the manufacturing management server 1100a indicates that the product is genuine, the ownership information management server 1100b creates and stores new ownership information 512 in response to a request from the user terminal 1500a.

Ownership information 512 is held as blockchain data. The ownership information 512 stores, for example, a unique registration ID, individual identification information of the tangible object 10 for which ownership setting has been requested, the date and time of new registration, owner information at the time of new registration (e.g., name, address, date of birth, gender, etc.), and image data of the tangible object at the time of new registration.

Of course, other information may be stored in the ownership information 512 as appropriate. Furthermore, storage of one or more pieces of information may be omitted. A configuration may also be adopted in which joint ownership of the tangible object 10 is permitted. In this case, the owner information at the time of new registration may be associated with the sharing ratio and stored in the ownership information 512.

The ownership information management server 1100b then issues an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) based on the date and time of new registration, the owner user account at the time of new registration, individual identification information, and tangible object image data at the time of new registration, and sends it to the user terminal 1500a. The user terminal 1500a writes the NFT to the IC tag 16 of the tangible object 10 via the RFID reader/writer 1590. The ownership of this tangible object 10 is secured in a manner that can be verified by a third party by the ownership information 512 and the NFT based on it.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the content providing server 1100c. In this embodiment, the content is an online game. Therefore, the content providing server 1100c functions as a game server for the online game. Furthermore, in the online game, user 2 can use a character linked to a tangible object 10 that he or she owns as a player character 4 when playing a game using the tangible object 10. By reading and inputting the individual identification information of the tangible object 10 using the RFID reader/writer 1590 and registering the individual identification information (and therefore the tangible object 10) in the user terminal 1500a and the content providing server 1500C, the character linked to the individual identification information (and therefore the tangible object 10) can be used as the player character 4. In addition to the method of reading the individual identification information from the IC tag 16 using the RFID reader/writer 1590, a method of inputting the individual identification information by the user operating and inputting a code written on the individual identification information sticker 18 can also be used.

The content providing server 1100c stores and manages content data 520, which includes various data required to provide content, user management data 530 for each user, and usage information 532 for each user.

The content data 520 includes data defining a benefit when using a tangible object 10 that is granted to a user who plays a game using the tangible object 10. The benefit referred to here can be set appropriately depending on the game content, such as improving the ability parameter values of the player character 4, granting skills, granting special items, granting special skins, or unlocking playable game stages. Multiple types of benefit definition data when using a tangible object may be prepared depending on the type of tangible object 10.

User management data 530 stores the user account, password, user personal information (name, address, date of birth, gender, etc.), a content ID indicating the game being played, and individual identification information for the tangible object 10 used in the content. Other information such as the name of the team to which the user belongs, a list of user accounts for team members, and ranking information may also be stored as appropriate.

The individual identification information of the tangible object 10 being used is read in advance from the tangible object 10 by the user terminal 1500a via the RFID reader/writer 1590. The individual identification information read from the tangible object 10 is provided to the content providing server 1100c through a specified tangible object usage procedure before game play begins.

Usage information 532 stores various data related to the results and achievements of using the content using the corresponding tangible object 10. If the content is a game, usage information 532 corresponds to "game information" such as game data, play data, save data, etc. that changes based on the achievements of the user (player) in using the content using the corresponding tangible object 10.

Specifically, the usage information 532 includes the following element information divided by category or classification:
(1) a user account indicating a user who can use the usage information;
(2) Content ID (e.g., game title),
(3) Individual identification information of the tangible object 10 linked to the usage information; (4) Play history (e.g., play date and time history, number of plays, cumulative play time, etc.);
(5) Game save data,
(6) Purchase history of game items and lotteries, etc.
(7) A lottery winning history indicating the winning history of items, etc., through paid/free lotteries related to the game (for example, a set of the lottery date and time and the identification information of the items won through the lottery),
(8) A history of obtaining a benefit when using a tangible object (for example, a set of the date and time of the benefit and information indicating the benefit content),
Of course, data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

The game save data includes, for example, the type of player character 4 associated with the individual identification information (and thus the tangible object 10), a list of ability parameter values for the player character 4, a list of acquired skills, a list of owned items, etc. The ability parameter value list and acquired skill list correspond to information on the training results obtained when the user plays and trains the player character 4. This information included in the game save data is also element information divided into categories or classifications for the usage information 532.

If the content is something other than a game, data corresponding to the manner in which the tangible object 10 is used with that content is stored instead of game save data. For example, in the case of content in a public service in which still images or videos of the tangible object 10 are made public to the general public, ratings are obtained from users other than the user who owns the tangible object 10, and the results of these ratings are made public (for example, videos posted to a video sharing site that can display the number of viewer ratings), usage information 532 may store information on the results of ratings by viewers.

Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the procedure for transferring ownership of a tangible object 10. They show an example in which user 2a transfers tangible object 10 to user 2b. User 2a is the transferring user, and user 2b is the receiving user.

An agreement on the transfer has already been reached between user 2a and user 2b, the tangible object 10 is in user 2b's possession, and user 2a has received payment for the transfer. In other words, the explanation will be given assuming that the transfer of the actual physical object 10 has been completed. Based on this premise, both users carry out the ownership transfer procedure via ownership information management server 1100b to change the ownership information 512 for the tangible object 10.

Specifically, the transferor user (user 2a) and the transferee user (user 2b) each use user terminal 1500 to participate in the ownership transfer procedure service provided by ownership information management server 1100b. It is assumed that user registration has been completed separately.

As shown in Figure 5, when the ownership transfer procedure begins, the transferor user confirmation screen W2 is displayed on the user terminal 1500a of the transferor user (user 2a). This screen includes input fields for the user name indicating the transferor user's identity and the password specified during user registration, an input field for the name of the transferee user recognized by the transferor user, and a check box to confirm receipt of the transfer fee. Once these inputs are made, the additional item setting screen W4 is displayed on the user terminal 1500a.

The incidental item setting screen W4 is a screen that accepts operational inputs for setting incidental items associated with the transfer. As incidental items, it is set whether or not usage information linked to the transferor user in connection with the use of content using the tangible object 10 is to be transferred to the transferee user, and if so, how it is to be transferred.

Specifically, the additional details setting screen W4 displays a content specification field where you can enter information specifying which content usage information to transfer, and a check field for the transfer type, allowing you to select "Do not transfer," "Transfer all," or "Transfer some" of the usage information.

In the content specification field, you will be asked to enter the content ID (game title), the user account and password of the user transferring the content when using it.

When "Transfer part" is checked in the transfer type check box, the ownership information management server 1100b accesses the content providing server 1100c based on the input in the content specification field and requests an inquiry about the type of information contained in the usage information of the specified content.

In response to the request, the content providing server 1100c returns the type of information contained in the usage information for the specified content as a response result to the ownership information management server 1100b.

Based on this reply, the user terminal 1500a displays the detailed settings screen W6. The detailed settings screen W6 displays check boxes that allow you to individually select the type of usage information to transfer, and check boxes that allow you to select how the usage information will be handled upon transfer. Multiple types of usage information can be selected for transfer. Only one of the three types of usage information handling can be selected: "transfer inheritance," "integration," and "additional inheritance."

The "transfer inheritance" handling of usage information is a handling method in which the transferee user basically inherits the transferor's usage information as is, and can only use that usage information. For example, the user account settings (settings indicating the user) of the transferor's usage information are rewritten to the transferee's user account, and the linking of the usage information is changed from the transferor user to the transferee user. If the transferee user is already using the content and usage information for the transferee user already exists, this will be deleted.

Usage information handling "integration" is a handling method in which the transferor's usage information and the transferee's usage information are integrated into one. Specifically, if both users are using the same type of player character, the ability parameter values of the transferor's usage information and the transferee's usage information are compared for each type of ability parameter, and the higher value is changed and integrated. The same applies to acquired skills. All owned items, access to available game stages, etc., from the transferor's usage information are copied and integrated into the transferee's usage information. Note that the transferor's usage information is deleted after integration.

Handling usage information: "Additional inheritance" is a handling method in which the linking of usage information is changed from the transferring user to the transferee user, creating additional usage information that can be used by the transferee user. It differs from "transfer inheritance" in that if the transferee user is already using the specified content and already has usage information for the transferee user, this information will not be deleted but will remain. In other words, after the transfer, one more piece of usage information (a character that can be used as a player character and its information) will be linked to the transferee user.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the ownership transfer procedure is initiated, a transferee user confirmation screen W10 is displayed on the user terminal 1500b of the transferee user (user 2b). This screen includes fields for inputting the user name and password that indicate the identity of the transferee user, individual identification information for the transferred tangible object 10, a field for specifying image data for the transferred tangible object 10, and a check box for confirming receipt of the transferred tangible object 10.

The individual identification information of the transferred tangible object 10 may be entered as a text, such as a numerical value, or may be read by operating a read start icon using the RFID reader/writer 1590 connected to the user terminal 1500b.
The image data of the transferred tangible object 10 is captured in advance by the user terminal 1500b, and the image data file is designated. Alternatively, a capture start icon may be operated to capture the image on the spot using the user terminal 1500b.

When the transferee user enters information in these fields, the additional details confirmation screen W12 is displayed on the user terminal 1500b. This screen displays an additional details display operation icon that displays the additional details set by the transferor user, and a check box that the transferee user can use to declare that they have confirmed the additional details. When the additional details display operation icon is operated, the contents of the additional details set on the transferor user's user terminal 1500a are displayed on the user terminal 1500b.

The additional details confirmation screen W12 also displays a transfer execution conditions display operation icon that displays the transfer execution conditions for the content specified by the transferor user, and a check box that the transferee user can use to declare that they have confirmed the transfer execution conditions.

Transfer execution conditions are prepared for each piece of content and indicate the requirements that must be met in order to transfer the usage information for that content. The transfer execution conditions are independently set by the administrator of the content providing service (in this embodiment, the content is an online game, so the game provider) on the content providing server 1100c.

The transfer execution condition setting data 550, which defines the transfer execution conditions, is managed by the content providing server 1100c. The transfer execution condition setting data 550 includes a content ID (game title) that specifies the content to which the conditions apply, and information on the condition configuration. The condition configuration is described by combining one or more sub-conditions.

Sub-conditions include, for example:
(1) Conditions for the transfer contract regarding the transfer contract of the tangible object 10 (e.g., whether an agreement has been reached, the difference between the date and time of the agreement and the current date and time, etc.);
(2) Transfer conditions regarding the type of transfer;
(3) User relationship conditions regarding the relationship between the transferor user and the transferee user (e.g., same sex, same age, same team, different team, friend registration, etc.),
(4) Non-transferable information type conditions indicating the types of information in the usage information 532 that are not permitted to be transferred;
(5) Transfer consideration conditions for the transfer consideration (for example, the transfer consideration is in-game currency, the transfer consideration is game items, the maximum amount of the transfer consideration, etc.),
(6) Classification conditions for the classification of the element conditions of the usage information 532 (for example, corresponds to a specified classification, etc.),
(7) Type conditions for the classification of element conditions of the usage information 532 (for example, corresponds to a specified type, etc.),
Of course, sub-conditions other than these can also be set as appropriate.

When the transfer execution conditions display operation icon is operated, the ownership information management server 1100b requests the content providing server 1100c for the transfer execution conditions for the content specified by the transferor user on the additional item setting screen W4. In response to the request, the content providing server 1100c replies with the corresponding transfer execution conditions. The ownership information management server 1100b displays the received transfer execution conditions on the transferee user's user terminal 1500b.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the transfer contract and the notification of the transfer completion.
Once the various inputs required for the transfer are made on the transferor's user terminal 1500a and on the recipient's user terminal 1500b, the contents of the transfer contract are determined. A contract content confirmation screen W14 showing the final contents of the transfer contract is displayed on both the user terminal 1500a and the user terminal 1500b.

The contract content confirmation screen W14 displays an approval operation icon and a contract cancellation operation icon. When both the transferor user and the transferee user operate the approval operation icon, the ownership information management server 1100b considers that the transfer contract content has been confirmed and determines that the transfer contract has been concluded. In other words, the ownership information management server 1100b determines that the ownership transfer conditions for transferring a tangible object owned by a first user to a second user have been met.

When it is determined that the transfer contract has been concluded, a transfer completion notification screen W16 is displayed on both user terminal 1500a and user terminal 1500b. At the same time, ownership information management server 1100b sends data indicating the contract details and that the contract has been concluded to the email addresses previously registered by the transferring user and the transferee user.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining changes to ownership information 512 following the conclusion of a transfer contract. When a transfer contract is concluded, the ownership information management server 1100b adds transfer history data 514 to the ownership information 512 of the tangible object 10 being transferred. Incidentally, in the example of Figure 8, since this is the first transfer of the tangible object 10, only one piece of transfer history data 514 is shown.

The transfer history data 514 stores various data describing the contents of the transfer contracts that have been concluded.
Specifically, the transfer history data 514 includes a unique transfer ID, the date and time the transfer contract was concluded, the name of the transferor user, the name of the transferee user, individual identification information of the tangible object being transferred (transferred tangible object), image data of the transferred tangible object, and incidental item setting data. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The additional information setting data includes information for identifying the usage information to be transferred, such as the content category, content ID (e.g., game title), and the user account of the transferor when using the content. The additional information setting data also includes settings for the transfer form of the usage information, settings for handling the specified usage information, and types of usage information to be excluded from transfer.

The types of usage information excluded from transfer indicate types of usage information that were not selected as the type of usage information to be transferred on the detailed settings screen W6 (see Figure 5). The types of usage information excluded from transfer may be configured to always include items acquired through a lottery (lottery acquisitions; regardless of whether they are items or characters).

Then, the ownership information management server 1100b issues an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) based on the ownership information 512 and transmits it to the user terminal 1500b.
The user terminal 1500b writes the NFT to the IC tag 16 of the tangible object 10 via the RFID reader/writer 1590. The ownership information 512 and the NFT allow a third party to confirm that the ownership of the tangible object 10 belongs to the transferee user, user 2b.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the transfer process of the usage information by the content providing server 1100c.
The content providing server 1100c periodically sends a transfer occurrence inquiry request to the ownership information management server 1100b. In response to the request, the ownership information management server 1100b provides the content providing server 1100c with part or all of the transfer history data 514 of transfer contracts that have been concluded since the previous transfer occurrence inquiry up to the present.

The content providing server 1100c executes the transfer process for the usage information based on the received transfer history data 514. The details of the transfer process change depending on the settings of the additional items. Specifically, it changes depending on the settings of the transfer form of the usage information, the settings for handling the usage information, and the settings for the types of usage information excluded from transfer, among the additional items.

In the example of Figure 9, the usage information handling is set to "transfer inheritance" and the transfer exclusion usage information type is set to the default "lottery wins." In other words, the "transfer inheritance" transfer process deletes the transferee user's usage information 532. The user account of the transferor user's (user 2a) usage information 532 is then changed from that of the transferor user (user 2a) to that of the transferee user (user 2b). Next, since the transfer exclusion usage information type is set to "lottery wins" by default, the lottery win history is referenced to search for and delete the lottery wins from the owned item list. The transferee user is no longer able to use the items, etc., that the transferor user won in the lottery. This prevents the misuse of the ownership transfer mechanism for reselling or cashing in lottery wins. After the lottery wins are deleted, the lottery win history is deleted. Even if the usage information handling setting is "integration" or "additional inheritance," the transfer exclusion usage information type can always include lottery wins. Details of the transfer process will be explained in the operation explanation below.

Next, the functional configuration will be described.
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management system 1000.
The information management system 1000 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the information management system 1000. Examples of this include a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by electronic components such as processors that serve as arithmetic circuits, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, as well as IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It then performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the information management system 1000.

The server processing unit 200s includes a manufacturing management unit 210, an ownership information management unit 212, a content provision control unit 214, an ownership transfer condition determination unit 216, a usage information transfer processing unit 218, a timing unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

The manufacturing management unit 210 manages information related to the manufacturing of the tangible object 10. Specifically, it manages manufacturing registration data 510 (see Figure 2).

The ownership information management unit 212 manages ownership information, which is information about user 2 who owns tangible object 10, and modifies the ownership information so that ownership of the transferred tangible object is transferred from the first user to the second user when the ownership transfer conditions are met. Specifically, it manages ownership information 512 as ownership information, and adds transfer history data 514 when the ownership transfer conditions are met (see Figures 3 and 8).

The content provision control unit 214 controls the provision of content to the user terminal 1500 and manages various data related to the provision. Specifically, it manages content data 520, user management data 530, and usage information 532 (see Figure 4).

The ownership transfer condition determination unit 216 determines whether given ownership transfer conditions for transferring a tangible item owned by a first user to a second user are met.

When the ownership transfer conditions are met, the usage information transfer processing unit 218 executes a usage information transfer process to transfer the usage information (transfer usage information) of the transfer tangible object owned by the first user to the second user.

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to measure various times, such as the current date and time and time limits.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds, sound effects, background music, and voice calls related to system management of the information management system 1000 and the provision of online games. Audio signals related to system management are then output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s is realized by a speaker or the like, and emits sound based on an audio signal.

The image generation unit 292s generates images of various management screens for system management of the information management system 1000 and outputs the image data to the image display unit 392s. The image display unit 392s is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector.

The image display unit 392s also generates images necessary for providing content. For example, it generates content screens to be displayed on each user terminal 1500, and also renders game space images captured with a virtual camera of a virtual three-dimensional space that serves as the basis for gameplay images.

The communication control unit 294s performs data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data for implementing various functions that allow the server processing unit 200s to comprehensively control the information management system 1000. It is also used as a working area for the server processing unit 200s, temporarily storing the results of calculations executed by the server processing unit 200s in accordance with various programs. This function is implemented, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, online storage, etc. In the example of Figure 1, these correspond to storage media such as the IC memory 1152 and hard disks installed in the main unit 1101. Online storage may also be included in the server storage unit 500s.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s. In this embodiment, the server storage unit 500s stores a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, manufacturing registration data 510 (see Figure 2), ownership information 512 (see Figures 3 and 8), content data 520 (see Figure 4), user management data 530 (see Figure 4), usage information 532 (see Figure 4), transfer contract setting work data 540, transfer execution condition setting data 550 (see Figure 6), transfer execution history data 560, content play data 700, and the current date and time 900. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (e.g., timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

The server program 501 is a program that is read and executed by the server processing unit 200s to cause the server processing unit 200s to realize the functions of the manufacturing management unit 210, ownership information management unit 212, content provision control unit 214, ownership transfer condition determination unit 216, and usage information transfer processing unit 218. When the information management system 1000 is composed of a manufacturing management server 1100a, ownership information management server 1100b, and content provision server 1100c, the server program 501 includes a manufacturing management server program for realizing the functions of the manufacturing management server 1100a, an ownership information management server program for realizing the functions of the ownership information management server 1100b, and a content provision server program for realizing the functions of the content provision server 1100c, and these are executed on the respective server devices.

The distribution client program 503 is the original program provided to and executed by the user terminal 1500.

The transfer contract setting work data 540 temporarily stores various work data related to the ownership transfer procedure. The results of operation inputs on the various screens shown in Figures 5 and 6 are stored here.

Transfer execution history data 560 is created each time a transfer of usage information 532 is executed in response to the establishment of a transfer of ownership, and stores various data indicating the history of transfer execution. Each piece of transfer execution history data 560 stores, in association with each other, the contract ID for which the transfer was established, the execution date and time, the transfer ID of the transfer history data 514 that originated the transfer (see Figure 8), and so on.

The play data 700 stores various data required for the user to use the content. If the content is an online game, the play data 700 corresponds to play data and game progress control data that store various data necessary for controlling the game progress.

Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals to the device processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs made by the user. For example, this can be realized by a push switch, joystick, touchpad, trackball, acceleration sensor, gyro, etc.

The device processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as microprocessors such as a CPU or GPU, and IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal memory unit 500. It controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 by performing various arithmetic operations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the information management system 1000.

In this embodiment, the device processing unit 200 has a client control unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The client control unit 260, as a client in the information management system 1000, performs various controls to make the user terminal 1500 function as an MMIF (man-machine interface). Specifically, the client control unit 260 has an operation input information providing unit 261 and a display control unit 262.

The operation input information providing unit 261 controls the transmission of operation input information to the information management system 1000 in response to input from the operation input unit 100.

The display control unit 262 controls the display of various images based on data received from the information management system 1000.

The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, etc.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files, and generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device such as a speaker that outputs (emits) sound based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290.

The image generation unit 292 generates and outputs image signals that cause the image display unit 392 to display an image based on the control of the client control unit 260. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), graphics controller, graphics board, etc. mounted on the control board 1550.

The image display unit 392 is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector.

The communication control unit 294 performs data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to enable communication. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example in Figure 1, this corresponds to the communication module 1553.

The device storage unit 500 stores programs and various data for enabling the device processing unit 200 to perform given functions. It is also used as a work area for the device processing unit 200, temporarily storing the results of calculations performed by the device processing unit 200 in accordance with various programs, and input data entered from the operation input unit 100. These functions are realized, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROM or DVD. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550.

Specifically, the device storage unit 500 stores a client program 502 (application program) that causes the device processing unit 200 to function as the client control unit 260, and the current date and time 900. Of course, other data can also be stored as appropriate.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the manufacturing process of the tangible object 10.
The manufacturer stores the individual identification information in the IC tag 16 (step S12) and creates the individual identification information sticker 18 (step S14). Note that if the IC tag 16 with the individual identification information already stored and the printed individual identification information sticker 18 are purchased separately, these steps can be omitted.

Next, the manufacturer produces a tangible object 10 incorporating an IC tag 16, and affixes an individual identification information sticker 18, which comes as a set with the IC tag 16, to the surface of the tangible object (step S16).

The manufacturer then takes an image of the tangible object 10 at the time of manufacture (step S18) and inputs the necessary information into the manufacturing registration data 510 in the manufacturing management server 1100a, creating and storing new manufacturing registration data 510 (step S20). Specifically, when the manufacturing management server 1100a detects a specified manufacturing registration creation operation input, it requests the input of individual identification information and manufacturing image data, and once these are input, creates and stores new manufacturing registration data 510.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing related to the setting of new ownership of the tangible object 10 (see FIG. 3).
User 2, who wishes to newly establish ownership of tangible object 10, inputs a predetermined new ownership establishment operation into user terminal 1500. When user terminal 1500 detects this (step S30), it displays a message to user 2 urging him/her to read the individual identification information of tangible object 10 using RFID reader/writer 1590 and to photograph tangible object 10, and in response to these operations by user 2, it reads the individual identification information, photographs tangible object 10, and saves the image data (step S32).

Next, the user terminal 1500 accesses the ownership information management server 1100b and requests the establishment of new ownership, along with the read individual identification information and image data (step S34).

When the ownership information management server 1100b receives the request, it requests the manufacturing management server 1100a to make a manufacturing inquiry about the individual identification information attached to the request (step S40).
The manufacturing management server 1100a collates the requested individual identification information with the manufacturing registration data 510 and returns the result of the inquiry (for example, whether manufacturing registration is present or absent) to the ownership information management server 1100b (step S42).

If the ownership information management server 1100b can determine from the inquiry results received from the manufacturing management server 1100a that the tangible object 10 of the individual identification information is genuine (YES in step S44), it creates and stores new ownership information 512 in response to a request from the user terminal 1500a (step S46).

The ownership information management server 1100b may attach manufacturing image data to the inquiry response, and compare the manufacturing image data with the image data attached to the new ownership setting request to perform an additional process to determine the authenticity of the tangible object 10. If the inquiry response indicates "Registered" and the result of the authenticity determination process is "True," the tangible object 10 is determined to be genuine.

Next, the ownership information management server 1100b issues an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) based on the new registration date and time, the owner user account at the time of new registration, and the tangible object image data at the time of new registration, and sends it to the user terminal 1500a (step S48).

The user terminal 1500a writes the received NFT to the IC tag 16 of the tangible object 10 via the RFID reader/writer 1590 (step S50). After the NFT has been written, the NFT stored in the IC tag 16 can be read and an NFT authenticity determination service separately provided by the ownership information management server 1100b can be used to confirm that the tangible object 10 is genuine and who its owner is.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing related to the provision of content.
A user 2 who wishes to use content inputs a content usage start operation into the user terminal 1500. When the user terminal 1500 detects this, it accesses the content providing server 1100c and starts the login procedure processing (step S70). In response, the content providing server 1100c executes a login acceptance processing (step S72).

User 2, who wishes to use tangible object 10 in content, logs in and then inputs a specified operation to use the tangible object. The user terminal 1500 detects this, reads the individual identification information from tangible object 10 using the RFID reader/writer 1590, and transmits the individual identification information along with a tangible object use request to the content provider server 1100c (step S74).

When the content providing server 1100c receives the request, it sends an ownership inquiry request along with the received individual identification information to the ownership information management server 1100b (step S76).

When the ownership information management server 1100b receives the request, it returns to the content providing server 1100c the user information (name, address, date of birth, gender, etc.) of the most recent owner of the tangible object 10 for which the individual identification information was received (the transferee user in the most recent transfer) (step S78).

The content providing server 1100c determines from the inquiry response whether user 2, whose login was accepted in step S72, owns the tangible object 10 whose individual identification information was received in the request in step S74. Specifically, the content providing server 1100c compares the user personal information in the user management data 530 (see Figure 4) of user 2, whose login was accepted in step S72, with the user information received in the inquiry response to make the determination. For example, a positive determination may be made if the names match, or a positive determination may not be made if the names, addresses, and dates of birth do not all match.

If it is determined that ownership exists (YES in step S80), the content providing server 1100c registers the individual identification information received in the request of step S74 in the user management data 530 (see Figure 4) of the user (logged-in user) whose login was accepted in step S72 (step S82). However, if the individual identification information has already been registered as individual identification information for a tangible object in use, step S82 is skipped.

Next, the content providing server 1100c grants a bonus based on the tangible object use bonus definition data in the content data 520 (see Figure 4) for that content (step S84). Specifically, if the bonus is a change in ability parameter values, the acquisition of a skill, the granting of a usable character, the granting of an item, etc., the game save data in the logged-in user's usage information 532 (see Figure 4) is updated. Then, to prevent the double acquisition of bonuses when using a tangible object, the tangible object use bonus acquisition history is updated. Note that in a configuration in which multiple types of tangible object use bonus definition data are prepared according to the type of tangible object 10, the tangible object name along with the individual identification information is queried from the manufacturing management server 1100a as appropriate.

If it is determined that the user does not have ownership (YES in step S80), the content providing server 1100c skips steps S82 and S84. Instead, it may display a notice on the user terminal 1500 informing the user that the content is unavailable.

Next, the content providing server 1100c begins providing the content and updating the usage information 532 (step S88). The content providing server 1100c functions as a game server and begins transmitting various content execution data, such as image data for playing the online game, to the user terminal 1500. This allows the user terminal 1500 to begin playing the online game (step S90).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing related to the transfer of ownership of the tangible object 10.
The user terminal 1500a of the transferring user 2a and the user terminal 1500b of the receiving user 2b both access the ownership information management server 1100b, and when they each detect an input to start the ownership transfer procedure, they make a request to the ownership information management server 1100b to start the transfer procedure (step S100).

The ownership information management server 1100b requests user confirmation and the operational input required to set the transfer contract details from the user terminal 1500 that made the request (step S102).

When user terminal 1500a and user terminal 1500b receive the request, they accept the requested operation input (step S104). Specifically, on user terminal 1500a of transferor user 2a, the transferor user confirmation screen W2, the additional item setting screen W4, and the detailed setting screen W6 are displayed (see Figure 5).

In relation to the detailed settings screen W6, the user terminal 1500a queries the content providing server 1100c about the type of information contained in the usage information, and the content providing server 1100c responds (step S106).

Furthermore, the result of the operation input by the transfer source user 2a is transmitted from the user terminal 1500a to the ownership information management server 1100b.
The ownership information management server 1100b sets the content of the incidental items based on the operation input received from the user terminal 1500a of the transferee user 2a (step S108). Then, since the information entered in the operation input screen W4 includes the name of the transferee user (see FIG. 5), the ownership information management server 1100b matches the transferee user with the transferee user and transmits the incidental items content information to the user terminal 1500b of the transferee user 2b.

When the user terminal 1500b of the transferee user 2b receives a request for user confirmation and the operational input required to set the transfer contract details, it displays the transferee user confirmation screen W10 (see Figure 6) and displays the ancillary item confirmation screen W12 based on the content information of the ancillary items received from the ownership information management server 1100b.

Furthermore, when the user terminal 1500b detects an input to confirm the transfer execution conditions on the additional information confirmation screen W12, it sends a transfer execution conditions reference request to the content providing server 1100c. In response to this, the content providing server 1100c returns the data on the transfer execution conditions (step S110). The results of the input by the transferee user are sent to the ownership information management server 1100b.

Once the ownership information management server 1100b has received the results of user confirmation and the operational input required to set the transfer contract details, it sets the transfer contract details (the details stored in the transfer history data 514: see Figure 8) and sends a contract details confirmation request from the transferor user 2a and the transferee user 2b to the user terminal 1500a and the user terminal 1500b (step S120).

When user terminal 1500a and user terminal 1500b receive the confirmation request, they display the contract content confirmation screen W14 (see Figure 7) and send the results of the confirmation input for approval/contract cancellation to the ownership information management server 1100b (step S122).

Once the following steps have been completed, ownership information management server 1100b determines that the transfer contract has been concluded and sends a prescribed conclusion notification to user terminal 1500a and user terminal 1500b: (1) confirmation of the transferor user; (2) confirmation of the transfer recipient user; (3) confirmation of receipt of the transfer consideration by the transferor user; (4) confirmation of receipt of the transferred tangible item by the transfer recipient user; (5) confirmation of manufacture based on the individual identification information of the transferred tangible item; (6) establishment of the transfer contract contents; and (7) confirmation of the transfer contract contents by both the transferor user and the transfer recipient user (step S124).

Furthermore, the ownership information management server 1100b generates and adds transfer history data 514 relating to the newly established transfer to the ownership information 512 of the tangible object 10 to be transferred (step S126). Then, it issues an NFT and sends it to the user terminal 1500b (step S128).

User terminal 1500a and user terminal 1500b receive the notification and display the transfer completion notification screen W16 (see Figure 7) and provide services such as sending the transfer contract details via email (step S130). User terminal 1500b writes the received NFT via RFID reader/writer 1590 to the IC tag 16 of the received tangible object 10 (step S132).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the usage information transfer process.
The content providing server 1100c periodically sends a transfer occurrence inquiry request to the ownership information management server 1100b (step S200). In response to the request, the ownership information management server 1100b provides the content providing server 1100c with part or all of the transfer history data 514 of transfer contracts that have been concluded since the previous transfer occurrence inquiry request up to the present (step S202).

The content providing server 1100c compares the received transfer history data 514 with the transfer execution history data 560 (see FIG. 11) to search for transfer history in which the transfer of usage information 532 has not yet been executed. If there is an unexecuted transfer history, loop A, i.e., the transfer processing of usage information, is executed for each corresponding transfer history data 514 (steps S206 to S224).

Specifically, if the transfer execution conditions indicated in the transfer execution condition setting data 550 (see Figure 6) are satisfied for the transfer history to be processed in loop A (YS in step S208), the content providing server 1100c refers to the transfer type setting in the usage information 532 included in the transfer history data 514.

If the transfer type setting indicates that some or all of the usage information 532 will be "transferred" (Transfer in step S210), the content providing server 1100c further references the "Handling of usage information" setting in the additional item setting data of the transfer history data 514, and if it indicates "Transfer inheritance" (YES in step S212), it executes the transfer inheritance transfer process (step S214).

Specifically, if the transferee user's usage information 532 is not available, the content providing server 1100c searches for the transferor's usage information 532 (see Figure 4) for the content indicated by the "content ID" in the additional item setting data of the transfer history data 514 being processed in loop A as a transfer process for transfer inheritance. The content providing server 1100c then rewrites that user account to the transferee user's user account. The content providing server 1100c also erases or rewrites to a default value the data in the usage information 532 that corresponds to the "transfer-exclusion usage information type" in the additional item setting data of the transfer history data 514 being processed in loop A. The content providing server 1100c also erases or rewrites to a default value the data acquired by lottery indicated in the lottery acquisition history of the transferor's usage information 532. In other words, the transferor's usage information 532 is rewritten to appear as if it were the transferee user's usage information 532.

If the transferee user's usage information 532 exists, the content providing server 1100c may perform a transfer process for transfer inheritance by overwriting the transferee user's usage information 532 with the transferee user's usage information 532 and deleting the overwritten transferee user's usage information 532. The same applies to data that falls under the "transfer-excluded usage information type" and data acquired by lottery indicated in the lottery acquisition history.

In addition, if there is multiple pieces of usage information 532 from the transferor user relating to one piece of content (for example, the transferor user has been transferred the tangible object 10 from another user, and the handling of the usage information at that time is "additional inheritance"), the transfer process for transfer of inheritance may allow the transferee user to select which of the multiple pieces of usage information 532 to transfer.

If the "Handling of Usage Information" setting indicates "Integration" (Integration in step S216), the content providing server 1100c executes the integration transfer process (step S218).

Specifically, if the transferor user and transferee user are using the same type of player character, the content providing server 1100c will perform the integration transfer process by comparing the ability parameter values of each item between the transferor user's usage information 532 and the transferee user's usage information 532, and changing the ability parameter value to the higher value (the value that is advantageous to the transferee user) and integrating them. The same applies to acquired skills.

Owned characters and items in the transferor's usage information 532 are added to the transferee user's usage information 532. However, ability parameters and acquired skills corresponding to usage information 532 that corresponds to the "transfer-excluded usage information type" are not integrated in this way. In addition, items acquired by lottery as indicated in the lottery acquisition history of the transferor's usage information 532 are not subject to integration.

If the transferor and transferee users are using different types of player characters, the player character type in usage information 53 is converted from that of the transferee player to that of the transferor player (the character of tangible object 10). Then, ability parameter values are compared and integrated according to an exchange rate corresponding to a separately prepared combination of character types. Acquired skills may be substituted for skills usable with the transferee user's player character type according to exchange rules corresponding to a separately prepared combination of character types and granted.

Note that if there is multiple pieces of usage information 532 from the transferor user for one piece of content, the integration transfer process may allow the transferee user to select which of the multiple pieces of usage information 532 to integrate. Alternatively, all of the multiple pieces of usage information 532 may be integrated.

If the "Handling of Usage Information" setting indicates "Additional Inheritance" (integration in step S216), the content providing server 1100c executes the additional inheritance transfer process (step S220).

Specifically, in the additional inheritance transfer process, if the transferee user's usage information 532 already exists, the content providing server 1100c leaves it as is and, in the same manner as the transfer-inheritance transfer process, changes the transferor user's usage information 532, making it the transferee user's additional usage information 532. In other words, in the case of additional inheritance, the transferee user has multiple pieces of usage information 532, and can select any one to use when playing the content.

Note that if there is multiple pieces of usage information 532 for the transferor user relating to one piece of content, the additional inheritance transfer process will treat all of the multiple pieces of usage information 532 as additional usage information 532 for the transferee user. Alternatively, the transferee user may be allowed to select the items of usage information 532 to be used in the additional inheritance transfer process so that the number of pieces of usage information 532 is within a predetermined allowable number.

When the content providing server 1100c has executed any of the transfer processes, it creates new transfer execution history data 560 (step S222) and notifies the transferee that the transfer execution has been completed (step S223). For example, the notification may be displayed on the user terminal 1500 of the transferor user, or an email notifying the transferee may be sent to an email address associated with the transferor user and registered in advance.
Then, the content providing server 1100c ends loop A (step S224).

As described above, according to this embodiment, by setting the transfer contract details, including incidental matters regarding the transfer of usage information, and changing the processing details of the usage information transfer process according to the settings of the incidental matters and the settings of the transfer conditions, usage information for a tangible object usage form that is stored in association with the tangible object for each user can be transferred between users for content that can be used in a tangible object usage form related to the tangible object. In other words, when the ownership transfer conditions for transferring a tangible object (transfer tangible object) from a first user (transfer source user) to a second user (transfer recipient user) are met, usage information transfer processing can be executed to transfer the usage information (transfer usage information) of the transferred tangible object to the second user. A new technology can be realized that makes it possible to transfer the transferred usage information along with the transferred tangible object.

[Modification]
An example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, but the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described forms, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

(Variation 1)
For example, although the content has been described as an online game, the genre and content of the game are not limited to those in the above embodiment and can be set as appropriate.

(Variation 2)
In addition, in the above embodiment, the conditions for a transfer of ownership to be successful are when all of the following are obtained: confirmation of the transferor user, confirmation of the transferee user, confirmation of receipt of the transfer consideration by the transferor user, confirmation of receipt of the transferred tangible item by the transferee user, confirmation of manufacture based on the individual identification information of the transferred tangible item, setting of the transfer contract contents, and confirmation of the transfer contract contents by both the transferor user and the transferee user; however, a configuration in which some of these are omitted is also possible.

Also, if there is a trading site that guarantees that a transaction has been executed legitimately by using a transaction completion number issued when the transaction is completed, when the tangible object 10 is transferred through that trading site, the transaction completion number or the like is entered as part of the ownership transfer procedure, and the ownership information management server 1100b communicates with the server of that trading site and determines that the ownership transfer has been completed when it receives proof of transaction completion using the transaction completion number.

(Variation 3)
In the above embodiment, the tangible object 10 is owned by one person, but the configuration may allow joint ownership. In that case, the number of transferor users and transferee users in the above embodiment is set to the same number as the number of joint owners, and the sharing ratio is also set.

The tangible property 10 may be transferred individually within the joint ownership ratio (share) of each co-owner. However, since who will keep the jointly owned tangible property 10 is determined by agreement between the co-owners, if the transfer is made within the joint ownership ratio, the transferee user may not necessarily be able to receive the tangible property 10. Therefore, input items on the transferee user confirmation screen W10 (see Figure 6) may be omitted as appropriate.

In addition, in a configuration that allows joint ownership, transfers may be made subject to the consent of all joint owners, and the authority regarding the transfer (for example, whether or not the owner has the authority to confirm the contract contents, whether or not the owner has the authority to set additional matters, etc.) may be granted depending on the share of ownership.
Specifically, in a case where a tangible object 10 jointly owned by two people is transferred to another person, one of the two transferor users with a higher share ratio may perform the operation to set the additional details. Then, when one of the transferor users confirms and approves the transfer agreement with the transferee user, and the other transferor user also confirms and approves the transfer agreement with the same transferee user, it is determined that a transfer agreement for the tangible object 10 has been established, and the ownership information 512 is changed. Then, the usage information 532 of the two transferor users is transferred to one transferee user.

(Variation 4)
Furthermore, in a configuration that allows joint ownership, if there are multiple transferor users and one transferee user, in the transfer process of "transfer inheritance" or "integration," the transferor user's usage information 532 may be integrated into one usage information 532 in the same manner as in the transfer process of "integration," before being transferred. In the transfer process of "additional inheritance," the transferor user's usage information 532 may be transferred as separate usage information 532 and as additional usage information of the transferee user.

Also, in a configuration that allows joint ownership, if there are multiple transferor users and multiple transferee users, in the "transfer inheritance," "integration," and "additional inheritance" transfer processes, the transferor user's usage information 532 may first be integrated into a single piece of usage information 532 in the same way as in the "integration" transfer process, and then the same item may be duplicated and transferred to each of the multiple transferee users. Alternatively, if there are an equal number of transferor users and transferee users, combinations of transferor and transferee may be created randomly, and one-to-one transfers may be performed for each combination.

(Variation 5)
It is also possible to configure the transfer process of the usage information 532 by setting information indicating the generation of ownership of the user.
Specifically, the number of transfers, which is incremented by one each time a transfer process is performed, is stored as information indicating the user's ownership generation, in association with all or part of the information included in the usage information 532. Then, in the integration transfer process (step S218 in FIG. 17) or the additional inheritance transfer process (step S220 in FIG. 17), it may be configured to determine whether or not to allow the transfer of the information based on the number of transfers.

For example, if a certain item is newly acquired, the number of transfers for that item is set to "0" and added to the list of owned items. Then, in the integration transfer process and the addition/inheritance transfer process, the number of transfers for the item is incremented by "1" each time the tangible object 10 is transferred. At the same time, a transfer count limit is set as an additional item. The administrator of the content providing server 1100c or the game provider may set the transfer count limit in the transfer execution condition setting data 550 (see Figure 6). Then, in the integration transfer process and the addition/inheritance transfer process, items whose transfer count after the increment exceeds the transfer count limit are excluded from transfer.

By appropriately setting which element information in usage information 532 to set the number of transfers for and setting the upper limit on the number of transfers, it is possible to prevent items and skills from concentrating in the hands of a few users through transfers, resulting in the emergence of extremely capable player characters, and to prevent undesirable changes to the game balance.

(Variation 6)
The transfer form of usage information is not limited to this. For example, in any of the transfer by transfer (step S214 in FIG. 17), the transfer by integration (step S218 in FIG. 17), and the transfer by additional inheritance (step S220 in FIG. 17), a copy of the transferor's usage information 532 can be created, and the transfer by transfer, the transfer by integration, and the transfer by additional inheritance can be performed based on the copy. In this configuration, the transferor user can continue to use the usage information even after the transfer. The transferee user has obtained a copy of the transferor user's usage information at the time of the transfer. This configuration can also be applied to other modified examples.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Tangible object 16... IC tag 200s... Server processing unit 210... Manufacturing management unit 212... Ownership information management unit 214... Content provision control unit 216... Ownership transfer condition determination unit 218... Usage information transfer processing unit 500s... Server storage unit 510... Manufacturing registration data 511... User registration data 512... Ownership information 514... Transfer history data 520... Content data 530... User management data 532... Usage information 540... Transfer contract setting work data 550... Transfer execution condition setting data 560... Transfer execution history data 1000... Information management system 1100a... Manufacturing management server 1100b... Ownership information management server 1100c... Content provision server 1150... Control board 1500... User terminal 1550... Control board 1590... RFID reader/writer W2... Transfer source user confirmation screen W4...Additional items setting screen W6...Detailed setting screen W10...Transferee user confirmation screen W12...Additional items confirmation screen W14...Contract details confirmation screen W16...Transfer completion notification screen

Claims (14)

An information management system for controlling use information in a tangible use form, which is managed in association with a tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible use form relating to the tangible object, so as to be transferable between users, comprising:
an ownership transfer condition determination means for determining whether a given ownership transfer condition for transferring the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferred tangible object") to the second user is satisfied;
a usage information transfer processing means for executing a usage information transfer process for transferring the usage information (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") of the transferred tangible object to the second user when the ownership transfer condition is satisfied;
Equipped with
The usage information transfer processing means executes the usage information transfer process including a process based on the number of transfers of the transfer tangible object and a process of transferring the transfer usage information to the second user when a given usage information transfer condition is satisfied ;
The usage information includes a plurality of element information divided by division or category,
The usage information transfer conditions include information type-specific transfer conditions corresponding to each element information included in the usage information,
the use information transfer processing means executes a process of transferring, to the second user, element information that corresponds to the satisfied transfer condition by information type, among element information included in the transfer use information, as part of the use information transfer process;
Information management system. the usage information transfer processing means executes different processing depending on whether the number of transfers satisfies a given threshold condition;
The information management system according to claim 1 . the usage information transfer processing means executes a process of making the second user able to use the transferred usage information in the content as part of the usage information transfer process.
3. The information management system according to claim 1 or 2. an ownership information management means for managing ownership information, which is information about a user who owns the tangible object, and which transfers the ownership of the tangible object to be transferred from the first user to the second user when the ownership transfer condition is satisfied;
The information management system according to claim 1 , further comprising: the content is a game content,
The tangible object usage form is a form in which game information previously associated with the tangible object becomes available in the game by inputting identification information of the tangible object into the content, and the setting content of the game information changes when the tangible object is used in the game.
The information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the usage information is information about setting contents of the game information that have changed due to usage in the game,
the use information transfer processing means executes a process of taking over the setting contents of the transfer use information and making it available to the second user in the game, as part of the use information transfer process.
The information management system according to claim 5 . The usage information includes history information of the use of the game information in the game.
7. The information management system according to claim 5 or 6. The game information is information about a character or an item (hereinafter collectively referred to as "character");
The tangible object usage form is a form in which the setting of the character changes when used in the game.
8. The information management system according to claim 5, wherein the information management system comprises: the content is content that accepts evaluations of the tangible object used in the tangible object use form from users other than the user who owns the tangible object and makes the results of the evaluations public;
The usage information is information about the evaluation received regarding the content.
The information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the content is content that provides a given benefit to a user who owns the tangible object in accordance with the use of the tangible object in the form of use of the tangible object;
The usage information is information about the benefit granted in accordance with the tangible object usage form.
The information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The usage information includes, as the element information, information classified by ownership generation of users who owned the corresponding tangible object.
The information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . An information management system for controlling use information in a tangible use form, which is managed in association with a tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible use form relating to the tangible object, so as to be transferable between users, comprising:
an ownership transfer condition determination means for determining whether a given ownership transfer condition for transferring the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transferred tangible object") to the second user is satisfied;
a usage information transfer processing means for executing a usage information transfer process for transferring the usage information (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") of the transferred tangible object to the second user when the ownership transfer condition is satisfied;
Equipped with
The usage information transfer processing means executes a process based on the number of transfers of the transfer tangible object in the usage information transfer process,
the ownership transfer condition determination means determines, as a condition for transferring a tangible object to be transferred that is jointly owned by a third user and a fourth user to a fifth user, that the ownership transfer condition has been satisfied between the third user and the fifth user, and that the ownership transfer condition has been satisfied between the fourth user and the fifth user;
the usage information transfer processing means executes a usage information transfer process for transferring the transfer usage information jointly owned by the third user and the fourth user to the fifth user;
Information management system. 1. An information management method for controlling usage information in a tangible object usage form, which is managed in association with a tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage form, so as to be transferable between users, comprising:
an ownership transfer condition determination step of determining whether a given ownership transfer condition for transferring the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transfer tangible object") to the second user is satisfied;
a usage information transfer processing step of executing a usage information transfer process for transferring the usage information (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") of the transferred tangible object to the second user when the ownership transfer condition is satisfied;
Including,
The usage information transfer processing step is a step of executing a process based on the number of transfers of the transfer tangible object and a process of transferring the transfer usage information to the second user when a given usage information transfer condition is satisfied, in the usage information transfer processing;
The usage information includes a plurality of element information divided by division or category,
The usage information transfer conditions include information type-specific transfer conditions corresponding to each element information included in the usage information,
The usage information transfer processing step is a step of transferring, to the second user, element information among the element information included in the transfer usage information that corresponds to the satisfied transfer condition by information type, as part of the usage information transfer processing.
Information management method. 1. An information management method for controlling usage information in a tangible object usage form, which is managed in association with a tangible object in content that can be used in a tangible object usage form, so as to be transferable between users, comprising:
an ownership transfer condition determination step of determining whether a given ownership transfer condition for transferring the tangible object owned by the first user (hereinafter referred to as the "transfer tangible object") to the second user is satisfied;
a usage information transfer processing step of executing a usage information transfer process for transferring the usage information (hereinafter referred to as "transfer usage information") of the transferred tangible object to the second user when the ownership transfer condition is satisfied;
Including,
the use information transfer processing step is a step of executing a process based on the number of times the transfer tangible object is transferred in the use information transfer processing;
the ownership transfer condition determination step is a step of determining whether the ownership transfer condition has been satisfied between the third user and the fifth user and whether the ownership transfer condition has been satisfied between the fourth user and the fifth user as a condition for transferring a tangible object to be transferred that is jointly owned by a third user and a fourth user to a fifth user;
the usage information transfer processing step is a step of executing a usage information transfer process for transferring the transfer usage information jointly owned by the third user and the fourth user to the fifth user;
Information management method.