Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing system, which is provided with a plurality of information processing terminals that are connected to each other via a communication network, and which processes information relating to a product, comprises: a first generation means that generates product certification information that certifies product information, which is information including one or more pieces of product element information, and that generates product certification information that certifies product element information that is one or more pieces of product element information that is one or more pieces of product element information that is one or more pieces of product element information that is one or more pieces of product element information; the product element information represents each element related to manufacturing of each product; a first association unit that associates a product ID with the product identified by the product ID, the product ID being associated with the product information certified by the product certification information, and identifies each of the products; a first reception means for receiving an output request for the product information on the basis of the product ID; and a first output means that outputs at least a portion of the product information related to the output request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to information processing systems and information processing methods. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, due to increased awareness of environmental issues, efforts have been made in industry to promote CO2 emissions trading systems, carbon footprint disclosure, and the use of clean energy. Therefore, there is a need to understand the total energy consumption up to the production of each final product and the proportion of clean energy used.

[0003] To accurately calculate the total energy used in the manufacture of each final product and the proportion of clean energy used in the manufacture of each final product, it is necessary to accurately know when, what equipment, and how the final product is manufactured. Specifically, accurate information is needed regarding the energy used in the manufacture of the components used in the final product (including the proportion of clean energy, the same applies below), the energy used in the manufacturing equipment used to manufacture the product, and the energy used in all manufacturing equipment (i.e., the production line) operating during the manufacture of the final product.

[0004] However, the reliability of calculated usage is compromised when the basis for information related to energy use is unclear, or when information has been (or could be) tampered with.

[0005] Furthermore, regarding the tamper-proof nature of information about circulating products and the ease of information verification, there are known technologies such as managing product quality-related metadata through blockchain (e.g., Patent Document 1) and anonymously obtaining product information from product labels using blockchain technology (e.g., Patent Document 2). Additionally, it is previously known to ensure product quality by indicating that the product specifications have been certified by a certification body.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-113279

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-528720 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, even with the aforementioned techniques, it's impossible to determine the total energy used for each individual final product. This is a problem that arises regardless of the final product's quality. For example, assuming a final product is manufactured in a factory with multiple production lines of varying energy efficiency, the total energy used will differ depending on which production line the final product was manufactured on. In other words, even if the factory and manufacturing date and time are known, if the production line (the combination of manufacturing equipment used) for each final product is identified and this information is inaccurate, it's impossible to obtain accurate information about the energy usage involved in manufacturing each final product.

[0012] In addition to the aforementioned issue of controlling energy usage, there are also demands to limit the manufacturing equipment and software producers used in the manufacture of the final product (e.g., to make the use of manufacturing equipment and software from our own series of manufacturers a condition for manufacturing, and to exclude inferior products, etc.), and demands to limit the workers involved in the manufacture of the final product and their working conditions (to prevent the manufacture of products under harsh working conditions). However, there is also the problem that it is impossible to confirm whether such limiting conditions have been met based on the quality of the final product.

[0013] In view of the aforementioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables viewing information about a product and the various elements involved in the manufacture of the product, and that assists in ensuring the authenticity of the information viewed.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] To address the aforementioned issues, as an example, the present invention employs the following structure. Specifically, it comprises multiple information processing terminals interconnected via a communication network for processing product-related information. This information processing system includes: a first generation unit that generates product certification information to verify product information, the product information comprising information containing one or more product element information representing the elements involved in the manufacture of each product; a first association unit that associates a product ID with the product identified by that product ID, the product ID being associated with the product information verified by the product certification information, thereby identifying each product; a first acceptance unit that accepts a first output request based on the product ID as an output request for the product information; and a first output unit that outputs at least a portion of the product information involved in the first output request.

[0016] Furthermore, the term "product" as used here includes either the final product delivered to the end user or intermediate products that are equivalent to such a final product. Additionally, "elements involved in the manufacture of the product" includes various types of information. Specifically, this may include, for example, information about the manufacturing line involved in the manufacture of the product, the date and time of manufacture, information about the manufacturer, the manufacturing equipment involved in the manufacture (including sensor devices, etc.), the software involved in the manufacture, the operators who perform the manufacture, the materials used in the manufacture, the energy consumed in the manufacture, CO2 emissions, etc. Moreover, not only this information itself, but also the information used to obtain this information (e.g., IDs, codes, URLs, etc. associated with the content of the information) also applies.

[0017] Furthermore, "certifying product information" includes certifying the content of the product information, its creation date (and update date), and the creator of the product information. For example, when the above matters are certified by a public certification authority, the matter is certified. Additionally, in this specification, the terms "certification" and "certification" both imply guaranteeing the authenticity of the object; "certification" is primarily used to indicate a state, and "certification" to indicate an action.

[0018] If the structure is as described above, a system can be provided that can output (view) information about a product and the various elements involved in its manufacture to users on an information processing network connected to multiple terminals, and assist in ensuring the authenticity of the information viewed. Thus, for example, ordinary consumers can view reliable product information (such as energy consumption and producers involved in product manufacturing) from their own terminals, and manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can also obtain reliable product information from their respective terminals.

[0019] Furthermore, the information processing system can also process at least one of the product information, product certification information, and product ID using a distributed ledger approach. This structure enables a system with excellent tamper-resistance to information.

[0020] Alternatively, the product information may include, as part of the product element information, at least information related to the energy consumption involved in manufacturing the product. This energy-related information could include, for example, energy consumption, CO2 emissions, or some indicator calculated using this information. This allows users to easily grasp the total amount of energy consumed in manufacturing the product, CO2 emissions, and other energy-related information.

[0021] Furthermore, the information processing system may also include: a second generation unit that generates manufacturing line certification information to certify manufacturing line information, the manufacturing line information including more than one manufacturing element information, the manufacturing element information representing each element of the manufacturing line involved in the manufacturing of the product; a second association unit that associates a manufacturing line ID with the manufacturing line identified by the manufacturing line ID, the manufacturing line ID being associated with the manufacturing line information certified by the manufacturing line certification information, and identifying each of the manufacturing lines; a second acceptance unit that accepts a second output request as an output request for the manufacturing line information based on the manufacturing line ID; and a second output unit that outputs at least a portion of the manufacturing line information involved in the second output request, wherein the product information, as the product element information, at least includes the manufacturing line ID.

[0022] Here, "elements constituting a manufacturing line" can include manufacturing equipment (including sensor devices, etc.) involved in the manufacturing of the product, software involved in the manufacturing of the product, information about the operators of the manufacturing line, the amount of energy consumed in manufacturing each product, and the type of energy used in the manufacturing line. Furthermore, it includes not only this information itself, but also the information used to obtain this information (such as IDs, codes, URLs, etc. associated with the content of the information).

[0023] Based on this structure, users can easily view information about the various elements involved in the manufacturing line of a high-reliability product. Furthermore, it is possible to construct a structure where the product information does not include the manufacturing line information itself, and the manufacturing line ID associated with that information can be used as a key to refer to the content of the manufacturing line information.

[0024] Alternatively, the manufacturing line information, as manufacturing element information, may include at least information related to the type of energy consumed in the manufacturing line. The "type of energy" here could be, for example, a difference in the specific method of electricity generation, or simply a difference such as whether it is clean energy. If the manufacturing line uses multiple types of energy, information on their respective ratios may also be included. This allows users to easily determine whether a product is manufactured using renewable energy or other so-called clean energy.

[0025] Alternatively, the information processing system may further include: a third generation unit that generates manufacturing device certification information that verifies manufacturing device information, the manufacturing device information including specification information of one or more manufacturing devices constituting the manufacturing line; a third association unit that associates a manufacturing device ID with the manufacturing device identified by the manufacturing device ID, the manufacturing device ID being associated with the manufacturing device information verified by the manufacturing device certification information, thereby identifying each of the manufacturing devices; a third acceptance unit that accepts a third output request as an output request for the manufacturing device information based on the manufacturing device ID; and a third output unit that outputs at least a portion of the manufacturing device information involved in the third output request, wherein the manufacturing line information, as the manufacturing element information, includes at least the manufacturing device ID.

[0026] Here, "specifications of the manufacturing apparatus" can also include information related to the energy-saving performance of the manufacturing apparatus, information about the components used in the manufacturing apparatus, information about the software installed in the manufacturing apparatus, information about the manufacturer of the manufacturing apparatus, and information about the manufacturing date and time of the manufacturing apparatus. Furthermore, not only the information itself, but also the information used to obtain this information (such as IDs, codes, URLs, etc. associated with the content of the information) is also acceptable.

[0027] Therefore, users can easily view the specifications of manufacturing equipment for highly reliable products. Furthermore, a structure can be constructed where the content of the manufacturing line information does not include the information of the manufacturing equipment itself, and the manufacturing equipment ID associated with that equipment information can be used as a key to refer to the content of the manufacturing equipment information.

[0028] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus information may include, as part of the specifications of the manufacturing apparatus, at least information related to its energy-saving performance. Here, "energy-saving performance" may include the achievement rate of specified benchmarks, energy consumption efficiency (e.g., the energy consumed in manufacturing each product), etc. This allows users to easily understand the level of energy-saving performance of the manufacturing apparatus used to manufacture the product, and consequently, to easily understand the degree to which the product was manufactured with energy conservation in mind.

[0029] Alternatively, the information processing system may also include a control unit that controls each manufacturing device constituting the manufacturing line. The control unit prevents each manufacturing device from operating if the specifications of the controlled manufacturing device are inconsistent with the content verified by the manufacturing device certification information associated with the manufacturing device ID assigned to that manufacturing device, or if the elements of the manufacturing line to which the controlled manufacturing device belongs are inconsistent with the content verified by the manufacturing line certification information associated with the manufacturing line ID assigned to that manufacturing line.

[0030] Therefore, assuming that there are unforeseen specification changes or equipment replacements in the manufacturing line or apparatus, it is possible to prevent the use of manufacturing lines or apparatus that differ from the certified content in the production of products. That is, a system can be established where, regarding product information, not only is the information itself tamper-proof (through certification information), but also the content guaranteed by the certification information is prevented from being accidentally altered (tampered with).

[0031] Alternatively, the information processing system may also have a fourth receiving unit, which accepts the update at least for the product information based on the input of an updater ID. The updater ID is associated with the permission to update at least the product information and identifies the user who performed the update. When accepting the update, the fourth receiving unit appends the updater ID of the user who performed the update and the update time to the product information.

[0032] Here, "update" also includes the simple addition of information. Furthermore, "update permissions" includes the content of the information that can be updated and the time period during which updates are permitted. Based on this structure, users can update information according to their update permissions, appending the record to the product information during the update process. This results in a system with excellent tamper resistance and high convenience.

[0033] Alternatively, it may also include a fifth receiving unit that receives input of a viewer ID, which is associated with at least the viewing permission of the product information and identifies the user who is viewing it. When the fifth receiving unit receives input of the viewer ID, the first output unit outputs the product information that can be viewed with the viewing permission associated with the viewer ID.

[0034] Here, "viewing permissions" also include the content of the information that can be viewed and the regulations on the period during which viewing is permitted. Based on this structure, users can easily view information corresponding to their viewing permissions, while the side providing the information can decide who to provide what kind of information to, thus achieving a system with excellent convenience.

[0035] Alternatively, the present invention can also be understood as an information processing method having multiple information processing terminals interconnected via a communication network to process product-related information. The information processing method includes: a first generation step of generating product certification information to verify product information, wherein the product information includes information containing one or more product element information representing the elements involved in the manufacture of each product; a first association step of associating a product ID with the product identified by the product ID, wherein the product ID is associated with the product information verified by the product certification information to identify each product; a first acceptance step of accepting a first output request based on the product ID as an output request for the product information; and a first output step of outputting at least a portion of the product information involved in the first output request.

[0036] Furthermore, the information processing method may also include: a second generation step, generating manufacturing line certification information to certify manufacturing line information, the manufacturing line information including one or more manufacturing element information, the manufacturing element information representing each element of the manufacturing line involved in the manufacturing of the product; a second association step, associating a manufacturing line ID with the manufacturing line identified by the manufacturing line ID, the manufacturing line ID being associated with the manufacturing line information certified by the manufacturing line certification information, and identifying each of the manufacturing lines; a second acceptance step, accepting a second output request as an output request for the manufacturing line information based on the manufacturing line ID; and a second output step, outputting at least a portion of the manufacturing line information involved in the second output request, wherein the product information, as the product element information, at least includes the manufacturing line ID.

[0037] Alternatively, the information processing method may further include: a third generation step, generating manufacturing device certification information that verifies manufacturing device information, the manufacturing device information including specification information of one or more manufacturing devices constituting the manufacturing line; a third association step, associating a manufacturing device ID with the manufacturing device identified by the manufacturing device ID, the manufacturing device ID being associated with the manufacturing device information verified by the manufacturing device certification information, thereby identifying each of the manufacturing devices; a third acceptance step, accepting a third output request as an output request for the manufacturing device information based on the manufacturing device ID; and a third output step, outputting at least a portion of the manufacturing device information involved in the third output request, wherein the manufacturing line information, as the manufacturing element information, includes at least the manufacturing device ID.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention can also be understood as a program for causing a computer to perform the steps described in the above-described method, and a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records such a program.

[0039] Furthermore, as long as no technical contradictions arise, the aforementioned structures and processes can be combined with each other to constitute the present invention. Additionally, in this specification, numbers such as "the first…", "the second…", etc., are used only to distinguish them from other elements and do not indicate any order or priority between elements. Furthermore, the aforementioned specific aspects of the invention do not necessarily need to be implemented as independent structures; a single structure can also serve as multiple specific aspects of the invention.

[0040] Invention Effects

[0041] According to the present invention, a technology is provided that enables the viewing of information about a product and the various elements involved in the manufacture of the product, and that assists in ensuring the authenticity of the information viewed. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the information processing system in Implementation Method 1.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the general hardware structure of the authentication authority terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the general functional structure of the authentication authority terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0045] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit of the authentication authority terminal in Embodiment 1.

[0046] Figure 5(A) is a first explanatory diagram showing an example of a database stored in the storage unit of the authentication authority terminal in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 (B) is a second explanatory diagram showing an example of a database stored in the storage unit of the authentication authority terminal in Implementation 1. Figure 5 (C) is the third explanatory figure showing an example of a database stored in the storage unit of the authentication authority terminal in Implementation 1.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the product manufacturer's terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0048] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the manufacturing line in Embodiment 1.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the general functional structure of the manufacturing device manufacturer terminal of Embodiment 1.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing the general functional structure of the updater's terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing the general functional structure of the consumer terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a flowchart that outlines the processes performed in the information processing system of Implementation Method 1.

[0053] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of information exchange and processing between the certification authority terminal and the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0054] Figure 13 Figure 1 illustrates the process of information transfer and processing between the certification authority terminal and the product manufacturer terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0055] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed when the manufacturing line of the information processing system of Implementation 1 is started.

[0056] Figure 15 Figure 2 illustrates the process of information exchange and processing between the certification authority terminal and the product manufacturer terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0057] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the process of information transfer and processing between the authentication authority terminal and the update right holder terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0058] Figure 17This is a diagram illustrating the flow of information exchange and processing between the authentication authority terminal and the consumer terminal in Implementation Method 1.

[0059] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user ID input box generated by the information viewing request handling unit in Implementation Method 1.

[0060] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an ID input box used in a variation 2 of implementation 1.

[0061] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the information processing system in Implementation Method 2.

[0062] Figure 21 This is a block diagram showing the general functional structure of the authentication authority terminal in Implementation Method 2. Detailed Implementation

[0063] <Application Example>

[0064] Hereinafter, an application example of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the information processing system 1 of this application example is to enable consumers to easily view a collection of information (hereinafter referred to as "product information") about various elements involved in the manufacturing of products circulating in the market, and to ensure the authenticity of the information viewed. Elements included in the product information may include, for example, the total energy consumed in the manufacturing of the product, its CO2 emissions, the type of energy used in the manufacturing of the product, the raw materials of the product, and the place where the raw materials are sourced.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general structure of the information processing system 1 in this application example. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 1 of this application example includes a consumer terminal 50 held by a consumer (the purchaser of the product), a product manufacturer terminal 20 managed by the product manufacturer, and an authentication authority terminal 10 managed by an authority that authenticates product information (hereinafter referred to as "authentication authority"), etc., which are configured to be able to communicate via a communication network N.

[0066] Product manufacturers use product manufacturer terminal 20 to generate product information for the products they manufacture and send it to certification authority terminal 10. The certification authority then authenticates the sent product information and uses certification authority terminal 10 to generate certification information (hereinafter referred to as "product certification information") to verify the certified product information, associates it with the certified product information, and then registers the certified product information in the database (DB).

[0067] The certification authority also issues product identification information (hereinafter referred to as "ID") that is associated with and identifies each product through the certification authority terminal 10 and is certified by the product certification information. The issued product ID is sent to the product manufacturer terminal 20 via the communication network N.

[0068] At the product manufacturer's location, the product manufacturer terminal 20 is used to associate the issued product ID with each product, thus completing the association between a product, the product ID, and the certified product information. Specifically, the association can also be achieved by engraving the product ID on the product (e.g., as a serial number) or by printing a label with the product ID on it (the label is affixed to the product). Alternatively, the information containing the product ID can be encoded into a barcode, QR code (registered trademark), etc., and then affixed to the product.

[0069] Consumers use the product ID (or its encoded code) attached to the product they receive as a keyword to request product information viewing via consumer terminal 50. Specifically, they access the portal provided by the certification authority, enter the product ID, decode the code attached to the product, and send the product information viewing request to the certification authority terminal 10 via communication network N.

[0070] When a viewing request is received from the consumer terminal 50, the authentication authority terminal 10 extracts at least a portion of the product information corresponding to the consumer's viewing rights from the database (e.g., CO2 emissions related to the product's manufacturing, raw materials of the product), and sends it to the consumer terminal 50. Then, the consumer terminal 50, which has obtained information via the communication network N, generates and outputs a product information viewing screen.

[0071] Therefore, consumers can easily view at least a portion of the product information they receive. Furthermore, this product information is certified by an authority, ensuring the authenticity of the product information accessed.

[0072] <Implementation Method 1>

[0073] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention in further detail. However, unless otherwise specified, the components, processes, etc., described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these.

[0074] (System Overview)

[0075] The information processing system 1 in Implementation 1 is the same as the information processing system 1 in the application example. That is, as shown in Implementation 1... Figure 1As shown, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment includes an authentication authority terminal 10, a product manufacturer terminal 20, a manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30, an update right holder terminal 40, and a consumer terminal 50, which are communicatively connected via a communication network N. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment includes one or more control devices 22, which are communicatively connected to the product manufacturer terminal 20 to control the product manufacturing equipment. Alternatively, there may be multiple product manufacturer terminals 20, manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminals 30, update right holder terminals 40, and consumer terminals 50.

[0076] (Structure of the certification authority terminal)

[0077] First, the authentication authority terminal 10 will be described. The authentication authority terminal 10 can be, for example, a general server computer. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a general outline of the hardware structure of the certification authority terminal 10. The certification authority terminal 10 is an information processing terminal managed by the certification authority as described above. Figure 2 As shown, the components include a processor 91, a memory 92, an input interface (IF) 93, an output IF 94, and a communication IF 95, which are interconnected via a connection bus 90.

[0078] The processor 91 can be any computing device, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0079] The memory 92 includes main storage devices such as flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), and auxiliary storage devices such as SSD (Solid State Drive), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, USB memory, and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards. The memory 92 stores programs executed by the processor 91, data processed by the processor 91, action setting information, and various databases (DBs) described later. The programs stored in the memory 92 are executed by the processor 91, thereby controlling the various structures of the authentication authority terminal 10, and thus enabling the various functional units to achieve their intended purposes.

[0080] As an input IF 93, various input devices such as keyboards, mice, cameras, and microphones can be exemplified. Similarly, as an output IF 94, various output devices such as monitors, speakers, and printers can be exemplified. Additionally, a touch panel display can be used as both an input IF 93 and an output IF. The communication IF 95 can adopt an appropriate structure depending on the connection method to the connected communication network N (wired / wireless distinction, connection standard, etc.).

[0081] (Functional structure of certification authority terminal 10)

[0082] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the authentication authority terminal 10. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the authentication authority terminal 10 has various functional units including an authentication request acceptance unit 101, a certificate information generation unit 102, an ID issuance unit 103, an information viewing request acceptance unit 104, an information update acceptance unit 105, an input unit 107, an output unit 108, a storage unit 109, and a communication unit 110.

[0083] The certification request receiving unit 101 accepts certification requests concerning product information and aggregated information representing the various elements of the manufacturing line constituting the product (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturing line information"), as described later, and information related to the specifications of each manufacturing device installed on the manufacturing line (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturing device information"). Specifically, the product manufacturer terminal 20 and the manufacturing device manufacturer terminal 30 receive the product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing device information involved in the certification request via the communication network N, thereby accepting the certification request.

[0084] The certification information generation unit 102 generates product certification information related to the product information involved in the certification, manufacturing line certification information related to the manufacturing line information involved in the certification, and manufacturing equipment certification information related to the manufacturing equipment information involved in the certification. That is, in this embodiment, the certification information generation unit 102 also serves as the first generation unit, the second generation unit, and the third generation unit of the present invention. By generating certification information, the certification authority ensures the content and authenticity of the product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information.

[0085] ID Issuance Department 103 issues various IDs. Specifically, it issues user IDs that individually identify users of Information Processing System 1, product IDs that individually identify products, manufacturing line IDs that individually identify manufacturing lines, and manufacturing device IDs that individually identify manufacturing equipment, etc.

[0086] The user ID issued by ID Issuance Department 103 is associated with the update permissions (whether the information can be updated, the scope of the update, and the period during which the information can be updated) and the viewing permissions (the scope of information that can be viewed and the period during which the information can be viewed) for the product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information stored in the DB described later.

[0087] Furthermore, the product ID issued by the ID Issuance Department 103 is associated with the product information verified by the product certification information, allowing access to the corresponding product information based on the product ID. The same applies to the manufacturing line ID and manufacturing equipment ID, which are associated with the certified manufacturing line information and manufacturing equipment information, respectively.

[0088] The information viewing request receiving unit 104 accepts viewing requests for authenticated product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information. For example, from any terminal connected via the communication network N, the information viewing request receiving unit 104 accepts viewing requests for each piece of information corresponding to the product ID, manufacturing line ID, and manufacturing equipment ID as keywords, and requests the transmission of the user ID. Then, information corresponding to the viewing permissions set for the user ID is sent to the terminal that requested the viewing via the communication unit 110 (described later). Specific processing details at this time will be described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information viewing request receiving unit 104 also serves as the first receiving unit, second receiving unit, third receiving unit, and fifth receiving unit of the present invention.

[0089] The information update receiving unit 105 accepts updates to the information stored in the database, based on the input of a user ID of a user with update permissions for at least one of product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information. For example, from any terminal connected via the communication network N, the information update receiving unit 105 accepts update requests for each piece of information corresponding to the product ID, manufacturing line ID, and manufacturing equipment ID as keywords, and requests the sending of the user ID. Then, it sends the information update user interface (UI) corresponding to the update permissions set for the user ID to the terminal that made the update request. When an information update is accepted via the information update UI, the information update receiving unit 105 updates the information in the database and appends the update date, time, and the user ID of the updater to the database. That is, in this embodiment, the information update receiving unit 105 corresponds to the fourth receiving unit of the present invention. Furthermore, the term "update" here includes not only overwriting (rewriting) information but also appending information.

[0090] The input unit 107, implemented by the aforementioned input IF 93, transmits various input signals received via various input devices to the processor 91. Furthermore, the output unit 108, implemented by the aforementioned output IF 94, outputs various information via output devices such as a display. The communication unit 110, implemented by the communication IF 95, performs information communication with other terminals within the system via the communication network N.

[0091] The storage unit 109 is implemented by the memory 92 described above, and stores various information. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the information stored in storage unit 109. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the storage unit 109 stores various databases such as certified product information DB, certified manufacturing line DB, certified manufacturing equipment DB, user ID DB, product ID DB, manufacturing line ID DB, and manufacturing equipment ID DB.

[0092] The certified product information DB stores product information that has been received from the product manufacturer terminal 20 and for which certification information has been generated. Figure 5 (A) represents an example of a certified product information database (DB). For example... Figure 5 As shown in (A), the certified product information DB includes, for example, the product ID, the ID of the manufacturing line that manufactured the product, the manufacturer ID (information identifying the product manufacturer), information on the energy consumed in the manufacturing of the product, and information on the manufacturing date, etc.

[0093] The certified manufacturing line DB stores manufacturing line information that has been received from the product manufacturer terminal 20 and for which certification information has been generated. Figure 5 (B) represents an example of a certified manufacturing line information database (DB). For example... Figure 5 As shown in (B), the certified manufacturing line information DB includes, for example, the manufacturing line ID, the ID of the manufacturing equipment contained in the manufacturing line, the ID of the control device that controls the manufacturing line, the ID of the operator who identifies the manufacturing line, and information about the type of energy used in the manufacturing line.

[0094] The Certified Manufacturing Equipment Information DB stores manufacturing equipment information received from the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 and used to generate certification information. Figure 5 (C) represents an example of a certified manufacturing facility information database (DB). For example... Figure 5 As shown in (C), the certified manufacturing equipment information DB includes, for example, the manufacturing equipment ID, the type (model) of the manufacturing equipment, the ID of the software installed on the manufacturing equipment, the energy-saving performance of the manufacturing equipment, and the manufacturer ID (information identifying the manufacturer of the manufacturing equipment).

[0095] The User ID DB, Product ID DB, Manufacturing Line ID DB, and Manufacturing Equipment ID DB respectively store the IDs issued by the ID Issuance Department 103 and the corresponding information of the user, product, manufacturing line, and manufacturing equipment group.

[0096] (Product manufacturer's end)

[0097] Next, the product manufacturer terminal 20 will be described. The product manufacturer terminal 20 is a terminal managed by the product manufacturer, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it communicates with other terminals within the system via communication network N, and is also connected to control devices 22a, 22b, ... 22n, which are respectively installed on multiple manufacturing lines 21a, 21b...21n. Furthermore, unless it is necessary to describe the multiple manufacturing lines and control devices separately, they will be referred to as manufacturing line 21, control device 22, etc., as described below.

[0098] Like the certification authority terminal 10, the product manufacturer terminal 20 can use a general-purpose server computer, etc. That is, although not shown, it has the same hardware structure as the certification authority terminal 10, including a processor, memory, input IF, output IF, communication IF, etc.

[0099] Figure 6 This is a block diagram representing a summary of the functional structure of the product manufacturer's terminal 20. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the product manufacturer terminal 20 includes a product information generation unit 201, a manufacturing line information generation unit 202, a product ID association unit 203, a manufacturing line ID association unit 204, an information viewing request unit 205, an information update request unit 206, an input unit 207, an output unit 208, a storage unit 209, and a communication unit 210.

[0100] The input unit 207, output unit 208, and communication unit 210 are the same as those of the certification authority terminal 10. As for the storage unit 209, it is the same as the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10, except that it does not store the certified product information DB, etc. Therefore, its description is omitted.

[0101] The product information generation unit 201 generates product information for a new product when the product manufacturer manufactures it. Examples of the content of the product information have been described above and will not be repeated here. When the generated product information is being used for certification by a certification authority, the product manufacturer terminal 20 sends the product information to the certification authority terminal 10 via the communication unit 210.

[0102] When a product manufacturer constructs a new manufacturing line 21, the manufacturing line information generation unit 202 generates manufacturing line information for that manufacturing line. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the manufacturing elements included in manufacturing line 21. For example... Figure 7As shown, the manufacturing element information in manufacturing line 21 includes, but is not limited to, multiple manufacturing devices 23a, 23b...23n, multiple sensor devices 24a, 24b...24n, a control device 22 connected to these manufacturing devices and sensor devices and controlling the manufacturing devices 23a, 23b...23n, and the manufacturing line operator 25 of manufacturing line 21. Furthermore, unless it is necessary to separately describe the multiple manufacturing devices and sensor devices, they will be referred to as manufacturing device 23, sensor device 24, etc., as described below.

[0103] The control device 22 may also be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The control device 22 controls the manufacturing device 23, but as described later, it collects information on each manufacturing element in the manufacturing line 21, and if the information is inconsistent with the information certified by the certification authority, it reports an error and prevents the manufacturing device 23 from operating.

[0104] Furthermore, when generating manufacturing line information, if manufacturing device information, including specifications of the manufacturing device 23 included in manufacturing line 21, is required, the necessary information can be obtained via the communication unit 210, input unit 207, etc. For example, if manufacturing device 23 is an existing product manufactured by a manufacturing device manufacturer, the manufacturing device ID can be used as a keyword to query the certification authority terminal 10 (or the manufacturing device manufacturer terminal 30) for manufacturing device information related to the corresponding manufacturing device, thereby obtaining the manufacturing device information. Alternatively, if manufacturing device 23 is a device owned by the product manufacturer, for example, a UI prompting the input of manufacturing device information can be displayed on the output unit 208, and the user can accept information input via the input unit 207 to obtain the manufacturing device information.

[0105] The Product ID Association Unit 203 performs the process of associating the Product ID issued from the Certification Authority Terminal 10 with each product identified by that Product ID. That is, the Product ID Association Unit 203 corresponds to the first association unit of the present invention. Specifically, for example, a Product ID is attached to each product by engraving a Product ID (or by encoding information containing the Product ID) or by outputting a label printed with the Product ID, thereby completing the association between the product, the Product ID, and the certified product information. Therefore, when a Product ID is actually attached to a product, this information can be sent to the Certification Authority Terminal 10 to update the information in the Certified Product Information DB, thereby associating the Product ID with the product.

[0106] The manufacturing line ID association unit 204 performs the process of associating the manufacturing line ID issued from the certification authority terminal 10 with each manufacturing line identified by that manufacturing line ID. That is, in this embodiment, the manufacturing line ID association unit 204 corresponds to the second association unit of the present invention. Specifically, for example, a product manufacturer assigns a manufacturing line ID to an individual manufacturing line, thereby completing the association between the manufacturing line, the manufacturing line ID, and the certified manufacturing line information. Therefore, it is also possible to send this information to the certification authority terminal 10 to update the information in the certified product information DB when a manufacturing line is actually assigned a manufacturing line ID, thereby associating the manufacturing line ID with the product.

[0107] The information viewing request unit 205 requests to view at least one of the following information: product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information, which has been authenticated in the certification authority terminal 10 and associated with the certification information, and is stored in the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10. Specifically, for the information viewing request sent to the certification authority terminal 10, the information viewing request acceptance unit 104 processes the request, using any one of the product ID, manufacturing line ID, or manufacturing equipment ID as a keyword, to request to view the information corresponding to these IDs. Furthermore, when requesting to view information, by entering a user ID (and its corresponding password), the user can view the information within the scope of permissions corresponding to that user ID.

[0108] The information update request unit 206 processes information for updating at least one of the certified product information DB and certified manufacturing line information DB stored in the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10. Specifically, for example, it sends an information update request to the certification authority terminal 10 using the product ID or manufacturing line ID as a keyword, accepts the provision of a UI for information update, and registers the information to be updated.

[0109] (Manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal)

[0110] Next, the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 will be described. The manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 is a terminal managed by the manufacturing equipment manufacturer, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it communicates with other terminals within the system via communication network N.

[0111] The manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30, like the certification authority terminal 10, can use a general-purpose server computer, etc. That is, although not shown, it has the same hardware structure as the certification authority terminal 10, including a processor, memory, input IF, output IF, communication IF, etc.

[0112] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the manufacturing equipment manufacturer's terminal 30. (Example) Figure 8As shown, the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 includes a manufacturing equipment information generation unit 301, a manufacturing equipment ID association unit 302, an information viewing request unit 303, an information update request unit 304, an input unit 307, an output unit 308, a storage unit 309, and a communication unit 310.

[0113] The input unit 307, output unit 308, and communication unit 310 are the same as those of the certification authority terminal 10. As for the storage unit 309, it is the same as the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10, except that it does not store the certified product information DB, etc. Therefore, its description is omitted.

[0114] When a manufacturing equipment manufacturer manufactures a new manufacturing equipment, the manufacturing equipment information generation unit 301 generates manufacturing equipment information for that equipment. This manufacturing equipment information is a collection of information related to the specifications of the manufacturing equipment, such as the type (model) of the manufacturing equipment, information regarding its energy-saving performance, information on the components and raw materials used in the equipment, information on the software installed in the equipment, and information about the manufacturer. When the generated manufacturing equipment information is being certified by an certification authority, the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 sends the manufacturing equipment information to the certification authority terminal 10 via the communication unit 310.

[0115] The Manufacturing Device ID Association Unit 302 performs the process of associating the Manufacturing Device ID issued from the Certification Authority Terminal 10 with each manufacturing device identified by that Manufacturing Device ID. That is, in this embodiment, the Manufacturing Device ID Association Unit 302 corresponds to the third association unit of the present invention. Specifically, for example, the Manufacturing Device ID is attached to each manufacturing device by methods such as engraving a Manufacturing Device ID on each manufacturing device (or encoding information containing the Manufacturing Device ID to obtain a code), or outputting a label printed with the Manufacturing Device ID, thereby completing the association between the manufacturing device, the Manufacturing Device ID, and the certified manufacturing device information. Therefore, when the Manufacturing Device ID is actually attached to the manufacturing device, this information can be sent to the Certification Authority Terminal 10 to update the information in the Certified Manufacturing Device Information DB, thereby associating the Manufacturing Device ID with the product.

[0116] The information viewing request unit 303 requests to view information from at least one of the following: product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information, which has been authenticated in the certification authority terminal 10 and associated with the certification information, and is stored in the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10. Specifically, upon receiving a viewing request from the certification authority terminal 10, the information viewing request acceptance unit 104 processes the request, using any one of the product ID, manufacturing line ID, or manufacturing equipment ID as a keyword, to request to view the information corresponding to these IDs. Furthermore, when requesting to view information, by entering a user ID (and its corresponding password), the user can view the information within the scope of permissions corresponding to that user ID.

[0117] The information update request unit 304 processes information for updating at least the certified manufacturing device database stored in the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10. Specifically, for example, it sends an information update request to the certification authority terminal 10 using the manufacturing device ID as a keyword, accepts the provision of a UI for information update, and registers the information to be updated.

[0118] (Updated terminal)

[0119] Next, the update right holder terminal 40 will be described. The update right holder terminal 40 is a terminal managed by a user who has at least been granted the right to update product information, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system communicates with other terminals within the system via communication network N. Here, users granted the right to update product information are, for example, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, or other operators involved in the product distribution process. Products reach consumers through these operators, but sometimes the product's status changes during this period, or additional product location information is needed. Therefore, the terminal 40 with the right to update has the function of reflecting such information in the certified product information DB.

[0120] The renewal right holder terminal 40 can use a general-purpose computer system. That is, although not shown, it has the same hardware structure as the certification authority terminal 10, including a processor, memory, input IF, output IF, communication IF, etc.

[0121] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the updater terminal 40. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the updater terminal 40 has functional units including an information viewing request unit 401, an information update request unit 402, an input unit 407, an output unit 408, a storage unit 409, and a communication unit 410.

[0122] The input unit 407, output unit 408, and communication unit 410 are the same as those of the certification authority terminal 10. As for the storage unit 409, it is the same as the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10, except that it does not store the certified product information DB, etc. Therefore, its description is omitted.

[0123] The information viewing request unit 401 requests access to product information that has been authenticated at least in the authentication authority terminal 10 and is stored in the storage unit 109 of the authentication authority terminal 10 in association with the certification information. Specifically, for a request to view information sent to the authentication authority terminal 10, the information viewing request acceptance unit 104 processes the request, using the product ID as a keyword, and requests access to the information corresponding to that product ID. Furthermore, when requesting access to information, by entering a user ID (and its corresponding password), the user can view the information within the scope of permissions corresponding to that user ID.

[0124] The information update request unit 402 processes at least the information stored in the certified product information database (DB) of the certification authority terminal 10 for updating the product information. Specifically, for example, it sends an information update request to the certification authority terminal 10 using the product ID as a keyword, accepts the provision of a UI for information update, and registers the information to be updated. For example, a transporter who is authorized to update product information adds information such as the route and CO2 emissions during transport to the product information in the certified product information DB when transporting products.

[0125] (Consumer terminal)

[0126] Next, the consumer terminal 50 will be described. The consumer terminal 50 is a terminal held by a typical consumer, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the consumer terminal 50 communicates with other terminals within the system via the communication network N. The consumer terminal 50 can use a general-purpose terminal; in this embodiment, a smartphone is used as an example. However, it can also be a portable information terminal other than a smartphone, or a desktop computer, smart display, etc. In any case, the consumer terminal 50 has a hardware structure including a processor, memory, input IF, output IF, and communication IF.

[0127] Figure 10 This is a block diagram representing a summary of the functional structure of the consumer terminal 50. For example... Figure 10As shown, the consumer terminal 50 includes an information viewing request unit 501, an input unit 507, an output unit 508, a storage unit 509, and a communication unit 510. The input unit 507, output unit 508, and communication unit 510 are the same as those in the certification authority terminal 10. Regarding the storage unit 509, it is the same as the storage unit 109 in the certification authority terminal 10, except that it does not store certified product information databases, etc. Therefore, its description is omitted.

[0128] The information viewing request unit 501 requests to view product information that has been certified at least in the certification authority terminal 10 and is stored in the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10 in association with the certification information. Specifically, for the information viewing request sent to the certification authority terminal 10, the information viewing request acceptance unit 104 processes the request by using the product ID as a keyword and requesting to view the information corresponding to that product ID.

[0129] When requesting access to information, users can view the information within the scope of their permissions by entering their user ID (and its corresponding password). Additionally, ordinary consumers who purchase the product are typically not assigned a user ID, but even without one, they can view basic information related to the product.

[0130] For example, when information including a product ID, such as a QR code (registered trademark), is encoded and attached to a product, the following processing can be performed automatically: the product ID information is captured by a camera on the input unit 507 of the consumer terminal 50; a request to view the information is decoded; an information viewing request is sent to the certification authority terminal 10; product information (a portion of the basic content) corresponding to the product ID is obtained; and this information is displayed on a monitor on the output unit 508. With this structure, even ordinary consumers who have no understanding of the structure of the information processing system 1 can view basic product information simply by reading the code attached to the product using a camera, thus improving consumer convenience.

[0131] (Information processing flow)

[0132] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 17 The information processing flow performed in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment is explained. Figure 11 This is a flowchart outlining the processes performed in information processing system 1. For example... Figure 11As shown, in information processing system 1, the following steps are performed: a step of authenticating manufacturing equipment information and associating it with a manufacturing equipment ID (S101); a step of authenticating manufacturing line information and associating it with a manufacturing line ID (S102); a step of starting the manufacturing line at the product manufacturer to manufacture the product (S103); a step of authenticating product information and associating it with a product ID (S104); a step of determining whether there is an update request for information stored in the DB of the certification authority terminal 10 (S105); a step of accepting the information update (S106); a step of determining whether there is a viewing request for information stored in the DB of the certification authority terminal 10 (S107); and a step of outputting information related to the viewing request (S108). The processing flow in each step will be further explained in detail below.

[0133] Figure 12 express Figure 11 The subroutine of step S101 in the flowchart is a diagram illustrating the flow of information exchange and processing between the certification authority terminal 10 and the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30. For example... Figure 12 As shown, when a manufacturing equipment manufacturer manufactures a new manufacturing equipment, manufacturing equipment information is generated in the manufacturing equipment information generation unit 301 of the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 (S201). Then, the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 sends an authentication request regarding the generated manufacturing equipment information to the authentication authority terminal 10 via the communication unit 310 (S202). The authentication authority terminal 10 accepts the request in the authentication request acceptance unit 101, and the operator on the authentication authority side authenticates the manufacturing equipment information and registers it in the authenticated manufacturing equipment information DB (S203). Next, the authentication authority terminal 10 generates manufacturing equipment certification information in the certification information generation unit 102 to certify the manufacturing equipment information involved in the authentication request (S204), and the ID issuance unit 103 issues a manufacturing equipment ID corresponding to the manufacturing equipment certification information (S205). The issued manufacturing device ID is sent to the manufacturing device manufacturer terminal 30 via the communication unit 110 (S206). The manufacturing device ID association unit 302 of the manufacturing device manufacturer terminal 30 performs the process of associating the manufacturing device ID with the manufacturing device identified by the manufacturing device ID (S207). After performing the above series of processes, the subroutine of step S101 is temporarily terminated.

[0134] Figure 13 express Figure 11 The subroutine of step S102 in the flowchart represents the flow of information exchange and processing between the certification authority terminal 10 and the product manufacturer terminal 20. For example... Figure 13As shown, when a new manufacturing line is set up in a product manufacturer, manufacturing line information is generated in the manufacturing line information generation unit 202 of the product manufacturer terminal 20 (S301). Then, the product manufacturer terminal 20 sends an authentication request regarding the generated manufacturing line information to the authentication authority terminal 10 via the communication unit 210 (S302). The authentication authority terminal 10 accepts the request in the authentication request acceptance unit 101, and the operator on the authentication authority side authenticates the manufacturing line information and registers it in the authenticated manufacturing line information DB (S303). Next, the authentication authority terminal 10 generates manufacturing line certification information in the certification information generation unit 102 to certify the manufacturing line information involved in the authentication request (S304), and the ID issuance unit 103 issues a manufacturing line ID corresponding to the manufacturing line certification information (S305). The issued manufacturing line ID is sent to the product manufacturer terminal 20 via the communication unit 110 (S306). The manufacturing line ID association unit 204 of the product manufacturer terminal 20 performs the process of associating the manufacturing line ID with the manufacturing line identified by the manufacturing line ID (S307). After performing the above series of processes, the subroutine of step S102 is temporarily terminated.

[0135] Figure 14 express Figure 11 The subroutine of step S103 in the flowchart is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed by the control device 22 when the product manufacturer starts the manufacturing line 21 (before the manufacturing line begins operation). For example... Figure 14 As shown, the control device 22 obtains information about each manufacturing element of the manufacturing line 21 under its control (S401). Regarding the manufacturing element information, since it has already been explained, detailed descriptions are omitted here. For example, it obtains the IDs of the manufacturing devices 23 and 24 connected to it, as well as the information (IDs) of the manufacturing line operators for the day, via communication IF and input IF.

[0136] Next, the control device 22 uses the manufacturing line ID of the manufacturing line 21 under its jurisdiction as a key and refers to the manufacturing line information related to that manufacturing line ID stored in the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10 (S402). At this time, the certification authority terminal 10 can be accessed via the product manufacturer terminal 20, or the information can be queried directly from the certification authority terminal 10. In addition, the information is not limited to manufacturing line information; the manufacturing device information of each manufacturing device 23 included in the manufacturing line 21 can also be referred to.

[0137] Next, the control device 22 determines whether the contents of each manufacturing element of the manufacturing line 21 obtained in step S401 are consistent with the contents of the manufacturing line information corresponding to the manufacturing line certification information (S403). Here, if it is determined that the two pieces of information are consistent, the control device 22 causes the managed manufacturing line 21 (specifically, each manufacturing device 23 included in the manufacturing line 21) to operate and manufacture the product (S406).

[0138] On the other hand, if the two pieces of information are determined to be inconsistent in step S403, the control device 22 reports an error message (S404) and suspends the operation of the manufacturing line 21. In this case, for example, the manufacturing line operator 25, after modifying each manufacturing element of the manufacturing line 21 to match the manufacturing line information corresponding to the manufacturing line certification information (S405), returns to step S401 and repeats the subsequent processing. In this way, by making the content of each manufacturing element of the manufacturing line 21 consistent with the content of the manufacturing line information corresponding to the manufacturing line certification information, the manufacturing line can be made to operate. After performing the above series of processes, the subroutine of step S103 ends.

[0139] Figure 15 express Figure 11 The subroutine of step S104 in the flowchart represents the flow of information exchange and processing between the certification authority terminal 10 and the product manufacturer terminal 20. For example... Figure 15 As shown, when a product manufacturer manufactures a new product, it generates product information in the product information generation unit 201 of the product manufacturer terminal 20 (S501). Then, the product manufacturer terminal 20 sends an authentication request regarding the generated product information to the certification authority terminal 10 via the communication unit 210 (S502). The certification authority terminal 10 accepts the request in the authentication request acceptance unit 101, and the operator on the certification authority side authenticates the product information and registers it in the certified product information DB (S503). Next, the certification authority terminal 10 generates product certification information in the certification information generation unit 102 to certify the product information involved in the authentication request (S504), and the ID issuance unit 103 issues a product ID corresponding to the product certification information (S505). The issued product ID is sent to the product manufacturer terminal 20 via the communication unit 110 (S506), and the product ID association unit 203 of the product manufacturer terminal 20 performs the process of associating the product ID with the product identified by the product ID (S507). By executing the above series of processes, the subroutine of step S104 temporarily ends.

[0140] Return to the instructions Figure 11In the processing flow, in step S105, the certification authority terminal 10 (specifically, the information update acceptance unit 105) determines whether there is an update request for the certified product information, certified manufacturing line information, and certified manufacturing equipment information stored in the storage unit 109. The processing flow when there is an information update request will be described below. Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the process of information exchange and processing between the authentication authority terminal 10 and the update right holder terminal 40.

[0141] Furthermore, an example is given here of a case where a product is assigned a code that encodes information containing a product ID. When an operator involved in the distribution of the product requests an update to the product information, the code attached to the product is read by a code reading unit (e.g., a camera) of the input unit 407, which acts as the update right holder terminal 40 (S601). Then, the information update request unit 402 decodes the encoded information and, based on this, sends a request for a user ID input box to the authentication authority terminal 10 (S602). If the information update acceptance unit 105 of the authentication authority terminal 10 receives the request for the input box, it generates a user ID input box corresponding to the product ID contained in the code (S603) and sends it to the update right holder terminal 40 (S604). When the input box is received, the user ID and password input boxes are displayed in the output unit 408 of the update right holder terminal 40. When a user ID is entered into the input box via the input section 407 of the update holder terminal 40 (S605), the user ID (and password) information is sent to the authentication authority terminal 10 via the communication section 410 (S606). Upon receiving the user ID, the information update receiving section 105 of the authentication authority terminal 10 generates an input box for update information corresponding to the permissions of the sent user ID (S607) and sends this input box to the update holder terminal 40 (S608). Upon receiving the update information input box, the update holder terminal 40 displays the input box via the output section 408. Then, when update information is entered via the input section 407 of the update holder terminal 40 (S609), the update information is sent to the authentication authority terminal 10 via the communication section 410 (S610). Upon receiving the update information, the information update receiving section 105 updates the certified product information stored in the storage section 109 (S611), and the series of processes involved in the subroutine of step S106 ends.

[0142] Furthermore, while an example of information update processing performed by the update right holder terminal 40 (information update request unit 402) has been described here, the same processing can also be performed in the product manufacturer terminal 20 (information update request unit 206) and the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 (information update request unit 304). Additionally, although product information has been described as an example above, the same processing can also be performed on manufacturing line information and manufacturing equipment information.

[0143] Returning to the instructions Figure 11 In the process, in step S107, the certification authority terminal 10 (specifically, the information viewing request receiving unit 104) determines whether there is a viewing request for the certified product information, certified manufacturing line information, and certified manufacturing equipment information stored in the storage unit 109. The following describes the processing flow when there is an information viewing request. Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the process of information exchange and processing between the certification authority terminal 10 and the consumer terminal 50.

[0144] Furthermore, an example is given here of a product being assigned a code that encodes information containing a product ID. When a consumer who has received the product wishes to view product information, the code attached to the product is read by a code reading unit (e.g., a camera) acting as the input unit 507 of the consumer terminal 50 (S701). The information viewing request unit 501 then decodes the encoded information and, based on this, sends a request for a user ID input box to the authentication authority terminal 10 (S702). Upon receiving this input box request, the information viewing request receiving unit 104 of the authentication authority terminal 10 generates a user ID input box corresponding to the product ID contained in the code (S703) and sends it to the consumer terminal 50 (S704). When the input box is received, the output unit 508 of the consumer terminal 50 displays the user ID and password input boxes. Figure 18 An example of an input field for user ID and password.

[0145] When a user ID (and password) is entered into the input box via the input section 507 of the consumer terminal 50 (S705), the user ID (and password) information is sent to the authentication authority terminal 10 via the communication section 510 (S706). Upon receiving the user ID, the authentication authority terminal 10 retrieves the product information corresponding to the permissions of the sent user ID from the storage section 109 (S707) and sends this information to the consumer terminal 50 (S708). Upon receiving the product information, the consumer terminal 50 displays the product information viewing screen in the output section 508 (S709), and the series of processes in the subroutine of step S108 ends.

[0146] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, such as Figure 18 As shown, even if the send button is pressed without entering a user ID or password, information that can be viewed even without permission is displayed. Therefore, even users without a user ID, like ordinary consumers, can view basic information within the product information.

[0147] Furthermore, while an example of information viewing processing performed by the consumer terminal 50 (information viewing request unit 501 and output unit 508) has been described here, the same processing can also be performed in the product manufacturer terminal 20 (information viewing request unit 205 and output unit 208), the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30 (information viewing request unit 303 and output unit 308), and the update right holder terminal 40 (information viewing request unit 401 and output unit 408). Also, although product information has been described as an example above, the same processing can also be performed on manufacturing line information and manufacturing equipment information. That is, in this embodiment, depending on the terminal that made the output request and the content of the information involved in the output request, output units 208, 308, 408, and 508 can all correspond to the first output unit, second output unit, and third output unit of the present invention.

[0148] Return to Figure 11 The illustrated process states that after a "No" decision is made in step S107 and the processing in step S108 ends, the authentication authority terminal 10 returns to step S105 and repeats the subsequent processing until the specified termination condition is met. However, the processing flow described so far is an example, and it could also be a partial or complete process excluding steps S101, S102, S103, S105, and S106.

[0149] As described above, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can output (view) information about a product and the various elements involved in its manufacture to users connected to an information processing network with multiple terminals, and can help ensure the continuous authenticity of the information viewed. That is, it can obtain highly reliable information not only regarding the authenticity of information including the provider and content of the information viewed, but also regarding the reliability of the connections between information including the provider and content of information on which the information is based and referenced (and thus the basis and reference information traced back from this information). Therefore, for example, ordinary consumers can view product information (such as energy consumption and producers involved in product manufacturing) that is also verified as highly reliable from their own terminals, and manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can also obtain highly reliable product information from their respective terminals.

[0150] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, when manufacturing line 21 is started, control device 22 checks whether the content of each manufacturing element of the manufacturing line belonging to the manufacturing device under its jurisdiction is the same as the content of the certified manufacturing line information. If they are different, the manufacturing device is not started. Thus, assuming that there are unplanned specification changes or replacements of manufacturing equipment in the manufacturing line or manufacturing device, it is possible to prevent the use of a manufacturing line or manufacturing device with different content from the certified information to manufacture products. That is, it is possible to set up a system in which, regarding product information, not only is it resistant to tampering with the information itself (through certification information), but it is also possible to prevent the content guaranteed by the certification information from being accidentally changed (tampered with).

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the production location is the same, manufacturing line information is generated and managed for each of the multiple manufacturing lines 21. Thus, for example, even in the same factory, if there are differences in the energy-saving performance of the manufacturing equipment or the details of the types of electricity used, even if products of the same quality are manufactured as the final product, the user can understand the differences in the energy consumed during the manufacturing process of each product.

[0152] In addition, by adding information about manufacturing line operators as a manufacturing element included in the manufacturing line information, it is possible to ascertain whether a product was manufactured under illegal labor conditions such as forced labor or undue child labor.

[0153] (Variation Example 1)

[0154] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1 described above, the certified (i.e., associated with the certification information) product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information are stored as a database (DB) in the storage unit 109 of the certification authority terminal 10. However, this structure is not mandatory. For example, the product information and manufacturing line information associated with the certification information in the certification authority terminal 10 could also be stored as a DB in the storage unit 209 of the product manufacturer terminal 20. Similarly, the manufacturing equipment information associated with the certification information in the certification authority terminal 10 could also be configured as a DB in the storage unit 309 of the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30.

[0155] In such a situation, when there are requests to view or update information from various terminals, the authentication authority terminal 10 can also act as an intermediary, using product ID, manufacturing line ID, and manufacturing equipment ID as keywords to reach the corresponding product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information.

[0156] (Variation Example 2)

[0157] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was shown where a code containing product ID information was encoded and the input box for viewing and updating product information was accessed by reading this code. However, information viewing and updating can also be performed through other methods. For example, a public input box for ID input could be publicly available on the network in advance, and information corresponding to permissions and / or an information update box could be displayed by accepting ID input from that input box. Figure 19 This is an example of a public ID input field.

[0158] (Variation Example 3)

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information viewing request receiving unit 104 is configured to serve as the first receiving unit, the second receiving unit, the third receiving unit, and the fifth receiving unit. However, the authentication authority terminal 11 may also be configured to have receiving units corresponding to the first receiving unit, the second receiving unit, the third receiving unit, and the fifth receiving unit, respectively. Additionally, the information viewing request receiving unit 104 can (simultaneously) accept output requests related to multiple pieces of information, or it can accept output requests related to each piece of information individually. Furthermore, the proof information generation unit 102 is not limited to serving as the first generation unit, the second generation unit, and the third generation unit; it may also have a structure with separate generation units corresponding to each of these units.

[0160] <Implementation Method 2>

[0161] Next, based on Figure 20 , Figure 21 Other embodiments of the present invention will be described. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the information processing system 2 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used below for structures and processes identical to those of the information processing system 1 in Embodiment 1, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Figure 20 As shown, the information processing system 2 in this embodiment differs from the information processing system 1 in embodiment 1 in that the certification authority terminal 11, the product manufacturer terminal 20, the manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30, and the update right holder terminal 40 are connected to the blockchain network BCN, and the consumer terminal 50 is connected to the certification authority terminal 11 through a general communication network N.

[0162] In the information processing system 2 of this embodiment, a blockchain system, as one of the distributed ledger technologies, is used to manage product ID, product information, product certification information, manufacturing line ID, manufacturing line information, manufacturing line certification information, manufacturing device ID, manufacturing device information, and manufacturing device certification information.

[0163] Furthermore, a blockchain system refers to a system with multiple node devices connected to a blockchain network that manages information through peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, where these multiple node devices decentralizedly share (maintain, manage) various types of information. Additionally, blockchain systems are a well-known technology, therefore detailed explanations are omitted.

[0164] In this embodiment, the certification authority terminal 11, product manufacturer terminal 20, manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal 30, and update right holder terminal 40 are respectively equivalent to node devices in the blockchain network BCN. Additionally, other information processing terminals may also be included as node devices. In the information processing system 2 of this embodiment, there is no database in the certification authority terminal 11; various information such as product information, manufacturing line information, and manufacturing equipment information are stored separately in the storage units of each terminal (which serves as a node device). Specifically, for example, the product information in this embodiment is stored in the form of blocks. Each block stores a timestamp when its content is generated (or updated) in each node device, a hash value determined by a hash function based on the content of the information and representing the content of the previous block, the content of the product information, and product certification information proving (the initially generated) product information. Furthermore, the product information stored in the block may also be keywords (e.g., IDs) associated with information subjects that also store information about each product element.

[0165] Each block is generated sequentially in association with the block immediately preceding it. That is, when product information is updated, a new block is created by associating the current timestamp, the hash value of the information before the update, the updated product information, and the product proof information with the previous block.

[0166] Because such a blockchain is generated in each node device, the fact and appropriateness are always visible to the participants of the system in the event of information updates.

[0167] Figure 21 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the authentication authority terminal 11 in this embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 21 As shown, in this embodiment, the authentication authority terminal 11 has roughly the same functional units as the authentication authority terminal 10 in Embodiment 1, but it does not have the information update acceptance unit 105. This is because in the information processing system 2 of this embodiment, updates and viewing of information from the product manufacturer terminal 20, the manufacturing device manufacturer terminal 30, and the update right holder terminal 40 can be performed by directly reading information from the blockchain network BCN and updating it. That is, in this embodiment, each node device constituting the blockchain network BCN is equivalent to the first acceptance unit, the second acceptance unit, the third acceptance unit, the fourth acceptance unit, and the fifth acceptance unit of the present invention.

[0168] On the other hand, the consumer terminal 50, which does not generate or update information processed by the information processing system 2, is separated from the blockchain network BCN and becomes a structure that receives information managed by the blockchain network BCN via the authentication authority terminal 11. The process for requesting information viewing in this case is largely the same as in implementation method 1, except that the authentication authority terminal 11 does not retrieve the requested information from its own storage database, but instead obtains it from the blockchain network BCN and provides it to the consumer terminal 50.

[0169] According to the information processing system 2 of this embodiment described above, by using a blockchain system, a database is not required, thus enabling the construction of a stable system resistant to system failures. Furthermore, in the event of improper information updates (tampering), this fact is easily detected, thus making it a system with strong tamper resistance.

[0170] <Other>

[0171] The foregoing examples are merely illustrative of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The invention can be modified and combined in various ways within its technical concept. For example, in the above embodiments, the control device 22 may also be connected to the direct communication network N (or blockchain network BCN) without going through the product manufacturer's terminal 20.

[0172] Furthermore, in Implementation 1 described above, the product ID for each product is issued individually based on the authentication request for each product information. However, it is conceivable that multiple (large quantities) of products with identical certified product information could be manufactured. In such a case, authenticating and issuing product IDs for each individual product information is inefficient. Therefore, at the authentication authority terminal, for product information with identical certified content, multiple product IDs corresponding to the certified product information can be issued and pre-sent to the product manufacturer's terminal. Thus, when manufacturing products involving product information with the same content, it is not necessary to request the issuance of product IDs each time, making it a system with excellent convenience. However, in this case, if the product manufacturer illegally misappropriates the product IDs, the reliability of the system is greatly compromised. Therefore, a structure is needed to ensure reliability, such as accepting authentication from reliable manufacturers and targeting only reliable product manufacturers.

[0173] Alternatively, the information processing system can be configured such that the product manufacturer's terminal has a product ID issuance department, and the certification authority's terminal has a product ID association department. That is, the product manufacturer can assign IDs (serial numbers, etc.) to each product involved in manufacturing (at this stage, the product and ID do not correspond to product certification information). Then, the certification authority certifies the product information in response to a request from the product manufacturer's terminal, generating product certification information and associating it with the (declared) product IDs at the certification authority's terminal. The same applies to manufacturing line IDs and manufacturing equipment IDs.

[0174] <Postscript 1>

[0175] An information processing system (1, 2) having multiple information processing terminals interconnected via a communication network for processing product-related information, the information processing system comprising: a first generation unit (102) for generating product certification information that verifies product information, the product information being information containing one or more product element information representing the elements involved in the manufacture of each product; a first association unit (203) for associating a product ID with the product identified by the product ID, the product ID being associated with the product information verified by the product certification information, thereby identifying each product; a first acceptance unit (104) for accepting a first output request as an output request for the product information based on the product ID; and a first output unit (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) for outputting at least a portion of the product information involved in the output request.

[0176] <Appendix 2>

[0177] The information processing system according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that at least one of the product information, the product certification information, and the product ID is processed in a distributed ledger manner.

[0178] <Appendix 3>

[0179] According to the information processing system described in Appendix 1 or 2, the product information, as product element information, at least includes information related to the energy consumption involved in the manufacture of the product.

[0180] <Appendix 4>

[0181] The information processing system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3 is characterized in that the information processing system further comprises: a second generation unit (102) that generates manufacturing line certification information that certifies manufacturing line information, the manufacturing line information including more than one manufacturing element information, the manufacturing element information representing each element of the manufacturing line involved in the manufacturing of the product; a second association unit (204) that associates a manufacturing line ID with the manufacturing line identified by the manufacturing line ID, the manufacturing line ID being associated with the manufacturing line information certified by the manufacturing line certification information, and identifies each of the manufacturing lines; a second acceptance unit (104) that accepts a second output request as an output request for the manufacturing line information based on the manufacturing line ID; and a second output unit (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) that outputs at least a portion of the manufacturing line information involved in the output request, wherein the product information, as the product element information, includes at least the manufacturing line ID.

[0182] <Appendix 5>

[0183] According to the information processing system described in Appendix 4, the manufacturing line information, as the manufacturing element information, at least includes information related to the type of energy consumed in the manufacturing line.

[0184] <Appendix 6>

[0185] The information processing system according to Appendix 4 or 5 is characterized by further comprising: a third generation unit (102) that generates manufacturing device certification information that certifies manufacturing device information, the manufacturing device information including specification information of one or more manufacturing devices constituting the manufacturing line; a third association unit (302) that associates a manufacturing device ID with the manufacturing device identified by the manufacturing device ID, the manufacturing device ID being associated with the manufacturing device information certified by the manufacturing device certification information, thereby identifying each of the manufacturing devices; a third acceptance unit (104) that accepts a third output request as an output request for the manufacturing device information based on the manufacturing device ID; and a third output unit (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) that outputs at least a portion of the manufacturing device information involved in the output request, which, as manufacturing element information in the manufacturing line information, includes at least the manufacturing device ID.

[0186] <Appendix 7>

[0187] According to the information processing system described in Appendix 6, the manufacturing apparatus information, as a specification of the manufacturing apparatus, includes at least information related to the energy-saving performance of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0188] <Appendix 8>

[0189] The information processing system according to Appendix 6 or 7 is characterized by further having a control unit (22) that controls each manufacturing device constituting the manufacturing line, wherein the control unit prevents each manufacturing device from operating if the specifications of the manufacturing device to be controlled are inconsistent with the content proved by the manufacturing device certification information associated with the manufacturing device ID assigned to the manufacturing device, or if the elements of the manufacturing line to which the manufacturing device to be controlled belong are inconsistent with the content proved by the manufacturing line certification information associated with the manufacturing line ID assigned to the manufacturing line.

[0190] <Appendix 9>

[0191] The information processing system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8 is characterized in that it further comprises a fourth receiving unit (105), which accepts the update at least for the product information based on the input of an updater ID, the updater ID being associated with the permission to update at least for the product information and identifying the user who performed the update individually, and the fourth receiving unit appending the updater ID of the user who performed the update and the update time to the product information when accepting the update.

[0192] <Postscript 10>

[0193] The information processing system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9 is characterized by having a fifth receiving unit (104) that receives input of a viewer ID, which is associated with at least the viewing permission of the product information and identifies the user who is viewing it. When the fifth receiving unit receives input of the viewer ID, the first output unit outputs the product information that can be viewed with the viewing permission associated with the viewer ID.

[0194] <Postscript 11>

[0195] An information processing method comprising multiple information processing terminals interconnected via a communication network for processing product-related information, the information processing method comprising: a first generation step (S503) of generating product certification information that verifies product information, the product information being information containing one or more product element information representing the elements involved in the manufacture of each product; a first association step (S507) of associating a product ID with the product identified by the product ID, the product ID being associated with the product information verified by the product certification information, thereby identifying each product; a first acceptance step (S703, S707) of accepting a first output request as an output request for the product information based on the product ID; and a first output step (S709) of outputting at least a portion of the product information involved in the output request.

[0196] <Appendix 12>

[0197] According to the information processing method described in Appendix 11, it is characterized by further comprising: a second generation step (S304), generating manufacturing line certification information that certifies manufacturing line information, the manufacturing line information including one or more manufacturing element information, the manufacturing element information representing each element of the manufacturing line involved in the manufacturing of the product; a second association step (S307), associating a manufacturing line ID with the manufacturing line identified by the manufacturing line ID, the manufacturing line ID being associated with the manufacturing line information certified by the manufacturing line certification information, and identifying each of the manufacturing lines; a second acceptance step (S108), accepting a second output request as an output request for the manufacturing line information based on the manufacturing line ID; and a second output step (S108), outputting at least a portion of the manufacturing line information involved in the output request, wherein the product information, as the product element information, at least includes the manufacturing line ID.

[0198] <Appendix 13>

[0199] According to the information processing method described in Appendix 12, it is characterized by further comprising: a third generation step (S204), generating manufacturing device certification information that certifies manufacturing device information, the manufacturing device information including specification information of one or more manufacturing devices constituting the manufacturing line; a third association step (S207), associating a manufacturing device ID with the manufacturing device identified by the manufacturing device ID, the manufacturing device ID being associated with the manufacturing device information certified by the manufacturing device certification information, and identifying each of the manufacturing devices; a third acceptance step (S108), accepting a third output request as an output request for the manufacturing device information based on the manufacturing device ID; and a third output step (S108), outputting at least a portion of the manufacturing device information involved in the output request, wherein the manufacturing line information, as the manufacturing element information, at least includes the manufacturing device ID.

[0200] Label Explanation

[0201] 1, 2: Information Processing System

[0202] 10, 11: Certification Authority Terminal

[0203] 20: Product Manufacturer Terminal

[0204] 21, 21a, 21b, 21n: Manufacturing lines

[0205] 22, 22a, 22b, 22n: Control devices

[0206] 23, 23a, 23b, 23n: Manufacturing apparatus

[0207] 24, 24a, 24b, 24n: Sensor devices

[0208] 25: Manufacturing Line Operator

[0209] 30: Manufacturing equipment manufacturer terminal

[0210] 40: Update the terminal

[0211] 50: Consumer Terminal

[0212] 90: Bus

[0213] 91: Processor

[0214] 92: Memory

[0215] 93: Enter IF

[0216] 94: Output IF

[0217] N: Communication network

[0218] BCN: Blockchain Network

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising multiple information processing terminals interconnected via a communication network for processing product-related information, wherein the information processing system comprises: The first generation unit generates product certification information that verifies the product information. This product information includes information on one or more product element information, which represents the various elements involved in the manufacturing of each product. The first association unit associates a product ID with the product identified by that product ID, which is associated with product information verified by the product certification information, thereby identifying each of the products. The first receiving unit accepts a first output request as an output request for the product information based on the product ID; and The first output unit outputs at least a portion of the product information involved in the first output request.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the product information, the product certification information, and the product ID is processed in a distributed ledger manner.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The product information, as part of the product element information, includes at least information related to the energy consumption involved in the manufacturing of the product.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information processing system also has: The second generation unit generates manufacturing line verification information that verifies the manufacturing line information, wherein the manufacturing line information includes one or more manufacturing element information, and the manufacturing element information represents the elements of the manufacturing line involved in the manufacturing of the product. The second association unit associates a manufacturing line ID with the manufacturing line identified by that manufacturing line ID, which is associated with the manufacturing line information verified by the manufacturing line verification information, thereby identifying each of the manufacturing lines. The second receiving unit accepts the second output request as an output request for the manufacturing line information based on the manufacturing line ID. as well as The second output unit outputs at least a portion of the manufacturing line information involved in the second output request. The product information includes, as part of the product element information, at least the manufacturing line ID.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The manufacturing line information, as the manufacturing element information, includes at least information related to the type of energy consumed in the manufacturing line.

6. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The information processing system also has: The third generation unit generates manufacturing device certification information that verifies the manufacturing device information, which includes specification information of one or more manufacturing devices constituting the manufacturing line. The third association unit associates a manufacturing device ID with the manufacturing device identified by the manufacturing device ID, which is associated with the manufacturing device information verified by the manufacturing device verification information, thereby identifying each of the manufacturing devices. The third receiving unit accepts the third output request as an output request for the manufacturing device information based on the manufacturing device ID. as well as The third output unit outputs at least a portion of the manufacturing apparatus information related to the third output request. The manufacturing line information, as part of the manufacturing element information, includes at least the manufacturing device ID.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The manufacturing equipment information includes, as part of the specifications of the manufacturing equipment, at least information related to the energy-saving performance of the manufacturing equipment.

8. The information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The information processing system also includes a control unit that controls the various manufacturing devices constituting the manufacturing line. The control unit will not operate any of the manufacturing devices subject to control if the specifications of the manufacturing device to be controlled are inconsistent with the content proved by the manufacturing device certification information associated with the manufacturing device ID assigned to the manufacturing device, or if the elements constituting the manufacturing line to which the manufacturing device to be controlled belong are inconsistent with the content proved by the manufacturing line certification information associated with the manufacturing line ID assigned to the manufacturing line.

9. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information processing system also includes a fourth receiving unit, which accepts updates at least related to the product information based on the input of an updater ID. This updater ID is associated with the permissions for updating at least the product information and uniquely identifies the user performing the update. When the fourth receiving unit receives the update, it appends the updater ID and update time of the user who made the update to the product information.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information processing system has a fifth receiving unit, which accepts the input of a viewer ID. This viewer ID is associated with at least the viewing permissions of the product information and uniquely identifies the user who is viewing the information. When the fifth receiving unit accepts the input of the viewer ID, the first output unit outputs the product information that can be viewed with the viewing permission associated with the viewer ID.

11. An information processing method comprising multiple information processing terminals interconnected via a communication network, for processing product-related information, wherein the information processing method comprises: The first generation step generates product certification information that verifies the product information. This product information includes information on one or more product element information, which represents the various elements involved in the manufacturing of each product. The first association step involves associating the product ID with the product identified by that product ID, which is associated with the product information verified by the product certification information, thereby identifying each of the products. The first acceptance step involves accepting a first output request as an output request for the product information based on the product ID; and The first output step involves outputting at least a portion of the product information involved in the first output request.

12. The information processing method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The information processing method also has the following characteristics: The second generation step generates manufacturing line verification information to verify the manufacturing line information. The manufacturing line information includes more than one manufacturing element information, which represents the various elements of the manufacturing line involved in the manufacturing of the product. The second association step involves associating the manufacturing line ID with the manufacturing line identified by the manufacturing line ID, which is associated with the manufacturing line information verified by the manufacturing line verification information, thereby identifying each of the manufacturing lines. The second acceptance step involves accepting a second output request as an output request for the manufacturing line information based on the manufacturing line ID. as well as The second output step involves outputting at least a portion of the manufacturing line information involved in the second output request. The product information includes, as part of the product element information, at least the manufacturing line ID.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The information processing method also has the following characteristics: The third generation step is to generate manufacturing device certification information that verifies the manufacturing device information, which includes the specification information of one or more manufacturing devices constituting the manufacturing line. The third association step involves associating the manufacturing device ID with the manufacturing device identified by the manufacturing device ID, which is associated with the manufacturing device information verified by the manufacturing device verification information, thereby identifying each of the manufacturing devices. The third acceptance step is to accept the third output request as an output request for the manufacturing device information based on the manufacturing device ID. as well as The third output step involves outputting at least a portion of the manufacturing apparatus information related to the third output request. The manufacturing line information, as part of the manufacturing element information, includes at least the manufacturing device ID.

Images