Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

An information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program are provided that promote improvement in users' environmental awareness. [Solution] In an information processing system in which an information processing device, a plurality of user terminals, and a database are configured to be able to communicate via telecommunications lines and which derives a user's environmental contribution, the processor 23 of the information processing device comprises an acquisition unit 231 that acquires behavioral information regarding the user's behavior, a derivation unit 232 that derives the user's environmental contribution, which is correlated with greenhouse gas emissions, based on the acquired behavioral information and reference information regarding greenhouse gas emissions caused by the behavior, and an output unit 233 that outputs an environmental indicator that can grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution and a target environmental contribution, which is a predetermined target value.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional technology that allows consumers to easily obtain their own environmental household accounting book, which lists carbon dioxide emissions alongside a regular household accounting book, without having to go through the tedious task of inputting each purchased item into the system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-282279 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 merely aims to improve the efficiency of work, and therefore there is still room for improvement in order to promote the improvement of environmental awareness among users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system. The information processing system includes a processor capable of executing a program to perform the following steps: In the acquisition step, behavioral information related to a user's behavior is acquired; In the derivation step, an environmental contribution of the user is derived based on the acquired behavioral information and reference information related to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the behavior; Here, the environmental contribution is correlated with greenhouse gas emissions, and in the output step, an environmental indicator is output that allows the difference between the derived environmental contribution and a target environmental contribution, which is a predetermined target value, to be grasped.

[0006] Such an information processing system can promote improvement in individuals' environmental awareness. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 3. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional units included in a processor 23. [Figure 5] 1 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of information processing executed in the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of a process flow for deriving an environmental contribution degree. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of a processing flow for deriving an environmental coefficient. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a first image IM1 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a second image IM2 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a third image IM3 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a fourth image IM4 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a fifth image IM5 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 13] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 14] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 15] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 16] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 17] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 18] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 19] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 20] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 21] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 22] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 23] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 24] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 25] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 26] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 27] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 28] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 29] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 30] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 31] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 32] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 33] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 34] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 35] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 36] This is a reference diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0009] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0010] In this embodiment, the term "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, this embodiment handles various types of information, which may be represented by, for example, physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltages and currents, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0011] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0012] 1. Hardware Configuration This section explains the hardware configuration.

[0013] <Information Processing System 1> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 2, a user terminal 3, and a database DB1. The information processing device 2, the user terminal 3, and the database DB1 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a telecommunications line. In one embodiment, the information processing system 1 is made up of one or more devices or components. For example, if the information processing system 1 is made up of only the information processing device 2, the information processing system 1 can be the information processing device 2. These components will be described below.

[0014] <Database DB1> Database DB1 stores various information. For example, database DB1 stores reference information IF1. Reference information IF1 includes information related to greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases may include, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).

[0015] The reference information IF1 includes a correspondence relationship between a user's behavior and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the correspondence relationship includes a correspondence relationship between a product purchased by a user and the greenhouse gas emissions per unit quantity or unit price attributable to the product. The correspondence relationship also includes the greenhouse gas emissions per unit distance traveled by a certain mode of transportation. Furthermore, the correspondence relationship includes a correspondence relationship between a product identification code and a product category name, as well as the greenhouse gas emissions for each product identification code. The product identification code is, for example, a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). The GTIN is a product identification code that individually identifies a product from a specific business. The GTIN may include JAN codes (i.e., GTIN-8 and GTIN-13) and collective packaging product codes (GTIN-14). In the following description, the GTIN is used as the product identification code. In this embodiment, the database DB1 stores the greenhouse gas emissions per unit price for each product identification code. Note that the term "product" is not limited to tangible objects but may also include intangible objects. For example, goods include all objects that can be the subject of commercial transactions, such as movable property, real estate, electronic information goods, service provision, and debt such as stocks.

[0016] The reference information IF1 includes information about greenhouse gas emissions resulting from behavior. The reference information IF1 may include, as such information, information about emissions for each means of purchasing a product. The information about emissions for each means of purchasing a product is, for example, a coefficient for greenhouse gas emissions depending on the origin of the product, or a coefficient for greenhouse gas emissions depending on the means of distribution of the product. These coefficients can be used, for example, to correct greenhouse gas emissions depending on the means of purchasing a product.

[0017] The reference information IF1 may include information on emissions depending on product consumption patterns as information on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from behavior. Emissions depending on product consumption patterns are expressed, for example, as coefficients set depending on the product's intended use or the product's disposal pattern. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, when information on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from behavior is expressed as a coefficient, the coefficient will be referred to as an environmental coefficient. An environmental coefficient is an example of a correspondence relationship between a certain behavior and the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from that behavior. An environmental coefficient can also be considered a parameter that reflects the environmental and social aspects of a company's business activities.

[0018] <Information processing device 2> 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a processor 23, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 20 inside the information processing device 2. Each component will be further described.

[0019] The communication unit 21 is preferably a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), wired LAN network communication, etc., but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) communication, etc. as needed. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of multiple communication means. In other words, the information processing device 2 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 21 and the network.

[0020] The storage unit 22 stores various pieces of information defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and the like related to the information processing device 2 executed by the processor 23, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the program operations. The storage unit 22 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the information processing device 2 executed by the processor 23.

[0021] The processor 23 processes and controls the overall operations related to the information processing device 2. The processor 23 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The processor 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the processor 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 23. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the processor 23 is not limited to being single, and multiple processors 23 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0022] <User terminal 3> 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a processor 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 30 inside the user terminal 3. The description of the communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, and the processor 33 is omitted because they are the same as the description of each unit in the information processing device 2.

[0023] The display unit 34 may be included in the housing of the user terminal 3 or may be externally attached. The display unit 34 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by the user. This is preferably implemented by selectively using display devices such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a plasma display depending on the type of user terminal 3.

[0024] The input unit 35 may be included in the housing of the user terminal 3, or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 35 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 34. A touch panel allows the user to input tapping, swiping, and the like. Of course, a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, or the like may be used instead of a touch panel. That is, the input unit 35 accepts an operation input made by the user. The input is transferred as a command signal to the processor 33 via the communication bus 30, and the processor 33 can execute predetermined control or calculation as necessary.

[0025] 2. Functional configuration of information processing device 2 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional units included in the processor 23. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the processor 23 includes an acquisition unit 231, a derivation unit 232, and an output unit 233.

[0026] The acquisition unit 231 is configured to be able to acquire information from the user terminal 3 or other devices. The acquisition unit 231 is also configured to be able to acquire various pieces of information by reading out various pieces of information stored in a storage area that is at least a part of the memory unit 22 and writing the read out information in a working area that is at least a part of the memory unit 22. The storage area is, for example, an area of ​​the memory unit 22 that is implemented as a storage device such as an SSD. The working area is, for example, an area that is implemented as a memory such as a RAM.

[0027] The derivation unit 232 is configured to be able to derive various pieces of information based on the results of acquisition by the acquisition unit 231.

[0028] The output unit 233 is configured to be able to output various types of information. The information can be presented to the user via the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3 or another device. In such a case, for example, the output unit 233 controls the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3 to display visual information such as a screen, an image including a still image or a video, an icon, or a message. The output unit 233 may generate only rendering information for displaying the visual information on the user terminal 3. Note that the output unit 233 may present the output information to the user without going through the user terminal 3 or another device.

[0029] 3. Information Processing This section describes an example of information processing executed in the information processing system 1 described above. Note that the information processing may include any exception processing not shown. Exception processing includes interrupting the information processing or omitting each process. Selection or input performed in the information processing may be based on a user operation or may be performed automatically without relying on a user operation.

[0030] 3.1. Overview of Information Processing First, an overview of the information processing will be described. Fig. 5 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of information processing executed in the information processing system 1. The information processing is performed, for example, to output, in a predetermined format, greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to products to be purchased or already purchased by a user.

[0031] [Activity A101] First, in activity A101, the user terminal 3 accepts input of behavioral information IF2 from the user. The behavioral information IF2 is information related to the user's behavior. The behavioral information IF2 includes, for example, behavioral categories, the number of behaviors per category, frequency, and duration. The behavioral category defines the type of user behavior, such as the user's movement, product purchase, or entertainment enjoyment. If the behavioral information IF2 includes information related to the purchase of a product, the behavioral information IF2 further includes product information IF3.

[0032] <Product information IF3> Product information IF3 indicates information about a product purchased by a user. Product information IF3 includes at least a GTIN. More specifically, product information IF3 includes at least the product category to which the product belongs. A product category is, for example, a classification included in reference information IF1. Product information IF3 in this embodiment includes quantitative information about the product, such as the product's price, weight, volume, quantity, and quality. The target product may be a single product or multiple products. Product quality includes information such as the product's place of production, place of sale, usage history (e.g., new, used, second-hand, etc.), and time elapsed since production. In particular, for food products (e.g., perishable foods), product quality may include information such as the product's ingredients, place of production, place of sale, expiration date, best-before date, processing method, and storage method. Product information IF3 in this embodiment includes at least source information IF31 about the product's origin. The source of the product may be various businesses related to the product, such as the product's manufacturer or seller. The source information IF31 includes, for example, a predetermined ID indicating the business operator and the type of business to which the business operator belongs.

[0033] Product information IF3 can be read from, for example, an image of the product or the URL of the product purchasing website. Product information IF3 can also be read from a credit card statement, an electronic receipt, a printed receipt, etc. For example, when a product is purchased using a POS system, the POS system reads a code or tag associated with the product. The POS system outputs the read result as an electronic receipt or a printed receipt. The user terminal 3 reads product information IF3 from the electronic receipt or printed receipt. Product information IF3 can also be considered information about the user's purchasing history.

[0034] Product information IF3 includes information regarding the purchasing method of the product purchased by the user. The purchasing method includes the payment method, distribution method, and selection of the product source. The payment method includes, for example, whether the payment was made cashlessly and, if cashless, which provider's payment service was used. The payment method also includes the store where the payment was made (e.g., a physical store or online shop), the distance and method of travel from the registered location to the physical store where the payment was made, and whether a self-checkout was used. The distribution method includes the packaging and transportation method of the product. The packaging method includes, for example, the type and quantity of packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, the type and quantity of cushioning material contained in the packaging materials, and the delivery method of the product, such as bulk delivery or individual delivery. The selection of the product source includes the manufacturer from which the product is purchased and the retailer through which the product is purchased. Specifically, the selection of the product source is the e-commerce site through which the product is purchased if the product is purchased through an e-commerce site. The behavioral information IF2 is input, for example, as a user's questionnaire responses or a user behavior record such as product information IF3.

[0035] [Activity A102] Next, the processing proceeds to activity A102, and the processor 23, as the acquisition unit 231, acquires behavioral information IF2 acquired by the user terminal 3 and reference information IF1 stored in the database DB1. In this embodiment, the processor 23 further acquires at least product information IF3 of the user as the behavioral information IF2. Note that the processor 23 may generate the product information IF3 from information output from the user terminal 3. In other words, the acquisition of information by the processor 23 includes the generation of information by the processor 23 itself.

[0036] [Activity A103] Next, the processing proceeds to activity A103, where the processor 23, as the derivation unit 232, derives the environmental contribution EC1 of the user based on the acquired behavioral information IF2 and reference information IF1. The environmental contribution EC1 is correlated with greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, the processor 23 derives the environmental contribution EC1 based at least on the product information IF3 and the reference information IF1 set according to the product included in the product information IF3. The environmental contribution EC1 is linked to user information corresponding to the user. The environmental contribution EC1 fluctuates at least as the user reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental contribution EC1 can function as a score indicating the user's contribution to the environment. The environmental contribution EC1 further fluctuates when greenhouse gas emissions due to the user's behavior increase. The environmental contribution EC1 may be expressed, for example, as the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the user's behavior. Details of the derivation process of the environmental contribution EC1 will be described later.

[0037] [Activity A104] Next, the process proceeds to activity A104, where the processor 23 outputs an environmental indicator 4 as the output unit 233 based at least on the derived environmental contribution EC1 and a target environmental contribution TEC1, which is a predetermined target value. The environmental indicator 4 is configured to allow the environmental contribution EC1 to be visually grasped. Details of the environmental indicator 4 will be described later. The target environmental contribution TEC1 can be set arbitrarily, for example, a target value for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the user's actions, a target value set based on a predetermined environmental standard, or an upper limit for a group of users classified by status such as region or age. Examples of predetermined environmental standards include a 1.5°C target, agreements based on international agreements, and targets set by government agencies.

[0038] [Activity A105] Next, the processing proceeds to activity A105, and the user terminal 3 displays the output environmental contribution EC1 on the display unit 34 as an image that can be operated by the user. Thereafter, the information processing system 1 ends the information processing in response to the user's operation on the user terminal 3. Specific aspects of the environmental indicator 4 and the image on which the environmental indicator 4 is displayed will be described later.

[0039] [Activity A106] Next, processing proceeds to activity A106, where the processor 23 further outputs offset information IF5. The offset information IF5 includes information about offset means that can offset greenhouse gas emissions. When there are multiple means for purchasing a product, the offset means includes information about a purchasing means that, among the multiple purchasing means, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a relatively large amount. The offset means also includes offset programs that the user can purchase. An offset program is a program that can offset greenhouse gas emissions, such as an afforestation project or an investment in carbon-neutral products. The offset means is also called an offset product. In this embodiment, the processor 23 outputs the offset information IF5 in a manner that can reference the environmental indicator 4. Specific output aspects will be described later together with the environmental indicator 4.

[0040] [Activity A107] After the processing of activity A106 is executed, the processing proceeds to activity A107, and the user terminal 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the output offset information IF5, for example, the offset means.

[0041] [Activity A108] After the offset information IF5 is displayed by the processing of activity A107, the user terminal 3 accepts an input of a purchase command for the offset means from the user. The input purchase command is sent to the processor 23.

[0042] [Activity A109] When the processor 23 receives an input purchase command, the processor 23 associates reward information IF6 with the user information according to the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. The reward information IF6 is information that grants a predetermined right to the user associated with the user information. The reward information IF6 is preferably treatable as a currency in a predetermined market. The reward information IF6 may include any form of information, such as information exchangeable for government-issued currency, points or coupons issued by a predetermined organization, digital assets such as virtual currency or crypto assets, or information exchangeable for a predetermined product or service. By associating such reward information IF6 with the user information, the user can exercise the right granted through the reward information IF6. Such reward information IF6 is granted by selecting a purchase method that can reduce environmental impact, and therefore functions as an incentive for the user to make choices that reduce environmental impact. By associating such user information with reward information IF6, the user's environmental awareness is further enhanced.

[0043] After the processing of activity A 108, the information processing ends. If no purchase command is acquired, processor 23 omits the processing of activity A 108.

[0044] 3.2. Example of processing for deriving environmental contribution Next, the flow of the process for deriving the environmental contribution degree performed in activity A103 will be described. Fig. 6 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of the process for deriving the environmental contribution degree. The process described in this section derives the environmental contribution degree using, for example, product information IF3.

[0045] [Activity A201] In activity A201, processor 23 associates the price of a product with the GTIN of the product based on product information IF3. If product information IF3 includes information on multiple products, processor 23 associates the price of each of the multiple products with the GTIN. [Activity A202] Next, the process proceeds to activity A202, where the processor 23 converts the GTIN of the product into a product category based on the obtained product information IF3 and reference information IF1.

[0046] [Activity A203] Next, processing proceeds to activity A203, where the processor 23 derives greenhouse gas emissions for each product based on the acquired GTIN or converted product category and the price of the product associated with that product category by referencing the greenhouse gas emissions per unit price for each GTIN included in reference information IF1. The processor 23 can obtain various emission information IF4 based on the derived greenhouse gas emissions for each product. For example, the processor 23 can obtain the greenhouse gas emissions for each product category by adding up the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to products in the same category. The processor 23 can also obtain the greenhouse gas emissions for each product origin by classifying the derived greenhouse gas emissions for each product using origin information IF31 included in the GTIN.

[0047] [Activity A204] Next, the process proceeds to activity A204, where the processor 23 determines the environmental coefficient of the purchased product based on the acquired product information IF3 and the environmental coefficient included in the reference information IF1. The method for determining the environmental coefficient of the product will be described later.

[0048] [Activity A205] Next, the process proceeds to activity A205, where the processor 23 derives the environmental contribution based on the derived greenhouse gas emissions for each product and the determined environmental coefficient. For example, the processor 23 derives the environmental contribution by correcting the greenhouse gas emissions for each product by multiplying the determined environmental coefficient.

[0049] 3.3. An example of a process for determining environmental coefficients Next, the process flow for deriving the environmental coefficient and determining the environmental coefficient for a product, which is performed in activity A204, will be described. Fig. 7 is an activity diagram showing an example of the process flow for deriving the environmental coefficient. The process described in this section is determined, for example, depending on the business operator indicating the origin of the product.

[0050] [Activity A301] First, in activity A301, the processor 23 acquires information about one or more target businesses. The target businesses are businesses for which environmental coefficients are to be derived. The target businesses may be all businesses registered with public institutions, or only businesses registered in a predetermined information source such as database DB1. The information about the target businesses includes information about the location of information transmission media, such as publications and web pages, that describe the business of the target businesses. The information about the target businesses may include, for example, the domain name corresponding to the target business, the URL of the homepage, the corporate name of the target business, and its abbreviation. The information about the target businesses may also include information about the business of the target businesses, such as the business type, business form, and business scale of the target businesses. This makes it easier to compare the environmental contributions of the target businesses depending on their business activities.

[0051] [Activity A302] Next, processing proceeds to activity A302, where the processor 23 collects emission information IF4 for each target business based on the acquired information about the target business. The emission information IF4 includes information about greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the business activities of the target business. The emission information IF4 is, for example, information about greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the business activities of the target business and environmental contribution activities that offset those emissions. The emission information IF4 includes self-information and third-party information. The self-information is information published by the target business itself. The self-information includes, for example, press releases, blogs, advertisements, etc., published by the target business. The third-party information is information published by entities other than the target business. The third-party information includes, for example, reports showing the financial status of the target business, official reports issued by public institutions such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, articles and blogs posted by newspapers or individuals, etc. The form of this information is preferably text data containing text information about greenhouse gas emissions, but may also be image information such as photographs or document images. The emission information IF4 can be collected by any known method such as web scraping or crawling using information about the target business entities. The collected emission information IF4 is classified by target business entities.

[0052] [Activity A303] Next, the process proceeds to activity A303, where the processor 23 derives an environmental coefficient for each target business from the collected emission information IF4. Here, an example of a method for deriving an environmental coefficient will be described.

[0053] The processor 23 first classifies the collected emission information IF4 according to predetermined classification conditions. The classification conditions are set according to the reliability of the emission information IF4. For example, the classification conditions include a first classification condition set according to the source of the emission information IF4 and a second classification condition set according to the format of the emission information IF4. The first classification condition includes, for example, whether the source of the emission information IF4 is the target business itself, whether the source of the emission information IF4 is a predetermined news organization, etc. The second classification condition includes whether the emission information IF4 includes text information, whether it includes numerical information, whether it is image information, whether it is in PDF format or HTML format, whether it is in a table format, etc.

[0054] Next, the processor 23 derives an evaluation score for each of the classified emission information IF4 based on predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may include, for example, whether a predetermined keyword is included, whether statistical information such as the number, frequency, and distribution of keywords included in one emission information IF4 exceeds a predetermined threshold, or whether numerical information exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined criteria may be any criteria that suggests a correlation between the target business's business and the greenhouse gas emissions from that business. The processor 23 may derive the evaluation score based on whether the criteria are met, or may derive the evaluation score according to the degree to which the criteria are met. In this embodiment, the processor 23 weights the environmental score for each of the collected emission information IF4 according to the classification of the emission information IF4, and derives the sum of the environmental scores as the environmental coefficient.

[0055] Note that environmental coefficients may essentially be relative values ​​between businesses. In this case, the environmental coefficient may be normalized based on the target business's greenhouse gas emissions disclosed through public institutions such as the national or local government. The normalization constant used for such normalization can also be used to normalize the environmental coefficients of target businesses whose greenhouse gas emissions are not disclosed through public institutions such as the national or local government. Furthermore, the processor 23 may normalize the derived environmental coefficient to match a reference environmental contribution equivalent to an environmental coefficient derived by another method, such as the Orlando Index. In this case, the processor 23 normalizes the derived environmental contribution by comparing the average environmental contribution of target businesses in the same industry with the Orlando Index. This makes it possible to quantitatively evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions of business activities of target businesses whose greenhouse gas emissions are not directly disclosed. The environmental coefficient derived in this way may also be used as the target business's environmental contribution. This makes it possible to evaluate the environmental contribution of not only individuals but also groups of businesses.

[0056] The processor 23 may output the derived environmental coefficient to the database DB1 as reference information IF1 and construct or update the reference information IF1 stored in the database DB1. The reference information IF1 may link the environmental contribution with the target business. This can increase the reliability of the reference information IF1. Furthermore, if a database DB1 exists that stores environmental coefficients as reference information IF1 in advance, the processor 23 may obtain the environmental coefficient of the target business from the database DB1 instead of deriving the environmental coefficient.

[0057] The processor 23 determines an environmental coefficient for the product based on the product origin information IF31 and the derived environmental contribution of the target business. For example, the processor 23 determines an environmental coefficient for each business involved in the product by comparing the business involved in the product, such as the product manufacturer, product transporter, and product seller included in the product information IF3, with the target business. The processor 23 then assigns a predetermined weight to the environmental coefficient for each business involved in the product to determine a first environmental coefficient for the product.

[0058] The processor 23 may determine the environmental coefficient for the product after comparing the reference environmental coefficient with the first environmental coefficient for the product based on a predetermined determination condition. The determination condition can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the magnitude of both environmental coefficients, the attributes of the user, the attributes of the business operator involved in the product, etc. The determination of the environmental coefficient for the product based on this comparison can also be considered as a correction of the reference environmental coefficient.

[0059] 4. Images displayed on the display unit 34 by information processing This section describes an example of an image displayed on the display unit 34 as a result of the information processing described in Section 3. By viewing the image, the user can understand their own environmental contribution. In this embodiment, the environmental contribution EC1 is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions offset by the user, and the target environmental contribution TEC1 indicates the amount of offset required to achieve the 1.5°C target for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the user's actions. In the following explanation, the case where the greenhouse gas is mainly carbon dioxide gas will be described.

[0060] 4.1. First Image IM1 8 is an example of a first image IM1 displayed on the display unit 34. The first image IM1 includes an environment indicator 4 and a display region R1.

[0061] <Environmental Indicator 4> The environmental indicator 4 is configured to be able to grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. If the derived environmental contribution EC1 can be classified by behavior category, the environmental indicator 4 may be configured to be able to grasp the contribution of behavior to the environmental contribution EC1 for each behavior category. If the derived environmental contribution EC1 can be classified by the time series of behavior, the environmental indicator 4 is configured to be able to grasp the environmental contribution EC1 for each predetermined period. The predetermined period may be any period, such as one month, one year, or the entire period. The environmental indicator 4 is configured to be able to visually grasp the difference in particular. The environmental indicator 4 includes a first environmental indicator 5 and a second environmental indicator 6, and is configured to be able to grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1.

[0062] <First Environmental Indicator 5> The first environmental indicator 5 is configured to be able to grasp the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 of the user's overall behavioral information and the target environmental contribution TEC1 relative to the environmental contribution EC1. The first environmental indicator 5 may be positioned at any location, but may be placed, for example, at the top of the first image IM1. This makes it easier for the user's gaze to be focused on the first environmental indicator 5. The first environmental indicator 5 includes a total area 51, a first visual area 52, and a target icon 53.

[0063] <Total area 51> The total of the environmental contributions EC1 is displayed in the total area 51. The total area 51 displays the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the user's actions.

[0064] <First Visual Area 52> The first visual area 52 is configured in an arc shape. Accordingly, the first visual area 52 is configured so that the ratio of the environmental contribution EC1 to the target environmental contribution TEC1 can be grasped as an orientation relative to a predetermined reference position. The predetermined reference position can be set arbitrarily, such as near the center of the circle of curvature of the arc-shaped first visual area 52. The first visual area 52 of this embodiment is configured in a semicircular arc shape.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first visual area 52 is arranged around the total area 51. The reference position of the first visual area 52 is included within the total area 51. Specifically, the reference position of the first visual area 52 is approximately the same as the symmetrical position of the total area 51. This improves the user's visibility. The first visual area 52 includes a first partial area 521 and a second partial area 522.

[0066] <First partial region 521, second partial region 522> The first partial region 521 visually indicates the difference, for example, the ratio, between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. The second partial region 522 indicates the margin of the environmental contribution EC1 between the target environmental contribution TEC1. The display mode of the first partial region 521 is different from the display mode of the second partial region 522. Examples of the display mode include any display mode that is visible to the user, such as color, outline, or shape. In this embodiment, the color of the first partial region 521 is different from the color of the second partial region 522. This creates a first boundary B1 between the first partial region 521 and the second partial region 522. As the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1 increases, the area occupied by the first partial region 521 in the first visual region 52 continuously expands. On the other hand, as the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1 increases, the area occupied by the first partial region 521 becomes smaller. Accordingly, the orientation of the first boundary B1 between the first partial area 521 and the second partial area 522 moves clockwise relative to the reference position. In this way, the first visual area 52 is configured so that the ratio of the environmental contribution EC1 to the target environmental contribution TEC1 can be grasped from at least the position of the first boundary B1.

[0067] The display mode of the first partial region 521 may change according to the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. For example, the color of the first partial region 521 may change as the difference between the target environmental contribution TEC1 and the environmental contribution EC1 decreases. Specifically, the color of the first partial region 521 changes from cool colors to warm colors, such as blue, yellow, and red, as the difference decreases. This makes it easier to give the user a sense of urgency about the decreasing margin for offset. Note that the display mode of the first partial region 521 and the second partial region 522 is arbitrary as long as the first boundary B1 is visible.

[0068] <Goal icon 53> The goal icon 53 is an icon that indicates a predetermined value in the first visual area 52. Specifically, the goal icon 53 indicates a target environmental contribution TEC1. In this embodiment, the goal icon 53 indicates an offset amount required for the user to achieve the 1.5°C target as an environmental contribution EC1. The value indicated by the goal icon 53 may be any value that can be compared with the value displayed in the total area 51. For example, the value may be a predetermined constant value or a variable value. For example, the predetermined value may be the average value of the environmental contributions EC1 of multiple users with a certain attribute. This allows the user to understand their own greenhouse gas emissions based on an objective comparison with other users. User attributes include, for example, place of residence, age, and gender. The goal icon 53 is configured to be viewable with the first visual area 52. This makes it easier for the user to understand the correspondence between the first visual area 52 and the environmental contribution EC1. The goal icon 53 is, for example, arranged along the first visual area 52. In particular, the target icon 53 is arranged along the outer edge of the first visual area 52. This prevents the visibility of the first visual area 52 from being reduced due to the arrangement of the target icon 53.

[0069] <Second Environmental Indicator 6> The second environmental indicator 6 is configured to grasp the contribution of a user's behavior to the environmental contribution EC1 for each category of the user's behavior. Examples of behavior categories include purchasing products, using infrastructure such as electricity and water, and traveling. The behavior categories may include categories based on the type of product. In this embodiment, the second environmental indicator 6 is configured to grasp the amount of emissions for each product category purchased by the user as the emission information IF4. Examples of product categories include gourmet, apparel, drugstores, supermarkets, and liquor stores. The product categories may also include product categories with emission rates below a predetermined rate (e.g., "other"). Such product categories may be preset or automatically generated by an arbitrary system, such as the information processing device 2 or the user terminal 3, based on the reference information IF1 and the source information IF31. The second environmental indicator 6 includes a category total area 61, a second visual area 62, and a location icon 63 for each of the above behavior categories, specifically, for each product category.

[0070] <Total of 61 categories> The category total area 61 displays information about the total contribution of actions for each category to the environmental contribution EC1. In this embodiment, the category total area 61 displays the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by products that belong to the same product category among the products purchased by the user. Note that the category total area 61 may also display symbols indicating the category, such as category names or icons indicating the category.

[0071] <Second Visual Field 62> Each of the second visual areas 62 is an indicator that visually represents the contribution of an action belonging to a certain category to the environmental contribution EC1. The second visual areas 62 in this embodiment are configured linearly. Furthermore, each of the multiple second visual areas 62 is arranged approximately parallel to one another. This reduces the display area of ​​the second environmental indicators 6 in the first image IM1, improving the visibility of the multiple second environmental indicators 6. The category total area 61 in this embodiment includes a first category partial area 621 and a second category partial area 622.

[0072] <First category partial area 621, second category partial area 622> The first category partial area 621 visually indicates the ratio of the total contribution of each behavior for each category to a predetermined upper limit of the environmental contribution EC1. The second category partial area 622 indicates the allowance of the total contribution of each behavior for each category from the upper limit of the display. The display mode of the first category partial area 621 is different from the display mode of the second category partial area 622. Examples of the display mode include any display mode that is visible to the user, such as color, outline, or shape. In this embodiment, the color of the first category partial area 621 is different from the color of the second category partial area 622. This creates a second boundary B2 between the first category partial area 621 and the second category partial area 622. The user can visually grasp the information displayed in the category total area 61 from the position of the second boundary B2 in the second visual area 62.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second environmental indicator 6 is configured to allow the user to grasp the contribution of an action to the environmental contribution EC1 for each category based on the color corresponding to the category of the user's action. Specifically, the first category partial areas 621 of the second environmental indicator 6 corresponding to different categories are displayed in the color corresponding to each category. This makes it easier to grasp the correspondence between the display content and the category.

[0074] <Location icon 63> The position icon 63 is an icon that indicates a predetermined value in the second visual area 62. The predetermined value can be any value that can be compared with the value displayed in the category total area 61, and may be, for example, a predetermined constant value or a variable value. For example, the predetermined value may be the average value of the environmental contribution EC1 of multiple users with a certain attribute. This allows the user to understand their own greenhouse gas emissions based on an objective comparison with other users. User attributes include, for example, place of residence, age, and gender.

[0075] <Display area R1> The display area R1 displays any information related to the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. Specifically, the information is displayed in the display area R1 as a string or a numerical value. Examples of information displayed in the display area R1 include the numerical values ​​of the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1, a numerical value representing the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1, and conditions for achieving the target environmental contribution TEC1. In this embodiment, the display area R1 displays the significance of the target environmental contribution TEC1, the offset amount required to achieve the target environmental contribution TEC1, the offset amount required to offset all greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the user's actions, the current user's offset amount, and the current user's greenhouse gas emissions. The display area R1 is displayed between the first environmental indicator 5 and the second environmental indicator 6. After grasping the overall picture of the user's greenhouse gas emissions from the first environmental indicator 5, the user is likely to move their gaze to the second environmental indicator 6 to check the details. In this case, the user will visually check the display content in display area R1 as their line of sight moves, which increases the frequency with which the user becomes aware of the significance of contributing to the environment, thereby promoting improved environmental awareness.

[0076] 4.2. Second Image IM2 9 is an example of a second image IM2 displayed on the display unit 34. The second image IM2 is configured to be transitionable by the user operating the user terminal 3 while the first image IM1 is displayed. The second image IM2 displays an offset operation area 7 instead of the second environment indicator 6 of the first image IM1. Note that explanations of commonalities between the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 will be omitted by assigning the same component numbers in the drawings.

[0077] <Offset operation area 7> The offset operation area 7 is a UI that presents offset information IF5 for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions in response to a user's operation. The offset operation area 7 includes one or more offset information display areas 71.

[0078] <Offset information display area 71> One of the offset information display areas 71 is configured to be able to present the offset method included in the offset information IF5. The offset information display area 71 displays purchase information for the offset method, such as the details of the offset method, the offset amount using the offset method, the purchase price for the offset method, and the sales method of the offset method, such as bulk purchase or subscription service. Another of the offset information display areas 71 is configured to be able to transition to an e-commerce site where carbon-neutral products can be purchased in response to a user operation.

[0079] The offset operation area 7 is displayed below the first environmental indicator 5 and the display area R1 in the second image IM2. In this embodiment, the offset operation area 7 is displayed at the position where the second environmental indicator 6 was displayed in the first image IM1. As a result, when the user performs a transition operation from the first image IM1 to the second image IM2 after checking the details of the environmental contribution EC1 on the second environmental indicator 6, the offset operation area 7 is displayed at a position that is easily visible to the user. Therefore, by increasing the frequency with which the offset operation area 7 is viewed, the possibility that the user will access the offset program is improved. This promotes an improvement in the user's environmental awareness.

[0080] 4.3. Third Image IM3 10 is an example of a third image IM3 displayed on the display unit 34. The third image IM3 can be considered a modified version of the first image IM1 and the second image IM2. Note that common parts to the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are designated by common component numbers and explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0081] The third image IM3 includes an offset operation area 7, a third environment indicator 8 as the environment indicator 4, and an emission amount display area 9. The function of the offset operation area 7 is similar to that of the second image IM2.

[0082] <Third Environmental Indicator 8> The third environment indicator 8 includes a total area 81, third visual information 82, and a category display area M1. <Total area 81> The total area 81 is located in the center of the third environmental indicator 8. The total area 81 displays the environmental contribution EC1. In this embodiment, the total area 81 displays the total greenhouse gas emissions for each product or each product category as the environmental contribution EC1. This total may be the total greenhouse gas emissions for a predetermined period, such as one month or one year. This total may also be the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to each product included in a single purchase history, or the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to each product included in multiple purchase histories. The total area 81 in this embodiment is symmetrical with respect to a certain center of rotation. In particular, the outer edge of the total area 81 is configured to be circular.

[0083] <Third Visual Information 82> Similar to the first visual area 52, the third visual information 82 is configured to enable the user to grasp the ratio of the environmental contribution EC1 to the target environmental contribution TEC1 as an orientation relative to a predetermined reference position. The third visual information 82 is arranged around the total area 81. Specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged in an arc shape centered on a reference position included within the total area 81. More specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged along an arc surrounding the periphery of the total area 81. More specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged in a circular shape. More specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged concentrically with the total area 81. This allows the user to grasp the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions for each product category as an orientation relative to a certain reference point in the third visual information 82. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions for each category.

[0084] The third visual information 82 is configured to be able to display the contribution of each predetermined category to the total greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the third visual information 82 functions as the second visual area 62. The predetermined category can be any category related to product attributes, such as product category, product source category, or product price range. In this embodiment, product category is used as the predetermined category.

[0085] The third visual information 82 includes at least one third category partial area 83. Each of the third category partial areas 83 corresponds to a respective contribution of a category. The display manner of the third category partial area 83 is determined according to the category's contribution to the total greenhouse gas emissions and the difference in contribution between other categories. For example, the size of the third category partial area 83 increases as the ratio of the corresponding category's contribution to the total greenhouse gas emissions increases. Therefore, the user can visually grasp the breakdown of each category's contribution to the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the product from the size of the third category partial area 83. Each of the third category partial areas 83 is displayed in a different display manner. For example, each of the third category partial areas 83 is displayed with a different color, different outline, different thickness, or the like. This makes it easy to distinguish each of the third category partial areas 83.

[0086] Furthermore, one of the third category partial areas 83 may indicate the margin of the environmental contribution EC1 relative to the target environmental contribution TEC1, similar to the second partial area 522. Furthermore, the other third category partial areas 83 may visually indicate the difference, for example, the ratio, of the environmental contribution EC1 relative to the target environmental contribution TEC1, similar to the first partial area 521. Thus, similar to the first visual area 52, the third visual information 82 is configured to allow the user to grasp the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 of the user's overall behavioral information and the target environmental contribution TEC1 relative to the environmental contribution EC1. Therefore, the third environmental indicator 8 can function as both the first environmental indicator 5 and the second environmental indicator 6. In other words, the first environmental indicator 5 and the second environmental indicator 6 are not limited to being separate entities, but may be configured as an integrated entity.

[0087] <Category display area M1> The category display area M1 is an area that indicates a classification corresponding to an area included in the third visual information 82. For example, an icon corresponding to the classification is displayed in the category display area M1. In this embodiment, product icons corresponding to each product category are displayed in the category display area M1. The product categories can be set arbitrarily, such as gourmet, apparel, drugstore, supermarket, liquor store, etc. The product categories may also include product categories that include product categories with a waste rate below a predetermined rate (for example, "other"). Note that such product categories may be set in advance or may be automatically generated by an arbitrary system, such as the information processing device 2 or the user terminal 3, based on the reference information IF1 and the source information IF31. The category display area M1 is arranged in a manner that allows the correspondence with the area included in the third visual information 82 to be grasped. For example, the category display area M1 is arranged so as to overlap with the corresponding area included in the third visual information 82.

[0088] <Emissions display area 9> The emission amount display area 9 is configured to be able to display the amount of greenhouse gas emissions for each category. The emission amount display area 9 includes areas corresponding to the categories displayed by the environmental indicator 4. The emission amount display area 9 includes a category unit area 91 and a product unit area 92.

[0089] <Category Unit Area 91> The category unit area 91 displays the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by products included in one category. The category unit area 91 includes an icon indicating the category. The icon corresponds to the icon displayed in the category display area M1. In this embodiment, the icon is the same as the icon displayed in the category display area M1.

[0090] <Product Unit Area 92> The product unit area 92 displays the greenhouse gas emissions caused by each product included in one category individually. As a result, the third environmental indicator 8 is output to the user terminal 3 in a manner that allows reference to at least a portion of the product information IF3. The product unit area 92 may also display attributes of the product purchased, such as the price of the product, the quantity of the product, and a timestamp of the purchase date and time. The product unit area 92 may be configured to be switchable between display and non-display depending on a user's operation on the emission amount display area 9.

[0091] The offset operation area 7 in this embodiment is displayed between the third environmental indicator 8 and the emission amount display area 9. With this positional relationship, after the user visually understands the greenhouse gas emissions amount using the third environmental indicator 8, the offset operation area 7 is visible while the user moves their eyes to the emission amount display area 9 to check the details. This increases the frequency with which the user views the offset operation area 7, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will access the offset program. This therefore promotes an improvement in the user's environmental awareness.

[0092] 4.4. About the fourth image IM4 FIG. 11 is an example of the fourth image IM4 displayed on the display unit 34. The fourth image IM4 displays the greenhouse gas emissions for each product origin as emission information IF4. The greenhouse gas emissions for each product origin can also be said to be the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the product origin. The fourth image IM4 can also be said to correspond to the emission amount display area 9 of the first image IM1 in which the above categories are set based on the product origin. Note that the display of the first image IM1 and the display of the second image IM2 may be configured to be switchable between each other.

[0093] The fourth image IM4 includes one or more source unit areas 10. The source unit areas 10 display the greenhouse gas emissions for each source of the product, in other words, for each business associated with the product, as emission information IF4. The source unit areas 10 may be displayed in any manner; for example, the order in which the sources are displayed may be determined according to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the source unit areas 10 may preferentially display information about sources with low greenhouse gas emissions. This prioritizes the display of information about sources with high environmental awareness, thereby improving the environmental awareness of business operators providing the products. In this embodiment, the source unit areas 10 display the greenhouse gas reduction amounts resulting from the products sold by companies A to D, which are the sources of the products. The reduction amounts are displayed as the difference from the largest greenhouse gas emission amount resulting from the products sold by companies A to D. The source unit areas 10 display the source units with the largest difference from the top. The reduction amounts may also be displayed as the reduction amount per unit amount of money. Furthermore, the source unit area 10 may display the amount of greenhouse gas emissions instead of or in addition to the reduction amount.

[0094] 4.5. About the fifth image IM5 12 is an example of the fifth image IM5 displayed on the display unit 34. For example, the fifth image IM5 can be transitioned to from the second image IM2 or the third image IM3 by operating the offset operation area 7. <Purchase means presentation area 11> The fifth image IM5 includes a purchasing method presentation area 11. The purchasing method presentation area 11 is configured to allow a user to understand the purchasing method for a certain product and the greenhouse gas reduction amount by purchasing the product using that purchasing method. In the fifth image IM5 of this embodiment, four purchasing methods are displayed as "Purchase N" (N is a natural number from 1 to 4). The greenhouse gas emissions resulting from purchasing the product using each purchasing method correspond to the offset information IF5 displayed in this embodiment. The display order of the purchasing methods is arbitrary, but it is preferable to prioritize displaying those that result in the largest greenhouse gas reduction amount. For example, in the purchasing method presentation area 11, those that result in the largest greenhouse gas reduction amount are displayed from top to bottom. This increases the likelihood that a user will select a purchasing method that results in the largest greenhouse gas reduction amount. The purchasing method presentation area 11 is configured to allow a user to grasp the predicted environmental impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions using the above-mentioned reducing purchasing methods. In this embodiment, the correspondence between the greenhouse gas reduction amount and the temperature rise, which indicates global warming, is displayed. This makes it easier for users to understand the significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making it easier for users to choose purchasing methods that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions of their own volition, thereby further promoting the improvement of users' environmental awareness.

[0095] The display contents of the fourth image IM4 and the fifth image IM5 may be incorporated into a part of the first image IM1, the second image IM2, and the third image IM3, respectively.

[0096] 5.Other The shape of the first visual area 52 is not limited to an arc shape, and any shape such as a straight line, a disk shape, or a three-dimensional shape can be adopted.

[0097] The specific form of the environmental indicator 4 is not limited to that in the above embodiment, and for example, only the first environmental indicator 5 may be provided.

[0098] The components of the images IM1 to IM5 can be used in any suitable combination. For example, the first image IM1 or the second image IM2 may have a category display area M1 included in the third image IM3. The category display area M1 may be displayed around the first visual area 52 or may be displayed superimposed on the first visual area 52.

[0099] The product information IF3 may be read using the user terminal 3 instead of the POS system. Furthermore, the product information IF3 included in the product information IF3 may be read from an image of the product, the URL of a website where the product can be purchased, or the like. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 is not limited to acquiring various pieces of information via the user terminal 3. For example, the information processing device 2 may acquire information directly from a system other than the user terminal 3, such as a POS system.

[0100] The correspondence between greenhouse gas emissions and environmental contribution EC1 contained in reference information IF1, which is the behavior coefficient in the above embodiment, is not limited to a numerical value such as a scalar quantity, but can be specified in any format such as a vector quantity, a tensor quantity, or a function.

[0101] In the above embodiment, if the product information IF3 does not include source information IF31 such as a GTIN, the processor 23 may identify the source information IF31 based on the product information IF3. This identification process may be incorporated into the processing of activity A103, for example. For example, if the product information includes text information such as a product name or a business name, the processor 23 may identify the source of the product based on the text information included in the product information IF3. Alternatively, if the product information includes image information such as an image or photograph of the product, the processor 23 may identify the source information IF31 of the product by using image recognition technology on the image information. As a specific example, the processor 23 may use image recognition technology to identify an area representing the product and extract features related to the product from the shape of an object included in the area, text written on the object, etc. Based on the extracted features, the processor 23 may identify the source information IF31 related to the source of the product, such as the product name, product code, or business name. As another example, if the product information IF3 includes a file name of the data that is the source of the product information IF3, a URL or domain name indicating the location of the product information IF3, etc., the processor 23 may identify the source information IF31 based on this information. The processor 23 may identify the source information IF31 using reference information IF1 that stores in advance the correspondence between this information and the source.

[0102] 6, the processor 23 derives emission information IF4 relating to greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the source based on the acquired behavioral information IF2, particularly the product information IF3, the identified source information IF31, and reference information IF1 relating to greenhouse gas emissions. Next, the processor 23 determines an environmental coefficient and derives an environmental contribution using the emission information IF4 relating to the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the source of the product. The derivation results may be used in any manner, but for example, the display unit 34 displays images IM1 to IM5 based on the derivation results of the processor 23.

[0103] The identification of the origin information IF31 and the derivation of the discharge information IF4 may be performed by the processor 23 of the information processing device 2, by a device other than the information processing device 2, or by another device not included in the information processing system 1. The processor 23 may also process the information by treating the identified origin information IF31 as information included in the product information IF3.

[0104] The above embodiment may be used for processing before a product is purchased or for processing after a product is purchased. By using the above embodiment for processing before a product is purchased, for example, at the stage of considering purchasing a product, it is possible to encourage the selection of a purchasing method that can reduce emissions. By using the above embodiment for processing after a product is purchased, it is possible for the user to grasp the greenhouse gas emissions caused by past product purchases.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the greenhouse gas is mainly carbon dioxide gas, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any greenhouse gas. For example, if the reference information IF1 includes data for converting greenhouse gas emissions into carbon dioxide gas emissions, the processor 23 may derive the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the product by converting the emissions of multiple types of greenhouse gases into carbon dioxide gas emissions by referring to the data. The processor 23 may also output the emissions of each type of greenhouse gas as emission information IF4.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the various pieces of information output from the processor 23, such as the discharge information IF4 and the offset information IF5, are not limited to those presented to the user via the display unit 34. For example, the processor 23 may output the discharge information IF4 and the offset information IF5 to the database DB1. Based on the output reference information IF1 and the discharge information IF4, the database DB1 may update the information stored therein, such as the reference information IF1, or may generate a new data set different from the reference information IF1. Furthermore, the processor 23 may output the various pieces of information to any system not included in the information processing system 1. In other words, the use and destination of the various pieces of information output from the processor 23 are arbitrary.

[0107] It should also be noted that each screen of the service provided by the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment has a high level of design. FIGS. 13 to 36 are reference diagrams. These screen examples have a function of displaying the amount of greenhouse gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) emissions resulting from the user's actions and the greenhouse gas offset amount achieved by the user. The semicircular arc-shaped object displayed in the screen examples of FIGS. 13 to 34 is a distinctive feature that evokes an aesthetic sense. The semicircular arc-shaped object corresponds to the first environmental indicator 5 (specifically, the first visual area 52) in the above embodiment. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the user's actions is displayed near the center of the semicircular arc-shaped object. A first triangular object is adjacent to the periphery of the semicircular arc-shaped object. The first triangular object is positioned at a position corresponding to the target value of the offset amount, for example, the offset amount required to achieve the 1.5°C target.

[0108] As the offset amount increases, the semicircular arc object changes from a gray-only area to a colored area other than gray, starting from the left end and moving clockwise. The color of the colored area is determined based on the occupancy rate of the colored area in the arc-shaped object, the positional relationship of the boundary between the colored area and the uncolored area and the first triangular object, and other factors. If the boundary is located counterclockwise within the semicircular arc object relative to the first triangular object, the color of the colored area becomes yellow, indicating that the offset amount is below the target. If the boundary is located counterclockwise within the semicircular arc object relative to the first triangular object, the color of the colored area becomes yellow, indicating that the offset amount is below the target. If the boundary is located clockwise within the semicircular arc object relative to the first triangular object, the color of the colored area becomes blue, indicating that the target offset amount has been achieved. If the colored area occupies the entire arc-shaped object, the colored area becomes a gradient blue, indicating that all of the emissions have been offset. The gradient blue color becomes darker the further clockwise from the left edge of the semicircular arc object.

[0109] The linear object extending to the left and right displayed in the screen examples of FIG. 19, FIG. 25 to FIG. 29, and FIG. 34 is also a distinctive feature and creates an aesthetic impression. The linear object corresponds to the second environmental indicator 6 (more specifically, the second visual area 62) in the above embodiment. The linear object changes from gray to a color different from the gray from the left end to the right end as greenhouse gas emissions increase for each category of user behavior. A second triangular object is placed adjacent to the linear object. The second triangular object is placed at a position corresponding to the average greenhouse gas emissions for that category in a certain population (e.g., Japanese users).

[0110] If the right end of the colored region of the linear object is far to the left of the position of the second triangular object, i.e., if the greenhouse gas emissions in that category are below the average value, the color of the colored region of the linear object is green. As emissions increase, the right end of the colored region of the linear object approaches the left side of the second triangular object, and the color of the colored region changes from green to yellow. If the right end of the colored region of the linear object is positioned to the right of the second triangular object, the color of the colored region changes from yellow to red. The portion where the semicircular arc object and the above linear object are combined in a viewable manner is also distinctive and aesthetically pleasing.

[0111] The three vertically extending bar-shaped objects displayed in the example screens of FIGS. 35 and 36 are also distinctive features and aesthetically pleasing. The bar-shaped object on the left grows longer in accordance with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the user's actions. The bar-shaped object in the middle grows longer in accordance with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the actions of a first population (e.g., Japanese users). The bar-shaped object on the right grows longer in accordance with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the actions of a second population different from the first population (e.g., users worldwide).

[0112] The information processing system 1 and the like may be provided in the following aspects.

[0113] (1) An information processing system comprising a processor capable of executing a program to perform the following steps: an acquisition step acquires behavioral information regarding a user's behavior; a derivation step derives the user's environmental contribution based on the acquired behavioral information and reference information regarding greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the behavior, wherein the environmental contribution is correlated with the greenhouse gas emissions; and an output step outputs an environmental indicator that can grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution and a target environmental contribution, which is a predetermined target value.

[0114] This configuration allows users to visually grasp the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their own actions as an environmental indicator corresponding to the target environmental contribution. This makes it easier for users to intuitively grasp the environmental contribution compared to when it is simply output as text or numbers, thereby promoting the improvement of personal environmental awareness.

[0115] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, the acquisition step acquires the behavioral information including the category of the behavior, and the output step outputs the environmental indicator that enables the contribution of the behavior to the environmental contribution level to be grasped for each category of the behavior.

[0116] This configuration allows users to easily understand which categories of their own actions are affecting the environment through the environmental contribution level for each category, thereby further promoting environmental awareness among users.

[0117] (3) In the information processing system described in (2) above, the environmental indicator is output, which allows the contribution of the behavior to the environmental contribution level to be grasped for each category based on the color corresponding to the category.

[0118] With this configuration, the user can more clearly understand the environmental contribution level for each category.

[0119] (4) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the output step outputs the environmental indicator having an arc-shaped visual area, wherein the visual area is configured so that the ratio of the environmental contribution to the target environmental contribution can be grasped as an orientation relative to a predetermined reference position.

[0120] With this configuration, the ratio can be grasped as an orientation in the visual field, thereby improving the visibility of the environment indicator compared to when the ratio is expressed only linearly.

[0121] (5) In the information processing system described in (4) above, the output step outputs the environmental indicator having a goal icon indicating the goal environmental contribution.

[0122] With this configuration, the user can grasp the ratio based on the position of the icon, thereby improving the visibility of the environment indicator.

[0123] (6) In the information processing system described in (4) or (5) above, the output step outputs the environmental indicator having a total area around which the visual area is arranged, and information corresponding to the environmental contribution is displayed in the total area.

[0124] This configuration allows the user to grasp the environmental contribution for each category in the visual area and grasp information corresponding to the environmental contribution in the total area, making it easier to clearly grasp the significance of the environmental contribution, further promoting the improvement of the user's environmental awareness.

[0125] (7) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the output step outputs the environmental indicator that allows the degree of environmental contribution for each predetermined period to be grasped.

[0126] This configuration allows the user to understand the change in the level of environmental contribution for each period from the environmental indicator, which allows the user to understand the relationship between their own actions and greenhouse gas emissions over time, further improving the user's environmental awareness.

[0127] (8) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (7) above, in the acquisition step, at least product information regarding products purchased by the user is further acquired as the behavioral information, in the derivation step, the environmental contribution level is derived based at least on the product information and the reference information set according to the product included in the product information, and in the output step, the environmental indicator is output in a manner that allows reference to at least a portion of the product information.

[0128] This configuration makes it easy for users to understand the correspondence between product information and environmental contributions through the environmental indicator, which helps users realize how their purchasing behavior affects the environment, thereby improving their environmental awareness.

[0129] (9) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the output step further outputs information regarding offset means capable of offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions in a manner that allows reference to the environmental indicator.

[0130] This configuration allows users to quickly access information about offset measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while understanding the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their own actions from the environmental indicators, thereby encouraging users to actively participate in activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promoting improved environmental awareness.

[0131] (10) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (9) above, further, in the reward step, reward information is linked to user information corresponding to the user depending on the difference between the environmental contribution level and the target environmental contribution level, and the reward information can be treated as currency in a specified trading market.

[0132] With this configuration, the bonus information can function as an incentive for encouraging users to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which increases the likelihood that users will choose to take actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby promoting further improvement in environmental awareness.

[0133] (11) An information processing method, comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (10) above.

[0134] (12) An information processing program that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (10) above. Of course, this is not the case.

[0135] Furthermore, please note the following points:

[0136] In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that human beings are the cause of global warming and that it will have devastating effects, and the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs), including CO2, is having a major impact on the business world. (The following explanation will focus on CO2 as a representative greenhouse gas, but the same interpretation can be extended to include other greenhouse gases.)

[0137] In other words, increases in CO2, such as rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and soil destruction caused by human activities, create climate change risks such as rising sea temperatures and sea levels, rising temperatures, and changes in structural patterns. These risks can lead to increased payments in the financial and insurance industries, damage to infrastructure, rising prices, a decrease in food supplies, and revisions to construction design standards. Until now, corporate evaluations have focused on the increase in customer and economic value achieved through corporate activities, but in addition, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) evaluations are becoming increasingly important, and these include responding to climate change by supplying products that have been designed with climate change countermeasures in mind and carbon offsetting.

[0138] In this situation, it is becoming increasingly important to consider how companies and individuals can participate in addressing climate change.

[0139] Methods include visualizing CO2 emissions from corporate and individual activities, reducing negative CO2 emissions, and offsetting remaining CO2 emissions.

[0140] For example, regarding the visualization and reduction of emissions, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-3472 discloses a technical idea for grasping the CO2 emissions of multiple departments in a company by allocating electricity amounts, thereby promoting activities such as reducing emissions within the company.

[0141] In addition, the technology has been disclosed to display household CO2 emissions, eliminating the need for consumers to enter data, providing an incentive for individuals to reduce their emissions.

[0142] However, these prior art technologies are fragmented, and a comprehensive method for visualizing and reducing CO2 emissions is needed.

[0143] Furthermore, with regard to offsetting CO2 emissions, Patent Document 3 discloses the idea of ​​a carbon offset system in which funds for purchasing greenhouse gas emission rights are set as donations to so-called "offset providers" and included in the price of goods and services, and customers can review whether or not to make the donation at the time of paying the cost for the transaction, but there is a need for more extensive offsetting ideas.

[0144] As such, in response to climate change, fragmented ideas have been disclosed regarding visualization of CO2 emissions, methods for reducing emissions, and offsetting, but no comprehensive and effective solutions that will contribute to carbon neutrality have been disclosed.

[0145] In view of the problems of the conventional technology, the present invention relates to a method, system, and program for responding to climate change, and a recording medium on which the program is stored, and in particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a method, system, and program that contributes to achieving carbon neutrality, and a recording medium on which the program is stored.

[0146] In order to solve the above problems, the climate change response method according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a GHG emission calculation step for calculating the amount of GHG emitted by a company from a database related to the company's activities, and a GHG emission display step for displaying the calculated amount of GHG.

[0147] Here, databases related to corporate activities include environmental reports, Scope 3 calculations, GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standard reports, and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), but are not limited to these, and any database published by a company is acceptable.

[0148] GHG stands for greenhouse gas, and currently includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), but is not limited to these and more may be added.

[0149] Alternatively, the climate change response method may be limited to a specific gas (for example, CO2) among these GHGs.

[0150] This will enable companies to collect and visualize GHG emissions data on a wider scale than ever before, promoting the creation of environmental reports and reduction activities within the company, and providing information to business partners and individuals (consumers).

[0151] As a second aspect of the present invention, the first aspect may be characterized by further comprising a GHG reduction proposal step of proposing GHG reduction in the actions of a company or an individual using the GHG emissions disclosed in the database or calculated from the database.

[0152] For example, it would be ideal to provide individuals with an action platform that visualizes the impact of climate change on them and changes their daily behavior, purchasing habits, and decision-making.

[0153] As a third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect may be characterized by further comprising a GHG offset proposal step of offsetting GHG emissions generated in the actions of a company or individual using GHG emissions disclosed in the database or calculated from the database.

[0154] Specifically, a suitable step would be to propose a credit card for climate change measures. In order to provide support for further reductions in CO2 emissions, a card would be used that converts the purchase price of a product and its impact on the earth into CO2 and proposes the amount to offset, allowing customers to choose whether to directly compensate for the emissions generated by the transaction, or to save and act in a way that adjusts their income and expenditure and has a positive impact on the earth.

[0155] It could also allow people to participate in UNFCCC-certified offset projects, or use climate-smart savings accounts that return 0.4% of interest back to the economy and 0.1% back to the planet.

[0156] It is also possible to introduce a Carbon Accounting Calculator, which allows companies to consistently implement the steps from the first aspect to the third aspect within their business. This is a carbon accounting tool that allows companies to collect, calculate, manage, report, and offset CO2 emissions from their business activities.

[0157] The background to this is that it is very difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises and unlisted companies to prepare environmental reports, but when doing business with large companies or borrowing money from financial institutions, it is necessary for them to make their activities, including their SCOPE 1, 2, and 3 emissions, transparent.

[0158] Furthermore, going to the Ministry of the Environment's website and calculating the calculation method is very difficult to use, and there is a risk that accurate reports will not be made.

[0159] On the other hand, it is difficult for large companies to collect these reports as they come in various formats, and financial institutions that want to use them for loans also have to put in a lot of effort to gather information on small and medium-sized enterprises.

[0160] As a solution to this problem, it would be ideal to have a service that allows simple environmental reports to be created along with accounting reports simply by connecting to an API and answering a simple questionnaire, and that can automatically perform calculations based on guidelines issued by the Ministry of the Environment, so that report creation can be made easily.

[0161] As an API integration, it is desirable that the report can be integrated via API and easily linked to the integrated SCOPE3, and that it can be imported into Salesforce, freee, etc.

[0162] In addition, in terms of scoring, it is desirable to be able to view a company's activities objectively by viewing scores like standard deviations from various perspectives and to be able to check changes over time, and it is desirable to be able to create lending standards and transaction standards based on these scores.

[0163] Furthermore, it is preferable that it be unrewritable, and a mechanism should be in place that records the history of rewrites. It is desirable to use a blockchain mechanism that records the entire history and makes it impossible to lie.

[0164] It would also be ideal to be able to update the calculation logic, so that if a company is doing better than its competitors, it can further improve its score through API integration. For example, by analyzing payment transactions, it could be possible to find out that environmentally friendly energy is being used, attendance history shows that employee overtime hours have been reduced, expense analysis shows that the number of business trips has been reduced, and car leasing probe data integration shows that transportation costs have been reduced. By analyzing these over time, it would be possible to provide advice on how to reduce costs based on the company's business model.

[0165] Furthermore, as an offset platform, it is preferable to propose offset plans and control contracts in order to achieve carbon neutrality and carbon negative.

[0166] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the climate change response system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a GHG emission calculation unit that calculates the amount of GHG emitted by a company from a database related to the company's activities, and a GHG emission display unit that displays the calculated amount of GHG.

[0167] As a fifth aspect of the present invention, the fourth aspect may be characterized by further comprising a GHG reduction proposal unit that proposes GHG reduction in the actions of a company or an individual using GHG emissions disclosed in the database or calculated from the database.

[0168] Furthermore, as a sixth aspect of the present invention, the fourth aspect may be characterized in that it further comprises a GHG offset proposal unit that makes proposals to offset GHGs generated in the actions of companies or individuals using GHG emissions disclosed in the database or calculated from the database.

[0169] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a climate change response program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to function as a GHG emission calculation unit that calculates the amount of GHG emitted by a company from a database related to the company's activities, and a GHG emission display unit that displays the calculated amount of GHG.

[0170] In order to solve the above problem, a recording medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention may be a recording medium storing the climate change response program according to the seventh aspect.

[0171] According to the present invention, a method and system are realized that comprehensively and effectively contribute to carbon neutrality as a response to climate change.

[0172] According to each aspect of the present invention, visualization and reduction methods of CO2 emissions in response to climate change are presented, and therefore the present invention has great industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1: Information processing system 2: Information processing equipment 3: User terminal 4: Environmental indicator 5: First environmental indicator 6: Second environmental indicator 7: Offset operation area 8: Third environmental indicator 9: Emission display area 10: Source unit area 11:Purchase means presentation area 20: Communication bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Processor 30: Communication bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Processor 34: Display section 35: Input section 51 :Total area 52: First visual area 53: Goal icon 61: Category Total Area 62: Second visual field 63: Location icon 71: Offset information display area 81 :Total area 82: Third visual information 83: Third category subregion 91: Category unit area 92: Product unit area 231: Acquisition Department 232: Derivation part 233: Output section 521: First subregion 522: Second subregion 621: First category subregion 622: Second category subregion A101: Activity A102: Activity A103: Activity A104: Activity A105: Activity A106: Activity A107: Activity A108: Activity A109: Activity A201: Activities A202: Activities A203: Activity A204: Activity A205: Activity A301: Activities A302: Activities A303: Activities B1: First boundary B2: Second boundary DB1 : Database EC1: Environmental contribution IF1 : Reference Information IF2: Behavioral information IF3:Product information IF31: Source information IF4: Emission information IF5: Offset information IF6: Bonus Information IM1: First image IM2: Second image IM3: Third image IM4: Fourth image IM5: 5th image M1: Category display area R1:Display area TEC1: Target environmental contribution

Claims

1. An information processing system, A processor capable of executing a program to perform the following steps: In the acquisition step, behavioral information regarding a user's behavior is acquired; In the derivation step, an environmental contribution of the user is derived based on the acquired behavioral information and reference information on greenhouse gas emissions caused by the behavior; Here, the environmental contribution is correlated with the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, In the output step, an environmental indicator that allows the derived information regarding the environmental contribution to be visually grasped is output; The output step further includes outputting information about an offset means capable of offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions in a manner that allows reference to the environmental indicator.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The acquiring step acquires the behavior information including a category of the behavior, The output step outputs the environmental indicator that enables the contribution of the behavior to the environmental contribution degree to be grasped for each category of the behavior.

3. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, The environmental indicator that enables the contribution of the behavior to the environmental contribution to be grasped for each category based on a color corresponding to the category is output.

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the output step, the environmental indicator having an arc-shaped visual area is output, and the visual area is configured so that the ratio of the environmental contribution to a target environmental contribution, which is a predetermined target value, can be grasped as an orientation relative to a predetermined reference position.

5. 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, The output step outputs the environmental indicator having a goal icon indicating the goal environmental contribution.

6. 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, The output step includes outputting the environmental indicator having a total area around which the visual area is arranged, wherein information corresponding to the environmental contribution is displayed in the total area.

7. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The output step outputs the environmental indicator that enables the degree of environmental contribution for each predetermined period of time to be grasped.

8. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the acquiring step, at least product information regarding a product purchased by the user is further acquired as the behavioral information; In the deriving step, the environmental contribution degree is derived based on at least the product information and the reference information set according to the product included in the product information; In the output step, the environmental indicator is output in a manner that allows reference to at least a part of the product information.

9. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, Furthermore, in the reward step, reward information is linked to user information corresponding to the user depending on the difference between the environmental contribution and a target environmental contribution, which is a predetermined target value, and the reward information can be treated as currency in a specified trading market.

10. 1. An information processing method, comprising: A method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An information processing program, A method for causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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