Information processing device, system, and method

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of operation of an office.SOLUTION: An information processing device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit 100 that acquires use information related to use of a first component used for office furniture and formed with a recyclable material; a determination unit 102 that determines whether or not the use information satisfies predetermined conditions; and a management unit 106 that manages a recycling situation of the first component on the basis of a result of the determination by the determination unit 102.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a system, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for supporting the recycling of goods have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system configured so that a leasing company of durable consumer goods leases and manages the durable consumer goods to consumers via a communication means (network, etc.). This system allows consumers to use durable consumer goods that meet their needs without purchasing them, and the recycling rate is improved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-132907 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot sufficiently improve the efficiency of office operations. For example, there is room for further consideration regarding the recycling of parts used in office fixtures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires usage information regarding use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, a determination unit that determines whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a management unit that manages the recycling status of the first part based on a determination result of the determination unit.

[0006] An information processing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires instructions regarding the recycling of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, and a management unit that manages the recycling status of the first part based on the instructions.

[0007] A system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information processing device and a recycling system, and the information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires usage information regarding use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, a determination unit that determines whether the usage information satisfies predetermined conditions, and a management unit that manages the recycling status of the first part in the recycling system based on a determination result of the determination unit.

[0008] A method according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in a system including an information processing device and a recycling system, causes the information processing device to execute the steps of acquiring usage information regarding use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, determining whether the usage information satisfies predetermined conditions, and managing the recycling status of the first part in the recycling system based on a determination result in the determining step. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the operation of an office can be made more efficient. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the system 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the system 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of each device included in the system 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware of an information processing device 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining a modified example of the system 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <1. Overview of information processing device 2> Traditionally, office furniture (hereafter referred to as "office furniture") has been expected to last for decades. On the other hand, office managers have a need to be able to adapt the furniture they use to suit changes in the size and purpose of the office. In other words, there has been a gap between the design philosophy of traditional office furniture and the needs of office managers.

[0012] One possible solution to this problem would be to manufacture office furniture at low cost and develop a variety of variations to meet the needs of office managers, instead of shortening the useful life of office furniture to, for example, 2 to 5 years. This solution would allow office managers to adaptively change the furniture in response to changes in the size and purpose of the office, within a realistic cost range. However, this so-called mass consumption and mass production approach is not desirable from the perspective of environmental protection.

[0013] According to the information processing device 2 of the present disclosure, such a problem can be solved. The outline of the information processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. First, the information processing device 2 acquires information on the use of parts (hereinafter referred to as "target parts") used in the office furniture 5 from a sensor device 5A provided on the office furniture 5 (S1). The information processing device 2 judges whether the information acquired in S1 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, whether the period of use of the target parts has reached its useful life), and starts recycling of the target parts in the recycling system 3 based on the judgment result (S2). The recycling system 3 collects recyclable materials (hereinafter referred to as "target materials") from the target parts, and remanufactures the target parts using the target materials. The recycling system 3 transmits information indicating the progress of recycling to the information processing device 2 (S3). Based on the completion of recycling of the target parts, the information processing device 2 makes the remanufactured target parts available again in the office (S4).

[0014] According to the information processing device 2, even if the target parts are designed with a relatively short service life, they can be recycled and reused when a certain condition is met. In other words, it is possible to reduce the cost of the office furniture 5 to meet the needs of the office manager and to protect the environment at the same time. This allows the office manager to select the office furniture 5 according to the change in the size and purpose of the office while suppressing the environmental burden.

[0015] In addition, the "office" in this disclosure includes a place or space where an office worker performs work. An office is constructed, for example, in a building, a floor in a building, a room in a floor, or a section in a room. Types of offices include, for example, an open space type office, a private room type office, and a flexible space type office. Work performed in an office includes, for example, work related to product design and research and development, work related to document creation and editing, work related to communication by telephone and email, work related to preparation and progress of meetings, work related to cleaning in the office, work related to installation and movement of equipment, etc. In addition, an office does not have to be a space in a so-called office building, and may be, for example, a room in the home of a worker who works remotely.

[0016] In the present disclosure, a "worker" includes a person who performs work in an office. Examples of workers include those who manage a company, those who conduct research and development, those who plan new businesses, those who perform clerical work, those who conduct sales activities, and those who perform accounting work. A worker can also be referred to as, for example, an employee, a staff member, or a laborer. In the present disclosure, a "worker" may refer to multiple workers or a single worker.

[0017] In the present disclosure, "office furniture" includes furniture designed primarily for use in an office. Examples of office furniture include chairs, desks, tables, lockers, carts, shelves, racks, and partitions for use in an office. The office furniture is used by workers. In the present disclosure, the durability of the office furniture may be equal to or lower than a predetermined standard.

[0018] In this disclosure, "target parts" (i.e., "parts used in office furniture") include elements used in assembling office furniture. One example of a target part is the back, seat, legs, and armrests of a chair. Another example of a target part is the top, legs, and drawers of a desk. In addition, when at least a part of an office furniture is integrally formed, the integrally formed part can be said to be a target part. For example, when an entire chair (seat, legs, back, etc.) is integrally formed, the entire chair can be said to be a target part. In this disclosure, the durability of a target part may be equal to or lower than a predetermined standard.

[0019] In this disclosure, "recycling" a target part includes making at least a portion of the target part available for reuse in the manufacture of some new product.

[0020] In this disclosure, the term "target material" (i.e., "recyclable material") includes materials that can be made reusable by mechanical or chemical methods for use in manufacturing some new product. The target material is, for example, a resin that is heat resistant and can be thermally decomposed (vaporized) without carbonization when heated within at least a portion of the range of 100°C to 300°C. The target material may be a resin that is chemically resistant. The target material is, for example, a resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, and polycarbonate.

[0021] In this disclosure, the target part being "formed to include a recyclable material" includes the use of a recyclable material to manufacture the target part. One example of the target part being formed to include a recyclable material is when the entire target part is manufactured from a single recyclable material. Another example of the target part being formed to include a recyclable material is when a part of the target part is formed from a recyclable material and another part is formed from a non-recyclable material. Another example of the target part being formed to include a recyclable material is when the entire target part is formed from a mixture of a recyclable material and a non-recyclable material.

[0022] In this disclosure, "improving the efficiency of office operations" includes at least some of: reducing waste of office fixtures or subject parts; lowering manufacturing costs of office fixtures or subject parts; accommodating the needs of office managers; and improving worker productivity.

[0023] <2. Functional configuration of System 1> 2, a functional configuration of a system 1 including an information processing device 2 will be described. In addition to the information processing device 2, the system 1 includes a recycling system 3, an administrator terminal device 4, office fixtures 5, a contractor terminal device 6, and a communication network 7.

[0024] [Information processing device 2] The information processing device 2 is a device that manages the recycling of target parts. The information processing device 2 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0025] (Control unit 10) The control unit 10 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 12 to function as an acquisition unit 100, a determination unit 102, a management unit 106, and an output unit 104.

[0026] -Acquisition part 100- The acquisition unit 100 acquires usage information regarding the use of the target part. The usage information includes information regarding the period during which the target part was used (e.g., the length of the period from the start of use in the office to the current time), the time when the target part was used (e.g., the date and time when the worker sat on the chair, which is the office furniture 5), the number of times the target part was used, the force acting when the target part was used (e.g., the force acting on the target part by tension, compression, shear, bending, twisting, etc.), the environment in which the target part was used (e.g., the temperature, humidity, and solar radiation amount near the target part), etc. Note that when a worker uses the office furniture 5, it is clear that the target part provided on the office furniture 5 is being used, so the "usage information regarding the use of the target part" can also be called "usage information regarding the use of the office furniture".

[0027] The degree of deterioration of the target part can be estimated based on usage information. Specifically, the more times the target part is used, the longer it has been used, and the worse the usage environment, the more likely the target part is to deteriorate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires usage information from a sensor device 5A installed on an office fixture 5. In another embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires usage information from a server device (e.g., an office information system) that functions as a hub for multiple sensor devices 5A. In another embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires usage information input to a manager's terminal device 4, which is a terminal device of a manager of the office where the target part is used. It can also be said that the acquisition unit 100 includes a usage information acquisition unit. The usage information acquired by the acquisition unit 100 is stored in a usage information DB 120 of the storage unit 12, which will be described later.

[0029] The acquisition unit 100 further acquires progress information regarding the progress of recycling of the target part. The progress information includes information indicating whether or not each of one or more recycling steps related to the target part, which are performed in the recycling system 3, has been completed. In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires the progress information from a device or facility provided in the recycling system 3. In another embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires the progress information from a terminal device of an operator of the recycling system 3. It can also be said that the acquisition unit 100 includes a progress information acquisition unit. The progress information acquired by the acquisition unit is stored in a recycling management DB 122 of the storage unit 12, which will be described later.

[0030] The acquisition unit 100 further acquires recycling instructions regarding the recycling of the target parts. The recycling instructions include an instruction to recycle the target parts and a request for specification changes of the target parts. The acquisition unit 100 acquires recycling instructions inputted, for example, to a worker's terminal device and an administrator's terminal device 4. The request for specification changes includes, for example, a request for changes to the hardness, size, color, texture, etc. of the target parts. One example of a request for specification changes is a request to change the hardness of the seat, which is a target part provided on a chair.

[0031] In the present disclosure, acquiring information may include making the information processable in the control unit 10. Acquiring information may include, for example, reading the information from the storage unit 12, receiving the information from another device, and generating the information as a result of calculation in the control unit 10.

[0032] -Judgment section 102- The determination unit 102 determines whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is a condition for determining that the target part should be recycled (hereinafter, referred to as a "recycle condition").

[0033] In one embodiment, the recycling condition includes that the number of uses or the period of use of the target part reaches a predetermined threshold. For example, the determination unit 102 may determine whether the period of use of the target part reaches the useful life of the office furniture 5 in which the target part is installed (or a period obtained by multiplying the useful life by a coefficient smaller than 1).

[0034] --Change section 103-- The change unit 103 changes the recycling conditions in response to an increase in the number of times the target part has been recycled. That is, the recycling conditions differ depending on the number of times the target part has been recycled.

[0035] In one embodiment, the change unit 103 lowers the threshold value of the number of uses related to the recycling condition according to an increase in the number of times the target part is recycled. That is, compared with a target part that has been recycled a first number of times, the target part that has been recycled a second number of times (where the second number is greater than the first number of times) is determined to be recycled again with a smaller number of uses from the completion of recycling.

[0036] In one embodiment, the change unit 103 lowers the threshold value of the usage period related to the recycling condition according to an increase in the number of times the target part is recycled. That is, compared with the target part that has been recycled the first number of times, the target part that has been recycled the second number of times is determined to be recycled again in a shorter usage period counted from the completion of recycling.

[0037] The number of times a target part is recycled is calculated, for example, by the following formulas (1) to (3). In the following, the target part before recycling and the target part after recycling are referred to as the first part and the second part, respectively. In other words, the second part is a target part produced by recycling the first part, which is one or more target parts. (1) Number of times the second part is recycled = number of times the first single part is recycled + 1 (2) Number of times that a second part is recycled = Number of times that the first part with the highest number of recycling times among multiple first parts is recycled + 1 (3) Number of times the second part is recycled = average number of times the first parts are recycled + 1

[0038] For example, if target materials are recovered from a brand new target part made entirely of target materials (i.e., the number of times recycled is "0") in the recovery step of recycling system 3, and a new target part is produced in the production step based on the recovered target materials, the number of times the new target part is recycled is "1 time." In this example, the brand new target part and the newly produced target part correspond to the first part and the second part in the above formula (1), respectively.

[0039] --Output section 104-- The output unit 104 outputs a notice to the effect that the target part should be transported to the recycle system 3 based on the determination result of the determination unit 102 .

[0040] In one embodiment, the output unit 104 outputs a notification to the manager terminal device 4. As a result, the information processing device 2 can cause the office manager to transport the target parts that have been used in the office to the recycle system 3.

[0041] In one embodiment, the output unit 104 outputs a notification to a dealer terminal device 6, which is a terminal device of a manufacturer or repair dealer of the target parts (hereinafter collectively referred to as "dealer"). As a result, the information processing device 2 can make the dealer transport the target parts used in the office to the recycling system 3.

[0042] In the present disclosure, outputting information from a device may include making the information recognizable to at least some of the office managers, contractors, and workers. Outputting information may include, for example, transmitting the information to another device. Outputting information from a device may also include displaying the information, outputting the information as audio, and the like.

[0043] ―Management Department 106― The management unit 106 manages the recycling status of the target part based on a predetermined trigger. Managing the recycling status of the target part includes recording the target part as one to be recycled in a recycling management DB 122 of the storage unit 12 described later (for example, setting a flag indicating that the target part is a recycling target).

[0044] In one embodiment, the predetermined trigger is that the determining unit 102 determines that the usage information of the target part satisfies the recycling condition. That is, the management unit 106 may manage the recycling status of the target part based on the determination result of the determining unit 102.

[0045] In one embodiment, the predetermined trigger is that the acquisition unit 100 acquires a recycling instruction for the target part. That is, the management unit 106 may manage the recycling status of the target part based on the recycling instruction for the target part acquired by the acquisition unit 100.

[0046] As described above, in one embodiment, the management unit 106 may record the target part as one that should be recycled based on at least one of the following: the target part usage information satisfies the recycling conditions and the acquisition unit 100 acquires a recycling instruction for the target part.

[0047] In one embodiment, management unit 106 manages one or more recycle steps for the target part carried out in recycle system 3 as the recycling status of the target part. Note that management unit 106 managing the recycle steps includes management unit 106 recording the progress of the recycle steps for the target part in recycle management DB 122 of storage unit 12, which will be described later. Management unit 106 may manage the recycle steps based on progress information acquired by acquisition unit 100.

[0048] Note that managing the recycling status of the target parts by the management unit 106 may include progressing at least a part of one or more recycling steps of the target parts in the recycle system 3. In this case, it can also be said that the management unit 106 includes a recycle control unit that controls the recycling in the recycle system 3.

[0049] In one embodiment, the management unit 106 (recycle control unit) progressing the recycling steps of the target parts in the recycle system 3 includes controlling a device or facility provided in the recycle system 3 to execute a recycling step corresponding to the device or facility. The management unit 106 (recycle control unit) may, for example, control the recovery facility 3A described below to execute a recovery step of recovering target materials from the target parts. The management unit 106 (recycle control unit) may, for example, control the use and shape of the target parts produced in the production facility 3B based on a request for specification change included in the recycle instruction acquired by the acquisition unit 100.

[0050] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the management unit 106 (recycle control unit) progressing the recycling of the target parts in the recycle system 3 includes outputting a notification to an operator of the recycle system 3 to prompt the operator to execute at least a part of one or more recycle steps. For example, based on the acquisition unit 100 acquiring progress information indicating the completion of a first recycle step, the management unit 106 (recycle control unit) may transmit a notification to a terminal device of the operator of the recycle system 3 to prompt the operator to execute a second recycle step, which is the next recycle step after the first recycle step.

[0051] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores a usage information DB 120 and a recycle management DB 122 in addition to the various programs executed by the control unit 10.

[0052] -Usage information DB120- The usage information DB 120 stores the usage information acquired by the acquisition unit 100. In one embodiment, the usage information DB 120 stores, for each of the identification information of one or more target parts, the number of uses, a threshold value for the number of uses (part of the recycle conditions), a usage period, and a threshold value for the usage period (part of the recycle conditions) of the target part in association with the identification information of the target part. Note that the number of uses and the threshold value for the usage period can be changed by the change unit 103.

[0053] -Recycling Management DB122- The recycling management DB 122 stores the recycling status of the target parts. In one embodiment, the recycling management DB 122 stores, for each of the identification information of one or more target parts, whether or not the target part is a recycling target (i.e., whether or not the determination unit 102 has determined that the part should be recycled) and the status of the target part in association with each other. The status of the target part is an index indicating, for example, whether or not the part is in use in an office and whether or not each of one or more recycling steps has been completed. Whether or not the target part is a recycling target and the status of the target part are managed by the management unit 106.

[0054] (Network Interface Unit 14) The network interface unit 14 realizes communication with other devices via the communication network 7 .

[0055] [Recycled System 3] The recycling system 3 is a system that executes recycling of target parts. In order to recycle the target parts, the recycling system 3 executes one or more recycling steps including a collection step, a production step, and a transport preparation step. The recycling system 3 includes a collection facility 3A, a production facility 3B, and a transport facility 3C. The collection facility 3A, the production facility 3B, and the transport facility 3C are each equipped with communication devices 3a, 3b, and 3c, and are configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 2 via the communication network 7.

[0056] (Recovery Equipment 3A) The recovery equipment 3A executes a recovery step of recovering target materials from the target parts transported to the recycle system 3. In one embodiment, in the recovery equipment 3A, an operator of the recycle system 3 or a device provided in the recovery equipment 3A recovers the target materials from the target parts by a mechanical or chemical method. It can also be said that the recovery equipment 3A recovers the target materials from the target parts by material recycling or chemical recycling.

[0057] An example of mechanically recovering material from a target part is separating a portion of the target article that is made of the target material from the remaining portions of the target article. Another example of mechanically recovering material from a target part is crushing the target part, repelletizing it, and recovering it as pellets.

[0058] One example of a chemical method for recovering target materials from a target part is to heat the target part and pyrolyze (vaporize) it to recover monomers, which are then polymerized and recovered as pellets.

[0059] In the following description, it is assumed that the recovered target material is obtained as a pellet-shaped object from the recovery equipment 3A. In other words, the recovered target material is output from the recovery equipment 3A in a repelletized state.

[0060] It is preferable that the target material is a single type of resin. If the target material contains multiple types of resin, it will be necessary to separate the target material by resin type before repelletization.

[0061] Furthermore, the target part may be at least partially formed with a lattice structure, because forming the target part with a lattice structure allows a variety of mechanical properties to be achieved with a single type of resin.

[0062] In addition, it is preferable that the entire target part is formed from the target material, because the more the target part has recyclable parts, the more the environmental load can be reduced.

[0063] (Production Equipment 3B) The production facility 3B executes a production step of producing a target part based on the target material collected in the recovery facility 3A. In one embodiment, in the production facility 3B, an operator of the recycling system 3 or a device installed in the production facility 3B manufactures the target part using the pellet-shaped target material obtained from the recovery facility 3A as a material. The production facility 3B may produce the target part, for example, by applying heat to the pellet-shaped target material to melt it and pouring the molten target material into a mold corresponding to the target part. In addition, when the target material can be used as a material for a 3D printer, the target part may be produced by feeding the pellet-shaped target material into a 3D printer that has read 3D drawing data of the target material.

[0064] In one embodiment, the production facility 3B produces a second part having a common use and shape with the first part based on the target material recovered from the first part. In this case, the production facility 3B can be said to reproduce the first part. An example of the second part having a common use and shape with the first part is a part having a model number common to the first part.

[0065] In another embodiment, the production facility 3B produces a second part having a different use or shape from the first part, based on the target material recovered from the first part. One example of producing a second part having a different use or shape from the first part is when the production facility 3B obtains a recycling instruction from the manager terminal device 4 via the information processing device 2, and produces the second part based on a request for specification change included in the recycling instruction. Another example of producing a second part having a different use or shape from the first part is when the production facility 3B produces a second part that is downcycled from the first part.

[0066] An example of producing a second part that is downcycled with respect to a first part is to produce a second part to be used in a non-exposed part of the office furniture 5 based on a first part that was used in a part that is externally exposed in the office furniture 5. Such a second part is used in the office furniture 5 in a state where it is covered with a skin material to improve the appearance, for example.

[0067] Another example of producing a second part that is downcycled from a first part is to produce a second part that is permissible even if it has a relatively low strength, based on a first part that is required to have a relatively high strength in the office furniture 5. Such a second part is used, for example, as a part that plays a decorative role in the office furniture.

[0068] In general, when a target material is recovered from a target part and a new target part is produced based on the target material, the new target part will have a deteriorated appearance or structure compared to the original target part. Compared to immediately discarding a target part when it deteriorates, repeatedly using the target part while appropriately downcycling it reduces the environmental load. In addition, when the target material is biodegradable, the environmental load at the time of discarding a target part that cannot be downcycled any further will also be reduced.

[0069] (Transportation equipment 3C) The transport facility 3C executes a transport preparation step to prepare the target parts produced in the production facility 3B for transport to the delivery destination of the target parts. In one embodiment, the transport facility 3C prepares the target parts for transport by an operator of the recycle system 3 or a device provided in the transport facility 3C. Making the target parts ready for transport to the delivery destination may include packaging the target parts and attaching an address label corresponding to the delivery destination to the exterior of the package. Making the target parts ready for transport to the delivery destination may also include loading the target parts onto a transport vehicle.

[0070] In one embodiment, the transport facility 3C enables the target parts produced in the production facility 3B to be transported to the source of the target parts. For example, when target parts are transported from "XX Corporation" to the recycle system 3, target materials are recovered from the target parts in the recovery facility 3A, and new target parts are produced based on the target materials in the production facility 3B, the transport facility 3C enables the new target parts to be transported to "XX Corporation", which is the source of the target parts.

[0071] [Vendor terminal device 6 and administrator terminal device 4] The contractor terminal device 6 is a terminal device used by a contractor (i.e., a manufacturer or repairer of the target part). The manager terminal device 4 is a terminal device used by an office manager. The contractor terminal device 6 and the manager terminal device 4 are configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 2 via a communication network 7. The terminal device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The terminal device has an input device (for example, a button, a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, etc.) and an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, etc.).

[0072] [Office furniture 5] As described above, the office furniture 5 includes furniture designed primarily for use in an office. The office furniture 5 includes a sensor device 5A. The sensor device 5A includes sensors such as a pressure sensor, a bending sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, a battery, a control unit such as a microcomputer, and a communication unit for communicating with the information processing device 2 via the communication network 7. The sensor device 5A may have performance based on LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area).

[0073] The sensor device 5A may be provided at a location where it can efficiently detect the use of a target part provided on the office furniture 5. The sensor device 5A may be attached to the surface of the office furniture 5, or may be embedded inside the office furniture 5.

[0074] In one embodiment, the sensor device 5A transmits usage information to the information processing device 2 based on the detection of use of the target part. For example, the sensor device 5A may transmit usage information (e.g., the worker's sitting time, etc.) indicating that the seat, which is the target part of the chair, has been used once, based on the worker sitting on the office furniture 5, which is a chair, to the information processing device 2.

[0075] In one embodiment, the sensor device 5A periodically transmits usage information to the information processing device 2. The sensor device 5A may transmit usage information indicating the number of times the target part has been used within the last 24 hours to the information processing device 2, for example, every 24 hours.

[0076] [Communications Network 7] The communication network 7 realizes communication between the devices in the system 1. The communication network 7 realizes communication based on, for example, the TCP / IP protocol.

[0077] <3. Operation of System 1> An example of the operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3-5. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the sensor device 5A, the information processing device 2, the manager terminal device 4, and the recycle system 3 of the system 1. In this example, the system 1 is described as recycling a first part, which is a target part of an office fixture 5 in which the sensor device 5A is provided, to produce a second part. In addition, the first part and the second part are assigned a common part ID "p01" (an example of identification information of the target part).

[0078] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a table (hereinafter referred to as a "recycle management table") obtained based on information stored in usage information DB 120 and recycle management DB 122. Figs. 4(A) to (F) each correspond to the recycle management table at a different point in time in the sequence of Fig. 3.

[0079] Fig. 4(A) shows the recycle management table immediately before the sequence of Fig. 3 starts. In this recycle management table, the following values ​​are associated with part ID "p01": recycling target "x", status "in use at office", number of uses "N", number of uses threshold "N", usage period "T / 2", and usage period threshold "T". That is, the recycle management table of Fig. 4(A) shows that the first part is not yet a recycling target (corresponding to recycling target "x"), but is in use in the office (corresponding to status "in use at office"). Note that in this example, the unit of the number of uses and the threshold of the number of uses is "times", and the unit of the usage period and the threshold of the usage period is "days".

[0080] Returning to Fig. 3, the sensor device 5A detects the use of the office furniture 5 by the worker (i.e., the use of the first part) (S100). As a result, the sensor device 5A generates usage information indicating that the number of times the first part has been used has increased by one. After that, the sensor device 5A transmits the generated usage information to the information processing device 2 (S102).

[0081] The information processing device 2 updates the recycle management table based on the received usage information (S104). Specifically, since the usage information received by the information processing device 2 in S102 indicates that the number of uses of the first part has been increased by one, the information processing device 2 increases the number of uses of the part with part ID "p01" recorded in the recycle management table from "N" times to "N+1" times.

[0082] Next, the information processing device 2 determines whether the usage information satisfies the recycling conditions (S106). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 2 in S106. The information processing device 2 first determines whether the usage period of the first part exceeds a predetermined threshold (S106a). As shown in FIG. 4(A), the threshold for the usage period of the first part is "T" days. On the other hand, the usage period of the first part is "T / 2" days. Therefore, the information processing device 2 determines that the usage period of the first part does not exceed the predetermined threshold (S106a NO).

[0083] In this case, the information processing device 2 further determines whether the number of times the first part has been used exceeds a predetermined threshold (S106b). As shown in FIG. 4(A), the threshold for the number of times the first part has been used is "N" times. Meanwhile, the number of times the first part has been used is "N+1" times in S100-104. Therefore, the information processing device 2 determines that the number of times the first part has been used exceeds the predetermined threshold (S106b YES). In response to this, the information processing device 2 determines that the first part should be recycled and sets it as a recycling target (S106c).

[0084] Fig. 4(B) shows the recycle management table immediately after S106. In this recycle management table, the following values ​​are associated with part ID "p01": recycling target "o", status "not transported", number of uses "N+1", threshold value of number of uses "N", usage period "T / 2", and threshold value of usage period "T". In other words, compared to Fig. 4(A), the recycle management table in Fig. 4(B) shows that as the number of uses increases from "N" to "N+1", the part with part ID "p01" has become a new recycling target (corresponding to recycling target "o") and needs to be transported to recycle system 3 (corresponding to status "not transported").

[0085] Next, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the manager terminal device 4 that the first part should be transported from the office to the recycle system 3 (S108). In response to this, the manager terminal device 4 displays the contents of the notification (S109). The office manager who recognizes the notification transports the first part from the office to the recycle system 3.

[0086] Next, the recycle system 3 recovers the target material from the first part transported from the office (S110). After that, the recycle system 3 transmits progress information indicating that the recovery step has been completed to the information processing device 2 (S112).

[0087] The information processing device 2 updates the recycle management table based on the received progress information (S114). Fig. 4(C) shows the recycle management table immediately after S114. Since the progress information received by the information processing device 2 in S112 indicates that the collection step for the first part has been completed, the information processing device 2 changes the status associated with the part ID "p01" in the recycle management table from "not delivered" to "materials collected."

[0088] The recycle system 3 further produces a second part based on the target material recovered from the first part (S116). After that, the recycle system 3 transmits progress information indicating that the production step is completed to the information processing device 2 (S118). In this example, the second part and the first part have the same purpose and shape.

[0089] The information processing device 2 updates the recycle management table based on the received progress information (S120). Fig. 4(D) shows the recycle management table immediately after S120. Specifically, since the progress information received by the information processing device 2 in S118 indicates that the production step of the second part has been completed, the information processing device 2 changes the status associated with the part ID "p01" in the recycle management table from "materials recovered" to "produced."

[0090] The recycle system 3 further packages the produced second parts to make them ready for transport (S122). After that, the recycle system 3 transmits progress information indicating that the transport preparation step has been completed to the information processing device 2 (S124).

[0091] The information processing device 2 updates the recycle management table based on the received progress information (S126). Fig. 4(E) shows the recycle management table immediately after S126. Specifically, since the progress information received by the information processing device 2 in S124 indicates that the transport preparation step has been completed, the information processing device 2 changes the status associated with the part ID "p01" in the recycle management table from "produced" to "transportable."

[0092] Next, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the manager terminal device 4 that the second part should be transported from the recycle system 3 to the office (S128). In response to this, the manager terminal device 4 displays the contents of the notification (S129). The office manager who recognizes the notification transports the second part from the recycle system 3 to the office.

[0093] Next, the manager terminal device 4 transmits a notification to the information processing device 2 based on the input of the manager of the office who has completed the transportation of the second part (S130).

[0094] In response to this, the information processing device 2 updates the recycle management table (S132). FIG. 4(F) shows the recycle management table immediately after S132. Specifically, the information processing device 2 excludes the part with part ID "p01" recorded in the recycle management table from the recycle target (corresponding to recycle target "x"), and changes the status from "transportable" to "in office use". The information processing device 2 also resets the number of uses and the period of use to "0 times" and "0 days", respectively, and changes the threshold values ​​of the number of uses and the period of use, which are the recycle conditions, to "N x 90% times" and "T x 80% days", respectively. As a result, the second part will be recycled with fewer uses or a shorter period of use than the first part.

[0095] <4. Effects of the information processing device 2> An information processing device 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit 100 that acquires usage information regarding the use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, a determination unit 102 that determines whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a management unit 106 that manages the recycling status of the first part based on the determination result of the determination unit 102.

[0096] The information processing device 2 can improve the efficiency of office operations. As described above, the information processing device 2 allows the target parts to be recycled and reused when a predetermined condition is met, even if they are designed with a relatively short useful life. In other words, it is possible to reduce the cost of the office furniture 5 to meet the needs of the office manager and to protect the environment at the same time. This allows the office manager to select the office furniture 5 according to changes in the size and purpose of the office without putting a burden on the environment, and the efficiency of office operations is improved.

[0097] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 further includes an output unit 104 that outputs a notification that the first part should be transported to the recycle system 3 for the first part, based on the determination result of the determination unit 102. The output unit 104 outputs the notification to a terminal device of a manager of an office in which the first part is used, or a terminal device of a manufacturer or repairer of the first part.

[0098] According to this configuration, the person who recycles the target parts (i.e., the office manager and the contractor) can easily grasp the timing when the target parts should be recycled. This facilitates the distribution of the target parts between the office and the recycling system 3.

[0099] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 enables the second part to be transported to the transport source of the first part in the step of enabling the second part to be transported in the recycle system 3. The second part may have at least one of a use and a shape in common with the first part.

[0100] This configuration can streamline the circular economy between the office and the recycling system 3.

[0101] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition includes a number of uses or duration of use of the first part reaching a predetermined threshold.

[0102] According to this configuration, deterioration (or the possibility of deterioration) of the target parts can be efficiently detected and the recycling status can be managed.

[0103] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may vary depending on the number of times the first component has been recycled.

[0104] As described above, in general, when a target material is recovered from a target part and a new target part is produced based on the target material, the new target part will be deteriorated compared to the original target part. With this configuration, it is possible to set the recycle conditions taking such deterioration into consideration.

[0105] In one embodiment, the target part is formed entirely from a single type of resin and is at least partially formed with a lattice structure.

[0106] Under these conditions, the entire part can be easily recycled and a wide range of mechanical properties can be achieved.

[0107] The effects of the information processing device 2 described above are merely examples and do not limit the scope of application of the present disclosure.

[0108] <5. Hardware configuration> 6, an example of a hardware configuration in which the above-mentioned information processing device 2 is realized by a computer 70 will be described. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them into a plurality of devices.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 6, a computer 70 includes a processor 700 , a storage device 702 , an input I / F 704 , a data I / F 706 , a communication I / F 708 , and a display device 710 .

[0110] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit included in the control unit 10 of the information processing device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing the programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0111] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700 and data required when the program is executed.

[0112] The storage device 702 may also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. The storage device 702 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing the above-mentioned configurations. The storage medium storing the various programs may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, the storage device 702 may store a table for registering various information and a DB for managing the table. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as necessary and referred to by the processor 700.

[0113] The input I / F 704 is a device for receiving input from the outside. Specific examples of the input I / F 704 include a camera, a button, a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, a wearable device, etc. The input I / F 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0114] The data I / F 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. A specific example of the data I / F 706 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F 706 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the data I / F 706 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0115] The communication I / F 708 is a device for performing data communication via the communication network 7, either wired or wirelessly, with a device external to the computer 70. The communication I / F 708 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication I / F 708 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0116] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a display of a wearable device, and the like. The display device 710 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. In addition, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured integrally with the input I / F 704.

[0117] The components of the information processing device 2 described in the above embodiment are assumed to realize a predetermined process in cooperation with other hardware by the processor 700 executing a program stored in the storage device 702. In other words, these components are assumed to be software or firmware, and also corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described as "functions," "means," "parts," "processing circuits," "units," or "modules," and can be interpreted as each of these.

[0118] <6. Variations> The matters described in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate within a range that does not cause inconsistencies.

[0119] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second part having the same use and shape as the first part is produced in the recycle system 3 when the usage information satisfies the recycle condition (see FIG. 3), but this is not limited to the example. Specifically, the trigger for executing recycling in the recycle system 3 may be the information processing device 2 acquiring a recycle instruction for the first part. Also, in the recycle system 3, a second part having a different use or shape from the first part may be produced based on a request for specification change included in the recycle instruction.

[0120] An example of the operation of the system 1 in this case will be described with reference to Fig. 7. First, the manager terminal device 4 transmits a recycling instruction for the first part, including a request for specification change, to the information processing device 2 based on an input from the office manager (S200). In response to this, the information processing device 2 sets the first part related to the recycling instruction as a recycling target (S202).

[0121] Next, the information processing device 2 transmits a notification to the trader terminal device 6 that the first part should be transported to the recycle line 3 (S204). In response to this, the trader terminal device 6 displays the contents of the notification (S206). The trader who recognized the notification transports the first part from the office to the recycle line 3.

[0122] Next, the information processing device 2 transmits the recycle instruction acquired in S200 to the recycle system 3 (S208). In the recycle system 3, a second part having a different use or shape from the first part is produced based on the specification change request included in the recycle instruction (S216). Note that S210-214 are the same as S110-114 described with reference to FIG. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0123] Generally, the optimal specifications of the target parts vary depending on the office environment, the preferences of the workers, and the like. In addition, the office manager may have a demand to change the specifications of the target parts before the recycling conditions are met. This configuration enables more flexible recycling of the target parts. In addition, the office manager does not need to replace the target parts, which is preferable from the viewpoint of cost and environmental load.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the target material is described as being resistant to chemicals, but is not limited thereto. Depending on the application and shape of the target part, the target material may be, for example, a resin that dissolves in a predetermined organic solvent (such as acetone, dichloromethane, and methyl ethyl ketone).

[0125] In the above embodiment, the target material is recovered by pyrolysis of the target part and polymerization of the monomer, but the method is not limited to this. If the target part contains impurities or chemically altered parts, the target material may be recovered by, for example, crushing the target part, immersing the crushed target part in a predetermined organic solvent to dissolve the target material in the organic solvent, filtering out the impurities (i.e., substances other than the target material), and precipitating the target material from the filtered organic solvent.

[0126] 7. EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure includes, for example, the following embodiments.

[0127] [Appendix 1] An information processing device 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit 100 that acquires usage information regarding the use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, a determination unit 102 that determines whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a management unit 106 that manages the recycling status of the first part based on the determination result of the determination unit 102.

[0128] [Appendix 2] The information processing device 2 described in Supplementary Note 1 may further include an output unit 104 that outputs a notification to the effect that the first part should be transported to the recycle system 3 related to the first part, based on the determination result of the determination unit 102.

[0129] [Appendix 3] In the information processing device 2 described in Supplementary Note 2, the output unit 104 may output a notification to a terminal device of a manager of the office in which the first part is used.

[0130] [Appendix 4] In the information processing device 2 described in Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary Note 3, the output unit 104 may output a notification to a terminal device of a manufacturer or repairer of the first part.

[0131] [Appendix 5] In the information processing device 2 described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the management unit 106 may manage one or more steps performed in a recycle system 3 for a first part, including at least a part of a step of recovering materials from the first part transported to the recycle system 3, a step of producing a second part based on the recovered materials, and a step of making the second part available for transport to a destination of the second part.

[0132] [Appendix 6] In the step of making the second part transportable, the information processing device 2 described in Supplementary Note 5 may make the second part transportable to a source of the first part.

[0133] [Appendix 7] In the information processing device 2 according to Supplementary Note 5 or 6, the second part may have at least one of a use and a shape in common with the first part.

[0134] [Appendix 8] In the information processing device 2 according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, the material may be a single type of resin.

[0135] [Appendix 9] In the information processing device 2 according to Supplementary Note 7 or 8, the first component may be entirely made of the material.

[0136] [Appendix 10] In the information processing device 2 according to any one of Supplementary Note 7 to Supplementary Note 9, at least a part of the first component may be formed by a lattice structure.

[0137] [Appendix 11] In the information processing device 2 according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, the predetermined condition may include that the number of times or the period of use of the first part reaches a predetermined threshold value.

[0138] [Appendix 12] In the information processing device 2 according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 11, the predetermined condition may vary depending on the number of times the first part has been recycled.

[0139] [Appendix 13] An information processing device 2 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit 100 that acquires instructions regarding the recycling of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, and a management unit 106 that manages the recycling status of the first part based on the instructions.

[0140] [Appendix 14] In the information processing device 2 described in Appendix 13, the instruction may include a request for a change in specifications of the first part, and the management unit 106 may manage one or more steps performed in the recycle system 3 for the first part, including at least a part of the following steps: recovering materials from the first part transported to the recycle system 3; producing a second part based on the recovered materials and the request for the change in specifications; and making the second part available for transport to a destination of the second part.

[0141] [Appendix 15] A system 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is a system 1 including an information processing device and a recycling system 3, and the information processing device includes an acquisition unit 100 that acquires usage information regarding use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used for office fixtures, a determination unit 102 that determines whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a management unit 106 that manages the recycling status of the first part in the recycling system 3 based on the determination result of the determination unit 102.

[0142] [Appendix 16] A method according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in a system 1 including an information processing device and a recycling system 3, causes the information processing device to execute the steps of acquiring usage information regarding use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used in office fixtures, determining whether the usage information satisfies predetermined conditions, and managing the recycling status of the first part in the recycling system 3 based on the determination result in the determining step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] Reference Signs List 1: system, 2: information processing device, 3: recycling system, 4: manager terminal device, 5: office fixtures, 5A: sensor device, 6: contractor terminal device, 7: communication network, 10: control unit, 12: memory unit, 70: computer, 100: acquisition unit, 102: determination unit, 103: change unit, 104: output unit, 106: management unit

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires usage information regarding use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used for office furniture; a determination unit that determines whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition; a management unit that manages a recycling status of the first part based on a determination result of the determination unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an output unit configured to output a notification that the first part should be transported to a recycling system related to the first part, based on a result of the determination by the determination unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the output unit outputs the notification to a terminal device of a manager of an office in which the first part is used.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the output unit outputs the notification to a terminal device of a manufacturer or a repairer of the first part.

5. The management unit is executed in a recycling system for the first part. recovering the material from the first part transported to the recycling system; producing a second part based on the recovered material; making the second part available for delivery to a destination of the second part; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein in the step of making the second part transportable, the second part is made transportable to a source of the first part.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the second part has at least one of a use and a shape in common with the first part.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the material is a single type of resin.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the first part is entirely made of the material.

10. The information processing device according to claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the first component is formed by a lattice structure.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition in which a number of times or a period of time for which the first part has been used reaches a predetermined threshold value.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition varies depending on the number of times the first part has been recycled.

13. an acquisition unit that acquires an instruction regarding recycling of a first part formed of a recyclable material and used for office furniture; a management unit that manages a recycling status of the first part based on the instruction; An information processing device comprising:

14. the instruction includes a request for a change in specifications of the first part; The management unit is executed in a recycling system for the first part. recovering the material from the first part transported to the recycling system; producing a second part based on the recovered material and the change in specification requirements; making the second part available for delivery to a destination of the second part; The information processing apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising one or more steps including at least a portion of:

15. A system including an information processing device and a recycling system, The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires usage information regarding use of a first part formed from a recyclable material and used for office furniture; a determination unit that determines whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition; a management unit that manages a recycling status of the first part in the recycling system based on a determination result of the determination unit; A system comprising:

16. In a system including an information processing device and a recycling system, The information processing device includes: obtaining usage information regarding the use of a first part formed from a recyclable material, the first part being used in an office fixture; determining whether the usage information satisfies a predetermined condition; managing a recycling status of the first part in the recycling system based on a result of the determination in the determining step; A method for executing the above.

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