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

Abstract

To prevent double issuance when issuing a certificate of an asset production method.SOLUTION: An image processor 7 (an example of an information processor) transmits issuance request information that indicates a type of an asset production method and indicates that issuance of a certificate for certifying a production method is requested, to a mediation system 1000 that mediates the issuance of the certificate to the image processor 7, receives certificate data generated based on the transmitted issuance request information from the mediation system 1000 and outputs the received certificate data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, power generated by renewable energy (referred to as "green power" in Japan) has attracted attention. This power is produced by using resources that are renewable energy such as sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, and heat in the atmosphere. Power generation using renewable energy emits almost no CO 2 which causes global warming compared to power generation using fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas. Therefore, among the resources used for power production, renewable energy is an environmentally friendly energy source. By operating factories and the like using such environmentally friendly green power, corporate value can be improved. In addition, there is a method of using blockchain for trading power produced by renewable energy or the like (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Here, even when the production methods of assets are different, such as when the types of resources used for the production of assets such as power are different, the quality of assets such as electricity finally reaching the user is the same. Therefore, the user does not know whether the received electricity was produced using renewable energy. Therefore, in order to prove the trading of assets such as power produced by renewable energy, a certificate issued by a certification authority such as a certificate-issuing business operator that has obtained approval from the state, local public bodies, etc. is used. A company can, for example, apply for the issuance of a certificate and use the issued certificate to prove the added value to the environment and improve corporate value. Also, a method of using blockchain in the trading of securities having a nature similar to that of a certificate is also known (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in order to avoid the unauthorized use of certificates issued by a certification authority, it is necessary to prevent the same certificate from being issued multiple times. However, with the conventional method, there is a problem that it is not possible to determine whether a certificate has been issued, and there is a risk of double issuance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes transmission means for transmitting issuance request information indicating the type of the production method of the asset and indicating a request for issuance of a certificate for proving the production method to an intermediation system that mediates the issuance of the certificate, reception means for receiving certificate data generated based on the transmitted issuance request information from the intermediation system, and output means for outputting the received certificate data, and is an information processing apparatus characterized by having these.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that double issuance can be prevented when issuing a certificate for the production method of an asset.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] 〔Outline of System Configuration〕 First, an outline of the configuration of the transaction system (tracking system) 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the transaction system according to the present embodiment. Here, the case of handling electric power as an example of an asset will be described. The ownership of the asset and the type of the production method of the asset are managed by the asset information described later.

[0011] <Explanation of Each Business Operator> As shown in FIG. 1, there are a power producer Aa, a power producer Ab, a power consumer Ca, a mediator Da, and an applicant E. The producer Aa is an example of a provider and is a business operator that produces electricity from sunlight as an example of renewable energy used for the production of electricity produced by renewable energy (referred to as "green power" in Japan). The producer Ab is an example of a provider and is a business operator that produces electricity from oil as an example of fossil fuel. Note that providers also include organizations such as cooperatives that purchase assets from each producer and resell them. The consumer Ca is an example of a user and is a business operator that consumes the electricity provided by the producers Aa and Ab. Note that users also include those who have obtained the ownership of assets in cases such as real estate where the assets are not consumed like electricity. The mediator Da is a business operator that mediates the transaction of the ownership of electricity. The applicant E is a user who makes various applications using a production method certificate issued by a public agency such as a country or a local public entity to prove the type of electricity production method. Examples of the type of electricity production method include methods of generating using sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, heat in the atmosphere, or nuclear power. Among these, sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, and heat in the atmosphere belong to the major classification as renewable energy for electricity. Also, oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas belong to the major classification as fossil fuels. Power generation by renewable energy emits almost no CO 2 which causes global warming compared to power generation by fossil fuels. Therefore, renewable energy is an environmentally friendly energy source. In this embodiment, sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, or heat in the atmosphere is used as renewable energy. Also, oil, coal, or liquefied natural gas is used as fossil fuel.

[0012] Furthermore, the mediator Da conducts an intermediary business to act on behalf of a public agency such as a country or a local public entity in issuing a production method certificate. The mediator Da mediates the issuance of the production method certificate in response to a request for issuance from the applicant E and provides the issued production method certificate to the applicant E. Thereby, the applicant E can use the production method certificate to, for example, calculate the utilization rate of renewable energy in its own company (CO 2It is possible to apply for public subsidies based on (e.g., reduction rate), etc.

[0013] Note that the number of producers may be one or three or more. There may be a plurality of consumers and intermediaries.

[0014] <Power transmission and distribution network> Substation Bx is the nearest substation to producers Aa and Ab, and substation By is the nearest substation to consumer Ca. The power transmission and distribution network 10 is constructed by substation Bx, By, and power transmission and distribution lines, etc. The power provided by producers Aa and Ab is provided to consumer Ca via the power transmission and distribution network 10.

[0015] <Data communication network> Producer Aa has a smartphone 2a, a smart meter 3a, and a power generation device 4a. Producer Ab has a smartphone 2b, a smart meter 3b, and a power generation device 4b. Consumer Ca has a smartphone 2c, a smart meter 3c, and an electrical device 8. Intermediary Da manages an intermediation system 1000 composed of an intermediation server 5 and a certificate issuing server 6. This intermediary Da is a corporation or an individual (e.g., employees such as the president, officers, IT managers, etc.). Applicant E has an image processing device 7.

[0016] Note that the number of smartphones may be two or four or more depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the general term for each of smartphones 2a, 2b, and 2c is shown as smartphone 2. Also, the number of smart meters 3a, 3b, and 3c may be two or four or more depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the general term for each of smart meters 3a, 3b, and 3c is shown as smart meter 3. The number of power generation devices 4a and 4b may be one or three or more depending on the number of producers. Hereinafter, the general term for each of power generation devices 4a and 4b is shown as power generation device 4.

[0017] In addition, the mediation system 1000 may have two or more, depending on the number of mediators. Also, the mediation server 5 and the certificate issuing server 6 may each be constructed by a single computer or by a plurality of computers. The electrical device 8 may have two or more, depending on the number of consumers.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a transaction system (tracking system) 1 as a data communication network is constructed by a plurality of smartphones 2a, 2b, 2c, a plurality of smart meters 3a, 3b, 3c, a plurality of power generation devices 4a, 4b, an image processing device 7, a mediation system 1000, and nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d such as computers. Also, a blockchain network 90 is constructed by the nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The blockchain network 90 is constructed within a communication network 100 such as the Internet. The communication network 100 is constructed by the Internet, a mobile communication network, a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. Note that the communication network 100 may include not only wired communication but also networks by wireless communication such as a mobile communication system (4G, 5G, 6G, etc.) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). Also, although there are originally many nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, only four are shown here for the convenience of the drawing. The nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are each managed by different companies, etc. Among the different companies, there may be a mediator Da. Hereinafter, the general term for the nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is shown as node 9. The node 9 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or a PC (Personal Computer), etc.

[0019] Subsequently, the terminals and devices of producers Aa, Ab, consumers Ca, mediator Da, and applicant E will be described.

[0020] (Terminal and Device of Producer Aa) The smartphone 2a can perform data communication with the smart meter 3a via short-range wireless technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the smartphone 2a can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0021] The smart meter 3a can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100. Also, the smart meter 3a measures the amount of power provided by the power generation device 4a at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processes such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of power and other assets and the owners.

[0022] The power generation device 4a is a device that generates electricity using sunlight.

[0023] (Terminal and device of Producer Ab) The smartphone 2b can perform data communication with the smart meter 3b via short-range wireless technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the smartphone 2b can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0024] The smart meter 3b can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100. Also, the smart meter 3b measures the amount of power provided by the power generation device 4b at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processes such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of power and the owners.

[0025] The power generation device 4b is a device that generates electricity using oil.

[0026] (Terminal and device of Consumer Ca) The smartphone 2c can perform data communication with the smart meter 3c via short-range wireless technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the smartphone 2c can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0027] The smart meter 3c can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100. Also, the smart meter 3c measures the amount of power used by the electrical device 8 at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processes such as transmitting usage information indicating the amount of power used and the usage time to the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100. In this embodiment, since the mediation server 5 accesses the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c, the smart meter 3c does not need to access the blockchain network 90.

[0028] The electrical device 8 is a device that is driven using the power provided by consumers Aa and Ab.

[0029] (Terminal and device of mediator Da) The intermediation system 1000 is composed of an intermediation server 5 and a certificate issuance server 6. The intermediation server 5 processes the intermediation of transactions related to assets, such as the transfer of asset information, between providers of assets such as electricity and users of the assets. Therefore, the intermediation server 5 can perform data communication with each smartphone 2 and each smart meter 3 via the communication network 100. In addition, the intermediation server 5 can access the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 and perform data communication with the node 9. The certificate issuance server 6 processes the intermediation of transactions related to the issuance of certificates for proving the production method of assets such as electricity. Therefore, the certificate issuance server 6 can perform data communication with the image processing device 7 via the communication network 100. In addition, the certificate issuance server 6 can access the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 and perform data communication with the node 9. Note that the intermediation system 1000 may be, for example, a computer that aggregates all or part of the functions of the intermediation server 5 and the certificate issuance server 6.

[0030] (Applicant E's terminal and device) The image processing device 7 is, for example, an image forming device having image processing functions such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product: multifunction device), a facsimile machine, a scanner, or a printer, as well as a communication function. Note that the image processing device 7 may be not only a device installed in a specific location but also a portable handy printer or a handy scanner, etc.

[0031] (Supplementary note) Note that the smartphones 2a and 2b are examples of the provider's communication terminals. The smartphone 2c is an example of the user's communication terminal. The communication terminals also include smartwatches, PCs, smart glasses, etc. The smart meter 3 is an example of a measurement terminal. The image processing device 7 is an example of an information processing device. Also, the image processing device 7 may have a configuration of a system in which each function is realized by being distributed among a plurality of devices. For example, the function of inputting and transmitting various information of the image processing device 7 and the function of receiving and outputting data transmitted from the outside may be realized by different devices. Specifically, for example, a system configuration in which inputting and transmitting various information is executed by a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC, and receiving and outputting data is executed by the image processing device 7 may be used.

[0032] 〔Hardware Configuration〕 Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the hardware configurations of the smartphone 2, the smart meter 3, the mediation server 5, the certificate issuing server 6, the image processing device 7, and the node 9 will be described.

[0033] <Hardware Configuration of Smartphone> FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. As shown in FIG. 2, the smartphone 2 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an EEPROM 204, a CMOS sensor 205, an imaging element I / F 206, an acceleration / azimuth sensor 207, a media I / F 209, and a GPS receiver 211.

[0034] Among these, the CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire smartphone 2. The ROM 202 stores programs used for driving the CPU 201 such as the CPU 201 and IPL. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The EEPROM 204 reads or writes various data such as smartphone programs according to the control of the CPU 201. The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 205 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures a subject (mainly a self-image) according to the control of the CPU 201 to obtain image data. Note that an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor may be used instead of the CMOS sensor. The imaging device I / F 206 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 205. The acceleration / azimuth sensor 207 is various sensors such as an electronic magnetic compass that detects geomagnetism, a gyrocompass, and an acceleration sensor. The media I / F 209 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to and from the recording medium 208 such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver 211 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0035] In addition, the smartphone 2 includes a long-distance communication circuit 212, a CMOS sensor 213, an imaging device I / F 214, a microphone 215, a speaker 216, an audio input / output I / F 217, a display 218, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 219, a short-distance communication circuit 220, an antenna 220a for the short-distance communication circuit 220, and a touch panel 221.

[0036] Among these, the long-distance communication circuit 212 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the communication network 100. The CMOS sensor 213 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures a subject according to the control of the CPU 201 to obtain image data. The imaging device I / F 214 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 213. The microphone 215 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The speaker 216 is a built-in circuit that converts an electrical signal into physical vibration to produce sounds such as music and voices. The audio input / output I / F 217 is a circuit that processes the input and output of audio signals between the microphone 215 and the speaker 216 according to the control of the CPU 201. The display 218 is a type of display means such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) that displays an image of a subject, various icons, etc. The external device connection I / F 219 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-distance communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 221 is a type of input means for operating the smartphone 2 when the user presses the display 218.

[0037] Also, the smartphone 2 is provided with a bus line 210. The bus line 210 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] <Hardware Configuration of Smart Meter> FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the smart meter. As shown in FIG. 3, the smart meter 3 is equipped with a computer and, as shown in FIG. 3, includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an NVRAM 304, a display 306, a measurement sensor 307, a switch 308, a network I / F 309, a keypad 311, a touch panel 312, a short-distance communication circuit 220, and an antenna 220a of the short-distance communication circuit 220.

[0039] Among these, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire smart meter 3. The ROM 302 stores programs used to drive the CPU 301 such as the IPL. The RAM 303 is used as the work area of the CPU 301. The NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 304 is a non-volatile memory that stores and reads various data such as programs. The display 306 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or images.

[0040] The measurement sensor 307 measures the power provided or used. The switch 308 closes (turns on) or opens (turns off) the circuit to allow or stop the flow of electricity.

[0041] The network I / F 309 is an interface for data communication using a communication network 100 such as the Internet including the blockchain network 90. The keypad 311 is a type of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting or selecting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc. The short-range communication circuit 320 is a communication circuit that realizes short-range wireless technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The bus line 310 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] <Hardware Configuration of the Mediator Server> Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the mediation server. Each hardware component of the mediation server 5 is indicated by a reference numeral in the 500 series. As shown in Figure 4, the mediation server 5 is constructed by a computer and, as shown in Figure 4, includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD (Hard Disk) 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0043] Among these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire mediation server 5. The ROM 502 stores programs used for driving the CPU 501 such as IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to and from the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. External devices in this case are, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, etc. The network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using the communication network 100. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in Figure 4.

[0044] In addition, the keyboard 511 is a type of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading or writing of various data with respect to the DVD-RW 513 as an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, and it may be DVD-R, Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, or the like. The media I / F 516 controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to the recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0045] <Hardware Configuration of Certificate Issuing Server> FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the certificate issuing server. Each hardware configuration of the certificate issuing server 6 is indicated by a reference numeral in the 600s in parentheses. As shown in FIG. 4, the certificate issuing server 6 is constructed by a computer and has the same configuration as the mediation server 5 as shown in FIG. 4, so the description of each hardware configuration is omitted.

[0046] <Hardware Configuration of Node> FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the node. Each hardware configuration of the node 9 is indicated by a reference numeral in the 900s in parentheses. As shown in FIG. 4, the node 9 is constructed by a computer and has the same configuration as the mediation server 5 as shown in FIG. 4, so the description of each hardware configuration is omitted.

[0047] <Hardware Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus> FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus 7 includes a controller 710, a short-range communication unit 720, an engine control unit 730, an operation panel 740, and a network I / F 750. Among these, the controller 710 includes a CPU 701 which is the main part of a computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 702, a north bridge (NB) 703, a south bridge (SB) 704, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 706, a local memory (MEM-C) 707 which is a storage area, an HDD controller 708, and an HD 709 which is a storage area, and is configured such that the NB 703 and the ASIC 706 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 721.

[0048] Among these, the CPU 701 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 7. The NB 703 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 701 to the MEM-P 702, the SB 704, and the AGP bus 721, and has a memory controller that controls reading, writing, etc. to the MEM-P 702, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. The MEM-P 702 consists of a ROM 702a, which is a memory for storing programs and data for realizing the respective functions of the controller 710, and a RAM 702b, which is used as a memory for expanding programs and data and for drawing during memory printing. The SB 704 is a bridge for connecting the NB 703 to the PCI bus 722 and peripheral devices. The ASIC 706 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and serves as a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 721, the PCI bus 722, the HDD controller 708, and the MEM-C 707, respectively. This ASIC 706 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 706, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 707, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform operations such as rotation of image data by means of hardware logic, etc., and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via the PCI bus 722 between the scanner unit 731 and the printer unit 732. Note that a USB interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface may be connected to the ASIC 706.

[0049] In addition, MEM-C707 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. HD709 is a storage for accumulating image data, font data used at the time of printing, and forms. The HDD controller 708 controls the reading or writing of data to / from HD709 according to the control of the CPU 701. The AGP bus 721 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing. By directly accessing MEM-P702 with high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster. Further, the short-range communication unit 720 includes a short-range communication circuit 720a and an antenna 720b of the short-range communication circuit 720a. The short-range communication circuit 720a is a communication circuit for short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), millimeter-wave wireless communication, QR code (registered trademark), visible light, ambient sound, or ultrasonic waves.

[0050] Furthermore, the engine control unit 730 is composed of a scanner unit 731 and a printer unit 732. The scanner unit 731 or the printer unit 732 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion. Also, the operation panel 740 includes a panel display part 740a such as a touch panel for displaying current setting values, selection screens, etc. and receiving inputs from the operator, and an operation part 740b composed of a numeric keypad for receiving setting values of conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions and a start key for receiving a copy start instruction. The panel display part 740a is a kind of display part. The controller 710 controls the entire image processing apparatus 7, for example, controls drawing, communication, inputs from the operation panel 740, etc. Also, the network I / F 750 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The short-range communication circuit 720a and the network I / F 750 are electrically connected to the ASIC 706 via the PCI bus 722.

[0051] Note that each of the above programs may be in an installable or executable file format and may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and distributed. Examples of the recording medium include CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray Disc, SD card, USB memory, etc. Also, the recording medium can be provided as a Program Product, either domestically or abroad. For example, Node 9 according to the embodiment realizes the processing method according to the present invention when the program according to the present invention is executed.

[0052] 〔Functional Configuration〕 Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the functional configurations of each terminal and device for constructing the transaction system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a smartphone and a smart meter in the transaction system.

[0053] <Functional Configuration of Smartphone 2a> As shown in FIG. 6, the smartphone 2a has a transmission / reception unit 21a, a reception unit 22a, a display control unit 24a, a communication unit 28a, and a storage / readout unit 29a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 2 operating according to instructions from the CPU 201 according to a program for the smartphone developed from the EEPROM 204 onto the RAM 203.

[0054] Also, the smartphone 2a has a storage unit 2000a constructed by the ROM 202, RAM 203, and EEPROM 204 shown in FIG. 2.

[0055] (Each Functional Configuration of Smartphone 2a) The transmission / reception unit 21a of the smartphone 2a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 for the long-distance communication circuit 212, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other devices (for example, the mediation server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0056] The reception unit 22a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the touch panel 221, and receives various selections or inputs from the user.

[0057] The display control unit 24a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201, and causes the display 218 to display various images. The display control unit 24a also includes a web browser function.

[0058] The communication unit 28a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the short-range communication circuit 220, and communicates various data with the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a described later. In the case of wired communication, data communication is performed by connecting a communication cable to the smart meter 3a.

[0059] The storage / reading unit 29a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 2000a or reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 2000a.

[0060] <Functional configuration of the smartphone 2c> As shown in FIG. 6, the smartphone 2c has a transmission / reception unit 21c, a reception unit 22c, a display control unit 24c, a communication unit 28c, and a storage / reading unit 29c. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 2 operating according to an instruction from the CPU 201 according to a program for the smartphone developed from the EEPROM 204 onto the RAM 203.

[0061] The smartphone 2c also has a storage unit 2000c constructed by the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the EEPROM 204 shown in FIG. 2.

[0062] Note that each part of the smartphone 2c (the transmission / reception unit 21c, the reception unit 22c, the display control unit 24c, the communication unit 28c, and the memory / readout unit 29c) has the same functions as the corresponding parts of the smartphone 2a (the transmission / reception unit 21a, the reception unit 22a, the display control unit 24a, the communication unit 28a, and the memory / readout unit 29a), respectively. Therefore, the descriptions of these parts are omitted. Similarly, the smartphone 2b has the same parts as the smartphone 2a as the smartphone 2c does, but is not described in the subsequent processing, so it is omitted in FIG. 5.

[0063] <Functional Configuration of Smart Meter 3a> As shown in FIG. 6, the smart meter 3a includes a transmission / reception unit 31a, a measurement unit 33a, a display control unit 34a, a communication unit 38a, and a memory / readout unit 39a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 301 in accordance with a program for the smart meter developed from the NVRAM 304 onto the RAM 303.

[0064] The smart meter 3a also has a storage unit 3000a constructed by the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the NVRAM 304 shown in FIG. 3.

[0065] (Functional Configuration of Each Part of Smart Meter 3a) The transmission / reception unit 31a of the smart meter 3a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 for the network I / F 309, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other devices (e.g., the mediation server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0066] The measurement unit 33a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 for the measurement sensor 307, and measures the amount of power provided by the power generation device 4a.

[0067] The display control unit 34a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301, and causes the display 306 to display various images.

[0068] The communication unit 38a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 for the short-range communication circuit 320, and communicates various data with the communication unit 28a of the smartphone 2a. In the case of wired communication, data communication is performed by connecting a communication cable to the smart meter 3a.

[0069] The storage / reading unit 39a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 3000a or reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 3000a.

[0070] <Functional configuration of the smart meter 3c> As shown in FIG. 6, the smart meter 3c includes a transceiver unit 31c, a measurement unit 33c, a display control unit 34c, a communication unit 38c, and a storage / reading unit 39c. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 3 operating according to an instruction from the CPU 301 according to a program for the smart meter developed from the NVRAM 304 onto the RAM 303.

[0071] Also, the smart meter 3a has a storage unit 3000c constructed by the ROM 302, RAM 303, and NVRAM 304 shown in FIG. 3.

[0072] Note that each unit of the smart meter 3c (transceiver unit 31c, measurement unit 33c, display control unit 34c, communication unit 38c, and storage / reading unit 39c) has the same function as each unit of the smart meter 3a (transceiver unit 31a, measurement unit 33a, display control unit 34a, communication unit 38a, and storage / reading unit 39a), so the descriptions of these are omitted. Also, the smart meter 3b has the same units as the smart meter 3a, similar to the smart meter 3c, but is omitted in FIG. 6 because it will not be described in the subsequent processing.

[0073] <Functional configuration of the mediation server 5> Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of an intermediary server, a certificate issuing server, and nodes in a trading system. As shown in Figure 7, the intermediary server 5 has a transmission / reception unit 51, a determination unit 53, a display control unit 54, a judgment unit 55, and a storage / reading unit 59. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 being expanded from the HD504 onto the RAM503 and operating according to instructions from the CPU501 according to the program for the intermediary server.

[0074] Also, the intermediary server 5 has a storage unit 5000 constructed by the ROM502 and the HD504 shown in Figure 4.

[0075] (User Management Table) Figure 9A is a conceptual diagram showing a user management table. The user management table is a table for the intermediary Da to manage each user such as a power consumer. In the storage unit 5000, a user management DB5001 configured by a user management table as shown in Figure 9A is constructed. In this user management table, the user ID, user name, user's address (or place of residence), and selectable provider ID are managed in association.

[0076] Among these, the user ID is an example of user identification information for identifying users of assets such as the power consumer Ca. The selectable provider ID is an example of provider identification information for identifying providers such as producers that can be selected by the user indicated by the user ID. For example, if the user's address is in Tokyo, the selectable providers are limited to those with addresses in Tokyo and its vicinity.

[0077] (Provider Management Table) FIG. 9B is a conceptual diagram showing a provider management table. The provider management table is a table for the intermediary Da to manage each provider such as a power producer. In the storage unit 5000, a provider management DB 5002 configured by a provider management table as shown in FIG. 9B is constructed. In this provider management table, a provider ID, a provider name, a type of method for producing assets such as power by the provider, and an available quantity are managed in association with each other.

[0078] Among these, the provider ID is an example of provider identification information for identifying a provider of assets such as a power producer. The type of production method indicates the type of energy used for producing the assets. As described above, examples of the type of production method include methods of generating using solar power, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, petroleum, coal, liquefied natural gas, or nuclear power. Note that the type of production method may be shown in a broad classification such as renewable energy for power or fossil fuels. The available quantity is the amount of assets that a provider such as a producer can provide over a certain period (or a certain time), and is, for example, the amount of power (kWh).

[0079] (Transaction content management table) FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram showing a transaction content management table. The transaction content management table is a table for managing the transaction content of assets set by users such as the consumer Ca. In the storage unit 5000, a transaction content management DB 5003 configured by a transaction content management table as shown in FIG. 10A is constructed. In this transaction content management table, transaction content information is managed. Specifically, a user ID, a start date of use, an end date of use, a planned usage amount, a renewable energy utilization rate, a provider ID, a provider name, and a type of production method are managed in association with each other. Note that the same item names as those in FIGS. 9A and 9B, such as the user ID, indicate the same meaning.

[0080] Among these, the start date of use indicates information about the date when a user such as consumer Ca starts using an asset such as electricity. The end date of use indicates information about the date when the user ends using the asset such as electricity. The planned usage amount is the amount of the asset that the user plans to use over a certain period (or a certain time), for example, the amount of electricity (kWh). The renewable energy utilization rate indicates information about the percentage (%) of the assets such as electricity used by a user such as consumer Ca that are produced using renewable energy such as solar power.

[0081] (Transaction History Management Table) Figure 10B is a conceptual diagram showing a transaction history management table. The transaction history management table is a table for managing the transaction history of the mediation of transactions regarding assets obtained by the mediation server 5 from providers such as producers for each user. In the storage unit 5000, a transaction history management DB 5004 configured by a transaction history management table as shown in Figure 10B is constructed. In this transaction history management table, transaction history information is managed. Specifically, the mediation date and time, the transaction amount, the type of production method, and the total transaction amount by various production methods are associated and managed. Note that the type of (energy) resource used for the production of the asset is, in other words, the "type of production method" for producing the asset using a predetermined type of resource. For example, when the asset is electricity, the "type of production method" indicates the "power generation method" such as solar power. Also, here, as various production methods, the cases of using solar power and oil are shown, but it is not limited to this, and production methods using wind power, coal, etc. may also be managed. Further, a general classification of the type of production method indicating renewable energy and fossil fuels for electricity may also be managed.

[0082] Among the transaction history information, the item names that are the same as those in FIGS. 9A and 9B, such as the user ID, indicate the same meaning. The mediation date and time indicates the date and time when the mediation server 5 mediated the ownership of the asset obtained from a provider such as a producer to a user such as the consumer Ca by assigning the ownership of the asset. The transaction volume indicates the transaction volume of the asset that the mediation server 5 obtains from the provider and mediates the transaction to the user, and is indicated by, for example, the amount of electricity (kWh). The total transaction volume indicates the total amount of assets produced by a specific type of production method assigned to a user such as the consumer Ca over a certain period (or a certain time), and is indicated by, for example, the total amount of electricity (kWh). The mediation server 5 determines the type of production method of the asset to be assigned to a user such as the consumer Ca with reference to the transaction history management DB5004. From this, for example, when the consumer Ca has set the ratio of electricity produced using renewable energy to 40, the mediation server 5 refers to the total transaction volume in the transaction history management DB5004 to determine the type of production method of the asset to be provided to the consumer Ca next. Note that since the planned usage amount shown in FIG. 10A (for example, 20 kWh) is the planned usage amount per hour, when transferring asset information every 30 minutes, the transaction volume is half of the planned usage amount (for example, 10 kWh).

[0083] Also, here, as various production methods, cases of using sunlight and petroleum are shown, but it is not limited to this, and production methods using wind volume, coal, etc. may be managed. Also, a broad classification of the types of production methods indicating renewable energy and fossil fuels may be managed. Furthermore, the types of production methods include the types of production processes of the asset. The types of production processes of the asset indicate cases where the processes until an asset such as electricity is produced are different. As an example, even when using the same resource, the sun, it includes methods of producing electricity using sunlight and methods of producing electricity using solar heat. Also, as another example of the types of production processes of the asset, it includes methods of producing electricity using a turbine and methods of producing electricity without using a turbine.

[0084] (Each functional configuration of the mediation server 5) Next, each functional configuration of the mediation server 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. The transmission / reception unit 51 of the mediation server 5 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501 with respect to the network I / F 509, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other terminals (for example, smartphones 2a and 2c) via the communication network 100. Note that the transmission / reception unit 51 also serves as a reception unit that receives the transaction details described later from the smartphone 2c.

[0085] The determination unit 53 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and determines asset information indicating the ownership and the like of the assets to be transferred to the user (mediating the transaction). For example, the determination unit 53 is based on the "transaction history of assets produced by a predetermined production method by the user" managed in the transaction history management DB 5004 and the "utilization rate of renewable energy" preliminarily managed in the transaction details management DB 5003, and determines asset information related to assets produced by a specific production method for mediating transactions with users such as the consumer Ca. Specifically, when the consumer Ca has set the utilization rate of renewable energy to 40 (%), the determination unit 53 refers to the total transaction volume in the transaction history management DB 5004, and determines to change the owner of the asset information related to the assets produced by renewable energy from the mediator Da who manages the mediation server 5 to the consumer Ca so as to approach the utilization rate of 40 (%).

[0086] The display control unit 54 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and causes the display 506 to display various images, or causes the display 218 of the smartphone 2 to display various images via the communication network 100. In this case, various images are displayed on the smartphone 2 by the function of the web browser of the display control unit 24 of the smartphone 2. Note that the display control unit 24 is a general term for the display control units 24a and 24c.

[0087] The determination unit 55 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and makes various determinations.

[0088] The memory / readout unit 59 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000 or reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000.

[0089] <Functional Configuration of Certificate Issuing Server 6> As shown in FIG. 7, the certificate issuing server 6 includes a transmission / reception unit 61, an authentication unit 62, a generation unit 63, a certificate type management unit 64, a determination unit 65, and a memory / readout unit 69. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 4 being expanded from the HD 604 onto the RAM 603 and operating according to instructions from the CPU 601 according to the program for the certificate issuing server.

[0090] The certificate issuing server 6 also has a storage unit 6000 constructed by the ROM 602 and the HD 604 shown in FIG. 4.

[0091] (Applicant Management Table) FIG. 11A is a conceptual diagram showing the applicant management table. The applicant management table is a table for the intermediary Da to manage the applicants for the production method certificate. In the storage unit 6000, an applicant management DB 6001 configured by the applicant management table as shown in FIG. 11A is constructed. In this applicant management table, the user name, applicant ID, password, and selectable user key are managed in association with each other.

[0092] Among these, the applicant ID and password are an example of applicant identification information for identifying the applicant who applies for the issuance of the production method certificate. In the application form management table, multiple applicant IDs are associated with one user name. Here, the applicant is, for example, a user among the members of a business operator who is a producer or consumer of electricity and has the right to apply for the production method certificate. Note that the applicant ID may be configured such that only one is associated with one user name. Furthermore, the user key is key information for the applicant to issue the production method certificate using the blockchain network 90.

[0093] (Certificate Type Management Table) FIG. 11B is a conceptual diagram showing a certificate type management table. The certificate type management table is a table for managing the formats of certificates issued by countries and local public bodies. In the storage unit 6000, a certificate type management DB6002 configured by a certificate type management table as shown in FIG. 11B is constructed. In this certificate type management table, the organization name indicating the issuing organization of the certificate and the format of the certificate issued by the issuing organization are managed in association with each other.

[0094] It is assumed that the intermediary Da has been previously authorized by a certificate issuing organization such as a country. The intermediary Da manages the formats of the certificates authorized for each issuing organization using the certificate type management table.

[0095] (Functional Configurations of Certificate Issuing Server 6) Next, with reference to FIG. 7, each functional configuration of the certificate issuing server 6 will be described in detail. The transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuing server 6 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 601 with respect to the network I / F 609, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other devices or terminals (for example, the image processing device 7) via the communication network 100. Note that the transmission / reception unit 61 also serves as a reception unit that receives a certificate issuance request, which will be described later, from the image processing device 7.

[0096] The authentication unit 62 is realized by the processing of the CPU 601, and performs authentication processing of applicant E who requests the issuance of a production method certificate based on the issuance request information received by the transmission / reception unit 61.

[0097] The generation unit 63 is realized by the processing of the CPU 601, and generates a production method certificate to be provided to applicant E based on the transaction information and the asset information.

[0098] The certificate type management unit 64 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 601, and manages the formats of the certificates for each issuing organization that issues production method certificates.

[0099] The determination unit 65 is realized by the processing of the CPU 601 and performs various determinations.

[0100] The storage / reading unit 69 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 601, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 6000 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 6000.

[0101] <Functional configuration of Node 9> As shown in FIG. 7, Node 9 has a transmission / reception unit 91, a verification unit 92, a determination unit 93, a transaction processing unit 94, an asset processing unit 95, and a storage / reading unit 99. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 4 being deployed from the HD 904 onto the RAM 903 and operating according to instructions from the CPU 901 in accordance with the program for the node.

[0102] Further, Node 9 has a storage unit 9000 constructed by the ROM 902 and the HD 904 shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 7, as an image, a state is shown in which transaction information is connected like a chain. Also, asset information generated based on the transaction information is stored. Each transaction information and each asset information are held by each node.

[0103] (Each functional configuration of Node 9) Next, with reference to FIG. 7, each functional configuration of Node 9 will be described in detail. The transmission / reception unit 91 of Node 9 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901 with respect to the network I / F 909, and performs transmission and reception of various data (or information) with other nodes in the blockchain network 90 of the communication network 100. Also, the transmission / reception unit 91 performs transmission and reception of various data (or information) with the transmission / reception unit 31a of the smart meter 3a and the transmission / reception unit 51 of the mediation server 5. Note that although the smart meter 3b is not shown in FIG. 7, actually, the transmission / reception unit 91 also performs transmission and reception of various data (or information) with the smart meter 3b.

[0104] The verification unit 92 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901 and verifies the certificate and the provided information. The verification of the certificate is a process of determining whether the certificate is the certificate of the person himself / herself pre-registered in node 9. The verification of the provided information is a process of determining whether all the predetermined formats and contents (for example, whether the provider is input, whether the provided time is input, etc.) are input.

[0105] The determination unit 93 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901 and makes various determinations.

[0106] The transaction processing unit 94 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901 and performs processes such as generating transaction information used for generating asset information and storing it in the storage unit 9000.

[0107] The asset processing unit 95 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901 and performs processes such as generating asset information according to the transaction information and storing it in the storage unit 9000.

[0108] The storage / reading unit 99 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901 and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 9000 or reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 9000.

[0109] <Functional Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 7> FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an image processing apparatus in the transaction system. As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing apparatus 7 has a transmission / reception unit 71, a reception unit 72, a display control unit 73, a determination unit 74, a print processing unit 75, a generation unit 77, and a storage / reading unit 79. Each of these units is a function or means realized by operating according to an instruction from the CPU 701 according to a program for the image processing apparatus developed from the HD 709 onto the RAM 702b by any of the components shown in FIG. 5.

[0110] In addition, the image processing apparatus 7 has a storage unit 7000 constructed by a ROM 702a and an HD 709 shown in FIG. 5.

[0111] (Functional configurations of the image processing apparatus 7) Next, with reference to FIG. 8, each functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 7 will be described in detail. The transmission / reception unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 701 with respect to the network I / F 909, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from the certificate issuing server 6 via the communication network 100.

[0112] The reception unit 72 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 701 with respect to the operation panel 740, and receives various selections or inputs from the user.

[0113] The display control unit 73 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 701, and causes various images to be displayed on the operation panel 740. The display control unit 73 causes, for example, a web page created by HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or the like to be displayed on the operation panel 740 using the web browser function.

[0114] The determination unit 74 is realized by the processing of the CPU 701 and makes various determinations.

[0115] The printing processing unit 75 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 701 with respect to the engine control unit 730, and executes the printing processing of image data. The generation unit 77 is realized by the processing of the CPU 701, and generates issuance request information indicating a request to issue a production method certificate of an asset.

[0116] The storage / reading unit 79 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 701, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 7000 or reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 7000.

[0117] [Processing or operation] Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 24, the processing or operation of the present embodiment will be described.

[0118] <Mediator Registration Process> First, the mediator registration process will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the mediator registration process. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of the display of the mediator registration screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the display of the mediator registration completion screen. Here, the case where producer Aa registers mediator Da among a plurality of mediators will be described. Note that producer Aa has previously concluded a contract with mediator Da and can select mediator Da as described later. In addition, a mediator registration application is pre-installed on smartphone 2a. In this application, a mediator ID for identifying each mediator, a mediator name, and the IP address of the mediator server owned by the mediator are managed in association with each other.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 12, on smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a causes the display 218 to display the mediator registration screen shown in FIG. 13A (S21). On this mediator registration screen, a pull-down menu showing each mediator name is displayed in order to select a specific mediator. In addition, at the bottom of the mediator registration screen, an "OK" button to be pressed when finalizing the mediator name selected in the pull-down menu and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when canceling the selection are displayed.

[0120] Then, when producer Aa selects a desired mediator name from among a plurality of mediator names and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 22a accepts the selection of the mediator (S22). Here, the case where mediator Da is selected will be described.

[0121] After the reception unit 22a receives the selection, the communication unit 28a transmits the mediator information to the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a by short-range wireless communication (S23). This mediator information includes a mediator ID for identifying the selected mediator and the IP address of the mediator server owned by the selected mediator. Thereby, the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a receives the mediator information.

[0122] Next, in the smart meter 3a, the storage / reading unit 39a registers the mediator information in the storage unit 3000a. Then, the communication unit 38a transmits registration completion information indicating that the registration has been completed to the smartphone 2a. Thereby, the communication unit 28a of the smartphone 2a receives the registration completion information.

[0123] Next, in the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a causes a registration completion screen as shown in FIG. 13B to be displayed on the display 218. A comment indicating that the registration of the mediator has been completed is displayed on this registration completion screen. Also, an "OK" button to be pressed when closing this screen is displayed on this registration completion screen, and when the producer Aa presses it, the registration completion screen is closed.

[0124] Thus, the registration process of the mediator ends.

[0125] <Registration process of transaction details> Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the registration process of the transaction details of the asset will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the registration process of the transaction details of the asset. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing an example of the display of the transaction details registration screen before input and selection and an example of the display of the transaction details registration screen after input and selection, respectively. Here, the case where the consumer Ca registers the transaction details of electric power as an asset with the mediator server 5 using the smartphone 2c will be described.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 14, the transceiver unit 21c of the smartphone 2c transmits a display request for a transaction details registration screen to the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100 (S41). This display request includes a user ID for identifying the consumer Ca as the user who is the request source. Thereby, the transceiver unit 51 of the mediation server 5 receives the display request. Note that the user ID is an example of user identification information. User identification information includes a my number which is a number designated by a local public entity or the like as an individual identification number in Japan, and a telephone number of an individual or a company or the like.

[0127] Next, in the mediation server 5, the storage / reading unit 59 searches the user management DB5001 (see FIG. 9A) using the user ID received in step S41 as a search key, and reads out all corresponding selectable provider IDs (S42). Further, the storage / reading unit 59 searches the provider management DB5002 using each provider ID read out in step S42 as an inspection key, and reads out the corresponding information (provider name, type information of production method, available quantity) (S43). Then, the display control unit 54 creates a transaction details registration screen as shown in FIG. 15A using the information read out in step S43 above (S44). Thereby, in the smartphone 2c, the display control unit 24c causes the web browser function to display the transaction details registration screen shown in FIG. 15A created by the mediation server 5 on the display 218 of the smartphone 2c (S45). This transaction details registration screen displays each input field (usage period date of the asset (here, power), end date of the asset usage, planned usage amount of the asset, and renewable energy utilization rate), and a plurality of check boxes for selecting a provider of the asset. Also, at the bottom of the transaction details registration screen, an "OK" button to be pressed when confirming the input to the input field and the checked transaction details to the check box, and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when canceling without confirming the transaction details are displayed.

[0128] Here, when consumer Ca operates the touch panel of smartphone 2c to input desired numerical values into each input field, further checks the checkbox of the desired provider, and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 22c receives the input and selection of the transaction details (S46). Note that the renewable energy utilization rate indicates the ratio of renewable energy used out of the energy used for the production of the power that the consumer Ca wishes to obtain.

[0129] Here, consumer Ca selects producer Aa who produces electricity using sunlight as the energy used for production. However, since no electricity is provided at night, considering replacing it with other energy, producer Ab who produces electricity using oil is selected. And the renewable energy utilization rate is set at 40%.

[0130] Next, the transceiver unit 21c of smartphone 2c transmits transaction details information indicating the input and selected content to the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100 (S47). Thereby, the transceiver unit 51 of the mediation server 5 receives the transaction details information to accept the transaction details.

[0131] Next, in the mediation server 5, the storage / reading unit 59 manages by associating and storing the transaction details information received in step S47 with the user ID received in step S41 in the transaction details management DB5003 (see FIG. 10A) (S48).

[0132] Through the above, the registration process of the transaction details is completed.

[0133] <Process of setting the asset owner as the mediator> Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a process of setting the owner of the asset provided by the provider as the mediator will be described. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the process of setting the owner of the asset provided by the provider as the mediator. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of transaction information and asset information. Here, a case where the smart meter 3a of the producer Aa sets the owner of the asset as the mediator for the node 9a will be described.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 16, the measurement unit 33a measures the power supplied from the power generation device 4a to the power transmission and distribution network 10 (S61). Then, the transceiver unit 31a of the smart meter 3a transmits a request for generating asset information to the node 9a of the blockchain network 90 once every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) (S62). This request includes an electronic certificate proving that the producer Aa as the provider is the person himself / herself so that the smart phone 2a of the producer Aa as the provider can access the blockchain network 90, and the provided information. The provided information includes the provider, the provision date and time, the (tradable) quantity, the type of production method, and the owner of the asset for each piece of information. As a result, the transceiver unit 91 of the node 9a receives the request for generating asset information (S62). This provided information is the information used for generating the transaction information shown in FIG. 17. The content of this provided information is determined in advance by a smart contract (automation of the contract) of the blockchain.

[0135] Next, the verification unit 92 of the node 9 verifies the certificate and the provided information received in step S62 (S63). Subsequently, the case where the verification result is okay will be described.

[0136] Next, the transaction processing unit 94 generates transaction information as shown in FIG. 17 using the provided information received in step S62 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S64). In this case, the transaction processing unit 94 assigns a transaction ID and sets the transaction type. The transaction information includes the transaction ID, information on the transaction type, and the provided information (information on the provider, provision date and time, (tradable) quantity, production method, and owner). Among these, the transaction ID is an example of unique identification information for identifying the transaction information. The transaction type is information indicating the processing content for the asset information. In FIG. 17, since the transaction type is the generation of asset information, the asset processing unit 95 generates the asset information. The provider is information indicating the provider of the asset. The provision date and time is information indicating the date and time when the asset was provided by the provider. The (tradable) quantity is information indicating the amount of power that can be traded by the provider within a predetermined period. The type of production method is information indicating the type of production method shown in FIG. 10B. The owner is information indicating the owner of the asset indicating the ownership of the asset.

[0137] Next, the asset processing unit 95 generates the asset information shown in FIG. 17 according to the transaction information shown in FIG. 17 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S65). In this case, the asset processing unit 95 sets the provided information (information on the provider, provision date and time, (tradable) quantity, production method, and owner) within the transaction information, as well as the expiration date of the transaction and the transaction status of the asset information. The expiration date of the transaction is set, for example, one month after the provision date. Also, the transaction status is information indicating whether the asset information has been traded (assigned) to the user by the mediation server 5. In FIG. 17, since it is "not yet", it indicates a state where it has not been traded (assigned) to the user, that is, a state where the mediator has not yet provided the asset information to the user.

[0138] In addition, the transceiver 91 of node 9 distributes the transaction information generated in step S64 as blocks to a plurality of other nodes in the blockchain network 90 (S66). As a result, each of the other nodes verifies the block, adds it to the chain of blocks already stored in each node, and then generates asset information according to the transaction information and stores it in each storage unit in the same manner as in step S65 above. Note that a plurality of transaction information may be stored in one block.

[0139] Next, the transceiver 91 of node 9 transmits a response to the request in step S62 to the smart meter 3a (S67). The content of this response indicates whether the generation of the asset information was successful or failed. As a result, the transceiver 31a of the smart meter 3a receives the response.

[0140] Next, in the smart meter 3a, the storage / reading unit 39a stores the response content in the storage unit 3000a.

[0141] As described above, the process of providing the asset information from the provider to the mediator ends by managing the asset information indicating the content set with the asset owner as the mediator Da on the blockchain network 90.

[0142] <Process of providing asset information from the mediator to the user> Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the process of setting the owner of the asset mediated by the mediator as the user will be described. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the process of setting the owner of the asset mediated by the mediator as the user. FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of the transaction information and the asset information when a transaction of the power consumption amount is performed.

[0143] First, the transceiver unit 31c of the smart meter 3c of consumer Ca transmits usage information indicating the usage status of power as an asset once every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) via the communication network 100 (S81). This usage information includes information indicating the usage status of power as an asset, a user ID for identifying consumer Ca as a user, the usage amount of power as an asset, and information on the usage time of power as an asset. As a result, the transceiver unit 51 of the mediation server 5 receives the usage information. Then, the transceiver unit 51 transmits a request for all asset information of which the mediator Da who manages the mediation server 5 is the owner to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S82). This request includes an electronic certificate proving that the mediator Da as a mediator is himself / herself so that the mediation server 5 managed by the mediator Da can access the blockchain network 90, and information indicating the mediator Da as the owner. As a result, the transceiver unit 91 of the node 9 receives the request for all asset information.

[0144] Next, at the node 9, the verification unit 92 verifies the certificate received in step S82 (S83). The verification of the certificate is a process of determining whether the received certificate is a certificate of a server pre-registered in the node 9. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is normal will be described.

[0145] The storage / reading unit 99 of the node 9 reads out all asset information managed as the mediator Da by whom the owner manages the mediation server 5 (S84). Then, the transceiver unit 91 transmits all the asset information read out in step S84 to the mediation server 5 (S85). As a result, the transceiver unit 51 of the mediation server 5 receives all the asset information. As a result, at the mediation server 5, it is possible to receive asset information that can be assigned to the user and of which the owner is the mediator Da.

[0146] Next, the storage / reading unit 59 of the mediation server 5 searches the transaction content management DB5003 using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key to read the corresponding transaction content information (S86). Further, the storage / reading unit 59 searches the transaction history management DB5004 using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key to read the corresponding total transaction amounts (S87). In the case of FIG. 10B, the total transaction amounts read are 20 (kWh) as the total transaction amount of the power produced by sunlight and 160 (kWh) as the total transaction amount of the power produced by oil.

[0147] Next, the determination unit 53 determines the type of the production method of the asset related to the asset information transferred to the consumer Ca as a user based on the transaction content information read in step S86 and the total transaction amounts read in step S87 (S88). For example, in the transaction content information, when the type of the production method is shown as "sunlight" and "oil", in the transaction history information, since the latest total transaction amounts are "20" for sunlight and "160" for oil, the determination unit 53 determines the type of the production method as "sunlight" so as to approach the renewable energy rate "40".

[0148] Then, the storage / reading unit 59 adds the content processed in step S88 to the transaction history management DB5004 by storing it (S89). Thereby, for example, the storage / reading unit 59 adds a record indicating the mediation date and time "2020.1.1 9:00 - 9:30", the transaction amount "10", the type of the production method "sunlight", and the total transaction amount of sunlight "30" in the transaction history management DB5004 (see FIG. 10B).

[0149] Next, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the mediation server 5 transmits a request to change asset information to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S90). This change request includes an asset ID for identifying the asset information related to a specific asset produced by the specific type of production method determined in step S88 among the asset information received in step S85. Further, the change request in step S90 also includes information on the new owner and the (usage) amount of the asset. The information indicating the new owner may be the user ID received in step S81 or the owner name. In the case where there are a plurality of assets produced by the specific type of production method determined in step 88, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits a change request for the specific asset information related to the asset with the expiration date closest to the current date and time among these plurality of assets.

[0150] Next, at the node 9, the verification unit 92 verifies each piece of information (asset ID, owner, (usage) amount) received in step S90 (S91). This verification is a process of determining whether each piece of information is in a predetermined format and content. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is normal will be described.

[0151] Next, the transaction processing unit 94 of the node 9 generates second transaction information, and as shown in FIG. 19, adds and stores a block including the second transaction information to the chain of blocks including the first transaction stored in the storage unit 9000 (S92). Then, the asset processing unit 95 changes the content of the first asset information according to the second transaction information (S93).

[0152] Here, with reference to FIG. 19, the processes of steps S92 and S93 will be described in detail. The first transaction information and the first asset information on the left side of FIG. 19 are the same as the transaction information and the asset information in FIG. 17, respectively. Here, after the smart meter 3a sets the asset owner to the mediator Da (generation of the first asset information based on the first transaction information), the mediation server 5 changes the asset owner to the consumer Ca (change of the first asset information based on the second transaction information), and the case where the mediator Da mediates the transaction of the asset information (ownership of the asset) will be described.

[0153] In step S92, the transaction processing unit 94 generates second transaction information as shown in FIG. 19. This second transaction information indicates a unique transaction ID and "transaction of asset information" as the type of transaction. Further, the second transaction information indicates the mediation date and time when the mediation of the asset information transaction was performed, the new owner after the mediation, the asset ID for specifying the asset information that is the transfer (transaction) target, and the usage amount of the asset (here, electric power) received in step S90.

[0154] Then, in step S93, the asset processing unit 95 changes the first asset information as shown in FIG. 19. The asset processing unit 95 changes the "(transferable) amount" to the "(usage) amount" and changes the owner from "mediator Da" to "consumer Ca" in the first asset information. Further, since all of the transferable amount has been used and no further asset allocation is possible, the asset processing unit 95 changes the transaction status from "uncompleted" to "completed" in the first asset information. Note that the asset information whose transaction status has been changed to "completed" in this way loses its value as ownership and will be removed from the transaction target in the future. Therefore, the transaction processing unit 94 does not target the asset information with the transaction status set to "completed" as the "transaction of asset information" in terms of the transaction type. That is, the asset information removed from the transaction target is not retransferred.

[0155] As described above, when all of the tradable amounts of the assets are used, the asset information is changed. Returning to FIG. 18, the transceiver 91 of node 9 transmits a response to the request in step S90 to the mediation server 5 (S94). This response indicates whether the process for the request in step S90 has succeeded or failed. As a result, the transceiver 51 of the mediation server 5 receives the response. The transceiver 51 of the mediation server 5 transmits a response to the transmission in step S81 to the smart meter 3c (S95). As a result, the transceiver 31c of the smart meter 3c receives the response from the mediation server 5. Note that the content of this response indicates the content of the response (success or failure) received in step S94, and is managed or displayed by the smart meter 3c. As a result, the consumer Ca can grasp the trading result of the asset.

[0156] <Issuance Process of Production Method Certificate> Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 22, the issuance process of the production method certificate of the asset will be described. FIGS. 20 and 22 are sequence diagrams showing the issuance process of the production method certificate of the asset. The applicant E requests the mediator Da to issue a production method certificate for proving the production method of the asset in order to prove that the type of the production method of the power used is renewable energy such as solar power. This will be described below.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 20, when applicant E operates the operation panel 740 of the image processing apparatus 7, the display control unit 73 causes a certificate issuance screen shown in FIG. 21A to be displayed on the operation panel 740 (S201). On this certificate issuance screen, each input field (applicant ID, password, usage period date of the asset (here, power), end date of asset usage), as well as selection buttons for selecting the production method of the asset (here, power generation type) and the type of certificate to be issued, are displayed. Also, at the bottom of the certificate issuance screen, an "OK" button to be pressed when finalizing the transaction details input to the input fields and selected by the selection buttons, and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when canceling without finalizing the transaction details, are displayed.

[0158] Here, when applicant E operates the operation panel 740 of the image processing apparatus 7, enters desired content in each input field, further selects desired content using the selection buttons, and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 72 receives the input and selection of the transaction details (S202).

[0159] Here, as shown in FIG. 21B, applicant E enters their own user ID (applicant ID) and password, and as transaction period information, enters from January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020. Also, applicant E selects "solar power generation" as the power generation type for proving the production method, and selects "organization A" as the issuing organization of the production method certificate. Then, the generation unit 77 generates issuance request information indicating a request to issue a production method certificate for the asset based on the various information received in step S202.

[0160] Next, the transceiver unit 71 transmits, via the communication network 100, issuance request information indicating a request for issuing a production method certificate of the asset to the certificate issuing server 6 (S203). As a result, the transceiver unit 61 of the certificate issuing server 6 receives the issuance request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus 7. This issuance request information includes the content input and selected in step S202. Specifically, the issuance request information includes an applicant ID and password for identifying the applicant E, transaction period information indicating the period during which the asset is to be traded, the production method (power generation type) of the asset, and the certificate type. That is, the applicant E requests the issuance of a production method certificate for a specific transaction period from January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020, for example.

[0161] Next, the authentication unit 62 of the certificate issuing server 6 performs authentication processing of the applicant E who transmitted the issuance request information (S204). Specifically, the authentication unit 62 searches the applicant management table (see FIG. 11A) using the applicant ID and password included in the issuance request information received via the transceiver unit 61 as search keys. Further, when the combination of the applicant ID and password included in the issuance request information is managed in the applicant management table, the authentication unit 62 reads out the user name and user key associated with the applicant ID and password. Here, when the combination of the applicant ID and password included in the issuance request information is managed in the applicant management table, the processing after step S205 is executed.

[0162] Next, the transmission / reception unit 61 transmits issuance request information indicating a request for issuance of a production method certificate to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S205). This issuance request information includes an electronic certificate proving that mediator Da as a mediator is the person himself / herself, the user key and the user name (here, consumer Ca) read in step S204, transaction period information, and power generation type. The certificate of the mediator may be the same as the certificate of the mediation server 5 as the server certificate assigned to mediator Da. Also, the transaction period information and the power generation type are the transaction period information and the power generation type received in step S203. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9 receives the issuance request information transmitted from the certificate issuance server 6.

[0163] Next, the verification unit 92 of node 9 verifies the certificate and the user key received in step S205 (S206). The verification of the certificate is a process of determining whether the received certificate is the certificate of a server pre-registered in node 9. Also, the verification of the user key is a process of determining whether the received user key is the key information of a user (applicant) pre-registered in node 9. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is problem-free will be described.

[0164] Next, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out transaction information and asset information set with consumer Ca as the owner within a predetermined transaction period indicated by the transaction period information received in step S205 (S207). In this case, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out specific transaction information in which the mediation date and time included within the above transaction period are indicated and the new owner is indicated as consumer Ca. Also, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out asset information based on the asset ID indicated in the read specific transaction information.

[0165] In FIG. 22, the determination unit 93 of node 9 determines the issuance status of the certificate of the asset indicated in the asset information read in step S207 (step S208). Specifically, it determines whether the issuance status indicated in the asset information read in step S207 is "not issued" or "already issued". If node 9 determines, through the determination unit 93, that the issuance status is "not issued", it executes the processing starting from step S209a below. On the other hand, if node 9 determines, through the determination unit 93, that the issuance status is "already issued", it executes the processing starting from step S209b below. First, the case where it is determined that the issuance status is "not issued" will be described.

[0166] The transaction processing unit 94 of node 9 generates the nth transaction information, and as shown in FIG. 23, adds and stores a block including the nth transaction information to the chain of blocks including the first transaction stored in the storage unit 9000 (S209a). Then, the asset processing unit 95 changes the content of the first asset information according to the nth transaction information (S210a).

[0167] Here, with reference to FIG. 23, the processing of steps S209a and S210a will be described in detail. The first transaction information and the first asset information on the left side of FIG. 23 are the same as the transaction information and the asset information in FIGS. 17 and 19, respectively.

[0168] In step S209a, the transaction processing unit 94 generates the nth transaction information as shown in FIG. 23. This nth transaction information indicates a unique transaction ID and "issuance of certificate" as the type of transaction. Further, the nth transaction information indicates the issuance date and time of the production method certificate, the issuance amount of the asset (here, electric power) to be issued as the certificate, the type of the production method of the asset for which the certificate is issued, the asset ID for specifying the asset information to be the issuance target, and the provider and owner of the asset.

[0169] Then, in step S210a, the asset processing unit 95 changes the first asset information as shown in FIG. 23. Since the asset processing unit 95 has issued a production method certificate for the asset, in the first asset information, the issuance status of the production method certificate is updated from "not yet" to "completed (issued)".

[0170] In this way, when the production method certificate is issued, the issuance status shown in the asset information is changed. Note that in node 9, if the issuance amount of the asset to be issued as a certificate by the transaction processing unit 94 is insufficient for the usage amount shown in one asset information, transactions are performed using a plurality of asset information. In this case, the asset processing unit 95 changes (updates) not only the first asset information but also a plurality of asset information.

[0171] Returning to FIG. 22, the transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9 transmits an update notification indicating that the issuance status has been updated to the certificate issuing server 6 (S211a). This update notification includes the transaction information (the nth transaction information) generated in step S209a and the asset information (the first asset information) changed in step S210a. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuing server 6 receives the update notification transmitted from node 9.

[0172] Next, the generation unit 63 of the certificate issuing server 6 generates a production method certificate based on the transaction information and asset information included in the update notification received by the transmission / reception unit 61 (S212a). Specifically, the generation unit 63 searches the certificate type management table (see FIG. 11B) using the certificate type included in the transaction request information received in step 203 as a search key. The generation unit 63 also reads out the format of the certificate associated with the organization name, which is the certificate type included in the transaction request information. Then, the generation unit 63 generates a production method certificate by describing the contents shown in the transaction information and asset information received in step S211a for the read format.

[0173] Next, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuance server 6 transmits the certificate data related to the production method certificate generated by the generation unit 63 to the image processing apparatus 7 that transmitted the issuance request information in step S203 (S213a). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7 receives the certificate data transmitted from the certificate issuance server 6.

[0174] Then, the image processing apparatus 7 outputs the certificate data received in step S212 (S214a). Specifically, when the applicant E operates the operation panel 740 of the image processing apparatus 7, the printing processing unit 75 of the image processing apparatus 7 performs printing processing of the certificate data. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the printed production method certificate. The production method certificate shown in FIG. 24 is a power certificate for proving a power production method, which is an example of the asset used by the applicant (user). The power certificate is, for example, referred to as a green power certificate. The production method certificate shows the generated power amount corresponding to the issued amount issued as a certificate, the power generation period corresponding to the transaction period information when the certificate was issued, the power generation method which is the production method of the asset (here, power) issued as a certificate, the issuance date of the certificate, and the issuing agency of the certificate which is the issuing source. Further, the production method certificate shows a transaction identification image for confirming that the content of the certificate is the same as the transaction history (transaction information) of the blockchain network 90.

[0175] The transaction identification image is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) as shown in FIG. 24. This transaction identification image contains a transaction ID for collation with the transaction history of the blockchain network 90. For example, a business operator that has received an application using the production method certificate by the applicant E can confirm the validity of the certificate by reading the transaction identification image shown in the production method certificate.

[0176] This transaction identification image is generated by the generation unit 63 of the certificate issuance server 6 in the process of step S212a. The generation unit 63 generates the transaction identification image using the ID (transaction ID) of the transaction information included in the update notification received in step S211a. Note that the transaction identification image is not limited to a QR code. For example, it may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as DataMatrix (DataCode), MaxiCode or PDF417, or information (or an image) that can be read by a reading device such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Also, the transaction identification image may be an image directly describing the transaction ID so that it can be visually identified.

[0177] Here, in step S214a, a configuration in which the image processing device 7 outputs certificate data by printing processing by the printing processing unit 75 has been described. However, the image processing device 7 may be configured to output the certificate data by causing the display control unit 73 to display a display image related to the certificate data on the operation panel 740. In this way, when the certificate data is output by being displayed, the image processing device 7 may be a terminal or device that does not have a printing function. In this case, the image processing device 7 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, a smartwatch, or smart glasses equipped with a display unit. Also, when the applicant E is in the same environment as the consumer Ca, the smartphone 2c possessed by the consumer Ca may be configured to have the functions of the image processing device 7.

[0178] As described above, the mediation process for issuing the production method certificate by the mediator Da is completed. As a result, after receiving the production method certificate, the applicant E can use the issued production method certificate for the company's image improvement or for applying for subsidies from the country or the like for the use of renewable energy.

[0179] On the other hand, the case where it is determined that the issuance status is "issued" in step S208 of FIG. 22 will be described. The transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9 transmits an issued notice indicating that the production method certificate of the asset corresponding to the issuance request information received in step S203 has been issued to the certificate issuance server 6 (S209b). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuance server 6 receives the issued notice transmitted from node 9. Then, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuance server 6 transmits the issued notice received in step S209b to the image processing apparatus 7 that transmitted the issuance request information in step S203 (S210b). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7 receives the issued notice transmitted from the certificate issuance server 6.

[0180] As described above, when the issuance status indicated in the asset information is "completed", even if node 9 receives the issuance request information, it does not issue a certificate for the asset whose issuance status is "completed". Thereby, node 9 can prevent double issuance of the production method certificate for the same asset.

[0181] [Main effects of the embodiment] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transaction system 1 performs the procedure for issuing the production method certificate using the image processing apparatus 7 by the applicant E via the certificate issuance server 6 of the mediator Da. When the certificate issuance server 6 receives a certificate issuance request from the image processing apparatus 7, it transmits the certificate issuance request to the node 9 constituting the blockchain network 90. If the issuance status of the certificate of the asset to be issued is not issued, node 9 updates the issuance status to issued. Then, when the issuance status is updated to issued by node 9, the certificate issuance server 6 generates certificate data and provides it to the image processing apparatus 7. On the other hand, when the issuance status of the asset to be issued with the certificate is already issued, node 9 transmits an issued notice to the image processing apparatus 7 via the certificate issuance server 6. Thereby, in the transaction system 1, since the issuance status indicated in the asset information is updated once the certificate is issued at node 9, double issuance of the certificate can be prevented.

[0182] In addition, the certificate issuing server 6 of the mediator Da who has received authorization from the certificate issuing authority provides the applicant E with a production method certificate generated using the transaction information and asset information obtained from the blockchain network 90, thereby reducing the burden on the applicant E such as document exchanges with the issuing authority until the certificate is issued.

[0183] Furthermore, the applicant E can easily obtain the production method certificate required for various applications by displaying or printing and outputting the production method certificate obtained from the certificate issuing server 6 on the image processing device 7. Also, since the production method certificate is attached with a transaction identification image that identifies the transaction history on the blockchain network 90, the business operator who has received an application using the production method certificate can confirm the legitimacy of the transaction.

[0184] In addition, since the quality of assets such as the power supplied to the user is constant, even when the type of the production method of the asset is unknown, the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 manages the asset information indicating the type of the production method of the asset and the owner of the asset, and the transaction information used to generate this asset information, thereby being able to prove the type of the production method without fraud.

[0185] Furthermore, in order to achieve stable power utilization, it is necessary to adjust the consumed power and the generated power to be the same in real time (same amount at the same time). However, since the blockchain is a distributed ledger, it takes a certain amount of time to confirm the consistency of each ledger information via the network, so it is not suitable for applications such as instant transactions of assets that require real-time performance. In contrast, in this embodiment, the mediation server 5 does not change the ownership from the original owner to the user (consumer Ca) indicated by the asset information managed in the blockchain network 90 at the timing when the consumer Ca starts using an asset such as power, but after the consumer Ca has used the asset. A change request for this purpose is sent to the blockchain network 90. Thereby, it is possible to manage the ownership of assets by the blockchain even for applications such as instant transactions of assets that require real-time performance. Moreover, since the mediation server 5 causes the blockchain network 90 to change the asset information managed on behalf of the provider (producer Aa, etc.) and the user (consumer Ca, etc.), the provider (producer Aa, etc.) and the user (consumer Ca, etc.) can conduct power transactions without worrying about changes in asset information.

[0186] In addition, the mediation server 5 can also be used for applications such as instant transactions of assets such as power produced using renewable energy such as solar power by changing the owner of a specific type of production method of the asset.

[0187] 〔Modification Example of Embodiment〕 Here, with reference to FIGS. 25 to 30, a modification example of this embodiment will be described. First, in the transaction system 1A according to the first modification example, when the mediation process of the production method certificate is performed by the mediation system 1000, the node 9 performs the certificate generation process. This will be described below. Note that the same components and the same functions as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0188] FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram of a mediation server, a certificate issuing server, and a node in the transaction system according to Modification 1. The node 9A of the transaction system 1A shown in FIG. 25 includes a generation unit 96 and a certificate type management unit 97 in addition to the configuration of the node 9 described in the above embodiment. Further, in the storage unit 9000 of the node 9A, a certificate type management DB 9001 configured by a certificate type management table as shown in FIG. 11B is constructed.

[0189] The generation unit 96 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and generates a production method certificate to be provided to the applicant E based on the transaction information and the asset information.

[0190] The certificate type management unit 97 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and manages the format of the certificate for each issuing authority that issues the production method certificate.

[0191] FIGS. 26 and 27 are sequence diagrams showing the issuance process of the production method certificate of the asset in the transaction system according to Modification 1. Note that the processing of steps S301 to S307 is the same as the processing of steps S201 to S207 shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Here, in step S305, the issuance request information transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuing server 6 includes the certificate type received in step S303 in addition to the information transmitted in step S205.

[0192] In FIG. 27, the determination unit 93 of the node 9A determines the issuance status of the certificate of the asset indicated in the asset information read in step 307 in the same manner as the processing of step S208 in FIG. 22 (step S308). When the node 9A determines that the issuance status is "not issued" by the determination unit 93, the node 9A executes the processing from step S309a below. On the other hand, when the node 9A determines that the issuance status is "issued" by the determination unit 93, the node 9A executes the processing from step S309b below. First, the case where it is determined that the issuance status is "not issued" will be described.

[0193] Similar to the process of step S209a in FIG. 22, the transaction processing unit 94 of node 9A generates the n-th transaction information, and adds and stores a block including the n-th transaction information to the chain of blocks including the first transaction stored in the storage unit 9000 (S309a). Then, similar to the process of step S210a in FIG. 22, the asset processing unit 95 changes the content of the first asset information according to the n-th transaction information (S310a).

[0194] Based on the transaction information generated in step S309a and the asset information changed in step S310a, the generation unit 96 of node 9A generates a production method certificate (S311a). Specifically, the generation unit 96 searches the certificate type management table (see FIG. 11B) using the certificate type included in the issuance request information received in step 305 as a search key. Also, the generation unit 96 reads out the format of the certificate associated with the organization name, which is the certificate type included in the issuance request information. Then, the generation unit 96 generates a production method certificate by describing the content shown in the transaction information generated in step S309a and the asset information changed in step S310a for the read format.

[0195] Next, the transceiver unit 91 of node 9A transmits the certificate data related to the production method certificate generated by the generation unit 96 to the certificate issuance server 6 (S312a). As a result, the transceiver unit 61 of the certificate issuance server 6 receives the certificate data transmitted from node 9A. Then, the transceiver unit 61 of the certificate issuance server 6 transmits the certificate data transmitted from node 9A to the image processing apparatus 7 that transmitted the issuance request information in step S303 (S313a). As a result, the transceiver unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7 receives the certificate data transmitted from the certificate issuance server 6.

[0196] Then, the image processing apparatus 7 outputs the certificate data received in step S313a (S313). The method of outputting the certificate data in the image processing apparatus 7 is the same as the content described in step S214a above.

[0197] On the other hand, in step S308 of FIG. 27, the case where it is determined that the issuance status is "issued" will be described. The transmission / reception unit 91 of the node 9A transmits an issued notification indicating that the production method certificate of the asset corresponding to the issuance request information received in step S305 has been issued to the certificate issuance server 6 (S309b). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuance server 6 receives the issued notification transmitted from the node 9A. Then, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuance server 6 transmits the issued notification received in step S309b to the image processing apparatus 7 that transmitted the issuance request information in step S303 (S310b). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7 receives the issued notification transmitted from the certificate issuance server 6.

[0198] As described above, in the transaction system 1A according to the first modification, in the issuance process of the production method certificate of the asset via the certificate issuance server 6, the node 9A constituting the blockchain network 9 performs the generation process of the production method certificate. In this case, since the certificate issuance server 6 only performs the authentication process of the applicant E and the data mediation process between the image processing apparatus 7 and the node 9A, the processing load on the mediator Da side can be reduced.

[0199] Next, with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30, the configuration of the transaction system 1B according to the second modification will be described. The transaction system 1B according to the second modification includes, in addition to the configuration of the transaction system 1A of the first modification, an image processing apparatus 7A having an authentication function and a communication function with the blockchain network 90. The image processing apparatus 7A has a dedicated application installed and exchanges information with the blockchain network 90. This will be described below. Note that the same components and functions as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0200] Figure 28 is a functional block diagram of an image processing apparatus among the transaction systems according to Modification 2. The image processing apparatus 7A of the transaction system 1B shown in Figure 25 includes an authentication unit 76 in addition to the configuration of the image processing apparatus 7 described in the above embodiment. Further, in the storage unit 7000 of the image processing apparatus 7A, an applicant management DB 7001 configured by an applicant management table as shown in Figure 11A is constructed.

[0201] The authentication unit 76 is realized by the processing of the CPU 701, and performs authentication processing of applicant E who requests the issuance of a production method certificate based on the applicant identification information received by the reception unit 72.

[0202] Figures 29 and 30 are sequence diagrams showing the issuance process of the production method certificate of the asset in the transaction system according to Modification 2. Note that the processing from step S401 to step 402 is the same as the processing from step S201 to step S202 shown in Figure 20, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0203] The authentication unit 76 of the image processing apparatus 7A performs authentication processing of applicant E (S403). Specifically, the authentication unit 76 searches the applicant management table (see Figure 11A) using the applicant ID and password input in step S402 as search keys. Further, when the combination of the input applicant ID and password is managed in the applicant management table, the authentication unit 76 reads out the user name and user key associated with the applicant ID and password. Here, when the combination of the input applicant ID and password is managed in the applicant management table, the processing from step S404 onwards is executed.

[0204] Next, the transmission / reception unit 71 transmits issuance request information indicating a request for issuance of a production method certificate of an asset to node 9A via the communication network 100 (S404). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9A receives the issuance request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus 7. This issuance request information includes the user key and user name (here, consumer Ca) read in step S403, the transaction period information indicating the period during which the asset is to be traded input in step S402, and the production method (power generation type) and certificate type of the asset selected in step S402.

[0205] Next, the verification unit 92 of node 9A verifies the user key received in step S404 (S405). The verification of the user key is a process of determining whether the received user key is the key information of a user (applicant) pre-registered in node 9. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is normal will be described. The storage / reading unit 99 reads out the transaction information and asset information set with consumer Ca as the owner within a predetermined transaction period indicated by the transaction period information received in step S405, in the same manner as the process of step S207 in FIG. 20 (S406).

[0206] In FIG. 30, the determination unit 93 of node 9A determines the issuance status of the certificate of the asset indicated in the asset information read in step 406, in the same manner as the process of step S208 in FIG. 22 (step S407). When node 9A determines that the issuance status is "not issued" by the determination unit 93, it executes the process from step S408a below. On the other hand, when node 9A determines that the issuance status is "issued" by the determination unit 93, it executes the process from step S408b below. First, the case where it is determined that the issuance status is "not issued" will be described.

[0207] The transaction processing unit 94 of node 9A generates the nth transaction information in the same manner as the processing in step S209a of FIG. 22, and additionally stores a block including the nth transaction information in the chain of blocks including the first transaction stored in the storage unit 9000 (S408a). Then, the asset processing unit 95 changes the content of the first asset information according to the nth transaction information in the same manner as the processing in step S210a of FIG. 22 (S409a).

[0208] The generation unit 96 of node 9A generates a production method certificate based on the transaction information generated in step S408a and the asset information changed in step S409a (S410a). Specifically, the generation unit 96 searches the certificate type management table (see FIG. 11B) using the certificate type included in the issuance request information received in step 404 as a search key. Further, the generation unit 96 reads out the format of the certificate associated with the organization name, which is the certificate type included in the issuance request information. Then, the generation unit 96 generates a production method certificate by describing the content shown in the transaction information generated in step S408a and the asset information changed in step S409a for the read format.

[0209] Next, the transceiver unit 91 of node 9A transmits the certificate data related to the production method certificate generated by the generation unit 96 to the image processing apparatus 7A that transmitted the issuance request information in step S404 (S411a). Thereby, the transceiver unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7A receives the certificate data transmitted from node 9A.

[0210] Then, the image processing apparatus 7A outputs the certificate data received in step S410 (S412a). The method of outputting the certificate data in the image processing apparatus 7A is the same as the content described in step S213 above.

[0211] On the other hand, in step S407 of FIG. 30, the case where it is determined that the issuance status is "issued" will be described. The transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9A transmits an issued notice indicating that the production method certificate of the asset corresponding to the issuance request information received in step S404 has been issued to the image processing apparatus 7A that transmitted the issuance request information in step S404 (S408b). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7A receives the issued notice transmitted from node 9A.

[0212] As described above, when applicant E outputs the production method certificate using the image processing apparatus 7A, the transaction system 1B according to the second modification example can refer to the transaction history of the blockchain network 90 without requiring another system or apparatus other than the image processing apparatus 7A.

[0213] Next, with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33, the configuration of the transaction system 1C according to the third modification example will be described. The transaction system 1C according to the third modification example differs in the operation of the applicant when issuing the production method certificate of the asset as compared with the above-described embodiment. This will be described below. Note that the same components and the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0214] FIGS. 31 and 32 are sequence diagrams showing the issuance process of the production method certificate of the asset in the transaction system according to the third modification example. Applicant E requests mediator Da to issue a production method certificate for proving the production method of the asset in order to prove that the type of production method of the power used is renewable energy such as solar power.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 31, when applicant E operates the operation panel 740 of the image processing apparatus 7, the display control unit 73 displays an applicant information input screen shown in FIG. 33A on the operation panel 740 (S501). This applicant input screen displays an input field for inputting the applicant ID and password, an "OK" button to be pressed when confirming the input to the input field, and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when canceling without confirming the input.

[0216] Here, when applicant E operates the operation panel 740 of the image processing apparatus 7, enters desired content in each input field, and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 72 receives the input of applicant information (S502).

[0217] Next, the transmission / reception unit 71 transmits the applicant information input in step S502 to the certificate issuing server 6 via the communication network 100 (S503). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuing server 6 receives the applicant information transmitted from the image processing apparatus 7.

[0218] Next, the authentication unit 62 of the certificate issuing server 6 performs authentication processing for applicant E who transmitted the applicant information (S504). Specifically, the authentication unit 62 searches the applicant management table (see FIG. 11A) using the applicant ID and password included in the applicant information received via the transmission / reception unit 61 as search keys. Also, when the combination of the applicant ID and password included in the applicant information is managed in the applicant management table, the authentication unit 62 reads out the user name and user key associated with the applicant ID and password. Here, when the combination of the applicant ID and password included in the applicant information is managed in the applicant management table, the processing after step S505 is executed.

[0219] Next, the transmission / reception unit 61 transmits a data acquisition request indicating a request for transaction data to be provided to applicant E to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S505). This data acquisition request includes an electronic certificate proving that mediator Da as a mediator is the person himself / herself, the user key and user name (here, consumer Ca) read out in step S504. The certificate of the mediator may be the same as the server certificate assigned to mediator Da, similar to the certificate of the mediation server 5. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9 receives the data acquisition request transmitted from the certificate issuing server 6.

[0220] Next, the verification unit 92 of node 9 verifies the certificate and the user key received in step S505 (S506). The verification of the certificate is a process of determining whether the received certificate is the certificate of the server pre-registered in node 9. Also, the verification of the user key is a process of determining whether the received user key is the key information of the user (applicant) pre-registered in node 9. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is normal will be described.

[0221] Next, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out transaction data indicating the transaction details of consumer Ca based on the transaction information and asset information in which consumer Ca indicated in the data acquisition request received in step S505 is set as the owner (S507). In this case, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out the specific transaction information in which the owner is indicated as consumer Ca. Also, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out the asset information based on the asset ID indicated in the read specific transaction information. Then, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out the information indicating the provision date and time, usage amount, type of production method, and issuance status indicated in the read asset information as transaction data.

[0222] Next, the transceiver unit 91 transmits the transaction data read out in step S507 to the certificate issuing server 6 (S508). This transaction data includes the user name (consumer Ca) received in step S505, the transaction period information based on the provision date and time read out in step S507, the transaction amount based on the usage amount read out in step S507, and the information on the type of production method (here, the power generation type) and the issuance status read out in step S507. Also, the transceiver unit 61 of the certificate issuing server 6 transmits (forwards) the transaction data transmitted from node 9 to the image processing apparatus 7 (S509). Thereby, the transceiver unit 71 of the image processing apparatus 7 receives the transaction data transmitted from node 9.

[0223] In FIG. 32, the display control unit 73 causes a certificate issuance screen shown in FIG. 33B to be displayed on the operation panel 740 (S510). A list of transaction data indicating the transaction details of the consumer Ca received in step S509 is displayed on this certificate issuance screen. Each piece of transaction data displayed in the list includes information on the start date and end date of the asset (here, power) transaction, the production method of the asset (here, power generation type), and the transaction volume. Each piece of transaction data displayed in the list is displayed so as to be selectable on the operation panel 740. The example shown in FIG. 33B shows a state in which the topmost transaction data in the list is selected. Also, when the received issuance status indicates "completed (issued)", the list of transaction data is displayed, for example, in grayscale so that the applicant E cannot select the corresponding transaction data. The example shown in FIG. 33B shows a state in which the certificate corresponding to the third transaction data from the top in the list has been issued. The transaction data with "completed (issued)" may not be configured to be displayed in the list. Also, at the bottom of the certificate issuance screen, there are a selection button for selecting the type of certificate to be issued, an "OK" button to be pressed when finalizing the transaction details selected by the list and the selection button, and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when canceling without finalizing the transaction details.

[0224] Here, when the applicant E operates the operation panel 740 of the image processing apparatus 7 to select desired content using the list and the selection button and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 72 receives the selection of the transaction data (S511). Then, based on the various information received in step S511, the generation unit 77 generates issuance request information indicating a request to issue a certificate of the production method of the asset.

[0225] Next, the transmission / reception unit 71 transmits issuance request information indicating a request to issue a production method certificate for the asset to the certificate issuing server 6 via the communication network 100 (S512). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 61 of the certificate issuing server 6 receives the issuance request information transmitted from the image processing apparatus 7. This issuance request information includes the content selected in step S511. Specifically, the issuance request information includes applicant information (applicant ID and password) for identifying the applicant E, the user name (consumer Ca) received in step S509, and the information shown in the transaction data selected in step S511 and the certificate type. The information shown in the transaction data is, for example, transaction period information indicating the period during which the asset is traded and the production method of the asset (power generation type).

[0226] Next, the transmission / reception unit 61 transmits issuance request information indicating a request to issue a production method certificate to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S513). This issuance request information includes the user name (consumer Ca), the transaction period information, and the power generation type. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 91 of the node 9 receives the issuance request information transmitted from the certificate issuing server 6.

[0227] Next, the storage / readout unit 99 reads out the transaction information and the asset information in which the consumer Ca is set as the owner within the predetermined transaction period indicated by the transaction period information received in step S513 (S514). In this case, the storage / readout unit 99 reads out specific transaction information in which the mediation date and time included within the above transaction period are indicated and the new owner is indicated as the consumer Ca. Further, the storage / readout unit 99 reads out the asset information based on the asset ID shown in the read specific transaction information.

[0228] The transaction processing unit 94 generates the n-th transaction information, and as shown in FIG. 23, adds and stores a block including the n-th transaction information to the chain of blocks including the first transaction stored in the storage unit 9000 (S515). Then, the asset processing unit 95 changes the content of the first asset information according to the n-th transaction information (S516). The processes of step S515 and step S517 are the same as the processes of step S209a and step S210a in FIG. 22. Also, since the processes of step S517 to step S520 are the same as the processes of step 211a to step S214a in FIG. 22, the description thereof is omitted.

[0229] As described above, in the trading system 1C according to the third modification example, since the applicant E can cause the image processing apparatus 7 to display a list of transaction data for which a certificate can be issued and allow the applicant E to select desired transaction details, the burden on the applicant E for issuing a certificate can be reduced as compared with the above-described embodiment.

[0230] Note that in step S508, the node 9 may be configured not to transmit transaction data whose issuance status is "completed (issued)". Also, on the certificate issuance screen displayed in step S510, transaction data whose issuance status is "completed (issued)" may also be displayed in a selectable state. When the transaction data with the status of "completed (issued)" is selected in step S511, the node 9 that has received the issuance request information determines the issuance status of the certificate in the same manner as in step S208 of FIG. 22, and transmits a notification of issuance completion to the image processing apparatus 7 via the certificate issuance server 6 in the same manner as in step S209b and step S210b of FIG. 22.

[0231] Also, although the third modification example has been described as a modification example of the processes in FIGS. 20 and 22, it is also applicable to the processes in FIGS. 26 and 27 (modification example 1), or FIGS. 29 and 30 (modification example 2).

[0232] 〔Summary〕 As described above, the nodes according to an embodiment of the present invention are nodes 9 and 9A in the blockchain network 90, which store asset information indicating the type of the asset production method and the issuance status of a certificate for proving the asset production method. Further, the nodes 9 and 9A receive issuance request information indicating a request for issuing a certificate for a predetermined asset, which is transmitted from an intermediation system 1000 that intermediates the issuance of the certificate to the image processing apparatuses 7 and 7A (an example of an information processing apparatus). Then, when the issuance status of the asset corresponding to the received issuance request information is unissued, the nodes 9 and 9A update the issuance status shown in the stored asset information to issued, and when the issuance status of the asset corresponding to the received issuance request information is already issued, the nodes 9 and 9A transmit an issued notice indicating that the certificate has been issued to the image processing apparatuses 7 and 7A. Thereby, the nodes 9 and 9A can prevent double issuance when issuing a certificate for the asset production method.

[0233] Also, in the nodes 9 and 9A according to an embodiment of the present invention, the asset information indicates the owner of the asset, and the nodes 9 and 9A update the issuance status of the asset information indicating the owner corresponding to the identification information (for example, user name) shown in the issuance request information. Further, the nodes 9 and 9A update the issuance status of the asset information indicating the asset corresponding to the production method shown in the issuance request information. Thereby, the nodes 9 and 9A can prove the type of the production method without fraud by managing the type of the asset production method, the issuance status of the certificate for proving the production method, and the asset information indicating the owner of the asset.

[0234] Furthermore, the trading system 1, 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention includes nodes 9, 9A in the blockchain network 90 and an image processing apparatus 7 (an example of an information processing apparatus). The image processing apparatus 7 transmits issuance request information indicating a request for issuance of a certificate to the mediation system 1000, receives certificate data generated based on the transmitted issuance request information from the mediation system 1000, and outputs the received certificate data. Thereby, the trading system 1, 1A can easily enable the applicant E to obtain a production method certificate required for various applications by displaying or printing the production method certificate acquired from the certificate issuing server 6 (mediation system 1000) on the image processing apparatus 7 and outputting it.

[0235] Also, the trading system 1B according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the node 9A in the blockchain network 90 and an image processing apparatus 7A (an example of an information processing apparatus). The image processing apparatus 7A transmits issuance request information indicating a request for issuance of a certificate to the node 9A, receives certificate data generated based on the transmitted issuance request information from the node 9A, and outputs the received certificate data. Thereby, when the applicant E outputs a production method certificate using the image processing apparatus 7A, the trading system 1B can refer to the transaction history of the blockchain network 90 without requiring another system or apparatus other than the image processing apparatus 7A.

[0236] Furthermore, in the trading system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the certificate data includes a transaction identification image for identifying a transaction in which the certificate related to the certificate data was issued. Thereby, since the trading system 1 can refer to the transaction history of the blockchain network 90 using the transaction identification image included in the issued production method certificate, the legitimacy of the transaction can be confirmed.

[0237] 〔Others〕 In the above-described embodiment, the asset information includes information indicating the owner of the asset. However, in some cases, the information indicating the owner may not be included. For example, when the user is also the producer, such as in the case of self-sufficiency, there is no need to transfer the asset to others (other companies), so it is sufficient to be able to prove the type of production method.

[0238] Also, in the above-described embodiment, electricity is shown as an example of an asset. However, it is not limited to this, and as follows, assets that physically (or actually) exist and assets that do not physically (or actually) exist are also included.

[0239] Examples of assets that physically (or actually) exist include foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, aquatic products, or processed products. When the asset is grains, vegetables, or fruits, the asset information is incidental information such as information indicating whether pesticides were used, or information indicating the producer or the place of production. When the asset is meat, the asset information is incidental information such as information indicating whether the animal was raised using genetically modified crops, or information indicating the producer or the place of production. When the asset is an aquatic product such as fish or shellfish, the asset information is incidental information such as information indicating whether it is a natural product or a cultured product, or information indicating the producer (fisherman) or the production area (fishing area). When the asset is a processed product, the asset information is incidental information such as information indicating allergic substances, information indicating whether it was processed using genetically modified crops, or information indicating the processor or the location of the processing facility.

[0240] Furthermore, examples of assets that physically (or actually) exist include real estate such as land and buildings, and movable property such as goods or the quantity of goods. When the asset is real estate, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership. When the asset is movable property, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership.

[0241] On one hand, examples of assets that do not physically (or actually) exist include tokens (virtual currencies) or amounts of tokens, carbon dioxide emission rights, rights such as intellectual property rights, and contracts. When the asset is a token, the asset information is supplementary information such as ownership. When the asset is a carbon dioxide emission right, the asset information is supplementary information such as ownership. When the asset is a right such as an intellectual property right, the asset information is supplementary information such as the owner of the right, the transferee of the right, and the licensee. When the asset is a contract, the asset information is supplementary information such as contract terms and performance status. Note that not only contracts but also treaties, agreements, promises, memorandums, notes, etc. are the same as contracts.

[0242] Also, as assets in cases such as deferred payment processing, not only electricity but also gas, tap water, calls, etc. are included. In the case of gas, tap water, and calls, the asset information is supplementary information such as ownership.

[0243] Each component of each CPU 201, 301, 501, 601, 701, 901, etc. may be single or multiple. Also, each function of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present embodiment refers to a processor programmed to execute each function by software like a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to execute each function described above, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a SOC (System on a chip), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0244] In addition, the various tables of the embodiments described above may be generated by the learning effect of machine learning, and the data of each related item may be classified by machine learning, so that the tables may not be used. Here, machine learning is a technology for enabling a computer to acquire learning ability like a human. It refers to a technology in which a computer autonomously generates an algorithm necessary for judgments such as data identification from learning data taken in advance and applies this to new data to make predictions. The learning method for machine learning may be any one of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning. Furthermore, a learning method combining these learning methods may also be used, and any learning method for machine learning may be used.

[0245] So far, the node, transaction system, processing method, program, and blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be changed within the scope that those skilled in the art can conceive, such as addition, change, or deletion of other embodiments. As long as the functions and effects of the present invention can be achieved in any aspect, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0246] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Transaction system 2 Smartphone (an example of a communication terminal) 3 Smart meter (an example of a measurement terminal) 4 Power generation device 5 Mediation server 6 Certificate management server 7, 7A Image processing device (an example of an information processing device) 8 Electrical device 9, 9A Node 10 Power transmission and distribution network 61 Transmission / reception unit 63 Generation unit 71 Transmission / reception unit (an example of transmission means, an example of reception means) 72 Reception unit (an example of reception means) 73 Display control unit (an example of output means, an example of display control means) 75 Printing control unit (an example of output means) 77 Generation unit (an example of generation means) 90 Blockchain network 91 Transmission / reception unit 93 Judgment unit 94 Transaction processing unit 95 Asset processing unit 96 Generation unit 100 Communication network 1000 Mediation system 9000 Storage unit

Claims

1. A display control means for displaying on a display unit a list of transaction data that can be issued by an applicant; a receiving means for receiving a selection of the transaction data from the displayed list; a transmitting means for transmitting issuance request information to the system, the request information indicating a request for issuance of a certificate corresponding to the selected transaction data; a receiving means for receiving, from the system, certificate data generated based on the issuance request information; an output means for outputting the received certificate data; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the receiving means receives the certificate data from the system when the issuance status of the asset corresponding to the transmitted issuance request information is not yet issued, and receives an issued notification from the system indicating that the certificate has been issued when the issuance status of the asset corresponding to the transmitted issuance request information is issued.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving means receives from the system certificate data generated by the system based on the issuance status of the certificate stored in a node in a blockchain network.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving means receives from the system certificate data generated by the node based on the issuance status of the certificate stored in the node in the blockchain network.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a receiving means for receiving input of applicant information that identifies an applicant applying for issuance of the certificate; generating means for generating the issuance request information including the applicant information whose input has been accepted, The transmitting means is an information processing device that transmits the generated issuance request information to the system.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the certificate data includes a transaction identification image for identifying a transaction for which a certificate related to the certificate data has been issued.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the certificate data by performing a printing process.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means displays a display image showing the certificate data.

9. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the asset is electricity, and the type of production method for the asset is a production method that uses renewable energy, a production method that uses fossil fuels, or a production method that uses nuclear power.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the renewable energy is sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, or atmospheric heat.

11. A display control means for displaying on a display unit a list of transaction data that can be issued by the applicant; a receiving means for receiving a selection of the transaction data from the displayed list; a transmitting means for transmitting issuance request information to the system, the request information indicating a request for issuance of a certificate corresponding to the selected transaction data; a receiving means for receiving, from the system, certificate data generated based on the issuance request information; an output means for outputting the received certificate data; An information processing system comprising:

12. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, a display control step of displaying on a display unit a list of transaction data that can be issued by the applicant; a receiving step of receiving a selection of the transaction data from the displayed list; a sending step of sending issuance request information to the system, the request information indicating a request for issuance of a certificate corresponding to the selected transaction data; a receiving step of receiving, from the system, certificate data generated based on the issuance request information; an output step of outputting the received certificate data; An information processing method that performs the above.

13. A program to be executed by an information processing device, a display control step of displaying on a display unit a list of transaction data that can be issued by the applicant; a receiving step of receiving a selection of the transaction data from the displayed list; a sending step of sending issuance request information to the system, the request information indicating a request for issuance of a certificate corresponding to the selected transaction data; a receiving step of receiving, from the system, certificate data generated based on the issuance request information; an output step of outputting the received certificate data; A program that executes the following.

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