Mediation server, transaction system, mediation method, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: in order to supply the same amount of electric power at the same time, a supply amount (production) needs to be adjusted to a demand amount (consumption); electric power companies and retailers excessively generate electric power and buy electric power to achieve the above-mentioned goals, but the cost for such excessive operations may cause an increase in the price of an asset, such as an electricity bill and generate an asset, such as unused and unnecessary electric power.SOLUTION: When a mediation server 5a does not have the ownership of an asset produced in accordance with a necessary type of production method (S122; NO), a mediation server 5b transfers the ownership of the asset to the mediation server 5a based on a request from the mediation server 5a (S126; YES) to bring about an effect that an increase in the price of the asset and generation of an unused and unnecessary asset can be prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intermediary server, a trading system, an intermediary method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, power generated by renewable energy has attracted attention. This power is produced by using resources that are renewable energy such as sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, heat in the atmosphere, etc. Power generation by renewable energy emits almost no CO 2 which causes global warming compared to power generation by 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 resource. 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 and the like (see Patent Document 1). Blockchain, which is called a distributed ledger, can prevent the falsification of transaction history data by linking a plurality of ledgers indicating the transaction history of assets such as power by a plurality of nodes (computers).

[0003] In addition, in order to realize stable use of power, it is necessary to adjust the consumed power and the produced power to be the same in real time (simultaneous and equal amount). In order to realize the simultaneous and equal amount of power, generally, the balance between demand and supply is maintained by means such as "adjusting the supply amount (production amount) to the demand amount (consumption amount)" and "adjusting the demand amount (consumption amount) to the supply amount (production amount)". The latter is called demand response, and it is a method of behaving in the market as if the consumer had generated power himself / herself by suppressing the planned power consumption through conservation and maintaining the balance between demand and supply.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the former is realized by power companies and retailers generating or purchasing electricity excessively, which may lead to problems such as an increase in the cost of assets such as electricity bills due to the excessive operating costs, or the generation of unused and wasted assets such as electricity. .

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is an intermediary server that mediates transactions related to an asset between a provider of the asset and a user of the asset by requesting a change in the ownership of the asset to a blockchain network, and receives a first change request for changing the owner of a specific asset produced by a specific type of production method, which is transmitted by another intermediary server capable of requesting a change in the ownership of the asset to the blockchain network, from an intermediary who manages the intermediary server to another intermediary who manages the other intermediary server, and a transmission means for transmitting a second change request for changing the owner of the specific asset from the intermediary to the other intermediary to the blockchain network, and when the change corresponding to the second change request is completed by the transmission means transmitting the second change request, the transmission means is an intermediary server characterized by transmitting a response indicating the completion of the change to the other intermediary server.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost of assets and the generation of unused and wasted assets.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

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

[0011] <Explanation of Each Party> As shown in FIG. 1, there are a power producer Aa, a power producer Ab, a power consumer Ca, mediators Da and Db, and a certification authority E.

[0012] The producer Aa is an example of a provider, and is a business operator that produces electric power from sunlight as an example of renewable energy used for the production of electric power 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 electric power from oil as an example of fossil fuel. Note that providers include combinations that purchase assets from each producer and resell them.

[0013] Consumer Ca is an example of a user and is an operator that consumes the electricity provided by producers Aa and Ab. Note that the users also include those who have the ownership of assets such as real estate where the assets are not consumed like electricity.

[0014] Intermediaries Da and Db are operators that mediate the transactions of the ownership of electricity.

[0015] Certification body E is a public institution such as a country or a local government that certifies the types of electricity production methods. The types of electricity production methods include methods of generating using sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydraulic power, heat in the atmosphere, or nuclear power, etc. Among these, sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydraulic power, and heat in the atmosphere belong to the major classification as renewable energy. Also, petroleum, 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, hydraulic power, or heat in the atmosphere is used as renewable energy. Also, petroleum, coal, or liquefied natural gas is used as fossil fuel.

[0016] Furthermore, intermediary Da sends an application form to certification body E by mail or the like, receives a production method certificate from certification body E, and performs an intermediary operation of sending the production method certificate to consumer Ca by mail or the like. The production method certificate describes, for example, the utilization rate of renewable energy. Thereby, consumer Ca can use the production method certificate to apply for the utilization rate of renewable energy (CO 2 reduction rate) of its own company, apply for public subsidies based on the use of renewable energy, etc.

[0017] Note that the number of producers may be one or three or more. There may be a plurality of consumers and intermediaries. Also, the number of intermediaries may be three or more.

[0018] <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. A power transmission and distribution network 10 is constructed by substation Bx, By, and power transmission and distribution lines. The power provided by producers Aa and Ab is supplied to consumer Ca via the power transmission and distribution network 10.

[0019] <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 intermediary server 5a. This intermediary Da is a corporation or an individual (such as an employee like a president, officer, IT manager, etc.). Intermediary Db manages an intermediary server 5b. This intermediary Db is a corporation or an individual (such as an employee like a president, officer, IT manager, etc.).

[0020] 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 smartphone 2a, 2b, 2c is denoted as smartphone 2. Also, the number of smart meters 3a, 3b, 3c may be two or four or more, depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the general term for each smart meter 3a, 3b, 3c is denoted as smart meter 3. The number of power generation devices 4a, 4b may be one or three or more, depending on the number of producers. Hereinafter, the general term for each power generation device 4a, 4b is denoted as power generation device 4. Hereinafter, the general term for each smart meter 3a, 3b, 3c is denoted as smart meter 3. The number of power generation devices 4a, 4b may be one or three or more, depending on the number of producers. Hereinafter, the general term for each power generation device 4a, 4b is denoted as power generation device 4. Hereinafter, the general term for each intermediary server 5a, 5b is denoted as intermediary server 5. The number of intermediary servers 5a, 5b may be two or three or more, depending on the number of intermediaries. Also, the intermediary D is the general term for intermediaries Da, Db. Also, the intermediary server 5 may be constructed by a single computer or by a plurality of computers. The number of electrical devices 8 may be two or more, depending on the number of consumers.

[0021] 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, intermediary servers 5a, 5b, and nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d such as computers. Further, 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 a large number of 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 an intermediary Da. Hereinafter, the general term for the nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is shown as node 9.

[0022] Subsequently, the terminals and devices of producers Aa, Ab, and consumer Ca will be described.

[0023] (Terminals and Devices of Producer Aa) The smartphone 2a can perform data communication with the smart meter 3a by means of short-range wireless technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the smartphone 2a can perform data communication with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0024] The smart meter 3a can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100. Also, the smart meter 3a measures, at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), the amount of power provided by the power generation device 4a, 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 owner, etc.

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

[0026] (Terminal and device of Producer Ab) The smartphone 2b can perform data communication with the smart meter 3b using 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.

[0027] The smart meter 3b can perform data communication with the mediation server 5 via the communication network 100. Also, the smart meter 3b measures, at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), the amount of power provided by the power generation device 4b, 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 owner, etc.

[0028] The power generation device 4b is a device that generates electricity using oil.

[0029] (Terminal and device of Consumer Ca) The smartphone 2c can perform data communication with the smart meter 3c using 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.

[0030] 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 via the communication network 100 to the mediation server 5. Note that 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. The mediation server 5 stores in the storage unit 5000 the certificate of the consumer Ca required for the smart meter 3c to access the blockchain in order to access the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c.

[0031] The electrical device 8 is a device that is driven using the power provided by the consumers Aa and Ab.

[0032] (Mediation server of mediator Da) The mediation server 5 processes the mediation of transactions related to assets such as the transfer of asset information between the provider of assets such as power and the user of the assets. Therefore, the mediation server 5 can perform data communication with each smartphone 2 and each smart meter 3 via the communication network 100. Also, the mediation server 5 can access the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 and perform data communication with the node 9.

[0033] (Supplementary note) Note that the smartphones 2a and 2b are examples of the communication terminals of the provider. The smartphone 2c is an example of the communication terminal of the user. The communication terminals also include smartwatches, PCs, smart glasses, etc. The smart meter 3 is an example of the measurement terminal.

[0034] 〔Hardware configuration〕 Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the hardware configurations of the smartphone 2, the smart meter 3, the mediation server 5, and the node 9 will be described.

[0035] <Hardware Configuration of Smartphone> Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. As shown in Figure 2, the smartphone 2 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an EEPROM 204, a CMOS sensor 205, an imaging device I / F 206, an acceleration / azimuth sensor 207, a media I / F 209, and a GPS receiver 211.

[0036] Among these, the CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the 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 / from a recording medium 208 such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver 211 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0037] 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 of the short-distance communication circuit 220, and a touch panel 221.

[0038] 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 / 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 images of subjects, 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] <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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The measurement sensor 307 measures the power provided or used. The switch 308 closes (turns on) or opens (turns off) an electric circuit to allow or stop the flow of electricity.

[0043] 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-distance communication circuit 320 is a communication circuit that realizes short-distance wireless technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The bus line 310 is an address bus, data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] <Hardware Configuration of the Mediator Server> FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the mediator server. Each hardware configuration of the mediator server 5 is indicated by a symbol in the 500s. As shown in FIG. 4, the mediator server 5 is constructed by a computer and includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0045] Of 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 the 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, or the like. 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, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 4.

[0046] Also, 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 the reading or writing of various data to and from 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 Disc, or the like. The media I / F 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to and from the recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0047] <Hardware Configuration of Node> Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the node. Each hardware configuration of node 9 is indicated by the reference numerals in the 900 series within parentheses. As shown in Figure 4, node 9 is constructed by a computer and has the same configuration as the mediation server 5 as shown in Figure 4, so the description of each hardware configuration is omitted.

[0048] 〔Functional Configuration〕 Subsequently, with reference to Figures 5 to 8, the functional configurations of each terminal and device for constructing the transaction system 1 will be described. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of a smartphone and a smart meter in the transaction system.

[0049] <Functional Configuration of Smartphone 2a> As shown in Figure 5, smartphone 2a has a transmission / reception unit 21a, a reception unit 22a, a display control unit 24a, a communication unit 28a, and a storage / read unit 29a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 2 operating according to instructions from CPU 201 in accordance with a program for a smartphone developed from EEPROM 204 onto RAM 203.

[0050] Furthermore, smartphone 2a has a storage unit 2000a constructed by ROM 202, RAM 203, and EEPROM 204 shown in Figure 2.

[0051] (Functional Configurations of Smartphone 2a) The transmission / reception unit 21a of smartphone 2a is mainly realized by the processing of CPU 201 for the long-distance communication circuit 212, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other devices (e.g., mediation server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0052] The reception unit 22a is mainly realized by the processing of CPU 201 for the touch panel 221, and receives various selections or inputs from the user.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The communication unit 28a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 with respect to 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.

[0055] The storage / reading processing 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.

[0056] <Functional configuration of the smartphone 2c> As shown in FIG. 5, the smartphone 2c includes 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 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 201 according to a program for the smartphone developed from the EEPROM 204 onto the RAM 203.

[0057] The smartphone 2c also includes a storage unit 2000c constructed by the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the EEPROM 204 shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] Note that each unit of the smartphone 2c (transmission / reception unit 21c, reception unit 22c, display control unit 24c, communication unit 28c, and storage / reading unit 29c) has the same function as each unit of the smartphone 2a (transmission / reception unit 21a, reception unit 22a, display control unit 24a, communication unit 28a, and storage / reading unit 29a), and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0059] Note that the smartphone 2b has the same components as the smartphone 2a, similar to the smartphone 2c. However, since it will not be described in the subsequent processing, it is omitted in FIG. 5.

[0060] <Functional Configuration of Smart Meter 3a> As shown in FIG. 5, 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 storage / readout unit 39a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 3 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.

[0061] The smart meter 3a also has a storage unit 3000a constructed by the ROM 302, RAM 303, and NVRAM 304 shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] (Functional Configurations 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., mediation server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The display control unit 34a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301, and causes the display 306 to display various images.

[0065] The communication unit 38a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 for the short-range communication circuit 320, and performs various data communications with the communication unit 28a of the smart meter 2a. In the case of wired communication, data communication is performed by connecting a communication cable to the smart meter 3a.

[0066] The memory / readout processing 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.

[0067] <Functional configuration of the smart meter 3c> As shown in FIG. 5, the smart meter 3c includes a transmission / reception unit 31c, a measurement unit 33c, a display control unit 34c, a communication unit 38c, and a memory / readout 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.

[0068] The smart meter 3a also has a storage unit 3000c constructed by the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the NVRAM 304 shown in FIG. 3.

[0069] Note that each unit of the smart meter 3c (transmission / reception unit 31c, measurement unit 33c, display control unit 34c, communication unit 38c, and memory / readout unit 39c) has the same functions as the corresponding units of the smart meter 3a (transmission / reception unit 31a, measurement unit 33a, display control unit 34a, communication unit 38a, and memory / readout unit 39a), so the descriptions of these units are omitted.

[0070] The smart meter 3b, like the smart meter 3c, has the same units as the smart meter 3a, but is omitted in FIG. 5 because it will not be described in the subsequent processing.

[0071] <Functional configuration of the mediation server 5a> For reasons of space, the functional block diagrams of the mediation servers 5a and 5b are shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the mediation servers and node functions in the trading system. As shown in FIG. 6, the mediation server 5a has a transmission / reception unit 51a, a determination unit 53a, a display control unit 54a, a judgment unit 55a, a creation unit 58a, and a storage / read unit 59a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 4 being expanded from the HD504 onto the RAM503 and operating according to instructions from the CPU501 according to the program for the mediation server.

[0072] Further, the mediation server 5a has a storage unit 5000a constructed by the ROM502 and HD504 shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] (User Management Table) FIG. 7A is a conceptual diagram showing a user management table. The user management table is a table for the mediator Da to manage each user such as a power consumer. In the storage unit 5000a, a user management DB5001a configured by a user management table as shown in FIG. 7A is constructed. In this user management table, the user ID, user name, user address (or place of residence), and selectable provider ID are managed in association with each other.

[0074] Among these, the user ID is an example of user identification information for identifying the user of an asset such as the power consumer Ca. The selectable provider ID is an example of provider identification information for identifying a provider such as a producer that can be selected by the user indicated by the user ID. For example, when the user's address is in Tokyo, the selectable providers are limited to those with addresses in Tokyo and its vicinity.

[0075] (Provider Management Table) FIG. 7B 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 5000a, a provider management DB 5002a configured by a provider management table as shown in FIG. 7B is constructed. In this provider management table, a provider ID, a provider name, a type of production method of assets such as power by the provider, and an available quantity are managed in association with each other.

[0076] 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 the production of the asset. As described above, examples of the type of production method include methods of generating using sunlight, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, petroleum, coal, liquefied natural gas, and the like. Note that the type of production method may be shown in a broad classification such as renewable energy or fossil fuel. The available quantity is the amount of assets that a provider such as a producer can provide in a certain period (or a certain time), and is, for example, the amount of electric power (kWh).

[0077] (Transaction content management table) FIG. 8A 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 a user such as the consumer Ca. In the storage unit 5000a, a transaction content management DB 5003a configured by a transaction content management table as shown in FIG. 8A 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. 7A and 7B such as the user ID indicate the same meaning.

[0078] Among these, the start date of use is information indicating the date when a user such as consumer Ca starts using an asset such as electricity. The end date of use is information indicating 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 is information indicating the percentage (%) of assets produced using renewable energy such as sunlight among the assets such as electricity used by a user such as consumer Ca.

[0079] (Transaction History Management Table) Figure 8B 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 5a from a provider such as a producer for each user. In the storage unit 5000a, a transaction history management DB5004a configured by a transaction history management table as shown in Figure 8B 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 sunlight. Also, here, as various production methods, the cases of using sunlight and petroleum are shown, but it is not limited to this, and production methods using wind power, coal, etc. may also be managed. Further, a major classification of the types of production methods indicating renewable energy and fossil fuels for electricity may also be managed.

[0080] Among the transaction history information, the item names that are the same as those in FIGS. 7A and 7B, such as the user ID, indicate the same meaning. The mediation date and time indicates the date and time when the mediation server 5a mediated the ownership of the asset obtained from the provider such as the producer to the 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 5a obtains from the provider and mediates the transaction to the user, and is indicated by, for example, the amount of electric power (kWh). The total transaction volume indicates the total amount of the asset produced by a specific type of production method assigned to the user such as the consumer Ca over a certain period (or a certain time), and is indicated by, for example, the total amount of electric power (kWh). The mediation server 5a determines the type of production method of the asset to be assigned to the user such as the consumer Ca with reference to the transaction history management DB5004a. From this, for example, when the ratio of the electric power produced by the consumer Ca using renewable energy is set to 40, the mediation server 5a refers to the total transaction volume of the transaction history management DB5004a and determines the type of production method of the asset to be provided to the consumer Ca next.

[0081] Note that the planned usage amount (for example, 20 kWh) shown in FIG. 8A is the planned usage amount per hour. Therefore, when transferring asset information every 30 minutes, the transaction volume is half of the planned usage amount (for example, for example, 10 kWh).

[0082] Also, here, as various production methods, the 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 large classification such as the type of production method indicating renewable energy and fossil fuel may be managed.

[0083] Furthermore, the types of production methods also include the types of production processes of assets. The types of production processes of assets indicate cases where the processes until the production of assets such as electricity are different. As an example, even when using the same resource, the sun, methods of producing electricity using sunlight, methods of producing electricity using solar heat, etc. are included. Also, as another example of the types of production processes of assets, methods of producing electricity using a turbine and methods of producing electricity without using a turbine are included.

[0084] (Functional configurations of the mediation server 5a) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, each functional configuration of the mediation server 5a will be described in detail. The transmission / reception unit 51a of the mediation server 5a 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, 2c) via the communication network 100. Note that the transmission / reception unit 51a also serves as a reception unit that receives the transaction details described later from the smartphone 2c.

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

[0086] The display control unit 54a 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, the various images are displayed on the smartphone 2 by the web browser function 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 55a is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 and makes various determinations.

[0088] The creation unit 58a is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 and creates an application form for the mediator D to submit to the certification authority E based on the transaction information and the asset information. This application form is created in a predetermined format for applying for a production method certificate for proving the type of the production method of the asset.

[0089] The storage / reading unit 59a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000a, or reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000.

[0090] <Functional configuration of the mediation server 5b> As shown in FIG. 6, the mediation server 5b includes a transmission / reception unit 51b, a determination unit 53b, a display control unit 54b, a determination unit 55b, a creation unit 58b, and a storage / reading unit 59b. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 4 being expanded from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503 and operating according to an instruction from the CPU 501 according to the program for the mediation server.

[0091] In addition, the mediation server 5b has a storage unit 5000b constructed by the ROM 502 and the HD 504 shown in FIG. 4. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 4 being expanded from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503 and operating according to instructions from the CPU 501 in accordance with the program for the mediation server.

[0092] In addition, the mediation server 5b has a storage unit 5000b constructed by the ROM 502 and the HD 504 shown in FIG. 4.

[0093] Note that each part of the mediation server 5b (transmission / reception unit 51b, determination unit 53b, display control unit 54b, judgment unit 55b, creation unit 58b, and storage / readout unit 59b) has the same functions as the corresponding parts of the mediation server 5a (transmission / reception unit 51a, determination unit 53a, display control unit 54a, judgment unit 55a, creation unit 58a, and storage / readout unit 59a), so the descriptions of these are omitted. Also, in the storage unit 5000b of the mediation server 5b, a user management DB 5001b, a provider management DB 5002b, a transaction content management DB 5003b, and a transaction history management DB 5004b are constructed, but they are constructed with the same items (columns) as the user management DB 5001a, provider management DB 5002a, transaction content management DB 5003a, and transaction history management DB 5004a of the mediation server 5a, respectively, so the description is omitted.

[0094] <Functional Configuration of Node 9> As shown in FIG. 6, the node 9 has a transmission / reception unit 91, a verification unit 93, a judgment unit 95, a transaction processing unit 96, an asset processing unit 97, and a storage / readout unit 99. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in FIG. 4 being expanded 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.

[0095] Node 9 also has a storage unit 9000 constructed by a ROM 902 and an HD 904 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows, as an image, a state 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 at each node.

[0096] (Functional configurations of each node) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, 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 transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other nodes in the blockchain network 90 within the communication network 100. Also, the transmission / reception unit 91 transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from the transmission / reception unit 31a of the smart meter 3a and the transmission / reception unit 51 of the mediation server 5. Although the smartphone 3b is not shown in FIG. 6, actually, the transmission / reception unit 91 also transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from the smart meter 3b.

[0097] The verification unit 93 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 of the predetermined format and content (for example, whether the provider is input, whether the provision time is input, etc.) are input.

[0098] The determination unit 95 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901 and makes various determinations.

[0099] The transaction processing unit 96 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901 and performs processes such as generating transaction information indicating a transaction used for generating asset information and storing it in the storage unit 9000.

[0100] The asset processing unit 97 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.

[0101] 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 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 9000.

[0102] [Processing or operation] Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 20, the processing or operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0103] [Mediator registration process] First, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the mediator registration process will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the mediator registration process. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of the display of the mediator registration screen, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the display of the mediator registration completion screen. Here, the case where the producer Aa registers the mediator Da among a plurality of mediators will be described. The producer Aa has previously concluded a contract with the mediator Da, and as will be described later, the producer Aa can select the mediator Da. In addition, a mediator registration application is pre-installed on the 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.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 9, on the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a displays the mediator registration screen shown in FIG. 10A on the display 218 (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 confirming the mediator name selected in the pull-down menu and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when canceling the selection are displayed.

[0105] Then, when producer Aa selects a desired mediator name from a plurality of mediator names and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 22a receives the selection of the mediator (S22). Here, the case where mediator Da is selected will be described.

[0106] After the reception unit 22a receives the selection, the communication unit 28a transmits 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. As a result, the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a receives the mediator information.

[0107] 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. As a result, the communication unit 28a of the smartphone 2a receives the registration completion information. Next, in the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a causes the display 218 to display a registration completion screen as shown in FIG. 10B. 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 producer Aa presses it, the registration completion screen is closed.

[0108]

[0109] Through the above, the registration process of the mediator is completed.

[0110] <Registration Process of Transaction Details> Next, the registration process for the details of the asset transaction will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the registration process for the details of the asset transaction. FIGS. 12A and 12B 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 details of the power transaction as an asset with the mediation server 5 using the smartphone 2c will be described.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 11, the transceiver unit 21c of the smartphone 2c transmits a display request for the transaction details registration screen to the mediation server 5a 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 51a of the mediation server 5a 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 body or the like as an individual identification number in Japan, and a telephone number of an individual or a company.

[0112] Next, in the mediation server 5a, the memory / reading unit 59a searches the user management DB5001a (see FIG. 7A) using the user ID received in step S41 as a search key, and reads out all the corresponding selectable provider IDs (S42). Further, the memory / reading unit 59a searches the provider management DB5002a 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 54a creates a transaction content registration screen as shown in FIG. 12(a) using the information read out in step S43 (S44). As a result, on the smartphone 2c, the display control unit 24c causes the web browser function to display the transaction content registration screen shown in FIG. 12A created by the mediation server 5a on the display 218 of the smartphone 2c (S45). On this transaction content registration screen, there are input fields (usage period date of the asset (here, power), end date of asset usage, planned usage amount of the asset, and renewable energy utilization rate), and a plurality of check boxes for selecting the provider of the asset are displayed. Also, at the bottom of the transaction content registration screen, an "OK" button to be pressed when confirming the input to the input fields and the checked transaction content in the check boxes, and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when canceling without confirming the transaction content are displayed.

[0113] Here, when the consumer Ca operates the touch panel of the smartphone 2c to input a desired numerical value into each input field, further checks the check box of the desired provider, and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 22c receives the input and selection of the transaction content (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.

[0114] Here, consumer Ca selects producer Aa who produces electricity using sunlight as the energy 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%.

[0115] Next, the transceiver 21c of the smartphone 2c transmits transaction content information indicating the input and selected content to the mediation server 5a via the communication network 100 (S47). Thereby, the transceiver 51a of the mediation server 5a receives the transaction content information to accept the transaction content.

[0116] Next, in the mediation server 5a, the storage / reading unit 59a manages by associating and storing the transaction content information received in step S47 with the user ID received in step S41 in the transaction content management DB 5003a (see Fig. 8(a)) (S48).

[0117] Thus, the registration process of the transaction content is completed.

[0118] <Process of setting the owner of the asset as the mediator> Subsequently, with reference to Figs. 13 and 14, the process of setting the owner of the asset provided by the provider as the mediator will be described. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process of setting the owner of the asset provided by the provider as the mediator. Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram of the transaction information and the asset information. Here, the 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.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 13, 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 transmission and reception 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 information on the provider, the provided date and time, (tradable) quantity, type of production method, and the owner of the asset. As a result, the transmission and reception 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. 14. The content of this provided information is determined in advance by a smart contract (automation of the contract) of the blockchain.

[0120] Next, the verification unit 93 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.

[0121] Next, the transaction processing unit 96 generates transaction information as shown in FIG. 14 using the provided information received in step S62 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S64). In this case, the transaction processing unit 96 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, the provided date and time, (tradable) quantity, production method, and the owner).

[0122] Among these, the transaction ID is an example of unique identification information for identifying transaction information. The transaction type is information indicating the type of processing content for the asset information. In FIG. 14, since the transaction type is the generation of asset information, the asset processing unit 97 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. 8(b). The owner is information indicating the owner of the asset indicating the ownership of the asset.

[0123] Next, the asset processing unit 97 generates the asset information shown in FIG. 14 according to the transaction information shown in FIG. 14 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S65). In this case, the asset processing unit 97 sets the provision information (information on the provider, provision date and time, (tradable) quantity, production method, and owner) in 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. The transaction status is information indicating whether the asset information has been traded (assigned) to the user by the mediation server 5. In FIG. 14, 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.

[0124] Also, the transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9 distributes the transaction information generated in step S64 as a block to a plurality of other nodes in the blockchain network 90 (S66). As a result, each other node verifies the block, adds it to the chain of blocks already stored in each node, and then generates the asset information in the same manner as in step S65 according to the transaction information and stores it in each storage unit. Note that a plurality of transaction information may be stored in one block.

[0125] 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. Thereby, the transceiver 31a of the smart meter 3a receives the response.

[0126] Next, in the smart meter 3a, the storage / readout unit 39a stores the response content in the storage unit 3000a.

[0127] As described above, the process of providing the asset information from the provider to the mediator ends when the asset information indicating the content etc. where the asset owner is set as the mediator Da is managed on the blockchain network.

[0128] <Process of providing asset information from the mediator to the user> Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19, the process of setting the asset owner mediated by the mediator as the user will be described. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the process of setting the asset owner mediated by the mediator as the user.

[0129] First, the transceiver unit 31c of the smart meter 3c of consumer Ca transmits usage information regarding power as an asset once every predetermined time (for example, every 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 amount of power used as an asset, and information on the usage time of power as an asset. As a result, the transceiver unit 51a of the mediation server 5a receives the usage information. Then, the transceiver unit 51a transmits a request for all asset information of which the mediator Da who manages the mediation server 5a is the owner to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S82). This request includes an electronic certificate for proving that the mediation server 5a managed by the mediator Da is a server accessible to the blockchain network 90, and information indicating the mediator Da as the owner. As a result, the transceiver unit 91 of node 9 receives the request for all asset information.

[0130] Next, at node 9, the verification unit 93 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 node 9. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is normal will be described.

[0131] The storage / reading unit 99 of node 9 reads out all asset information managed as the mediator Da who manages the mediation server 5a by the owner (S84). Then, the transceiver unit 91 transmits all the asset information read out in step S84 to the mediation server 5a (S85). As a result, the transceiver unit 51a of the mediation server 5a receives all the asset information. As a result, at the mediation server 5a, it is possible to receive asset information that can be assigned to the user and of which the owner is the mediator Da. Next, the storage / reading unit 59a of the mediation server 5a searches the transaction content management DB5003a using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key, and reads out the corresponding transaction content information (S86). Further, the storage / reading unit 59a searches the transaction history management DB5004a using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key, and reads out the corresponding total transaction amounts (S87). In the case of FIG. 8B, the total transaction amounts are read out as 20 (kWh) for the total amount of power produced by sunlight and 160 (kWh) for the total amount of power produced by oil.

[0132] Next, the determination unit 53a determines the type of production method of the asset related to the asset information to be transferred to the consumer Ca as a user, based on the transaction content information read out in step S86 and the total transaction amounts read out in step S87 (S88).

[0133] (Determination process of the type of production method) Here, the process of step S88 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the determination process of the type of production method. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing the process of transferring the ownership of an asset produced by a specific type of production method between the mediation server and a predetermined mediation server other than its own server.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 16, the determination unit 53a determines the type of production method of the asset (electric power) related to the asset information to be transferred to the consumer Ca as a user, based on the transaction content information read out in step S86 and the total transaction amounts read out in step S87 (S121). For example, in the transaction content information, when the type of 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 production method as "sunlight" so as to approach the renewable energy rate of "40".

[0135] Next, the determination unit 55a determines whether the specific asset information received in step S85 includes (1) the transaction status set to "not yet", (2) the type of production method determined in step S121, and (3) the tradable quantity equal to the usage amount received in step S81 (S122). If it is determined by the determination unit 55a that it is included (S122; YES), the determination unit 53a maintains the determination result by step S121 (S123). Thereby, the detailed processing of step S88 shown in FIG. 16 is completed.

[0136] On the other hand, in step S122, when the determination unit 55a determines that it is not included (NO), the determination unit 55a further determines whether it has sent a request (first change request) to all queryable mediation servers other than its own server (mediation server 5a) to change the owner of the asset information from a predetermined mediator of a predetermined mediation server other than its own server to the mediator Da of the mediation server 5a (S124). And in step S124, when it is determined by the determination unit 55a that the first change request has not been sent to all mediation servers other than its own server (mediation server 5a) (NO), as shown in FIG. 17, the transmission / reception unit 51a of the mediation server 5a cannot change the owner of the specific asset produced by the above production method from the original owner, and sends a change request to the mediation server 5b as an example of a mediation server other than its own server (mediation server 5a) (S125). Specifically, the transmission / reception unit 51a sends a request (an example of the first change request) to change the owner of the same type of asset produced by the same specific type of production method as the asset produced by the specific type of production method determined in step S121 from the mediator Db of the mediation server 5b to the mediator Da of the mediation server 5a. This request includes information on the type of production method determined in step S121, the tradable quantity based on the planned usage read in step S86, and each information indicating the owner (mediator Da) as the transfer destination. The information indicating the owner (mediator Da) may be the owner name or the owner ID for identifying the owner (mediator Da). Thereby, the transmission / reception unit 51b of the mediation server 5b receives this request.

[0137] Next, the transmission / reception unit 51b of the mediation server 5b sends a request for all asset information of which the mediator Db is the owner to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S142). This request includes an electronic certificate for proving that the mediation server 5b managed by the mediator Db is a server accessible to the blockchain network 90, and information indicating that the owner is the mediator Db. Thereby, the transmission / reception unit 91 of the node 9 receives the request for all asset information.

[0138] Next, at node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies the certificate received in step S142 (S142). 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. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is normal will be described.

[0139] The storage / reading unit 99 of node 9 reads out all the asset information managed by the owner as the mediator Db of the mediation server 5b (S144). Then, the transmission / reception unit 91 transmits all the asset information read out in step S144 to the mediation server 5b (S145). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51b of the mediation server 5b receives all the asset information.

[0140] Next, the determination unit 55b of the mediation server 5b determines whether the specific asset information in which (1) the transaction status is set to "not yet", (2) the type of production method requested in step S125 is set, and (3) the tradable quantity requested in step S125 is set is included in all the asset information received in step S145. For example, when the asset information in which the production method using solar power is set is requested by step S125, the determination unit 55b of the mediation server 5b determines whether there is asset information in which the type of production method is set to "solar power". In addition, when there is only asset information in which the tradable quantity set is less than the tradable quantity requested in step S125 among the plurality of asset information received in step S145, the determination unit 55b determines whether there is a plurality of specific asset information that satisfies the tradable quantity requested in step S125. Here, the case where there is specific asset information in which the requested type of production method is set will be continuously described.

[0141] Next, the transceiver unit 51b of the mediation server 5b transmits a change request (second change request) to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to change the owner of the specific asset information determined in step 146 from the mediator Db of the mediation server 5b to the mediator Da of the mediation server 5a (S147). The change request in this step S147 includes the asset ID for identifying the specific asset information determined in step S146 above. Also, the change request in step S147 includes information indicating the new owner (mediator Da).

[0142] Next, at the node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies each piece of information (asset ID, owner) received in step S147 (S148). This verification is a process of determining whether each piece of information has a predetermined format and content. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is okay will be described.

[0143] Next, based on the change request in step S147, the node 9 generates transaction information and changes (or generates) the asset information (S149).

[0144] Here, the process of step S149 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of the transition of transaction information and asset information in the process of step S149. In FIG. 19, the description will be made starting from the state where the first transaction information and the first asset information have already been generated, and on the blockchain network 90, the first asset information with the owner being the mediator Db and the type of production method being solar power is being managed.

[0145] The transaction processing unit 96 generates second transaction information, and as shown in FIG. 18, 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. Then, the asset processing unit 97 changes the content of the first asset information according to the second transaction information, as shown in FIG. 18. 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 mediation (mediator Da), the asset ID for identifying the asset information that is the transfer (transaction) target, and the (transferable) amount of the asset (here, electric power).

[0146] Then, the asset processing unit 97 makes a change to the first asset information as shown in FIG. 18. Specifically, the asset processing unit 97 changes the owner in the first asset information from "mediator Db" to "mediator Da". In this case, since the asset information is not transferred to a user such as the end consumer Ca, but can still be transferred in the future, the transaction status remains "not yet" in the first asset information.

[0147] Next, returning to FIG. 17, the transceiver 91 of node 9 transmits a response to the request in step S147 to the mediation server 5b (S150). This response indicates whether the processing of the request in step S147 was successful or failed. Thereby, the transceiver 51b of the mediation server 5b receives the response.

[0148] Next, the transmission / reception unit 51b of the mediation server 5b transmits a response to the request in step S125 to the mediation server 5a (S151). Here, in step S150, if the transmission / reception unit 51b has received a response indicating "success", the transmission / reception unit 51b transmits, to the mediation server 5a, as the response content indicated in step S151, information indicating "change completed" together with an asset ID for identifying the asset information for which the change has been completed. Also, in step S150, if the transmission / reception unit 51b has received a response indicating "failure", the transmission / reception unit 51b transmits, to the mediation server 5a, information indicating "change impossible" as the response content indicated in step S151. Thereby , the transmission / reception unit 51a of the mediation server 5a receives the response from the mediation server 5b. Note that even when it is determined in the process of step S146 that there is no asset information requested from the mediation server 5a, information indicating "change impossible" is transmitted in step S151.

[0149] Subsequently, returning to FIG. 16, the determination unit 55a determines whether the owner of the asset produced by the production method of the type requested in step S125 has been changed from a predetermined mediator other than the mediator Da of the mediation server 5a to the mediator Da of the mediation server 5a as a response in step S151 to the request in step S125 (S126). And in step S126, if it is determined that the transfer has occurred (YES), the process proceeds to step S123, and the allocation of the asset information transferred from a predetermined mediation server Db or the like other than its own server is performed.

[0150] On the other hand, in step S126, if it is not determined that the transfer has occurred (or if it is determined that the transfer has not occurred) (NO), the process proceeds to step S124.

[0151] Also, in the above step S124, when it is determined by the determination unit 55a that the first change request has been sent to all the intermediary servers that can be inquired other than the own server (YES), the determination unit 53a re-determines a specific production method type from among the types of production methods managed by all the asset information received in step S85 (S127). In this case, since the intermediary server 5a has not been transferred the asset information related to assets such as power produced using sunlight from the intermediary server 5b or the like, in the process of mediating this transaction, the intermediary server 5a will transfer the ownership of the asset information related to assets such as power produced using oil or the like. Note that since the transaction mediation is performed once every 30 minutes, after 30 minutes, the intermediary server 5a may be transferred the ownership of the asset information related to assets such as power produced using sunlight from the intermediary server 5b or the like. Thereby, the detailed process of step S88 shown in FIG. 16 ends.

[0152] Subsequently, returning to FIG. 15, the storage / reading unit 59a adds the content processed in step S88 to the transaction history management DB5004a by storing it (S89). Thereby, for example, the storage / reading unit 59a adds a record indicating the mediation date and time "2020.1.1 9:00 - 9:30", the transaction volume "10", and, for example, the production method type "sunlight" and the total transaction volume by sunlight "30" in the transaction history management DB5004 (see FIG. 8B).

[0153] Next, the transceiver unit 51a of the mediation server 5a transmits a request to change asset information (the third change request) 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 indicating the new owner (consumer Ca). This information indicating the new owner may be the user ID received in step S81 or the owner name. When there are a plurality of assets produced by the specific type of production method determined in step 88, the transceiver unit 51a 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.

[0154] Next, at the node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies each piece of information (asset ID, owner) received in step S90 (S91). This verification is a process of determining whether each piece of information has a predetermined format and content. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is normal will be described.

[0155] Next, based on the change request in step S90, the node 9 generates transaction information and changes (or generates) the asset information (S92).

[0156] Here, the process of step S92 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of the transition of transaction information and asset information in the process of step S92. The first transaction information and the first asset information on the left side of FIG. 18 are the same as the transaction information and the asset information in FIG. 14, respectively. Here, after the smart meter 3a sets the owner of the asset to the mediator Da (generation of the first asset information based on the first transaction information), the mediation server 5 changes the owner of the asset 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.

[0157] In step S92, the transaction processing unit 96 generates the 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 asset information transaction was mediated, the new owner after mediation, the asset ID for identifying the asset information to be transferred, and the usage amount of the asset (here, electricity) received in step S90.

[0158] Then, the asset processing unit 97 changes the first asset information as shown in FIG. 19. The asset processing unit 97 changes the "(transferable) amount" to the "(usage) amount" and changes the owner from "mediator Da" to "consumer Ca" in the first asset information. Further, the asset processing unit 97 changes the transaction status from "uncompleted" to "completed" in the first asset information. Note that the asset information with the transaction status changed to "completed" in this way will be excluded from the transaction target in the future. Therefore, the transaction processing unit 96 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 excluded from the transaction target will not be transferred again.

[0159] With the above, the process of step S92 ends.

[0160] Subsequently, returning to FIG. 15, the transceiver 91 of node 9 transmits a response to the request in step S90 to the mediation server 5 (S93). This response indicates whether the process for the request in step S90 was successful or failed. Thereby, the transceiver 51 of the mediation server 5 receives the response.

[0161] Next, the transceiver 51a of the mediation server 5a transmits a response to the transmission in step S81 to the smart meter 3c (S94). Thereby, the transceiver 31c of the smart meter 3c receives the response from the mediation server 5a. Note that the content of this response indicates the content of the response (success or failure) received in step S93, and is managed or displayed by the smart meter 3c. Also, when the mediation server 5a receives a response indicating "change completed" from the mediation server 5b in the process of step S151, a response indicating "success" is also transmitted in step S94.

[0162] <Mediation Process of Production Method Certificate> Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 20, the mediation process of the production method certificate of the asset will be described. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing the mediation process of the production method certificate of the asset. In order to prove that the type of production method of the power consumed by the consumer Ca is renewable energy such as solar power, the consumer Ca makes a request to the mediator Da to obtain a production method certificate for proving the production method of the asset from the certification authority E. This will be described below.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 20, when consumer Ca operates smartphone 2c, transmission / reception unit 21c transmits a request for a production method certificate of an asset via communication network 100 (S201). Thereby, transmission / reception unit 51 of mediation server 5 receives the request. This request includes a user ID for identifying the user as consumer Ca and transaction period information indicating the period during which the asset is to be traded. That is, consumer Ca requests a production method certificate for a specific transaction period, for example, from January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020.

[0164] Next, transmission / reception unit 51 of mediation server 5 transmits a request for transaction information and asset information to node 9 of blockchain network 90 (S202). This request includes the certificate of mediation server 5, the user as the owner (here, consumer Ca), and the transaction period information. Thereby, transmission / reception unit 91 of node 9 receives the request. The certificate of mediation server 5 is the same as the content transmitted in step S82 above. Also, the transaction period information is the transaction period information received in step S121.

[0165] Next, at node 9, verification unit 93 verifies the certificate received in step S122 (S203). Verification of the certificate is a process of determining whether the received certificate is the certificate of a server pre-registered in node 9. Subsequently, the case where the verification result is okay will be described.

[0166] Next, storage / reading unit 99 reads out the transaction information and asset information set with consumer Ca as the owner within the predetermined transaction period indicated by the transaction period information received in step S202 (S204). In this case, storage / reading unit 99 reads out the 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, storage / reading unit 99 reads out the asset information based on the asset ID indicated in the read specific transaction information.

[0167] Then, the transceiver 91 of node 9 transmits the transaction information and asset information requested by the mediation server 5 (S205). As a result, the transceiver 51 of the mediation server 5 receives the transaction information and asset information.

[0168] Next, in the mediation server 5, the creation unit 58 creates an application form for the mediator to submit to the certification authority E based on the transaction information and asset information received in step S205 (S206). This application form is used to apply for a production method certificate for proving the type of asset production method.

[0169] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1, the mediator Da sends the application form created in step S206 to the certification authority E by mail or the like (S1). Then, the certification authority E creates a production method certificate for the asset to prove that 40% of the power consumed by the consumer Ca is produced by renewable energy such as sunlight, and sends it to the mediator Da by mail or the like (S2). Then, the mediator Da sends the production method certificate to the consumer Ca by mail or the like (S3). Note that, if necessary, the certification authority E may obtain the transaction information and asset information from the blockchain network 90 and check the content before issuing the production method certificate.

[0170] Thus, the mediation process of the production method certificate by the mediator Da is completed. As a result, after receiving the production method certificate, the consumer Ca can use it for the company's image improvement or for applying for subsidies from the country or the like due to the use of renewable energy.

[0171] 〔Main effects of the embodiment〕 As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the mediation server 5a does not have the ownership of the assets produced by the required type of production method (S122; NO), it is assumed that the ownership of the assets by the specific type of production method requested from the smart meter 3c cannot be changed, and by receiving from the mediation server 5b (S126; YES), there is an effect that it is possible to suppress an increase in the price of the assets and the occurrence of unused and wasted assets.

[0172] In addition, since the quality of assets such as electric power provided to the user is constant, even when the type of the production method of the assets is unknown, the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 manages the asset information indicating the type of the production method of the assets and the owner of the assets, and the transaction information used to generate this asset information, thereby having an effect that it is possible to prove the type of the production method without fraud.

[0173] In addition, in order to achieve stable utilization of electric power, it is necessary to adjust the consumed electric power and the produced electric power to be the same in real time (same amount at the same time). However, since 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. On the other hand, 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 electric power, but after the consumer Ca uses the asset. A change request is sent to the blockchain network 90 (S89). By such a process like post-payment, it is possible to manage the ownership of assets by 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 electric power transactions without worrying about changes in asset information.

[0174] Furthermore, the mediation server 5 can also be used for applications such as instant transactions of assets such as electric power produced using renewable energy such as solar power by changing the ownership of a specific type of the production method of the asset.

[0175] 〔Others〕 In the above embodiment, the asset information includes information indicating the owner of the asset, but in some cases, the information indicating the owner may not be included. For example, when the user is also the producer, when the user is self-sufficient, 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.

[0176] In the above embodiment, power is shown as an example of an asset, but it is not limited to this. As follows, assets that physically (or actually) exist and assets that do not physically (or actually) exist are also included.

[0177] Examples of assets that physically (or actually) exist include foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, 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 production area. 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 production area. When the asset is seafood 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 production area (fishing area). When the asset is a processed product, the asset information is incidental information such as information indicating allergenic substances, information indicating whether it was processed using genetically modified crops, or information indicating the processor or the location of the processing facility.

[0178] 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.

[0179] On the other hand, examples of assets that do not physically (or actually) exist include tokens (virtual currencies) or the quantity of tokens, carbon dioxide emission rights, rights such as intellectual property rights, and contracts. When the asset is a token, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership. When the asset is a carbon dioxide emission right, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership. When the asset is a right such as an intellectual property right, the asset information is incidental 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 incidental information such as the contract terms and the performance status. Note that not only contracts, but also treaties, agreements, promises, memorandums, notes, etc. are the same as contracts.

[0180] In addition, as assets in the case of 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 incidental information such as ownership.

[0181] Each component of each CPU 201, 301, 501, 901, etc. may be single or multiple.

[0182] In addition, each function in the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present embodiment includes 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 of the above-described functions, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a SOC (System on a chip), a GPU, and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0183] Furthermore, the power generation device 4a (4b) may be provided with a device or function that is a smart meter 3a (3b). Also, the electric device 8 may be provided with a device or function that is a smart meter 3c.

[0184] In addition, each of the above programs may be distributed by being recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD.

[0185] Furthermore, in the communication between the smartphone 2 (or smart meter 3), the mediation server 5, and each node 9, another server or the like may relay data.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0186] 1 Transaction system 2 Smartphone (an example of a communication terminal) 3 Smart meter (an example of a measurement terminal) 4 Power generation device 5a Mediating server (an example of other mediating servers) 5b Mediating server (own server) 8 Electrical device 9 Node 10 Transmission and distribution network 51 Transmission and reception unit (reception unit) 53 Decision-making unit 90 Blockchain network 91 Transmission and reception unit 95 Judgment unit 96 Transaction processing unit 97 Asset processing unit 100 Communication network 5001 User management DB 5002 Provider management DB 5003 Transaction content management DB 5004 Transaction history management DB

Claims

1. An intermediary server that mediates transactions regarding an asset between a provider of the asset and a user of the asset by requesting a change in the owner of the asset to a blockchain network, A receiving means for receiving a first change request, sent by another intermediary server capable of requesting the blockchain network to change the owner of an asset, the owner of which is an intermediary managing the intermediary server, from the intermediary to another intermediary managing the other intermediary server; a transmitting means for transmitting a second change request to the blockchain network based on the reception of the first change request by the receiving means, for changing the owner of the asset whose owner is the intermediary from the intermediary to the other intermediary; and The intermediary server is characterized in that the transmission means transmits a response indicating completion of the change to the other intermediary server.

2. The first change request includes information indicating the planned usage amount of the asset, The system further includes a determination means for determining whether or not there is an asset that satisfies the planned usage amount among the assets owned by the intermediary. The intermediary server according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The intermediary server according to claim 2, wherein said transmission means transmits a response indicating completion of the change to said other intermediary server in response to said first change request.

4. The intermediary server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the asset is electricity.

5. The intermediation server according to any one of claims 1 to 4; The other intermediary server; A trading system characterized by being constructed by

6. An intermediation method executed by an intermediary server that mediates transactions regarding an asset between a provider of the asset and a user of the asset by requesting a change in the owner of the asset to a blockchain network, a receiving step of receiving a first change request, transmitted by another intermediary server capable of requesting a change of asset owner from the blockchain network, for changing the owner of an asset whose owner is an intermediary managing the intermediary server from the intermediary to another intermediary managing the other intermediary server; a sending step of sending a second change request to the blockchain network based on the first change request being received by the receiving step, for changing the owner of the asset whose owner is the intermediary from the intermediary to the other intermediary; Run The intermediation method, wherein the sending step includes a process of sending a response indicating completion of the change to the other intermediation server.

7. A program for causing a computer to execute the intermediation method according to claim 6.

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