Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique for matching sellers and buyers of generated power.SOLUTION: An information processing device disclosed herein comprises a control unit. The control unit extracts information on an incentive suitable for a seller from information on a plurality of incentives to be granted by a plurality of buyers to sellers through transaction of generated power with sellers. The control unit provides the seller with the extracted information on the incentive.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of environmental protection, it has been popular to generate generated electric power using renewable energy. Techniques for matching such sellers and buyers of generated electric power are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a power trading matching system for mutual lending of surplus power among a plurality of consumers who own a power generation device and a storage battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement in the conventional technique for matching sellers and buyers of generated electric power.

[0005] In view of this point, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the technique for matching sellers and buyers of generated electric power.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that extracts incentive information corresponding to the seller from among information on a plurality of incentives respectively given to the seller by a plurality of buyers through the sale and purchase of generated electric power with the seller, and provides the extracted incentive information to the seller.

[0007] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is Extracting incentive information corresponding to the seller from among the information on a plurality of incentives respectively given by a plurality of buyers to the seller through the sale and purchase of generated electric power; Providing the extracted incentive information to the seller; and the like. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the technology for matching a seller and a buyer of generated electric power can be improved as compared with the conventional technology. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Configuration of Support System) A support system 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is a system for supporting the transaction of generated electric power. The generated electric power is generated using renewable energy. The renewable energy is, for example, sunlight, wind power, or geothermal heat, etc.

[0012] The support system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a plurality of first terminal devices 20, and a plurality of second terminal devices 30. However, the support system 1 only needs to include at least one first terminal device 20 and at least one second terminal device 30.

[0013] The information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30 can communicate with each other via the network 2. The network 2 can be any network including a mobile communication network and the Internet, etc.

[0014] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a dedicated computer configured to function as a server, a general-purpose personal computer, or a cloud computing system, etc.

[0015] The information processing device 10 is managed by a mediator who mediates between the seller 3 of the generated electric power and the buyer 4. The mediator is, for example, an electric power company. The information processing device 10 executes a process for matching the seller 3 and the buyer 4.

[0016] For example, a solar power generation device is installed at the home of the seller 3. The seller 3 generates generated electric power by the solar power generation device. The seller 3 sells the generated electric power. However, the seller 3 may generate generated electric power using any renewable energy other than sunlight. The seller 3 is, for example, a consumer. The seller 3 may be a so-called prosumer. Also, the solar power generation device may be arranged at any facility or equipment other than the home of the seller 3 as long as it is a facility or equipment managed by the seller 3.

[0017] The buyer 4 purchases the generated electric power from at least one of the plurality of sellers 3. The buyer 4 may be engaged in a business. The business operated by the buyer 4 may be any business. For example, the business operated by the buyer 4 may be the sale of kitchen supplies, the operation of a restaurant, or the manufacture of soft drink products, etc. The buyer 4 uses the purchased generated electric power at the consumer facility. The consumer facility may be, for example, a store that sells kitchen supplies, a restaurant, or a soft drink product manufacturing factory, etc. As will be described later, the buyer 4 can promote its own business to the seller 3 through the sale and purchase of generated electric power with the seller 3 via the information processing device 10.

[0018] The first terminal device 20 and the second terminal device 30 are any terminal devices such as, for example, a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), or a tablet terminal. A dedicated application program for power trading may be installed in the first terminal device 20 and the second terminal device 30. Hereinafter, the dedicated application program for power trading is also referred to as a "dedicated app".

[0019] The first terminal device 20 is operated by the seller 3. The seller 3 can operate the first terminal device 20 and view the information of the plurality of buyers 4 provided by the information processing device 10. The seller 3 can view the information of the plurality of buyers 4 by the first terminal device 20 and select the buyer 4 from among the plurality of buyers 4 to whom it wants to sell the generated electric power.

[0020] The second terminal device 30 is operated by the buyer 4. The buyer 4 can view the information of the plurality of sellers 3 by the second terminal device 30.

[0021] (Configuration of the information processing device) As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0022] The communication unit 11 is configured to include at least one communication module that can be connected to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module compliant with a standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN. The communication unit 11 is connected to the network 2 via a wired LAN or a wireless LAN by the communication module.

[0023] The storage unit 12 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 12 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores data used for the operation of the information processing device 10 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0024] The control unit 13 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 13 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10 while controlling each part of the information processing device 10.

[0025] (Configuration of the First Terminal Device and the Second Terminal Device) As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25. The second terminal device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0026] The communication units 21 and 31 are configured to include at least one communication module connectable to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). Alternatively, the communication module is a communication module compatible with a standard such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0027] The input units 22 and 32 are capable of receiving inputs from the user. The input units 22 and 32 are configured to include at least one input interface capable of receiving inputs from the user. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a microphone, or a touch screen. The touch screen of the input unit 22 may be provided integrally with the display of the display unit 23. The touch screen of the input unit 32 may be provided integrally with the display of the display unit 33.

[0028] The display units 23 and 33 are capable of displaying data. The display units 23 and 33 are, for example, displays. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0029] The storage units 24 and 34 are configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM.

[0030] The storage unit 24 stores data used for the operation of the first terminal device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the first terminal device 20. For example, the storage unit 24 stores a system program, an application program, embedded software, and the like.

[0031] The storage unit 34 stores data used for the operation of the second terminal device 30 and data obtained by the operation of the second terminal device 30. For example, the storage unit 34 stores a system program, an application program, embedded software, and the like.

[0032] The control units 25 and 35 are configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0033] The control unit 25 executes processes related to the operation of the first terminal device 20 while controlling each part of the first terminal device 20.

[0034] The control unit 35 executes processes related to the operation of the second terminal device 30 while controlling each part of the second terminal device 30.

[0035] (Operation of the support system) FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation procedure of the support system 1 shown in FIG. 1. The operation of the support system 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 corresponds to the information processing method according to the present embodiment.

[0036] The processes of steps S1 and S2 are executed by at least one of the plurality of first terminal devices 20 included in the support system 1.

[0037] In the process of step S1, the control unit 25 receives information of the seller 3 from the seller 3 through the input unit 22. The control unit 25 may receive the information of the seller 3 via a web page or a dedicated app provided by the information processing device 10. The information of the seller 3 may be any information as long as it is information regarding the seller 3. The information of the seller 3 may be set by an intermediary who manages the information processing device 10. The intermediary may set the information of the seller 3 in consideration of the marketing of the buyer 4. The information of the seller 3 may include the attribute information of the seller 3. The attribute information of the seller 3 may be information indicating the characteristics or properties of the seller 3. The attribute information of the seller 3 may include, for example, at least any one of information such as the age of the seller 3, the gender of the seller 3, the place of residence of the seller 3, the family composition of the seller 3, the hobbies of the seller 3, and the preferences of the seller 3. The hobbies of the seller 3 are, for example, cooking or music appreciation, etc.

[0038] In the process of step S2, the control unit 25 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit the information of the seller 3 received in the process of step S1 to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 by the communication unit 21.

[0039] In the process of step S3, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 controls the communication unit 11 to receive the information of the seller 3 from the first terminal device 20 via the network 2 by the communication unit 11.

[0040] The processes of steps S4 and S5 are executed by at least one second terminal device 30 among the plurality of second terminal devices 30 included in the support system 1.

[0041] In the process of step S4, the control unit 35 receives incentive information from the buyer 4 through the input unit 32.

[0042] The incentive is the reward given to Seller 3. Specifically, it is the reward given to Seller 3 when Seller 3 sells the generated electric power to Buyer 4. Buyer 4 may use any product or service that can be used for promoting the business it operates as the incentive. As an example, when Buyer 4 is engaged in the business of selling kitchen supplies, a bread knife may be used as the incentive. As another example, when Buyer 4 is engaged in the business of operating a restaurant, a coupon for the restaurant may be used as the incentive. As yet another example, when Buyer 4 is engaged in the business of manufacturing soft drink products, beer may be used as the incentive.

[0043] The information on the incentive may include the information on the first point count. The first point count is the number of points required for granting the incentive. As will be described later, the first point count is calculated based on the amount of generated electric power sold by Seller 3 to Buyer 4. The first point count may be set separately from the cash for buying and selling the generated electric power. Buyer 4 may appropriately set the first point count according to the content of the incentive.

[0044] In the process of Step S4, the control unit 35 may, together with the input of the incentive information, receive the input of the conditions of the target person through the input unit 32. The conditions of the target person are the conditions of the person to whom the incentive is to be granted. Buyer 4 may set, as the conditions of the target person, the conditions of the consumers who Buyer 4 wants to promote its business through the granting of the incentive. As an example, when Buyer 4's business is the sale of kitchen supplies and the incentive is a bread knife, Buyer 4 may set the conditions of the target person as the condition that the hobby is cooking. As another example, when Buyer 4's business is the operation of a restaurant and the incentive is a coupon for the restaurant, Buyer 4 may set the conditions of the target person as the condition that the place of residence of the target person and the location of the restaurant belong to the same area. As yet another example, when Buyer 4's business is the manufacture of soft drink products and the incentive is beer, Buyer 4 may set the conditions of the target person as the condition that the age is from 20 to 60 years old.

[0045] In the process of step S4, the control unit 35 may receive, via the input unit 32, the input of information indicating the buyer 4 to whom the incentive is given, together with the input of incentive information. The information indicating the buyer 4 may be, for example, at least any one of the identification information of the buyer 4, the attribute information of the buyer 4, and the name information of the buyer 4. The identification information of the buyer 4 may be any information as long as the buyer 4 can be identified. The identification information of the buyer 4 may include an identification symbol such as the brand logo of the buyer 4. The attribute information of the buyer 4 may be information indicating the characteristics or properties of the buyer 4. The name of the buyer 4 may be a name that the buyer 4 wants to make known to consumers, or a name of the buyer 4 that is already well-known to consumers. The name of the buyer 4 is, for example, the name of a restaurant, the name of a retail store, or the name of a company. However, the name of the buyer 4 may be preset by the buyer 4 in the information processing apparatus 10.

[0046] In the process of step S5, the control unit 35 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit, via the communication unit 31, the incentive information to the information processing apparatus 10 through the network 2. The control unit 35 may transmit the information indicating the conditions of the target person and the buyer 4 together with the incentive information.

[0047] In the process of step S6, the control unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives, via the network 2 from the second terminal device 30, the incentive information, the information indicating the conditions of the target person, and the information indicating the buyer 4 through the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to receive these information. The control unit 13 stores the received incentive information and the like in the storage unit 12.

[0048] The processes of steps S4 to S6 may be repeatedly executed. In this case, the processes of steps S4 and S5 may be repeatedly executed by different second terminal devices 30. By repeatedly executing the processes of steps S4 and S5, a plurality of incentive information set by different buyers 4 is accumulated in the storage unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0049] In the process of step S7, the control unit 13 extracts, for each seller 3, the information on the incentive to be provided to that seller 3 from among the information on a plurality of incentives. As an example, the control unit 13 extracts, from among the information on a plurality of incentives, the information on the incentive for which the seller 3 meets the conditions of the target person. However, the control unit 13 may extract the information on the incentive to be provided to the seller 3 by any method.

[0050] In the process of step S8, the control unit 13 provides the information on the incentive extracted for each seller 3. The control unit 13 may provide the extracted information on the incentive to the seller 3 by any method. As an example, the control unit 13 may provide the information on the incentive to the seller 3 by posting the information on the incentive on a web page. As another example, when a dedicated app is installed in the first terminal device 20, the control unit 13 may provide the information on the incentive to the seller 3 via the dedicated app. As yet another example, the control unit 13 may provide the information on the incentive to the seller 3 by simply transmitting the information on the incentive to the communication unit 11 of the first terminal device 20 of the seller 3 via the network 2.

[0051] In the process of step S8, the control unit 13 may also provide the seller 3 with the information indicating the buyer 4 received in the process of step S6 together with the extracted information on the incentive. The control unit 13 may provide, as the information indicating the buyer 4, the information on the name of the buyer 4.

[0052] In the process of step S8, the control unit 13 may provide the seller 3 with the information on the predicted power generation amount of the seller 3 for a predetermined period together with the extracted incentive information. Hereinafter, the predetermined period will be described as a calendar month. However, the predetermined period is not limited to a calendar month. The predetermined period may be set in consideration of the convenience of the seller 3 and the buyer 4, etc. Hereinafter, the predetermined period may also be described as "N months" (N is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ N ≦ 12). The N months may be the month in which the process of step S8 is executed, or may be a month after the month in which the process of step S8 is executed. The control unit 13 may calculate the predicted power generation amount of the seller 3 for N months from the past power generation amounts of the seller 3. The control unit 13 may provide the seller 3 with the information on the predicted power generation amount of the seller 3 for N months and the information on the number of first points corresponding to the predicted power generation amount.

[0053] In the process of step S8, the control unit 13 may provide the seller 3 with the information on the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer 4 for N months and the information on the power amount that the buyer 4 can purchase for N months at the current time, together with the extracted incentive information. For example, when another seller 3 has already selected the buyer 4 in the process of step S11 described later, the power amount that the buyer 4 can purchase for N months at the current time may be reduced. The control unit 13 may calculate the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer 4 for N months based on the past power consumption amounts of the buyer 4.

[0054] For example, the control unit 13 provides the seller 3 with incentive information as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the incentive information is provided in a list format. In FIG. 5, together with the incentive information, the information that the predicted power generation amount of the seller 3 for N months is XXX [kW] is provided. Also, the information on the number of YYY points is provided as the number of first points corresponding to XXX [kW].

[0055] In FIG. 5, the hobby of Seller 3 is cooking. Also, the place of residence of Seller 3 and the location of BBB Restaurant belong to the same area. Also, the age of Seller 3 is in his 50s. Therefore, based on the information of Seller 3, the control unit 13 provides the incentive information as shown in FIG. 5 to Seller 3. Specifically, in FIG. 5, the incentives are a bread knife, a coupon, and beer.

[0056] In FIG. 5, the bread knife is provided together with the name of Buyer 4 from AAA Kitchen. For the bread knife, 500 points are set as the number of first points required for the grant of the bread knife. Also, information on the predicted power consumption of AAA Kitchen in month N and information on the power that can be purchased at the current time are provided.

[0057] In FIG. 5, the coupon is provided together with the name of Buyer 4 from BBB Restaurant. For the coupon, 300 points are set as the first point required for the grant of the coupon. Also, information on the predicted power consumption of BBB Restaurant in month N and information on the power that can be purchased at the current time are provided.

[0058] In FIG. 5, the beer is provided together with the name of Buyer 4 from CCC Beverage Co., Ltd. For the beer, 400 points are set as the first point required for the grant of the beer. Also, information on the predicted power consumption of CCC Beverage Co., Ltd. in month N and information on the power that can be purchased at the current time are provided.

[0059] In the process of step S9, the control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display the incentive information provided in the process of step S8. For example, the control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display the incentive information as shown in FIG. 5.

[0060] By executing the process of step S9, the seller 3 can select the buyer 4 who wants to buy the generated power in month N by looking at the incentive information and the name of the buyer 4. The seller 3 selects the buyer 4 who wants to buy the generated power in month N as the buyer 4 who plans to buy the generated power in month N. When the seller 3 selects the buyer 4, the seller 3 sets the distribution ratio for month N. The distribution ratio for month N is the ratio for distributing the predicted generated power amount in month N to the buyer 4. The distribution ratio may be set as a percentage. The seller 3 does not have to distribute all of the predicted generated power amount to the buyer 4. The seller 3 inputs an input indicating the selected buyer 4 and an input indicating the distribution ratio for month N from the input unit 22. As shown in FIG. 5, a column for the distribution ratio may be provided when displaying on the display unit 23. In FIG. 5, the seller 3 selects AAA Kitchen and BBB Restaurant as the buyers 4 who buy the generated power in month N. The seller 3 inputs 40% of the predicted generated power amount to AAA Kitchen and 20% of the predicted generated power amount to BBB Restaurant as the distribution ratio for month N.

[0061] In the process of step S10, the control unit 25 receives, via the input unit 22, an input indicating the selected buyer 4 and an input indicating the distribution ratio for month N. When the control unit 25 receives, via the input unit 22, an input indicating the distribution ratio for month N, the control unit 25 may display the first point number corresponding to the distribution ratio set for the buyer 4. For example, in FIG. 5, the control unit 25 displays that 40% of the distribution ratio set for AAA Kitchen corresponds to the aaa first point number. Also, the control unit 25 displays that 20% of the distribution ratio set for BBB Restaurant corresponds to the bbb first point number. With such a configuration, the convenience of the seller 3 can be improved.

[0062] In the process of step S11, the control unit 25 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit, via the communication unit 21, the information on the buyer 4 and the distribution ratio for month N received in the process of step S10 to the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 2.

[0063] In the process of step S12, the control unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives, via the network 2 from the first terminal device 20, the information of the buyer 4 and the distribution ratio for N months by the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to receive this information. The control unit 13 stores this information in the storage unit 12.

[0064] The process of step S13 is executed, for example, after the closing date of N months. The closing date of N months is the date when the selection of the buyer 4 from the seller 3 is closed. That is, the closing date of N months is the date when the processes of steps S11 and S12 are closed. Here, before the closing date of N months, that is, before the process of step S13, the processes of steps S6 to S12 may be executed for a plurality of different first terminal devices 20. The control unit 13 may calculate the amount of power that can be purchased by the buyer 4 in the process of step S6 each time the process of step S12 is executed. When the amount of power that can be purchased by the buyer 4 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 13 may close the selection of the buyer 4 before the closing date of N months. By repeatedly executing the processes of steps S6 to S12, the storage unit 12 accumulates the information of the buyer 4 selected by each of the plurality of sellers 3 and the information of the distribution ratio for N months.

[0065] In the process of step S13, the control unit 13 calculates, for each buyer 4, the predicted supply power amount that can be supplied in N months based on the information of the buyer 4 selected by each of the plurality of sellers 3 stored in the storage unit 12 and the information of the distribution ratio for N months. The control unit 13 calculates the predicted supply power amount for N months for each buyer 4 based on the predicted power generation amount of one or more sellers 3 who selected the buyer 4 and the distribution ratio for N months set by one or more sellers 3 for the buyer 4.

[0066] In the process of step S14, the control unit 13 transmits, via the network 2, to the second terminal device 30 of the buyer 4, information on the predicted power supply amount of the buyer 4 for N months and information on one or more sellers 3 who selected the buyer 4, by means of the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 transmits these pieces of information by controlling the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 may execute the process of step S14 for each of the second terminal devices 30 of a plurality of buyers 4.

[0067] For example, the control unit 13 transmits information on the predicted power supply amount and information on the seller 3 as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the buyer 4 is AAA Kitchen. In FIG. 6, information on the seller 3 who selected AAA Kitchen is provided in a list format. Also, the predicted power supply amount of AAA Kitchen is ZZZ [kW].

[0068] In the process of step S15, the control unit 35 of the second terminal device 30 receives, via the network 2, from the information processing device 10, information on the predicted power supply amount of the buyer 4 and information on one or more sellers 3 who selected the buyer 4, by means of the communication unit 31. The control unit 35 receives these pieces of information by controlling the communication unit 31. The buyer 4 can grasp the amount of power derived from renewable energy that can be used in N months based on the received information on the predicted power supply amount. Also, the buyer 4 can utilize the information on one or more sellers 3 who selected the buyer 4 for marketing.

[0069] When the support system 1 can obtain the actual power generation amount of the seller 3 for N months and the actual power consumption amount of the buyer 4, the support system 1 proceeds to the process of step S21 shown in FIG. 4. For example, when it becomes the month following N months, the support system 1 proceeds to the process of step S21. Hereinafter, the month following N months is also described as "(N + 1) month" (N + 1 is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ N + 1 ≦ 12).

[0070] In the process of step S21, the control unit 13 acquires information on the actual power generation amount of the seller 3 for N months and information on the actual power consumption amount of the buyer 4 for N months.

[0071] In the process of step S22, the control unit 13 determines the number of first points to be given to the seller 3. Here, the generated power amount of the seller 3 and the consumed power amount of the buyer 4 are fluid. Therefore, as will be described below, the control unit 13 determines the number of first points to be given to the seller 3 based on the predicted generated power amount and the actual generated power amount of the seller 3 for N months, and the predicted consumed power amount and the actual consumed power amount of the buyer 4 for N months.

[0072] When the actual consumed power amount of the buyer 4 for N months is equal to or more than the predicted consumed power amount of the buyer 4 for N months, the control unit 13 determines to give the seller 3 the number of first points corresponding to the generated power amount actually purchased by the buyer 4 from the seller 3.

[0073] When the actual consumed power amount of the buyer 4 for N months is less than the predicted consumed power amount of the buyer 4 for N months, the control unit 13 determines to give the seller 3 the number of first points corresponding to the planned power selling amount of the seller 3 for N months to the buyer 4. The planned power selling amount of the seller 3 for N months to the buyer 4 is the power amount that the seller 3 planned to sell to the buyer 4 in N months. As an example of calculating the planned power selling amount, the control unit 13 multiplies the predicted generated power amount of the seller 3 for N months by the distribution ratio for N months set by the seller 3 for the buyer 4 to calculate the planned power selling amount of the seller 3 for N months to the buyer 4. Here, when the actual consumed power amount of the buyer 4 for N months is less than the predicted consumed power amount of the buyer 4 for N months, the power amount actually purchased by the buyer 4 from the seller 3 is less than the power amount that the seller 3 planned to sell to the buyer 4, that is, the planned power selling amount. In this case, if the number of first points corresponding to the power amount actually purchased by the buyer 4 from the seller 3 is given to the seller 3, it will cause losses to the seller 3. Therefore, by giving the seller 3 the number of first points corresponding to the planned power selling amount of the seller 3 for N months to the buyer 4, the profit of the seller 3 can be protected.

[0074] When the actual power generation amount of Seller 3 in month N is greater than the predicted power generation amount of Seller 3 in month N, the control unit 13 determines to assign to Seller 3 the first point number corresponding to the planned power sales amount of Seller 3 to Buyer 4 in month N. However, since the actual power consumption amount of Buyer 4 in month N is greater than the predicted power consumption amount of Buyer 4 in month N, the amount of power actually purchased by Buyer 4 from Seller 3 may be greater than the planned power sales amount, that is, the amount of power that Seller 3 planned to sell to Buyer 4. In this case, the control unit 13 determines to assign to Seller 3 the first point number corresponding to the amount of power actually purchased by Buyer 4 from Seller 3 in month N. Also, when the actual power generation amount of Seller 3 in month N is greater than the predicted power generation amount of Seller 3 in month N, the surplus power generation amount of Seller 3 in month N may be purchased by a buyer 4 other than the buyer 4 selected by Seller 3. In this case, the control unit 13 determines to assign to Seller 3 the first point number corresponding to the amount of power actually purchased by Buyer 4 from Seller 3 in month N.

[0075] When the actual power generation amount of Seller 3 in month N is less than the predicted power generation amount of Seller 3 in month N, the control unit 13 determines to assign to Seller 3 the first point number corresponding to the amount of power actually purchased by Buyer 4 from Seller 3 in month N.

[0076] In the process of step S22, the control unit 13 may determine to assign a second point to Seller 3. The second point is a point corresponding to the amount of power generation actually sold by Seller 3 to Buyer 4 in month N, regardless of whether Buyer 4 is the buyer selected by Seller 3. The second point may be a point that can be used by the power company that manages the information processing device 10. By assigning such a second point to Seller 3, the power generation power of Seller 3 can be smoothly supplied to Buyer 4.

[0077] In the process of step S23, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to transmit, via the network 2 to the first terminal device 20, the information on the first point number determined in the process of step S22 by the communication unit 11.

[0078] In the process of step S24, the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20 controls the communication unit 21 to receive, via the network 2, information on the number of first points from the information processing device 10 by the communication unit 21. The control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display the received information on the number of first points (step S25). By executing the process of step S25, the seller 3 can grasp the number of first points that can be acquired in N months. When the seller 3 grasps the number of first points, the seller 3 selects an incentive that the seller desires. The seller 3 inputs, from the input unit 22, an input indicating an application for the incentive. The control unit 25 accepts, by the input unit 22, an input indicating an application for the incentive (step S26). The control unit 25 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit, via the network 2, the incentive application information to the information processing device 10 by the communication unit 21 (step S27).

[0079] In the process of step S28, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 controls the communication unit 11 to receive, via the network 2, the incentive application information from the first terminal device 20 by the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to transmit, by the communication unit 11, the incentive application information to the second terminal device 30 of the buyer 4 to whom the incentive is to be given (step S29).

[0080] In the process of step S30, the control unit 35 of the second terminal device 30 controls the communication unit 31 to receive, via the network 2, the incentive application information from the information processing device 10 by the communication unit 31. The buyer 4 performs a process according to the incentive application information. For example, when the incentive is a product, the buyer 4 performs a process for delivering the product to the seller 3.

[0081] The processes of steps S1 to S30 are not limited to the above-described content. For example, the support system 1 may execute the following processes.

[0082] In the process of step S6, the control unit 13 may provide the incentive information received from the second terminal device 30 of the buyer 4 to another buyer 4 different from the buyer 4. The control unit 13 may provide the incentive information of each of the plurality of buyers 4 to another buyer 4. The control unit 13 may provide the incentive information to another buyer 4 by posting the incentive information on a web page or by transmitting the incentive information to the second terminal device 30 of another buyer 4. With such a configuration, the buyer 4 can grasp the content of the incentive of another buyer 4. By grasping the content of the incentive of another buyer 4, the buyer 4 can improve the products or services, etc. provided by himself / herself as an incentive.

[0083] As another example of the process of step S7, the control unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 may extract incentive information that has not been provided to the seller 3 during a second set period from among the information of a plurality of incentives during a preset first set period. The first set period may be set in consideration of the calendar throughout the year. The first set period may be, for example, January. Also, the second set period may be set based on the normal memory capacity of the seller 3. Since January is the first month of the new year, generally people tend to be more interested in new information when January arrives. By extracting incentive information that has not been provided to the seller 3 during the first set period set in consideration of the calendar throughout the year from among the information of a plurality of incentives, new incentive information can be provided to the seller 3. By providing new incentive information to the seller 3, the products or services of the buyer 4 can be more efficiently promoted to the seller 3.

[0084] As still another example of the process of step S7, the control unit 13 may extract incentive information that other sellers 3 with the same attribute as the seller 3 have applied for in the past from among the information of a plurality of incentives. For example, the control unit 13 may extract incentive information that other sellers 3 with the same gender as the seller 3 have applied for in the past from among the information of a plurality of incentives.

[0085] As yet another example of the process of step S7, the control unit 13 may extract information on incentives that are the same as or similar to the content of the incentives that the seller 3 has applied for in the past by the processes of steps S26 to S29 from among the information on a plurality of incentives.

[0086]

[0085] In the process of step S8, the control unit 13 may set a priority for each of the plurality of incentives extracted for the seller 3. The priority of an incentive is the priority order for recommending that incentive to the seller 3. The higher the priority of an incentive, the higher the priority order for recommending that incentive to the seller 3 may be. As an example, among the plurality of incentives extracted for the seller 3, the control unit 13 may set a higher priority for an incentive that is the same as or similar to an incentive that another seller 3 having the same attributes as those of the seller 3 has applied for in the past. As another example, the control unit 13 may set a higher priority for an incentive that has not been provided to the seller for a third set period. As yet another example, the control unit 13 may set a higher priority for an incentive provided by the buyer 4 as the amount of power that can be purchased by the buyer 4 at the current time is larger. The control unit 13 may preferentially display to the seller 3 an incentive having a higher priority. When the control unit 13 displays the incentives in a list format, it may position an incentive having a higher priority higher in the list.

[0087] In the process of step S8, when the control unit 13 calculates the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months to be provided to the seller 3, the control unit 13 may obtain approval from the buyer 4 for the predicted power consumption calculated before providing it to the seller 3. In this case, the control unit 13 may control the communication unit 11 to transmit the information on the calculated predicted power consumption to the second terminal device 30 of the buyer 4 via the network 2 by the communication unit 11. Alternatively, instead of calculating the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months, the control unit 13 may receive the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months from the buyer 4. In this case, the buyer 4 may input the information on the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months from the input unit 32 of the second terminal device 30. In the second terminal device 30, the control unit 35 receives the information on the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months by the input unit 32. The control unit 35 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the received information on the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months to the information processing device 10 via the network 2 by the communication unit 31. In the information processing device 10, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to receive the information on the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months from the second terminal device 30 of the buyer 4 via the network 2 by the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 receives the information on the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months and thereby accepts the information on the predicted power consumption of the buyer 4 for N months.

[0088] In the process of step S8, the control unit 13 may extract only the information on the incentives that can be exchanged with the first point number corresponding to the predicted power generation of the seller 3 for N months and provide it to the seller 3. For example, in FIG. 5, the control unit 13 may extract only the information on the incentives that can be exchanged with YYY points from the information on the bread knife, coupon, and beer and provide it to the seller 3.

[0089] In the process of step S8, the control unit 13 may measure, from among the plurality of buyers 4, the buyers 4 whose power consumption for N months that the buyer 4 can purchase at the current time is within the predicted power generation of the seller 3 for N months. The control unit 13 may extract only the information on the incentives given by the identified buyer 4 and provide it to the seller 3.

[0090] In the process of step S13, when the control unit 13 calculates the predicted power supply amount for N months of a predetermined buyer 4, it may determine whether the predicted power supply amount for N months of the predetermined buyer 4 is less than the predicted power consumption amount for N months of the predetermined buyer 4. The predetermined buyer 4 is the buyer 4 set in advance. The predetermined buyer 4 is, for example, a buyer 4 aiming to cover all the energy required for conducting the business of that buyer 4 with renewable energy. When the control unit 13 determines that the predicted power supply amount for N months of the predetermined buyer 4 is less than the predicted power consumption amount for N months of the predetermined buyer 4, it may execute a process such that the predetermined buyer 4 can purchase the generated power from sellers 3 other than the seller 3 who selected the predetermined buyer 4. When the predetermined buyer 4 purchases the generated power from a seller 3 other than the seller 3 who selected the predetermined buyer 4, the control unit 13 may decide to give a second point to that seller 3 other than the seller 3 who selected the predetermined buyer 4. Further, when the actual power consumption amount for N months of the predetermined buyer 4 exceeds the actual generated power amount that the predetermined buyer 4 can purchase from the seller 3 in N months, the control unit 13 may calculate the supplementary power amount. The supplementary power amount is the power amount compensated by purchasing non-fossil certificates. The control unit 13 calculates the supplementary power amount, for example, by subtracting the actual generated power amount that the predetermined buyer 4 can purchase from the seller 3 in N months from the actual power consumption amount for N months of the predetermined buyer 4. The control unit 13 provides the calculated supplementary power amount to the second terminal device 30 of the predetermined buyer 4 by transmitting the calculated supplementary power amount to the second terminal device 30 of the predetermined buyer 4 through the communication unit 11. With such a configuration, the predetermined buyer 4 can appeal that it covers all the energy required for conducting its own business with renewable energy.

[0091] Thus, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 13 extracts incentive information corresponding to the seller 3 from among the information on a plurality of incentives respectively given to the seller 3 by a plurality of buyers 4 through the buying and selling of generated power. Further, the control unit 13 provides the extracted incentive information to the seller 3. By thus extracting the incentive information corresponding to the seller 3 and providing the extracted incentive information to the seller 3, the buyer 4 can promote a product or service corresponding to the seller. Further, the incentive information may be provided to the seller 3 together with information indicating the buyer 4 that gives the incentive. The information indicating the buyer 4 may be information on the name of the buyer 4. With such a configuration, the seller 3 can select, as the buyer 4 that purchases its generated power, the buyer 4 of its preference that it wants to support. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the conventional technique of matching the seller 3 of generated power and the buyer 4 can be improved.

[0092] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions and the like included in each functional unit can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory. A plurality of functional units and the like may be combined into one or divided. Each of the embodiments according to the present disclosure described above is not limited to being faithfully implemented in each of the described embodiments, and can be implemented by appropriately combining each feature or omitting a part. That is, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure for the content of the present disclosure. Therefore, these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in each embodiment, each functional unit, each means, or each step can be added to other embodiments so as not to be logically contradictory, or can be replaced with each functional unit, each means, or each step of other embodiments. Also, in each embodiment, a plurality of each functional unit, each means, or each step can be combined into one or divided. Also, each of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above is not limited to being faithfully implemented in each of the described embodiments, and can also be implemented by appropriately combining each feature or omitting a part.

[0093] In one embodiment, (1) an information processing apparatus includes a control unit that extracts incentive information corresponding to a seller from among information on a plurality of incentives respectively given by a plurality of buyers to the seller through the buying and selling of generated electric power with the seller, and provides the extracted incentive information to the seller.

[0094] (2) In the information processing apparatus according to (1) above, the control unit may provide the seller with information indicating the buyer who gives the incentive together with the extracted incentive information.

[0095] (3) In the information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2) above, The control unit may provide the seller with information on the predicted power generation amount of the seller for a predetermined period together with the extracted incentive information.

[0096] (4) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above, The control unit may provide the seller with information on the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer for a predetermined period to which the extracted incentive is given, together with the extracted incentive information.

[0097] (5) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) above, The control unit provides the seller with information on the amount of power that the buyer can purchase at the current time for the predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

[0098] (6) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) above, Further comprising a communication unit, The control unit, Receives, from the first terminal device of the seller, information on the buyer selected by the seller as the buyer to whom the seller plans to sell the power generation power for a predetermined period among the plurality of buyers, by the communication unit, May transmit, by the communication unit, information on the seller who has selected the buyer to the second terminal device of the buyer selected by the seller among the plurality of buyers.

[0099] (7) In the information processing apparatus according to (6) above, The control unit, Based on the predicted power generation amount of the one or more sellers who have selected the buyer and the distribution ratio of the predicted power generation amount in the predetermined period set by the one or more sellers for the buyer, calculates the predicted supply power amount that can be supplied for the predetermined period for each of the plurality of buyers, May transmit, by the communication unit, information on the predicted supply power amount of each of the plurality of buyers to the second terminal device of each of the plurality of buyers.

[0100] (8) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the control unit may extract information on incentives that meet the conditions of the target person to whom the seller grants the incentives from among the information on the plurality of incentives.

[0101] (9) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8) above, the control unit may extract information on incentives that have not been provided to the seller for a second set period from among the information on the plurality of incentives during a preset first set period.

[0102] (10) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) above, the information on the incentives includes information on the number of first points required for granting the incentives, and the control unit may determine the number of first points to be granted to the seller based on the predicted power generation amount and the actual power generation amount of the seller for a predetermined period, and the predicted power consumption amount and the actual power consumption amount of the buyer for the predetermined period.

[0103] (11) In the information processing apparatus according to (10) above, when the actual power consumption amount of the buyer for a predetermined period is greater than or equal to the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer for the predetermined period, the control unit may determine to grant the seller the number of first points corresponding to the amount of power generated actually purchased by the buyer from the seller.

[0104] (12) In the information processing apparatus according to (10) above, when the actual power consumption amount of the buyer for a predetermined period is less than the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer for the predetermined period, the control unit may determine to grant the seller the number of first points corresponding to the planned power selling amount of the seller to the buyer for the predetermined period.

[0105] (13) In the information processing apparatus according to (10) above, When the actual power generation amount of the seller during the predetermined period is greater than the predicted power generation amount of the seller during the predetermined period, the control unit may determine to grant the seller a first number of points corresponding to the amount of power that the seller planned to sell to the buyer during the predetermined period.

[0106] (14) In the information processing apparatus according to (13) above, When the amount of power actually purchased by the buyer from the seller during the predetermined period is greater than the amount of power that the seller planned to sell to the buyer during the predetermined period, the control unit may determine to grant the seller a first number of points corresponding to the amount of power actually purchased by the buyer from the seller during the predetermined period.

[0107] (15) In the information processing apparatus according to (10) above, When the actual power generation amount of the seller during the predetermined period is less than the predicted power generation amount of the seller during the predetermined period, the control unit may determine to grant the seller a first number of points corresponding to the amount of power actually purchased by the buyer from the seller during the predetermined period.

[0108] (16) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (15) above, When the actual power consumption amount of a predetermined buyer during the predetermined period exceeds the actual power generation amount that the predetermined buyer can purchase from the seller during the predetermined period, the control unit may provide the second terminal device of the predetermined buyer with the amount of supplementary power to be supplemented by purchasing non-fossil certificates.

[0109] (17) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (16) above, The control unit may grant the seller a second point according to the amount of power generation actually sold by the seller to the buyer during the predetermined period.

[0110] (18) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (17) above, The control unit may provide incentive information to a buyer different from the buyer who grants the incentive.

[0111] In one embodiment, the (19) information processing method extracts incentive information corresponding to the seller from among the information on a plurality of incentives respectively granted by a plurality of buyers to the seller through the buying and selling of generated electric power with the seller, and provides the extracted incentive information to the seller. and includes.

[0112] In the present disclosure, descriptions such as "first" and "second" are identifiers for distinguishing the relevant components. The components distinguished by the descriptions such as "first" and "second" in the present disclosure can have their numbers exchanged in the relevant components. For example, the first point can have the "first" and "second" which are identifiers exchanged with the second point. The exchange of identifiers is performed simultaneously. The relevant components are still distinguishable after the exchange of identifiers. The identifiers may be deleted. The components with the identifiers deleted are distinguished by reference signs. Based only on the descriptions of the identifiers such as "first" and "second" in the present disclosure, the order of the relevant components should not be interpreted or used as the basis for the existence of an identifier with a smaller number.

Description of Reference Signs

[0113] 1 Support system 2 Network 3 Seller 4 Buyer 10 Information processing device (11: Communication unit, 12: Storage unit, 13: Control unit) 20 First terminal device (21: Communication unit, 22: Input unit, 23: Display unit, 24: Storage unit, 25: Control unit) 30 Second terminal device (31: Communication unit, 32: Input unit, 33: Display unit, 34: Storage unit, 35: Control unit)

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus including a control unit that extracts incentive information corresponding to a seller from among information on a plurality of incentives respectively given by a plurality of buyers to the seller through the buying and selling of generated electric power with the seller, and provides the extracted incentive information to the seller.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit provides information indicating the buyer who gives the incentive to the seller together with the extracted incentive information.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit provides information on the predicted generated electric power amount of the seller for a predetermined period to the seller together with the extracted incentive information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit provides information on the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer who gives the extracted incentive for a predetermined period to the seller together with the extracted incentive information.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit provides information on the amount of electric power that can be purchased by the buyer for the predetermined period at the current time to the seller.

6. Further including a communication unit, wherein the control unit receives, from a first terminal device of the seller, information on a buyer selected by the seller as a buyer to whom the seller plans to sell generated electric power for a predetermined period through the communication unit, and transmits, to a second terminal device of the buyer selected by the seller among the plurality of buyers, information on the seller who selected the buyer through the communication unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The control unit calculates a predicted supply power amount that can be supplied for the predetermined period for each of the plurality of buyers based on the predicted generated electric power amounts of the one or more sellers who selected the buyer and the distribution ratio of the predicted generated electric power amounts for the predetermined period set by the one or more sellers for the buyer, and transmits information on the predicted supply power amounts of the plurality of buyers to the second terminal devices of the plurality of buyers through the communication unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit extracts incentive information that satisfies the conditions of the target person to whom the seller gives the incentive from among the information on the plurality of incentives.

9. The control unit according to claim 1 extracts information on incentives that have not been provided to the seller during a second set period from among the information on the plurality of incentives during a preset first set period.

10. The information on the incentives includes information on the number of first points required for granting the incentives. The control unit according to claim 1 determines the number of first points to be granted to the seller based on the predicted power generation amount and the actual power generation amount of the seller during a predetermined period, and the predicted power consumption amount and the actual power consumption amount of the buyer during the predetermined period.

11. When the actual power consumption amount of the buyer during a predetermined period is equal to or more than the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer during the predetermined period, the control unit according to claim 10 determines to grant the seller the number of first points corresponding to the amount of power generated that the buyer actually purchased from the seller.

12. When the actual power consumption amount of the buyer during a predetermined period is less than the predicted power consumption amount of the buyer during the predetermined period, the control unit according to claim 10 determines to grant the seller the number of first points corresponding to the planned power selling amount of the seller to the buyer during the predetermined period.

13. When the actual power generation amount of the seller during a predetermined period is more than the predicted power generation amount of the seller during the predetermined period, the control unit according to claim 10 determines to grant the seller the number of first points corresponding to the amount of power that the seller planned to sell to the buyer during the predetermined period.

14. When the amount of power that the buyer actually purchased from the seller during a predetermined period is more than the amount of power that the seller planned to sell to the buyer during the predetermined period, the control unit according to claim 13 determines to grant the seller the number of first points corresponding to the amount of power that the buyer actually purchased from the seller during the predetermined period.

15. When the actual power generation amount of the seller during a predetermined period is less than the predicted power generation amount of the seller during the predetermined period, the control unit according to claim 10 determines to grant the seller the number of first points corresponding to the amount of power that the buyer actually purchased from the seller during the predetermined period.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the actual power consumption amount of a predetermined buyer during a predetermined period exceeds the actual power generation amount that the predetermined buyer can purchase from the seller during the predetermined period, the control unit provides the second terminal device of the predetermined buyer with a supplementary power amount to be supplemented by purchasing non-fossil certificates.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit gives a second point to the seller according to the power generation amount actually sold by the seller to the buyer during a predetermined period.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit provides incentive information to a buyer different from the buyer to whom the incentive is given.

19. extracting incentive information corresponding to the seller from among information on a plurality of incentives respectively given by a plurality of buyers to the seller through the sale and purchase of power generation power with the seller; providing the extracted incentive information to the seller; An information processing method comprising:

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