Information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a method for manufacturing indexed products that can promote recycling of recyclable objects.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a control unit. The control unit receives user identification information identifying a user who has purchased a product containing a recyclable object to which an index is given including ease-of-recycling information indicating the degree of ease-of-recycling of the recyclable object, and the ease-of-recycling information contained in the index, determines a reward to be given to the user according to the degree of ease-of-recycling indicated by the received ease-of-recycling information, and stores the determined reward information in association with the received user identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a method for manufacturing an indexed product related to recycling. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses that in the collection of sorted waste such as waste paper and containers, a certain number of points are issued to users based on the weight or number of the sorted waste, thereby providing a significant incentive for providing the sorted waste. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-297840 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about the ease of recycling the separated waste products.

[0005] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a method for manufacturing an indexed product that can promote the recycling of items to be recycled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit. The control unit receiving user identification information for identifying a user who purchased a product including a recyclable object, the user identification information being assigned an index including recyclability information indicating the recyclability of the recyclable object, and the recyclability information included in the index; A reward to be given to the user is determined according to the recyclability indicated by the received recyclability information, and the determined reward information is stored in association with the received user identification information.

[0007] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention includes: receiving user identification information for identifying a user who purchased a product including a recyclable object, the user identification information being assigned an index including recyclability information indicating the recyclability of the recyclable object, and the recyclability information included in the index; A reward to be given to the user is determined in accordance with the recyclability indicated by the received recyclability information, and the determined reward information is stored in association with the received user identification information. This is an information processing method in which the processing is executed by an information processing system.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention includes: receiving user identification information for identifying a user who purchased a product including a recyclable object, the user identification information being assigned an index including recyclability information indicating the recyclability of the recyclable object, and the recyclability information included in the index; determining a reward to be given to the user in accordance with the recyclability indicated by the received recyclability information, and storing the determined reward information in association with the received user identification information; It is a program that causes an information processing system to execute the above.

[0009] A method for manufacturing an indexed product according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: storing product identification information for identifying the product and color information of the product to be recycled in association with each other; When manufacturing the product, color information corresponding to the product identification information of the product is acquired; An index indicating the acquired color information is assigned to the product in a state in which the color information can be read. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, recycling can be promoted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system relating to the provision of a recycling promotion service according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of recycling items collected in the information processing system and transported to a recycling company. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a recycling promotion service providing server (information processing device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration block diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flow chart (part 1) showing the processing related to the provision of a recycling promotion service in the information processing system, and is a flow chart of the processing at the time of registration and the processing at the time of purchase. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a flow chart (part 2) showing the processing related to the provision of a recycling promotion service in the information processing system, and is a flow chart of processing in the recovery device and processing at the time of recovery. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the index information determination (recyclability determination) of the recycling target object. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a product including a recyclable material. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an information processing system for providing a recycling promotion service according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a laser processing device that provides indexes to containers that are to be recycled by laser engraving. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing an indexed product using the laser processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <Outline of the information processing system> The information processing system of the present invention is a system that promotes the recycling of recyclable materials. In the information processing system of the present invention, a user who purchases a product containing a recyclable material receives a reward for purchasing and / or collecting the recyclable material by inserting the recyclable material into a recycling collection device after using the product. The reward is determined according to the recyclability of the recyclable material, and the higher the recyclability of the recyclable material, the higher the reward is determined.

[0014] With this configuration, the user is motivated to actively select products containing recyclable materials when purchasing products, and to actively insert recyclable materials into the recycling collection device when collecting them (when inserting recyclable materials into the collection device). In addition, in this invention, a reward is awarded according to the recyclability of the recyclable materials, so that the acquisition of a higher reward motivates the user to select products containing recyclable materials with a higher recyclability. As a result, recycling is promoted, and the amount of materials recycled from recyclable materials can be increased.

[0015] <Overall configuration of information processing system> 1, the information processing system 100 includes a recycling promotion service providing server 1 as an information processing device, a plurality of user terminals 4, a manufacturer server 3, and a collection device 7. There may be one or more collection devices 7 and one or more manufacturer servers 3, and one of each is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, which will be described later.

[0016] Here, a description will be given taking a container made of resin as an example of an item to be recycled. As shown in Fig. 1, a product 6 (6A to 6C...) to be recycled has a container 60 as an item to be recycled and an index 61 containing recyclability information indicating the recyclability of the container 60. Details of the product 6 will be described later.

[0017] [Manufacturer Server] The manufacturer server 3 is a web server (information processing device) operated by a manufacturer that produces and sells the product 6. The manufacturer server 3 is connected to the user terminals 4 (4A to 4C...) of multiple users A to C... via the Internet 50. The manufacturer server 3 is also connected to the recycling promotion service providing server 1 via the Internet 50.

[0018] The manufacturer server 3 provides users with information about recycling, such as information about the product 6 to be recycled, reward information for purchasing the product 6 including the container 60 and / or collecting the container 60 after use, and procedure information for obtaining the reward.

[0019] The manufacturer server 3 operates a member site. The manufacturer server 3 issues user identification information (hereinafter referred to as user ID) to users so that they can receive rewards for purchasing the product 6 and / or collecting the container 60 after use. The user ID is issued to the user when the user applies for membership registration from the member site using the user terminal 4. The manufacturer server 3 also performs reward determination processing (more specifically, purchase reward determination processing). Details of the manufacturer server 3 will be described later.

[0020] Here, the reward given to the user is, for example, "points" that can be used to purchase products, etc. The higher the point value, the higher the reward. Note that the reward is not limited to points, but may be electronic money, discount coupons, product vouchers, etc. Points can be used to purchase the next product 6, etc.

[0021] [Recycle promotion service provider server] The recycling promotion service providing server 1 is a web server (information processing device) operated by a recycling company that recycles containers 60. The recycling promotion service providing server 1 provides a service that promotes recycling by rewarding users who contribute to recycling. The reward is determined according to the ease of recycling. Note that the recycling promotion service providing server 1 may be operated by a recycling promotion service provider separate from the recycling company, as will be described later as a modified example.

[0022] The recycle promotion service providing server 1 is connected to the user terminals 4 (4A to 4C...) of a plurality of users A to C... via the Internet 50. The recycle promotion service providing server 1 is also connected to the manufacturer server 3 via the Internet 50.

[0023] The recycle promotion service providing server 1 performs remuneration determination processing (more specifically, collection remuneration determination processing), remuneration grant confirmation processing, DB management processing, etc., related to the recycle promotion service, as will be described in detail later.

[0024] [User device] The user terminal 4 (4A, 4B, etc.) owned by the user who purchased the product 6 is a portable information processing terminal capable of communication. The user terminal is a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), etc., and supports communication functions for controlling network communication, etc. Details will be described later.

[0025] [Recovery Device] The recovery device 7 is installed in, for example, a commercial facility, a municipal facility, etc. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, after a product 6 purchased by a user is used, the label 62 (62A, 62B, 62C), nozzle 63, and cap 64 (64B, 64C) are removed, and the product 6 is placed in the recovery device 7 in the state of a container 60 (60A, 60B, 60C).

[0026] The collection device 7 stores or ejects containers 60 inserted by users. The collection device 7 separates the inserted containers 60 based on recyclability information indicating the recyclability included in an index 61 assigned to the container 60. In this embodiment, the color of the container 60 is used as an index of recyclability. The collection device 7 ejects the inserted containers 60 that are not eligible for collection, and separates and stores the containers 60 eligible for collection by color.

[0027] The containers 60 separated by color in the collection device 7 are collected in a separated state by a local government, a collection company, or the like, and transported to a recycling company. The recycling company recycles the containers 60 that have been transported.

[0028] [others] In this specification, "recycling" refers to making used containers (recycling targets) 60 into a state that can be newly applied to the manufacture of other products. Specifically, in the case of the resin-containing containers 60 of this embodiment, "recycling" refers to a series of processes in which the collected used containers 60 are crushed, washed, dehydrated, and turned into flakes, and then the flakes are melted and molded into granules of uniform quality to produce pellets. The pellets can be used as raw materials for manufacturing new containers, etc.

[0029] In this specification, "ease of recycling" is determined comprehensively, including the cost required for recycling processing, ease of recycling, recycling rate, and versatility of the recycled raw material (pellets). The recycling rate is calculated, for example, by weight, by dividing the amount of recycled material by the amount of waste generated. Here, the amount of recycled material is the amount of pellets, and the amount of waste generated is the amount of used containers before recycling. Note that, due to technological advances, etc., evaluations of recycling cost, ease of recycling, recycling rate, versatility of raw materials, etc. may change, and "ease of recycling" may also change.

[0030] In this specification, a "manufacturer" refers to a person who produces a product 6 and sells it directly or indirectly to a user. The sale may be made in a physical store or online. Indirect sales refer to a situation in which an intermediary is present between the manufacturer and the user. The intermediary is typically a physical store such as a drugstore or supermarket, or an online store.

[0031] In this specification, a "recycler" refers to a party that recycles used containers (recycling items) 60. A recycler may perform the entire series of steps up to pelletizing the collected used containers 60, or multiple recyclers may share the series of steps.

[0032] <Product> A product 6 purchased by a user will be described using FIG. 1. Products 6 using resin containers 60 include a variety of products, such as hand sanitizer 6A, dishwashing detergent 6B, and laundry detergent 6C, as well as shampoo, conditioner, fabric softener, hand soap, and body soap. In these products, the containers 60 protect the liquids contained therein and ensure the quality of the liquids. The resin material and color of the container 60 can be selected depending on the type of liquid to be contained, the required strength, the product information to be communicated, and so on. Therefore, the recyclability of the container 60 varies depending on the color of the container 60, the material used for the container 60, and so on.

[0033] As specific examples of products containing recyclable materials, hand sanitizer 6A, dishwashing detergent 6B, and laundry detergent 6C will be described (see FIG. 1). When there is no need to distinguish between 6A, 6B, and 6C, they will be referred to as product 6, and the same applies to the container 60, index 61, label 62, nozzle 63, and cap 64 that make up the product 6. The product 6 (6A-6C...) has a container 60 (60A-60C...) that contains the product's contents, an index 61 (61A-61C...), a label 62 (62A-62C...), and a nozzle 63 or a cap 64 (64B, 64C...). The container 60 is a recyclable material. The index 61 includes recyclability information that indicates the recyclability of the container 60.

[0034] Index The index 61 is attached somewhere on the product 6. Typically, the index 61 is attached to the label 62 or the container 60, which is an item to be recycled. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the index 61 is attached to the container 60.

[0035] The index 61 is readably attached to the product 6 by the manufacturer when the product 6 is manufactured. By reading the index, it is possible to obtain the recyclability information of the container 60, and the containers 60 can be sorted according to their recyclability. In this embodiment, color information of the container 60 is used to sort the containers 60 to be collected into three categories as an index of recyclability: "uncolored," "white," and "other colors." "Uncolored" has the highest recyclability, followed by "white," and "other colors" has the lowest recyclability.

[0036] 2, the index 61 includes, as recyclability information, one or more pieces of information selected from color information of the container 60 and material information of the container 60. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the recyclability information includes color information and material information, and an example is given in which the recyclability of the container 60 is determined using the color information and material information.

[0037] The color information may include one or more pieces of information selected from transparency information of the container 60, and lightness and chromaticity information of the container 60. In this embodiment, an example is given in which transparency information, and lightness and chromaticity information are used as the color information. Note that a combination of hue, lightness, and chroma may be used as the color information, or an index such as ASTM E313, Berger, Stensby, Taube, Hunter, Ganz & Grieser, ISO whiteness, or APHA may be used.

[0038] The transparency information was expressed as a haze value. The haze value was measured using a haze meter (HM-150, manufactured by Murakami Color Research Laboratory Co., Ltd.) and used as an index of transparency. The lower the value, the higher the transparency.

[0039] The above lightness and chromaticity information is based on the L * a * b * Color system (CIE1976(L) * a * b * L in )) * value, a * value, b * The value used was L * a * b * L in color space * value, a * value, b * The value can be measured using a color difference system. For example, the NF333 (trade name) handy spectroscopic color difference system manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. can be used to measure the reflected light from the container under the measurement conditions of light source C and a viewing angle of 2°. At this time, the L * It is preferable to measure using a white plate with a value of 95 or higher. * The value indicates the brightness. * value and b * The value indicates the chromaticity (indicating saturation and hue).

[0040] The material information may include one or more pieces of information selected from information on the type of resin in the container 60, information on additives added to the container 60, information on colorants (dyes, pigments) used to color the container 60, and information on ink components used to print the label. Examples of ink components include commonly used inks as well as biomass inks. Biomass inks include inks derived from biological resources such as cotton, pulp, rice bran, vegetable oil, and angiosperm seeds, such as inks derived from soybean oil. In this embodiment, an example is given in which information on the type of resin is used as material information.

[0041] The index 61 may include "index information" as recyclability information in addition to or instead of the color information and material information used to determine the recyclability. The "index information" is a determination result determined based on a predetermined index information determination method described below using the color information and material information of the container 60. Specifically, the "index information" is one of "not eligible for collection," "uncolored," "white," and "other colors." Of these index information, the index information for "not eligible for collection" does not need to be included in the index 61. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the index 61 includes three index information: "uncolored," "white," and "other colors."

[0042] The index 61 can be a readable code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or a product code that identifies the manufacturer and product. The index 61 can be added to the product 6 by a known method such as printing or laser engraving, as long as the index is readable. In this embodiment, an example is given in which a QR code is used as the index 61.

[0043] QR codes and barcodes are created by converting recyclability information, such as color information, material information, and index information, into a QR code or barcode. By reading a QR code or barcode that directly displays recyclability information, the recyclability information can be obtained.

[0044] Furthermore, the recyclability information may be indirectly included in the index 61. For example, the recyclability information may be indirectly indicated in the product code as an index. Here, the product code is a product name coded using numbers and letters to identify the product, and does not directly indicate recyclability information. When a product code is used as an index, the product code (product identification information) and the recyclability information of the container 60 of the product 6 to which the product code is assigned are stored in advance in association with each other. Then, by referencing the stored information, the recyclability information associated with the product code that matches the read product code can be obtained. In this way, the index 61 may indirectly include the recyclability information.

[0045] In addition, the Haze value, L * value, a * value and b * Color information and material information, such as measured values such as color temperature, color density, or an indication of the type of material, for example, "Bottle: PE" (PE indicates polyethylene), may be written on the product 6 as an index 61 in the form of letters and numbers. Then, the color information and material information written on the product 6, obtained by reading the index 61, may be used to determine the index information based on the index information determination method described below. In this form, even if the index information determination method, in other words, the method for determining recyclability, changes due to technological advances or the like, there is no need to newly change the index 61.

[0046] In the present invention, "reading" an index includes not only a form in which a reading device (reading unit) such as a QR code reader or a barcode reader converts a QR code, a barcode, etc. into a character string and outputs the character string, but also a form in which an image of the index is captured by an imaging unit, and the index image is in a "readable state" by a reading unit such as a QR code reader or a barcode reader. In the present invention, "index information" includes a form in which an index is converted into a character string or the like by a reading device or a form in which an index image is captured. The "index information" includes the recyclability information contained in the index 61.

[0047] The index 61 may include weight information indicating the weight of the container 60 and / or manufacturer ID (manufacturer identification information) as information other than the recyclability information. The index 61 may also include information such as the name of the manufacturer of the product 6 and the name of the product 6 (product name).

[0048] Specific examples of color information and material information of the container 60 of each product 6 are given below. The transparency (haze value) of the container 60A for the hand sanitizer 6A is 25, and the * a * b * L in color space * The value is 10, a * Value is 0.5, b * The value is 0.8. The resin material that forms the container 60A is polyethylene. The container 60B of the dishwashing detergent 6B has a transparency (haze value) of 90 and a * a * b * L in color space * The value is 98, a * The value is 0.2, b * The value is 0.5. The resin material that forms the container 60B is polyethylene. The container 60C for laundry detergent 6C has a transparency (haze value) of 5 and a * a * b * L in color space * The value is 20, a * The value is 10, b * The value is 20. The resin material that forms the container 60C is polyethylene.

[0049] Using the color information and material information of the container 60, it is possible to determine whether each container 60 is "non-recyclable," "uncolored," "white," or "other colors" according to the index information determination method described below. Then, "uncolored," "white," or "other colors" can be used as an index of recyclability.

[0050] [Example of index information determination method] The index information determination using the material information and color information of the container 60 (in other words, the recyclability determination) can be performed using the recyclability information (material information and color information) of the container 60. This will be explained below with reference to FIG. 7. The index information determination method shown in FIG. 7 may be executed by the control unit 20 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1, or may be executed by the control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3. In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the index 61 includes index information determined in advance by the index information determination method, but the index information does not have to be included. In this case, it is sufficient that the index 61 includes the color information and material information necessary to execute the index information determination method.

[0051] 7, first, it is determined whether the container 60 is made of polyethylene or not based on the material information of the container 60 (ST31). If it is determined that the container 60 is not made of polyethylene (NO in ST31), the container 60 is determined to be "not eligible for collection" (ST35).

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined to be polyethylene (YES in ST31), it is determined whether the transparency (haze value) of the container 60 is 30 or more based on the color information of the container 60 (ST32).

[0053] If the transparency (haze value) is determined to be 30 or more (YES in ST32), L * a * b * Lightness L in the color system * It is determined whether the value is 90 or more (ST33). * If the value is determined to be 90 or more (YES in ST33), the container 60 is determined to be "white" (S34). * If the value is determined to be less than 90 (NO in ST33), the container 60 is determined to be "other color" (S39).

[0054] If the transparency (haze value) is determined to be less than 30 (NO in ST32), the chromaticity a *Value and chromaticity b * The value is -15 * Values <15 and / or -15 * It is determined whether the value is less than 15 (ST36). * Values <15 and / or -15 * If it is determined that the value is less than 15 (YES in ST36), the container 60 is determined to be "uncolored" (S38). * Values <15 and / or -15 * If it is determined that the value is not less than 15 (NO in ST36), the container 60 is determined to be "other color" (S37). The judged value of the haze value is preferably 30, more preferably 25, and even more preferably 20. * The lower limit of the value is preferably −15, more preferably −10, and even more preferably −5. * The upper limit of the value judgment is preferably 15, more preferably 10, and even more preferably 5; * The lower limit of the value is preferably −15, more preferably −10, and even more preferably −5; * The upper limit for determining the value is preferably 15, more preferably 10, and even more preferably 5.

[0055] Based on the index information determination method shown in Figure 7, the container 60A of the hand sanitizer 6A is classified as "uncolored," the container 60B of the dishwashing detergent 6B as "white," and the laundry detergent 6C as "other colors."

[0056] In this embodiment, containers made of resin materials other than polyethylene are excluded from collection, but this is not limiting. For example, after sorting containers into three groups, "polyethylene," "a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene," and "polyethylene terephthalate," using resin material information, the containers in each of the three groups obtained by material sorting can be further sorted by color using color information, and each group can be recycled.

[0057] [label] ​​​​​​On label 62, product information such as the product name and the purpose and type of liquid contained in container 60 is written by printing, laser engraving, etc. Also, index 61 may be written on label 62 by insal, laser engraving, etc.

[0058] The label 62 is affixed to the container 60. Here, "affixed" includes a form in which a sticker-like label 62 is affixed to the container 60, a form in which a strip-like label is wrapped around the entire container 60 and affixed to the container 60 with adhesive (wrap-around label), a form in which a cylindrical film label is attached to the container 60 and shrunk and adhered by applying heat (shrink label), etc. From the perspective of increasing the recyclability of the container 60, the label 62 is preferably in a form and made of a material that prevents the label 62 and the adhesive bonding the label 62 to the container 60 from remaining on the container 60 when the label 62 is removed from the container 60.

[0059] <Hardware configuration of the recycling promotion service server> As shown in FIG. 3, the recycle promotion service providing server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input / output interface 15, and a bus 14 connecting these to each other.

[0060] The CPU 11 accesses the RAM 13 and other memory as needed, and performs various calculations while controlling all blocks involved in providing the recycling promotion service. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory that permanently stores firmware such as the OS, programs, and various parameters that are executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 13 is used as a working area for the CPU 11, and temporarily stores the OS, various applications currently being executed, and various data being processed.

[0061] The input / output interface 15 is connected to a display unit 16, an operation reception unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and the like.

[0062] The display unit 16 is a display device that uses, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Electro Luminescence Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like.

[0063] The operation reception unit 17 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or other input device. When the operation reception unit 17 is a touch panel, the touch panel can be integrated with the display unit 16.

[0064] The storage unit 18 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory (solid state drive (SSD)), or other solid-state memory. The storage unit 18 stores the OS, various applications, and various data.

[0065] The communication unit 19 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) for Ethernet or one of various modules for wireless communication such as wireless LAN, and is responsible for communication processing between the user terminal 4 and the manufacturer server 3.

[0066] Although not shown, the basic hardware configurations of the user terminal 4 and the manufacturer server 3 are also substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the recycle promotion service providing server 1 described above.

[0067] <Functional configuration of information processing system> 4, the information processing system 100 includes a recycle promotion service providing server 1, a plurality of user terminals 4, a manufacturer server 3, and a collection device 7. Note that components similar to the above hardware configuration will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0068] In the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the recycle promotion service providing server 1 receives information about one product 6 purchased by a user, twice: at the time of purchase and at the time of collection, in which information about the index 61 assigned to the product 6 (index information) is associated with the user ID. The information about the index information and the user ID that is received by the recycle promotion service providing server 1 at the time of purchase and associated with the user ID is referred to as "purchase time information" as first information. The information about the index information and the user ID that is received by the recycle promotion service providing server 1 at the time of collection and associated with the user ID is referred to as "collection time information" as second information. The purchase time information and collection time information are stored in the user information DB 251 by the DB management unit 23, which will be described later. The purchase time information can also be referred to as the user's purchase history information, and the collection time information can also be referred to as the user's collection history information.

[0069] [User device] As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal 4 includes a communication unit 40, an operation reception unit 41, an output unit 42, and an imaging unit 43. The communication unit 40 communicates with the manufacturer server 3 and the recycle promotion service providing server 1. The operation reception unit 41 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or other input device. If the operation reception unit 41 is a touch panel, the touch panel may be integrated with a display unit 420. The output unit 42 may include not only the display unit 420 that displays images but also an audio presentation unit such as a speaker. The display unit 420 is a display device using an LCD, an OLED, or the like. The imaging unit 43 includes a lens system including an imaging lens, a zoom lens, and the like, and a solid-state imaging element array such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor array or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor array that photoelectrically converts imaging light obtained by the lens system to generate an imaging signal.

[0070] [Manufacturer Server] As shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturer server 3 includes a communication unit 30 and a control unit 31.

[0071] (Communications Department) The communication unit 30 communicates with the user terminal 4 and the recycle promotion service providing server 1.

[0072] (Control unit) The control unit 31 includes a user ID assigning unit 32 and a reward determining unit 33.

[0073] ((User ID assignment section)) The user ID assigning unit 32 issues a user ID (user identification information) to the user based on the registration application from the user terminal 4 received via the communication unit 30. The user ID is transmitted to the user terminal 4. In addition, the user information including the user ID is transmitted to the recycling promotion service providing server 1.

[0074] ((Remuneration Determination Department)) The reward determination unit 33 determines a reward to a user for purchasing a product 6 to be recycled, depending on the recyclability of the container 60. The reward determination unit 33 may determine the reward (number of points) by referring to the recyclability information DB 250 (described later), or may determine the reward (number of points) by referring to a DB separate from the recyclability information DB 250. Note that, although an example is given here in which the manufacturer server 3 determines the reward for the purchase, the reward determination unit 21 of the recycling promotion service providing server 1 (described later) may also determine the reward.

[0075] As an example, the reward determination unit 33 refers to the recyclability information DB 250 and determines the reward at the time of purchase to be 10 points if the recyclability information included in the index information transmitted from the user terminal 4 is "uncolored." If the recyclability information is "white," the reward determination unit 33 determines the reward at the time of purchase to be 5 points. If the recyclability information is "other colors," the reward determination unit 33 determines the reward at the time of purchase to be 1 point. The reward information at the time of purchase is transmitted to the recycling promotion service providing server 1 and stored in the user information DB 251 in association with the user ID. The reward information includes the reward content (number of points) and the status of the reward (provisionally awarded or confirmed to be awarded). In this embodiment, the reward content is the number of points. The status of the reward is either "provisionally awarded" or "confirmed to be awarded." In the provisionally awarded status, the user cannot obtain a reward, and when the status becomes "confirmed to be awarded," the user can obtain a reward. The status of the reward at the time of purchase is "provisionally awarded" until the award is confirmed.

[0076] [Recycle promotion service provider server] 4, recycle promotion service providing server 1 has a communication unit 19, a control unit 20, and a storage unit 18. The operation of recycle promotion service providing server 1 is performed by cooperation between hardware such as a CPU and a communication unit and software stored in the storage unit.

[0077] (Communications Department) The communication unit 19 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 4 and the manufacturer server 3.

[0078] (Storage part) The storage unit 18 includes a database (DB) unit 25 and a program storage unit 26.

[0079] ((Database configuration of the recycling promotion service provider server)) DB unit 25 includes a recyclability information DB 250, a user information DB 251, a product information DB 252, and a manufacturer information DB 253. Information in each DB is stored and can be updated by DB management unit 23, which will be described later. In this embodiment, DB unit 25 is stored in the storage unit of recycle promotion service providing server 1, but all or part of each DB may be stored in a storage device or server externally connected to recycle promotion service providing server 1.

[0080] The recyclability information DB250 stores reward information (more specifically, reward details) in association with each of the recyclability index information "uncolored," "white," and "other colors." Specifically, the recyclability information DB250 stores reward information in association with "uncolored" and 10 points, "white" and 5 points, and "other colors" and 1 point. The reward point value may be fixed or may be variable.

[0081] Furthermore, the recyclability information DB 250 may store, for each index information, color condition information and material condition information of the container 60 required to determine the index information in association with each other. For example, the index information of "non-colored" may be stored in association with a Haze value representing transparency of less than 30 and a L * a * b * Chromaticity a in the color system * Values between -15 and 15 are chromaticity b * The color condition information, which does not satisfy the condition that the value is between -15 and 15, may be associated with the material condition information, which is polyethylene. * a * b * Lightness L in the color system * The color condition information that the value is 90 or more may be associated with the material condition information that the material is polyethylene. * a * b* Lightness L in the color system * The value is less than 90, or the Haze value, which indicates transparency, is less than 30 and L * a * b * Chromaticity a in the color system * Value is between -15 and 15 * The color condition information, which has a value between -15 and 15, may be associated with the material condition information, which is polyethylene.

[0082] The user information DB 251 stores attribute information for each user who has purchased the product 6. The user attribute information includes general information such as the name, a user ID (user identification information) for identifying the user, age (generation), occupation, address (residential area), gender, and contact information such as an email address. The user ID is issued to the user terminal 4 by the manufacturer server 3 based on a registration application from the user terminal 4. The user ID may also function as account information for using the recycling promotion service.

[0083] Furthermore, the user information DB 251 stores reward information in association with the user ID. In this embodiment, the reward information includes reward information at the time of purchase and reward information at the time of collection. The user information DB 251 also stores purchase information (first information) and collection information (second information).

[0084] The user information stored in the user information DB 251 of users who have registered as members through a member site operated by the manufacturer server 3 may be configured to be viewable by the manufacturer operating the manufacturer server 3. This allows the manufacturer to check the user information centrally managed by the recycling promotion service providing server 1. From the information in the user information DB 251, it is possible to obtain information such as which products are particularly purchased in which areas. The manufacturer can use this information to adjust the flow rate and supply and demand of the products they manufacture, enabling more efficient recycling without wasting resources.

[0085] The product information DB 252 stores attribute information of each product 6. The attribute information of each product 6 includes the name of the manufacturer that produces and supplies the product 6, a manufacturer ID (manufacturer identification information) for identifying the manufacturer, the product name, use information of the liquid contained in the container 60 (use information such as laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, hand sanitizer, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.), the type of liquid, information on an index 61 (index information) such as a QR code, barcode, or product code attached to the product 6, index information (information such as "uncolored," "white," or "other colors"), and container weight information. This information is provided by the manufacturer. The index information may be determined by the manufacturer server 3 based on a predetermined index information determination method shown in FIG. 7, or may be determined by the recycling promotion service providing server 1 using color information and material information included in the index 61 provided by the manufacturer server 3.

[0086] The manufacturer information DB 253 stores attribute information of each manufacturer. The attribute information of each manufacturer includes general information such as the manufacturer name, manufacturer ID (manufacturer identification information) for identifying the manufacturer, address (area where the product factory is located), and contact information. The manufacturer ID is assigned by the recycle promotion service providing server 1.

[0087] ((Program Memory Unit)) The program storage unit 26 stores programs for executing the reward determination process, reward grant confirmation process, and DB management process performed in the information processing system 100.

[0088] For example, the program storage unit 26 stores a program that causes the information processing system 100 to execute the remuneration determination process. The remuneration determination process includes the steps of receiving a user ID (user identification information) that identifies a user who purchased a product to which an index including recyclability information is assigned, and the recyclability information included in the index, and determining a remuneration to be granted to the user according to the recyclability indicated by the received recyclability information, and storing the determined remuneration information in association with the received user ID.

[0089] (Control unit) The control unit 20 performs reward determination processing (more specifically, reward determination processing at the time of collection), reward granting confirmation processing, database (DB) management processing, etc. The control unit 20 has a reward determination unit 21, a reward granting confirmation unit 22, and a DB management unit 23. The control unit 20 realizes the reward determination unit 21, the reward granting confirmation unit 22, and the DB management unit 23 by the CPU 11 loading a program stored in the program storage unit 26 into the RAM 13 and executing it.

[0090] ((DB management department)) The DB management unit 23 executes DB management processing for managing storage in each DB.

[0091] The DB management unit 23 receives the user information from the manufacturer server 3 via the communication unit 19, and stores the user information in the user information DB 251. The user information includes a user ID.

[0092] The DB management unit 23 receives purchase information (first information) from the manufacturer server 3, and stores the information in the user information DB 251 in association with a pre-stored user ID. In this embodiment, the index information included in the purchase information is acquired by the user terminal 4. The DB management unit 23 also receives information about a reward provisionally granted to a user by the manufacturer server 3 for the purchase of the product 6, and stores the reward information in association with the user ID in the user information DB 251. The status of the reward for the purchase remains "provisionally granted" until the granting is confirmed by the reward grant confirmation unit 22.

[0093] The DB management unit 23 receives collection time information (second information) from the user terminal 4, and stores the information in the user information DB 251 in association with a pre-stored user ID. In this embodiment, the index information included in the collection time information is read and acquired by the collection device 7. The index information (index image) acquired by the collection device 7 is then displayed on the display unit 70, and the index image on the display unit 70 is captured by the imaging unit 43 of the user terminal 4, thereby allowing the user terminal 4 to acquire the index image. Thereafter, the collection time information in which the index image and the user ID are associated is transmitted from the user terminal 4 to the recycle promotion service providing server 1. The DB management unit 23 also stores information on the reward for collection (reward information) determined by the reward determination unit 21 using the index information included in the collection time information in association with the user ID in the user information DB 251. The status of the reward for collection remains "provisionally granted" until the reward is confirmed by the reward grant confirmation unit 22.

[0094] When the reward granting confirmation unit 22 confirms that the reward provisionally granted by the reward determination unit 33 and the reward determination unit 21 of the manufacturer server 3 will be granted to the user, the DB management unit 23 changes the status of the reward from "provisionally granted" to "confirmed granting," associates the reward information with the user ID, and stores it in the user information DB 251.

[0095] When the DB management unit 23 changes the color information conditions and material information conditions of the container used to determine the reward content and the reward (in other words, to determine the index information), the DB management unit 23 updates the information stored in the recyclability information DB 250. When a new product 6 to be recycled is added to the product information DB 252 or a product 6 that was previously a recycling target is deleted from the product information DB 252, the DB management unit 23 updates the information stored in the product information DB 252. When a new manufacturer is added to the manufacturer information DB 253 or a manufacturer is deleted from the manufacturer information DB 253, the DB management unit 23 updates the information stored in the manufacturer information DB 253 in response to a request from the manufacturer server 3.

[0096] ((Remuneration Determination Department)) The remuneration determination unit 21 executes a remuneration determination process to determine a remuneration to a user for collection of a container 60 in accordance with the recyclability of the container 60. The remuneration determination unit 21 determines a remuneration for collection of the container 60 by referring to the recyclability information DB 250, based on the recyclability information included in the information (index information) of the index 61 of the collected container 60 included in the collection time information received via the communication unit 19.

[0097] In this embodiment, rewards include rewards given to users for purchases and rewards given to users for collection. The reward given for purchases is a reward given to users for purchasing a recyclable product 6. The reward given for collection is a reward given to users for depositing a container (recyclable item) 60 into the collection device 7, i.e., for contributing to the collection of the container 60.

[0098] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the reward to be awarded for purchase is determined by the manufacturer server 3, and the reward to be awarded for collection is determined by the recycle promotion service providing server 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the recycle promotion service providing server 1 may determine the reward to be awarded for each of purchase and collection, or may determine only the reward to be awarded for purchase. Furthermore, the manufacturer server 3 may determine the reward to be awarded for each of purchase and collection, or may determine only the reward to be awarded for collection. In other words, the reward determination unit 21 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1A and the reward determination unit 33 of the manufacturer server 3 may each execute a reward determination process to determine the reward to be awarded to the user for purchasing and / or collecting the container 60 according to the recyclability of the container 60.

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given in which a reward is awarded for both purchase and collection, i.e., a reward is awarded twice, but a reward may be awarded once for the purchase and collection of one product 6.

[0100] Furthermore, when a reward is awarded for a purchase, it is preferable that the reward awarded to the user at the time of purchase be in provisional status, and that the status of the reward be changed from "provisionally awarded" to "confirmed award" once collection of the container (insertion into the collection device) is confirmed, which allows for more reliable collection of the container 60. Once the reward status becomes "confirmed," the user can obtain the reward.

[0101] The reward determination unit 21 refers to the recyclability information DB250, and when the recyclability information included in the index information is "uncolored," the reward determination unit 21 determines the reward at the time of collection to be 10 points. When the recyclability information is "white," the reward determination unit 21 determines the reward at the time of collection to be 5 points. When the recyclability information is "other colors," the reward determination unit 21 determines the reward at the time of collection to be 1 point. The determined reward information is stored in the user information DB251 in association with the index information of each product for each user (user ID). In this way, the reward determination unit 21 determines the reward so that the higher the recyclability, the higher the reward to the user. The determined reward information at the time of purchase is associated with the user ID and stored in the user information DB251 by the DB management unit 23. The reward status at this time is "provisionally granted."

[0102] ((Reward Granting Confirmation Section)) The reward granting confirmation unit 22 executes a reward granting confirmation process for confirming that the reward determined by the reward determination unit 21 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1 and the reward determination unit 33 of the manufacturer server 3 is to be granted to the user.

[0103] In detail, when the reward granting confirmation unit 22 receives the collection time information via the communication unit 19, it refers to the user information DB 251 and determines whether there is purchase time information that matches the received collection time information. If it determines that there is matching purchase time information, the reward granting confirmation unit 22 confirms the granting of a reward to the user. Once the reward is confirmed, the DB management unit 23 changes the status of the reward from "provisionally granted" to "confirmed grant." The DB management unit 23 associates the reward information with the user ID and stores it in the user information DB 251.

[0104] On the other hand, if the reward grant confirmation unit 22 determines that there is no matching purchase information, it suspends confirmation of the grant of the reward to the user. The reward status remains "provisionally granted" and the user information DB 251 is not updated.

[0105] In this way, the one-to-one correspondence between the purchase information and the collection information confirms the awarding of the reward, thereby preventing fraudulent behavior. That is, if an attempt is made to read the index 61 of one container 60 multiple times and obtain a reward multiple times, the first time the awarding of the reward is confirmed because the purchase information and the collection information match in one-to-one correspondence. However, from the second time onwards, there will be no purchase information that matches the collection information, and the awarding of the reward will not be confirmed from the second time onwards, so the reward will not be awarded, thereby preventing fraudulent behavior.

[0106] [Recovery Device] The collection device 7 reads the index 61 and sorts the containers 60 according to their recyclability. The collection device 7 has a display unit 70, a reading unit 71, and a control unit 72. The collection device 7 also has a discharge unit that discharges containers that are "not eligible for collection," and multiple storage chambers that store containers 60 classified as "uncolored," "white," and "other colors." By determining that a container is "not eligible for collection," even if a user mistakenly places a container 60 that is not eligible for collection into the collection device 7, the container 60 will be discharged, making it possible to reliably collect containers 60 that meet the specified conditions (material conditions and color conditions).

[0107] (Display) The display unit 70 is a display device using, for example, an LCD, an OELD, a CRT, or the like. The display content of the display unit 70 is controlled by the control unit 72. The display unit 70 displays information related to the insertion of the container 60 into the collection device 7. For example, the display unit 70 displays an image of the index 61 read by the collection device 7. The display unit 70 may also display information such as collection procedures.

[0108] (Reading unit) The reading unit 71 reads the index 61 attached to the container 60 placed in the recovery device 7. The reading unit 71 is configured to include a light and an imaging element such as a CCD. The index 61 can be read by shining illumination light onto the index 61 and capturing the reflected light with the imaging element. For example, the reading unit 71 can read index information such as "uncolored," "white," or "other color" included in the index 61. Note that, although an example of using a CCD method to read the index 61 has been given here, a known method such as a laser method may also be applied.

[0109] The index information read by the reading unit 71, specifically, the image of the index 61, is displayed on the display unit 70. The index image displayed on the display unit 70 is acquired by the imaging unit 43 of the user terminal 4, and collection time information in which the index image is associated with the user ID is transmitted from the user terminal 4 to the recycle promotion service providing server 1.

[0110] (Control unit) The control unit 72 controls each block in a series of processes performed by the recovery device 7, from the insertion of the containers 60 into the recovery device 7 to the removal of the containers 60 or the display of an image of the index 61. Specifically, the control unit 72 performs a sorting process for the inserted containers 60 and a display control process on the display unit 70 for the image to be displayed on the display unit 70.

[0111] Based on the result of reading the index 61 by the reader 71, the control unit 73 determines whether the inserted container 60 is "not to be collected," "uncolored," "white," or "other color."

[0112] If the index 61 does not include any of the index information of "uncolored," "white," or "other colors," the control unit 73 determines that the container 60 to which the index 61 is assigned is "not eligible for collection," and ejects the container 60 from the collection device 7. Furthermore, the control unit 73 displays information on the display unit 70 indicating that the inserted container is not eligible for collection and an instruction to collect the ejected container. Following the display on the display unit 70, the ejected container can be collected by the user.

[0113] When the index 61 contains index information for "uncolored," the control unit 73 stores the container 60 with the index 61 in a storage chamber for uncolored. When the index 61 contains index information for "white," the control unit 73 stores the container 60 with the index 61 in a storage chamber for white. When the index 61 contains index information for "other colors," the control unit 73 stores the container 60 with the index 61 in a storage chamber for other colors.

[0114] Furthermore, the control unit 73 displays an image of the index 61 of the inserted container 60 on the display unit 70. Here, the information displayed on the display unit 70 is referred to as collection completion information.

[0115] In addition to the image of the index 61, the collection completion information may include information that allows each collection completion information to be identified so that one collection completion information is issued corresponding to the collection of one container 60. Examples of such information include a collection device ID (collection identification information) for identifying the collection device 7 that collected the container 60 and collection date and time information indicating the collection date and time. Including such information in the collection completion information makes it possible to know that the container 60 was reliably collected by the collection device 7 and prevents fraudulent activities such as earning a reward for multiple collections of the same container 60. Even if the user terminal 4 transmits collection time information to the recycling promotion service providing server 1 multiple times using one collection completion information, the recycling promotion service providing server 1 determines the reward based on the first collection time information, but suspends the determination of the reward based on the second or subsequent collection time information because the user terminal 4 has already received similar collection completion information. This prevents fraudulent activities.

[0116] <Information processing method> The flow of information processing related to recycling promotion in the information processing system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In Figures 5 and 6, "ST" stands for "step."

[0117] 5 and 6, the processing flow in the information processing system 100 can be broadly divided into registration processing, purchase processing, processing in the collection device, and collection processing. Of these, the registration processing, purchase processing, and collection processing include processing executed by the control unit 20 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1. Each processing will be explained below according to the flow of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0118] [Registration process] In the registration process, a user ID is issued to the user terminal 4 based on a registration application from the user terminal 4 of the user who uses the recycling promotion service. User information including the user ID is transmitted to the recycling promotion service providing server 1 and stored in the user information DB 251. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0119] A member registration application is made through a member site operated by a manufacturer using a user terminal 4 (ST1). The member registration application is made by inputting general information such as the user's name, age (generation), occupation, address (area of residence), gender, and contact information such as an email address.

[0120] Based on the registration application from the user terminal 4, the control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3 issues a user ID to the user and transmits it to the user terminal 4 (ST2). The control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3 also transmits user information including the user attribute information provided by the user and the user ID assigned to the user by the manufacturer server 3 to the recycle promotion service providing server 1 (ST3). Next, the control unit 20 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1 stores the received user information in the user information DB 251 (ST4).

[0121] [Purchase Processing] At the time of purchase, purchase information (first information) is transmitted to the recycle promotion service providing server 1 and stored in the user information DB 251. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0122] The user terminal 4 accesses the login screen of the member site operated by the manufacturer, and by entering the user ID on the login screen, a login request is made from the user terminal 4 to the manufacturer server 3 and the user ID is sent (ST5).

[0123] If the control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3 performs authentication using the user ID and clears the authentication, login to the user terminal 4 is approved and the user is permitted to view the member site (ST6). The display unit 420 of the user terminal 4 displays the member site, which includes information requesting the user to submit image information (index information) of the index 61 attached to the product 6 and image information of the receipt showing the receipt when the product 6 was purchased, as a procedure for obtaining rewards through the recycling promotion service. In response to the presentation, the user uses the imaging unit 43 of the user terminal 4 to obtain image information of the index 61 and image information of the receipt (ST7).

[0124] Next, the user operates the user in accordance with the procedure for earning rewards presented on the member site, and image information of the index 61 (index information) and image information of the receipt are sent from the user terminal 4 to the manufacturer server 3 (ST8). In this way, by sending image information of the index 61 together with image information of the receipt, fraudulent acts such as earning rewards for multiple purchases of the same product 6 are prevented.

[0125] Next, the control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3 determines a reward for purchasing the product 6 to be recycled based on the received image information of the index 61 and image information of the receipt, and provisionally grants the reward (ST9). Using the image information of the index 61 (here, image information of the QR code), the control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3 converts the index 61 (QR code) into a character string, thereby obtaining index information such as "uncolored," "white," or "other colors," and the reward can be determined using the index information.

[0126] In determining the reward at the time of purchase, for example, the control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3 provisionally awards 10 points for the purchase of a product 6 having a container 60 with index information of "uncolored." Five points are provisionally awarded for the purchase of a product 6 having a container 60 with index information of "white." One point is provisionally awarded for the purchase of a product 6 having a container 60 with index information of "other colors." Note that, although an example has been given in which image information (index information) of the index 61 is transmitted from the user terminal 4 to the manufacturer server 3, the QR code may be converted into a character string by the user terminal 4 using a QR code reader application pre-installed on the user terminal 4, and the converted information may be transmitted to the manufacturer server 3.

[0127] Next, the control unit 31 of the manufacturer server 3 transmits the purchase information (first information) in which the user ID and index information are associated with each other, and the determined reward information to the recycle promotion service providing server 1 (ST10). The reward information includes reward details (number of points) and reward status information of "provisionally granted."

[0128] Next, the control unit 20 of the recycling promotion service providing server 1 stores the purchase information received from the manufacturer server 3 in the user information DB 251, and further stores the reward information received from the manufacturer server 3 in association with the user ID in the user information DB 251 (ST11).

[0129] [Processing inside the recovery device] The process performed in the recovery device 7 when a container is inserted into the recovery device (an example of the operation of the recovery device) will be described mainly with reference to the control unit 72 of the recovery device 7, following the flow of FIG.

[0130] When a container 60 is inserted into the collection device 7, the control unit 73 reads the index 61 of the container 60 with the reading unit 71 (ST12). By configuring the collection device 7 to read the index 61 in this way, the containers 60 can be collected reliably and fraudulent acts such as reading the index 61 of one container 60 multiple times during collection and thereby obtaining duplicate rewards are prevented.

[0131] Based on the reading result of the index 61, the control unit 73 classifies the inserted container 60 into one of "not to be collected," "uncolored," "white," and "other colors" (ST13).

[0132] In detail, if the read index 61 does not contain any of the index information of "uncolored," "white," or "other colors," the control unit 73 determines that the container 60 to which the index 61 is assigned is "not eligible for collection," ejects it from the collection device 7, and displays instruction information on the display unit 70 to collect the ejected container (ST14). If the index 61 contains the index information of "uncolored", the control unit 72 determines that the container 60 to which the index 61 is assigned is "uncolored", stores the container 60 in an uncolored storage chamber, and displays the index information (an image of the index 61) on the display unit 70 (ST15). If the index 61 contains index information for "white," the control unit 73 determines that the container 60 to which the index 61 is assigned is "white," stores it in a storage chamber for white, and displays the index information (an image of the index 61) on the display unit 70 (ST15). If the index 61 contains index information for "other colors," the control unit 73 determines that the container 60 to which the index 61 is assigned is an "other color," stores it in a storage chamber for other colors, and displays the index information (an image of the index 61) on the display unit 70 (ST15).

[0133] The index information displayed on the display unit 70 is captured by the imaging unit 43 of the user terminal 4, as will be described later in the collection process. Collection information in which the captured image is associated with the user ID is transmitted from the user terminal 4 to the recycle promotion service providing server 1.

[0134] Here, an example is given in which the user terminal 4 transmits the collection time information to the recycle promotion service providing server 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the collection device 7 may have a communication unit capable of communicating with the recycle promotion service providing server 1, and the collection time information may be transmitted from the collection device 7 to the recycle promotion service providing server 1. For example, the collection device 7 may have an input operation unit, and the user ID may be input by the user through the input operation unit, so that the control unit 72 of the collection device 7 acquires the user ID. The control unit 72 may then transmit collection time information, which associates the container index information read by the reading unit 71 with the user ID, to the recycle promotion service providing server 1 via the communication unit. In this case, there is no need to transmit the collection time information to the recycle promotion service providing server 1 using the user terminal 4, which eliminates the need for the user to perform transmission work and simplifies the work related to the recycle promotion service performed by the user. This may further encourage users to use the recycle promotion service, thereby promoting recycling.

[0135] Furthermore, if the collection device 7 has a communication unit capable of communicating with the recycle promotion service providing server 1, an index image acquired by the collection device 7 may be transmitted to the recycle promotion service providing server 1, and the recycle promotion service providing server 1 may acquire recyclability information using the received index image, and based on this, determine whether the inserted container 60 is "not eligible for collection," "uncolored," "white," or "other color," and the determination result may be transmitted to the collection device 7. Then, in the collection device 7, the containers 60 may be sorted and stored in or discharged from each storage chamber within the collection device 7 using the received determination result.

[0136] [Processing upon collection] At the time of collection, collection time information (second information) is transmitted by the user terminal 4 to the recycle promotion service providing server 1. The recycle promotion service providing server 1 performs a reward determination process to determine the reward content to be granted to the user based on the collection time information. Furthermore, a reward grant confirmation process is performed to determine whether or not to grant a reward using the purchase time information and the collection time information. The purchase time information, collection time information, and reward information are associated with the user ID and stored in the user information DB 251. This will be described in detail below using FIG. 6.

[0137] An image (index image) of the index 61 displayed on the display unit 70 of the collection device 7 in the above-mentioned ST14 is acquired by the imaging unit 43 of the user terminal 4 (ST20).

[0138] Next, the user terminal 4 transmits to the recycle promotion service providing server 1 information at the time of collection in which the index image acquired by the user terminal 4 is associated with the user ID (ST21).

[0139] The control unit 20 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1 uses the recycle ease information included in the index information included in the received collection time information, and refers to the recycle ease information DB 250 to determine the reward to be given to the user (here, the reward for collection) (ST22). The determined reward information is stored in the user information DB 251 in association with the user ID (ST23). The reward information includes reward details (number of points) and reward status information of "provisionally awarded."

[0140] In determining the reward at the time of collection, for example, the control unit 20 of the recycling promotion service providing server 1 provisionally awards 10 points for the collection of a product 6 having a container 60 with index information of "uncolored." Five points are provisionally awarded for the collection of a product 6 having a container 60 with index information of "white." One point is provisionally awarded for the collection of a product 6 having a container 60 with index information of "other colors." As a result, when the reward provisionally granted at the time of purchase and the reward provisionally granted at the time of collection are added together, 20 points will be provisionally granted for a container 60 classified as "uncolored," 10 points will be provisionally granted for a container 60 classified as "white," and 2 points will be provisionally granted for a container 60 classified as "other colors."

[0141] Next, the control unit 20 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1 refers to the user information DB 251 and determines whether the received collection time information (second information) matches the purchase time information (first information) stored in the user information DB 251 (ST24). In other words, the control unit 20 determines whether information matching the received collection time information is stored in the user information DB 251.

[0142] Next, if the control unit 20 of the recycling promotion service providing server 1 determines that the collection time information matches the purchase time information, it confirms the granting of a reward to the user (ST25), and the status of the reward is changed from "provisionally granted" to "confirmed grant." On the other hand, if there is no purchase time information in the user information DB251 that matches the collection time information, and the reward grant confirmation unit 22 determines that the collection time information does not match the purchase time information, it puts the confirmation of the granting of a reward to the user on hold. The status of the reward remains "provisionally granted," and the user information DB251 is not updated. Note that even if there is no purchase time information, if the user ID is already registered, it may be configured to grant only a reward for collection.

[0143] The reward information whose status has been changed is stored in the user information DB 251 by the control unit 20 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1 in association with the user ID (ST26). Next, the recycle promotion service providing server 1 officially grants the reward to the user terminal 4 (ST27).

[0144] As described above, in the present invention, the reward given to a user involved in recycling is determined according to the recyclability of the recyclable object. Specifically, the higher the recyclability, the higher the reward given. This configuration can raise users' awareness of recycling, encouraging them to proactively select products containing recyclable materials and to proactively select products containing recyclable materials with a higher recyclability when purchasing products. Furthermore, users' awareness of recycling can be raised, encouraging them to proactively place containers into the collection device when collecting containers. As a result, more recyclable materials with a higher recyclability can be collected, increasing the amount of recycled resin, and promoting recycling.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the index 61 is read within the collection device 7 at the time of collection. However, the index 61 may be read outside the collection device 7. For example, the index 61 may be read outside the collection device 7 by the user terminal 4 or a reading device installed outside the collection device 7. In this case, it is possible to obtain a reward multiple times for collection using one container 60. However, as in the above-described embodiment, the reward is confirmed by a one-to-one correspondence between the purchase information and the collection information, thereby preventing fraudulent behavior. That is, even if an attempt is made to read the index 61 multiple times for one container 60 and obtain a reward multiple times, the reward is confirmed the first time because the purchase information and the collection information match in a one-to-one correspondence. However, from the second time onwards, there is no purchase information that matches the collection information. Therefore, the reward is not confirmed for the second time onwards, and no reward is awarded, thereby preventing fraudulent behavior.

[0146] In this way, the information processing system 100 of this embodiment has a configuration that prevents fraudulent acts such as obtaining duplicate rewards. This allows a reward that is commensurate with the user's recycling contribution to be properly awarded to the user.

[0147] <Manufacturing method for indexed products> Next, a method for manufacturing the product 6 with the index 61 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In particular, the application of the index 61 to the product 6 will be described. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the index 61 is applied to the container 60 itself, which is an item to be recycled, but the index 61 may also be applied to a label 62 affixed to the container 60. Also, an example is given in which the index is applied by laser engraving, but this is not limiting and the index may also be applied by, for example, printing.

[0148] The index 61 is provided on the container 60 by laser engraving using a laser processing device 9 shown in Fig. 10. The laser processing device 9 includes a laser oscillator 90, a laser beam scanning unit 91, and a control unit 92 that controls these. The control unit 92 includes a memory unit 94 that stores control programs and data, and a control unit 93 that controls the operation of the laser processing device 9 in accordance with the programs.

[0149] The storage unit 94 stores, as the data, product identification information for identifying the product 6 and color information of the container (recycling target) 60 of the product 6 in association with each other. The color information indicates the ease of recycling.

[0150] The application of an index 61 to a container 60 by laser engraving will be described with reference to the flow shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, when a product 6 is manufactured, more specifically when an index is laser-engraved onto a container 60, the control unit 93 acquires color information corresponding to the product identification information of the product 6 stored in the memory unit 94 (ST40). Next, the control unit 93 controls the laser oscillator 90 and the laser light scanning unit 91 to apply an index 61 indicating the acquired color information to the container 60 by laser engraving, with the color information readable (ST41). This allows for the production of an indexed product 6 containing color information indicating the recyclability.

[0151] <Modification> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0152] [Variation 1] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a user who contributes to promoting recycling is given a reward according to the recyclability of the container, but the reward to be given to the user may also be determined taking into account the weight information of the container that the user put into the collection device in addition to the recyclability. For example, the reward content may be determined according to the weight of the collected containers 60, such as giving 10 points for 10 g of "uncolored" containers, 5 points for 10 g of "white" containers, and 1 point for 10 g of "other color" containers.

[0153] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the index 61 is given to the container 60, but the index 61 may also be given to the label 62, as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B).

[0154] In the recovery device 7 of the above-described embodiment, the index 61 is read within the recovery device 7, so the container 60 must be loaded into the recovery device 7 with the index 61 attached. When recovering a container 60 using such a recovery device 7, if the index 61 is attached to the label 62, the container 60 with the label 62 attached is loaded into the recovery device 7. In this case, it is preferable that the label 62 be made of the same resin material as the container 60, or that the label 62 be made of a resin material that can be easily separated from the resin material constituting the container 60 during the recycling process. For example, the container 60 may be made of polyethylene, and the label 62 may be made of polystyrene. Because polyethylene and polystyrene have different specific gravities, the polyethylene and polystyrene can be easily separated by specific gravity separation. Specifically, because polyethylene floats in water and polystyrene sinks in water, the container 60 and label 62 can be crushed together and placed in water during the recycling process to separate the two. From the viewpoint of recyclability, a gravity separation process (in other words, a foreign matter removal process) is required, and therefore the recyclability of containers that require the gravity separation process is lower than that of containers without labels, which do not require the gravity separation process. However, even if such a foreign matter removal process is required, the ease of the foreign matter removal process varies depending on the material used for the label, and thus the recyclability of the container varies.

[0155] Furthermore, if a configuration is adopted in which the index 61 is read outside the recovery device, after reading the index 61, the user can remove the label 62 from the container 60 and place it into the recovery device, and any desired resin material can be used for the label 62.

[0156] [Variation 2] In the above-described embodiment, the index is exemplified by a QR code, a barcode, a product code, a character string of specific color information or material information, etc. However, the index is not limited to these and may be an IC tag, for example. In this case, if a configuration is adopted in which the index is read outside the recovery device, the IC tag may be removed by the user after the index 61 is read, and the container is then placed in the recovery device. Furthermore, if a configuration is adopted in which the index is read inside the recovery device 7, the recovery device may be configured so that the IC tag is removed inside the recovery device.

[0157] [Variation 3] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a reward was given to a user who contributes to promoting recycling, but in addition to this, a reward may be given to the manufacturer of the product 6. For example, by including weight information indicating the weight of the container and a manufacturer ID (manufacturer identification information) in the index 61 in addition to the recyclability information, a reward can be given to the manufacturer of the product 6.

[0158] The reward for the manufacturer may be determined based on the recyclability and the weight of the containers 60 of the product 6 manufactured by the manufacturer that are brought to a recycler and sorted according to recyclability. For example, the reward to be awarded to the manufacturer may be determined as follows: 10 points for 1 kg of "uncolored" containers, 5 points for 1 kg of "white" containers, and 1 point for 1 kg of "other color" containers. The reward points may be used by the manufacturer when purchasing recycled pellets from the recycler. Alternatively, the reward may be a discount on the purchase of pellets.

[0159] In this way, the manufacturer's contribution to recycling may be evaluated based on the weight of the collected containers, and the compensation paid to the manufacturer may be determined. This can further raise the manufacturer's awareness of recycling, promote the production of products containing recyclable recyclable materials, and further promote the production of products containing recyclable materials with higher recyclability. As a result, more recyclable materials with higher recyclability can be collected, the amount of recycled resin can be increased, and recycling is promoted.

[0160] Here, the recycling company is paid the recycling processing fee by the manufacturer. When the recycling company collectively recycles containers 60 of products 6 manufactured and sold by multiple manufacturers, the weight of the containers 60 actually used for recycling for each manufacturer may be calculated, and the recycling processing fee to be borne by each manufacturer may be determined based on the calculation result.

[0161] [Variation 4] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a recycler operates the recycle promotion service providing server, but it may also be operated by a recycle promotion service provider separate from the recycler. The following explanation will be made using FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are used for components already described, and explanations may be omitted. Here, the explanation will focus on the differences from information processing system 100 shown in FIG. 4.

[0162] As shown in Figure 9, the information processing system 100A includes a recycling promotion service providing server 1A as an information processing device, multiple user terminals 4 (4A, 4B, etc.), multiple manufacturer servers 3 (3A, 3B, etc.), multiple recyclers 8 (8A, 8B, etc.), and multiple collection devices 7 (7A, 7B, etc.).

[0163] The recycling promotion service providing server 1A has a communication unit 19, a control unit 20, and a memory unit 18A. The communication unit 19 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 4, the manufacturer server 3, and the recycler 8. The memory unit 18A has a DB unit 25 and a program memory unit 26. The DB unit 25A includes a recyclability information DB 250, a user information DB 251, a product information DB 252, a manufacturer information DB 253, a recycler information DB 254, and a collection device DB 255. The information in each DB can be updated by the DB management unit 23.

[0164] The recycler information DB 254 stores attribute information of each recycler. The attribute information of a recycler includes information such as the company name, a recycler ID (recycler identification information) for identifying the recycler, an address (area where the recycling processing plant is located), the types of recyclable materials that can be recycled, recycling processing capacity (amount that can be recycled), and contact information. The types of recyclable materials that can be recycled are indicated by index information that is sorted using the index information determination method described above using recyclability information included in the container index. Specifically, these are "uncolored," "white," and "other colors." The recycler ID is assigned in advance by the recycling promotion service providing server 1A.

[0165] The collection device DB 255 stores attribute information of the collection device DB for each collection device 7. The attribute information of the collection device includes the installation location of the collection device, a collection device ID (collection device identification information) for identifying the collection device, a collection allowable amount, a current collection amount, etc.

[0166] Each collection device 7 may be assigned a collection device ID. As described above, the collection completion information displayed on the display unit 70 of the collection device 7 may further include a collection device ID for identifying the collection device 7 in addition to the index information, and the index information may also include container weight information. With this configuration, the control unit 20 of the recycle promotion service providing server 1 can use the collection completion information to obtain information on the installation location of the collection device 7 by referring to the collection device DB 255. Then, the control unit 20 uses the installation location information and container weight information of the collection device 7 to calculate the current collection amount of the collection device 7 and stores the calculation result in the collection device DB 255 in association with the collection device ID. In other words, it is possible to determine how many containers are collected by each collection device 7. The control unit 20 may determine the timing of transporting the containers 60 collected by the collection device 7 to a recycler based on the current collection amount of each collection device 7. This enables more efficient collection of containers 60. Furthermore, the control unit 20 may use information on the collection capacity in addition to the current collection amount to determine the timing of transporting the containers 60 collected in the collection device 7 to a recycler. This prevents the collection device 7 from exceeding its collection capacity and making it impossible to load containers 60 into the collection device 7, and enables the user to always load containers 60 quickly into the collection device 7. This makes it less likely that the user will feel stressed by not being able to load containers 60 quickly into the collection device 7, helps the user maintain a high level of awareness of recycling, and makes it easier to continue recycling, ultimately further promoting recycling.

[0167] Furthermore, the control unit 20 may refer to the recycler information DB 254 to determine which recycler the containers 60 collected by the collection device 7 should be transported to. Specifically, the control unit 20 may determine which recycler the containers 60 should be transported to by making a comprehensive judgment based on factors including the types of recyclable materials that can be recycled, the recycling processing capacity (amount that can be recycled), and the distance between the collection device 7 and the recycling processing plant. This enables more efficient recycling of the containers 60, further promoting recycling.

[0168] The configuration described in this modification is also applicable to the information processing system 100 described above.

[0169] [Variation 5] In the above-described embodiment, the recyclability information included in the index 61 includes, for example, color information and material information of the container 60. However, this is not limiting. For example, the index 61 may include peelability information indicating the ease of peeling the label 62 from the container 60 as the recyclability information. The ease of peeling a label indicates whether the label 62 can be cleanly removed from the container 60. When removing the label 62 from the container 60, if the adhesive used for the label 62 or part of the label tends to remain on the container 60, the label 62 is considered difficult to peel. If no adhesive or part of the label remains on the container 60 and the label 62 can be removed cleanly, the label 62 is considered easy to peel. For example, if a container 60 is collected and recycled with the adhesive used for the label 62 or part of the label remaining on the container 60, a process for removing foreign matter such as the label is required. Therefore, a container 60 with part of the label remaining on the container 60 has a lower recyclability than a container 60 from which the label 62 has been cleanly peeled. On the other hand, if the label 62 can be cleanly removed from the container 60, the recyclability of the container 60 is higher, and the reward is also higher.

[0170] [Variation 6] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the remuneration determination process is executed by the recycle promotion service providing server 1 and the manufacturer server 3, but it may also be executed by a single server. Also, in the above embodiment, only one recycle promotion service providing server 1 is shown, but the processes executed by the server 1 may be distributed and executed by multiple servers. For example, the remuneration determination process and the remuneration grant confirmation process may be executed by separate servers, and the DB management process may also be executed by separate servers.

[0171] [Variation 7] In the above-described embodiment, a product using a container made of a resin material is used as an example of a recycled product. The recycled product is preferably a product using a recycled object (container) made of a resin material, but is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a product using a bottle container as a recycled object.

[0172] In the case of recycling bottles, the bottles are given readable indexes as recyclability information, including index information such as "brown," "colorless," and "other colors" that serve as indicators of recyclability, as well as color information for determining these index information.

[0173] In bottle recycling, for example, "colorless bottles" are recycled as raw materials for recycled bottles or as plate glass, "brown bottles" are primarily reused as returnable bottles, and "other colored bottles" such as green, black, and blue are primarily recycled as construction materials and road engineering materials. "Brown bottles," which can be reused simply by washing, have the highest recyclability. Colorless bottles and bottles of other colors can be recycled into new glass bottles or other products by crushing them into cullet, melting them at high heat, and forming them into the desired shape. Cullet from colorless, transparent bottles can be recycled into both colorless and colored products, making them highly versatile. Therefore, "colorless bottles" have the second highest recyclability after "brown bottles," while "other colored bottles" have the lowest recyclability. Users who offer bottles for recycling may be rewarded based on their recyclability, promoting recycling in the same way as with the containers made of resin materials described above.

[0174] [Variation 8] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the recyclable items (containers 60) were transported from the recovery device 7 to a recycler while maintaining the shape of the containers, but this is not limiting. A configuration in which part of a series of recycling processes is performed in the recovery device 7 may also be used. For example, the recovery device 7 may be configured to crush the containers 60. In this case, the crushed recyclable items may be transported to a recycler. Crushing the items reduces the overall volume of the recyclable items, allowing for an increase in the amount of items collected by the recovery device 7 and facilitating transportation. This allows for more efficient collection of containers 60, further promoting recycling.

[0175] [Variation 9] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a reward is given to a user via the user terminal 4, but a physical IC card may be used and the reward content may be rewritten on the IC card. The IC card may be issued by the manufacturer, or an existing transportation IC card may be used. The reward written on the IC card can be used to purchase the product 6, etc.

[0176] Here is an example of reward acquisition using an IC card. A reader / writer is installed in the collection device. The IC card is equipped with an IC chip and an antenna that enable contactless communication with the reader / writer within a narrow range of approximately 10 cm. The IC card is also assigned the user ID of the user who owns the IC card. The collection device is equipped with a communication unit that can communicate with the recycling promotion service providing server. The collection device acquires the user ID when the IC card is held over the reader / writer of the collection device. A container 60 is inserted into the collection device, and the information on the index 61 assigned to the container 60 is read by the reading unit of the collection device. The user ID and index information acquired by the collection device are transmitted to the recycling promotion service providing server 1 via the communication unit of the collection device. The recycling promotion service providing server 1 performs steps ST22 to ST26 shown in FIG. 6 using the received information. After confirming the award of the reward, the recycling promotion service providing server 1 transmits the confirmed reward information to the collection device 7. The reward status in the transmitted reward information is "Confirmed Award." The collection device uses a reader / writer to rewrite the information on the IC card held over the reader / writer based on the received reward information, i.e., the confirmed reward content is written to the IC card. Note that the function of the IC card may also be provided to the user terminal 4.

[0177] [Variation 10] In the above-described embodiment, the reward for purchase and the reward for collection are both determined according to the recyclability, but it is sufficient if the reward for at least one of them is determined according to the recyclability. For example, the manufacturer may arbitrarily set the reward for purchase regardless of the recyclability, or may determine a uniform reward for all "uncolored," "white," and "other colors."

[0178] [others] Among the inventions described in the claims of this application, the invention described as an "information processing method" is one in which each step is automatically performed by at least one device such as a computer through software-based information processing, and is not performed by a human using a device such as a computer. In other words, the "information processing method" is an information processing method using computer software, and is not a method in which a human operates a computing tool called a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 6. Product 60...Containers (recyclable items) 61...Index 19…Communications Department 20...Control unit 100, 100A...Information processing system

Claims

1. receiving user identification information identifying a user who purchased a product including a recyclable object, the user identification information being assigned an index including recyclability information indicating the recyclability of the recyclable object, and the recyclability information included in the index; A reward to be given to the user is determined in accordance with the recyclability indicated by the received recyclability information, and the determined reward information is stored in association with the received user identification information. Control Unit An information processing system comprising:

2. The index includes, as the recyclability information, one or more pieces of information selected from color information of the recyclable object and material information of the recyclable object. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The color information includes one or more pieces of information selected from transparency information of the recycling object, and brightness and chromaticity information of the recycling object. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The recycling object is configured to contain a resin, The material information includes one or more pieces of information selected from information on the type of resin of the recyclable object, information on additives, information on colorants, and information on ink components used to print a label to be affixed to the recyclable object.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The index includes, as the recyclability information, information on the ease of peeling of a label attached to the recyclable item. The information processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The reward is given for the purchase and / or collection of the recyclable item by the user. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the control unit receives, from the manufacturer server, the user identification information issued to the user terminal by a manufacturer server of a manufacturer selling the product based on a registration application from the user terminal of the user, and stores the information; The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit receives and stores, from the manufacturer server, first information in which the recyclability information included in the index acquired by the user terminal at the time of purchase of the product is associated with the user identification information. The information processing system according to claim 7 .

9. The control unit receives, from the manufacturer server, reward information indicating a reward granted to the user at the time of purchase of the product by the manufacturer server, and stores the reward information in association with the first information. The information processing system according to claim 8 .

10. The control unit receiving, from the user terminal, second information in which the recyclability information included in the index acquired at the time of collection of the recycling object and the user identification information are associated with each other; determining whether the first information and the second information match, and if it is determined that they match, determining whether to grant the reward to the user for purchasing the product and / or collecting the recyclable item; 10. The information processing system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The index includes information indicating the weight of the recycling object, The control unit determines a reward to be given to the user according to the recyclability and the weight. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the index includes manufacturer identification information that identifies a manufacturer of the product; The control unit determines a reward to be given to the manufacturer according to the recyclability. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The index includes information indicating the weight of the recycling object, The control unit determines a reward to be given to the manufacturer according to the recyclability and the weight. The information processing system according to claim 12.

14. the index includes manufacturer identification information that identifies the manufacturer of the product and information that indicates the weight of the recycling object; The control unit determines a price to be paid by the manufacturer to a recycler that recycles the recycling object, based on the recyclability and the weight. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. receiving user identification information identifying a user who purchased a product including a recyclable object, the user identification information being assigned an index including recyclability information indicating the recyclability of the recyclable object, and the recyclability information included in the index; A reward to be given to the user is determined in accordance with the recyclability indicated by the received recyclability information, and the determined reward information is stored in association with the received user identification information. An information processing method in which processing is performed by an information processing system.

16. receiving user identification information identifying a user who purchased a product including a recyclable object, to which an index including recyclability information indicating the recyclability of the recyclable object is assigned, and the recyclability information included in the index; determining a reward to be given to the user in accordance with the recyclability indicated by the received recyclability information, and storing the determined reward information in association with the received user identification information; A program that causes an information processing system to execute the above.

17. storing product identification information for identifying the product and color information of the product to be recycled in association with each other; When manufacturing the product, color information corresponding to product identification information of the product is acquired; An index indicating the acquired color information is assigned to the product in a state in which the color information can be read. Manufacturing methods for indexed products.

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