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

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing device that output an environmental contribution degree based on a CO2 reduction amount.SOLUTION: An information processing method executes the processing of: acquiring purchasing data related to a commodity or service provided to a user containing at least a business unit ID for specifying a provider of the commodity or service, a user ID for identifying the user, and a CO2 reduction amount per commodity or per service; reading a logic ID and a conversion ID that correspond to the business unit ID included in the purchasing data; reading a conversion logic corresponding to the read logic ID, and a conversion reference value corresponding to the read conversion ID; calculating an environmental contribution degree by calculation according to the conversion logic, using the CO2 reduction amount and the conversion reference value per commodity or per service, for each user ID, regarding the taken-in purchasing data; and outputting the calculated environmental contribution degree.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing device that output an environmental contribution based on the amount of CO2 reduction. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to achieve a carbon-neutral society, organizations such as companies are making efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. Individuals are also being asked to adopt consumption behaviors and lifestyles that lead to reduced CO2 emissions. In order for organizations such as companies and individuals to continuously work on reducing CO2 emissions, it is essential to visualize the effects of their activities. Furthermore, to maintain motivation to continue their activities, it is necessary to make people feel that their activities are contributing to society and the environment. Patent Document 1 proposes a method for supporting CO2 reduction activities that visualizes the user's CO2 emissions and the effects of CO2 emission reduction activities. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-121656 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 calculates a reduction index value that serves as an indicator of the amount of CO2 emission reduction, but the calculated reduction index value is assumed to be equivalent to one gram of CO2 emission reduction, which is equivalent to simply interpreting the amount of CO2 emission reduction as the reduction index value. Furthermore, simply providing the calculated reduction index value as a numerical value does not provide any effect of making users realize the contribution to society or the environment.

[0005] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems. As a result, they have discovered a new indicator for CO2 emission reduction, which they have named "environmental contribution." The present invention was completed based on this finding.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing device that output an environmental contribution based on the amount of CO2 reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present application acquires purchase data relating to products or services provided to a user, the purchase data including at least a business entity ID identifying a provider of the products or services, a user ID identifying a user, and a CO2 reduction amount for each product or service; reads a logic ID and conversion ID corresponding to the business entity ID included in the purchase data from a memory unit that stores a logic ID specifying a conversion logic to be used to calculate an environmental contribution from the CO2 reduction amount, a conversion ID specifying a conversion reference value for calculating the environmental contribution from the CO2 reduction amount, and the business entity ID; reads the conversion logic corresponding to the read logic ID and the conversion reference value corresponding to the read conversion ID; calculates an environmental contribution for the imported purchase data for each user ID by performing an operation in accordance with the conversion logic using the CO2 reduction amount and the conversion reference value for each product or service; and outputs the calculated environmental contribution. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one aspect of the present application, it is possible to output the environmental contribution based on the amount of CO2 reduction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an environmental contribution calculation system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an end-user terminal. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a logic DB. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conversion DB. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a business entity DB. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection algorithm DB. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a contribution degree DB. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a calculation request process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a contribution degree calculation process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of calculation of a reduction amount. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of calculating an environmental contribution degree. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a summary output process. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for preparation processing. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for login processing. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for item use processing. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to use an item. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between actions and CO2 reduction amounts. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for data registration processing. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for data registration processing. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a campaign display screen. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a procedure for login processing. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the home screen. [Figure 25]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the home screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the environmental contribution will be described. The environmental contribution is, for example, a percentage of a reference value obtained by adding up the amount of CO2 reduction resulting from the activities and actions of a company or individual for the environment for each type of activity or action. The method of calculating the environmental contribution is not limited to this. A numerical value obtained by performing some kind of calculation on the amount of CO2 reduction to convert the amount of CO2 reduction into an evaluation value based on the evaluation criteria may also be used. In this specification, the unit of CO2 reduction is kgCO2e unless otherwise specified.

[0011] Next, we will explain CO2 reduction contribution (hereinafter referred to as "reduction contribution"). Reduction contribution is defined as the percentage obtained by dividing the amount of CO2 reduction by an end user over a specified period by the average reduction amount for users living in the same area. Reduction contribution is calculated differently from other environmental contributions described below, but is considered to be one of the environmental contributions.

[0012] Next, an environmental contribution calculation system that calculates and outputs the calculated environmental contribution will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an environmental contribution calculation system. The environmental contribution calculation system 100 includes a server 1, a display system 2, a contribution DB 3, an end user terminal 4, and a business entity system 5. The server 1, the display system 2, the contribution DB 3, the end user terminal 4, and the business entity system 5 are communicably connected to each other via a network N. In the environmental contribution calculation system 100, the server 1 may be provided with the functions of the display system 2, and the display system 2 may not be provided. Alternatively, the business entity system 5 may incorporate the server 1 and the display system 2, and the environmental contribution calculation system 100 may be realized by the business entity system 5 alone. The business entity system 5 may incorporate the display system 2, and the configuration may be made up of the server 1 and the business entity system 5.

[0013] The server 1 is responsible for calculating the environmental contribution from the amount of CO2 reduction. The display system 2 displays the magnitude of the environmental contribution using still images or videos. The contribution DB 3 stores the calculated environmental contribution. The end user terminal 4 is a terminal used by an end user. The end user is assumed to be a general consumer. The business entity system 5 is a computer system operated by a business entity (provider) such as a company that provides products and services to general consumers.

[0014] In FIG. 1, the contribution DB 3 may be provided in the server 1. The functions of the display system 2 may be realized in the server 1, and the display system 2 may not be provided. In the configuration of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the business entity system 5, which has the CO2 reduction amounts of the end users, transmits the CO2 reduction amounts to the server 1 and receives the environmental contribution from the server 1, but this is not limited to this. The server 1 may receive the CO2 reduction amounts by keyboard input or by reading a file. Furthermore, by providing the business entity system 5 with the function of calculating the environmental contribution, the business entity may operate independently without participating in the environmental contribution calculation system 100.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of server 1. Server 1 includes a control unit 11, a main memory unit 12, an auxiliary memory unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a reading unit 15. Each component is connected by a bus B. Server 1 is configured with a server computer, a workstation, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. Server 1 may also be configured with a multicomputer consisting of multiple computers, a virtual machine virtually constructed by software, or a quantum computer. Furthermore, the functions of server 1 may be realized by a cloud service.

[0016] The control unit 11 has one or more arithmetic processing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 11 reads and executes a control program 1P (program, program product) stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, thereby performing various information processing, control processing, etc., and realizing various functional units.

[0017] The main memory unit 12 is a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory, etc. The main memory unit 12 mainly temporarily stores data required for the control unit 11 to execute arithmetic processing.

[0018] The auxiliary storage unit 13 is a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and stores the control program 1P and various DBs (Databases) required for the control unit 11 to execute processing. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a logic DB 131, a conversion DB 132, a business entity DB 133, and a selection algorithm DB 134. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may be separate from the server 1 and may be an external storage device externally connected. The various DBs, etc. stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 may be stored in a database server or cloud storage different from the server 1.

[0019] The communication unit 14 communicates with the display system 2, the contribution DB 3, the end user terminal 4, and the business entity system 5 via the network N. In addition, the control unit 11 may use the communication unit 14 to download the control program 1P from another computer via the network N or the like, and store it in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0020] The reading unit 15 reads the portable storage medium 1a including a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. The control unit 11 may read the control program 1P from the portable storage medium 1a via the reading unit 15 and store it in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The control unit 11 may also read the control program 1P from the semiconductor memory 1b.

[0021] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the end user terminal 4. The end user terminal 4 is configured by a notebook computer, a panel computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, etc. The end user terminal 4 includes a control unit 41, a main memory unit 42, an auxiliary memory unit 43, a communication unit 44, an input unit 45, and a display unit 46. Each component is connected by a bus B.

[0022] The control unit 41 has one or more arithmetic processing units such as a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The control unit 41 provides various functions by reading and executing a control program 4P (program, program product) stored in the auxiliary storage unit 43.

[0023] The main memory unit 42 is an SRAM, a DRAM, a flash memory, etc. The main memory unit 42 mainly temporarily stores data required for the control unit 41 to execute arithmetic processing.

[0024] The auxiliary storage unit 43 is a hard disk or SSD, etc., and stores various data necessary for the control unit 41 to execute processing. The auxiliary storage unit 43 may be an external storage device that is separate from the end user terminal 4 and externally connected. The various DBs, etc. stored in the auxiliary storage unit 43 may be stored in a database server or cloud storage.

[0025] The communication unit 44 communicates with the server 1, the display system 2, etc. via the network N. In addition, the control unit 41 may use the communication unit 44 to download the control program 4P from another computer via the network N, etc., and store it in the auxiliary storage unit 43.

[0026] The input unit 45 is a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 46 includes a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display panel, etc. The display unit 46 displays the environmental contribution output by the server 1, images output by the display system 2, etc. The input unit 45 and the display unit 46 may be integrated to form a touch panel display. The end user terminal 4 may display on an external display device.

[0027] Next, the databases used by the environmental contribution calculation system 100 will be described. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the logic DB 131. The logic DB 131 stores an algorithm (conversion logic) for calculating the environmental contribution. The logic DB 131 includes a logic ID column, a unit period column, an area column, a conversion reference value column, a conversion formula column, and a remarks column. The logic ID column stores a logic ID that identifies the algorithm. The unit period column stores the period for calculating the reduction contribution. In the example of Fig. 4, it is one month. The area column stores the residential area of ​​the end user to which the algorithm is applied. In the example of Fig. 4, prefectures are used as the regions. 13 shown in Fig. 4 is the prefecture code for Tokyo. The conversion reference value column stores the conversion reference value used when calculating the reduction contribution. The conversion formula column stores the calculation formula for calculating the reduction contribution. The remarks column stores the remarks. The remarks column is not necessary.

[0028] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the conversion DB 132. The conversion DB 132 stores information for converting the amount of CO2 reduction into an environmental contribution that can be presented in an expression format that allows the magnitude of the value to be more clearly perceived. The conversion DB 132 includes a conversion ID column, a representation column, an annual amount column, a monthly amount column, and an image column. The conversion ID column stores a conversion ID that specifies the conversion method. The representation column stores information about the object used for the expression. The annual amount column stores a conversion reference value in annual units. The monthly amount column stores a conversion reference value in monthly units. The image column stores images used for the expression. In the example of FIG. 5, the image column stores the actual image, but this is not limited to this. The actual image may be stored as a file in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the image column may store a file name. The image column is not necessary.

[0029] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the business entity DB 133. The business entity DB 133 stores information about business entities. The business entity DB 133 includes a business entity ID column and a name column. The business entity ID column stores a business entity ID that can uniquely identify the business entity. The name column stores the name of the business entity.

[0030] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection algorithm DB 134. The selection algorithm DB 134 stores information on the environmental contribution selected by the business entity. The selection algorithm DB 134 includes a business entity ID column, a logic ID column, and a conversion ID column. The business entity ID column stores the business entity ID. The logic ID column stores the logic ID that identifies the selected environmental contribution algorithm. The conversion ID column stores the conversion ID that identifies the selected environmental contribution algorithm. If the business entity does not need to calculate environmental contributions other than the reduction contribution, the conversion ID column may be set to blank or may have an indefinite value.

[0031] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contribution DB3. The contribution DB3 stores the calculated environmental contribution. The contribution DB3 includes a business entity ID column, a user ID column, a logic ID column, a conversion ID column, a reduction amount column, a reduction contribution column, an EPI column, a provision date column, a provision time column, and an example calculation date. The business entity ID column stores the business entity ID of the business entity that requested the calculation of the environmental contribution. The user ID column stores the ID of the end user for whom the environmental contribution is calculated. The logic ID column stores a logic ID that identifies the calculation method for the reduction contribution. The conversion ID column stores a conversion ID that identifies the calculation method for the environmental contribution. The reduction amount column stores the amount of CO2 reduction that is the basis for calculating the environmental contribution. The reduction contribution column stores the calculated value of the reduction contribution. The EPI column stores the calculated value of the environmental contribution. EPI is an abbreviation for Earth Performance Indicator and indicates the environmental contribution. The provision date column stores the date on which the product or service that is the basis for the CO2 reduction amount was provided from the business entity to the end user. The provision time column stores the time when the product or service that is the basis for the CO2 reduction amount was provided from the business entity to the end user. If there is no need to manage the time, the time column can be omitted. The calculation date column stores the date when the environmental contribution was calculated.

[0032] Next, the information processing performed by the environmental contribution calculation system will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for calculation request processing. In the calculation request processing, the server 1 calculates the environmental contribution based on a request from the business entity system 5. The business entity system 5 sends an authentication request to the server 1 (step S1). The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the authentication request (step S2). The control unit 11 performs authentication (step S3). Since the authentication is performed using well-known techniques such as password authentication or API (Application Programming Interface) authentication, a detailed description will be omitted. The control unit 11 determines whether the authentication is successful (step S4). If the control unit 11 determines that the authentication is successful (YES in step S4), it transmits a notification of authentication success to the business entity system 5 (step S5). The business entity system 5 receives the notification of authentication success (step S6). The business entity system 5 transmits data for calculating the environmental contribution to the server 1 (step S7). The data (purchase data) for calculating the environmental contribution level includes the user ID, the amount of CO2 reduction, and the date and time the product or service was provided (purchase date and time). Data is transmitted from the business entity system 5 to the server 1 as a file using, for example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the data (step S8). The control unit 11 executes the contribution level calculation process (step S9). After the execution is completed, the control unit 11 transmits a completion notification to the business entity system 5 (step S10). The business entity system 5 receives the completion notification (step S11) and ends the process. If the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed (NO in step S4), it transmits a notification of authentication failure to the business entity system 5 (step S12). The business entity system 5 receives the notification of authentication failure (step S13) and ends the process.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the contribution calculation process. The control unit 11 of the server 1 acquires an algorithm for the environmental contribution (step S21). The control unit 11 searches the selected algorithm DB 134 using the entity ID of the entity that requested the calculation as a key, and acquires a logic ID and a conversion ID that identify the algorithm selected by the entity. The control unit 11 further searches the logic DB 131 using the logic ID as a key, and acquires a calculation formula including a conversion reference value for the environmental contribution. The control unit 11 also searches the conversion DB 132 using the conversion ID as a key, and acquires a conversion reference value for calculating the environmental contribution. The control unit 11 acquires one record to be calculated (step S22). The control unit 11 calculates the reduction contribution and the environmental contribution (step S23). The control unit 11 stores the calculated reduction contribution and the environmental contribution in the contribution DB 3 (step S24). The control unit 11 determines whether there are any unprocessed records (step S25). If the control unit 11 determines that there are unprocessed records (YES in step S25), it returns the process to step S22 and processes the unprocessed records. If the control unit 11 determines that there are no unprocessed records (NO in step S25), it returns the process to the caller.

[0034] In the calculation request process described above, the business entity system 5 transmits multiple records to the server 1 in bulk, but this is not limited to this. After successful authentication, the business entity system 5 may transmit data to the server 1 record by record, and the server 1 may execute the contribution calculation process each time it receives a record. In this case, the control unit 11 repeatedly executes steps S7 to S11. After sending all records, the business entity system 5 terminates the calculation request process by transmitting an end to the server 1 or by disconnecting the session.

[0035] Next, the calculation of the environmental contribution will be explained using an assumed example. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of calculating the reduction amount. In this specification, the calculation of the CO2 reduction amount is not the main purpose, and it is assumed that the CO2 reduction amount for each end user will be calculated in the business entity system 5, so here, the concept of the calculation will be briefly explained.

[0036] The amount of CO2 reduction is calculated for, for example, one month (calculation period). The actions that the end user took during the month that led to CO2 reduction are acquired, and the amount of reduction for each action is calculated. The calculated reduction amounts for each action are added together to determine the amount of reduction for one month.

[0037] Figure 11 shows three example actions. For example, if a person purchases a vegetable-based leather backpack, the CO2 reduction is calculated by subtracting the CO2 emissions of the product purchased by the end user (7.81) from the general standard CO2 emissions for backpacks (18.94) (11.13).

[0038] When purchasing beef just before disposal, CO2 emissions at the time of disposal are reduced because the end user purchases it. Therefore, the amount of CO2 reduction is calculated by multiplying the amount purchased by the end user (0.3) by the general standard CO2 emissions per unit amount at the time of disposal (23.0) (6.9).

[0039] When purchasing secondhand clothing, we consider that the end user no longer needs new clothes because they have purchased the secondhand clothing, and calculate the CO2 reduction amount (51.0) by multiplying the number of secondhand clothes purchased (2) by the general standard CO2 emissions emitted when producing and distributing one new item of clothing (25.5).

[0040] As described above, a method for calculating the amount of CO2 reduction is determined in advance for each action that the end user can take that will lead to CO2 reduction. When acquiring information about the action from the end user, it is possible to calculate the amount of CO2 reduction for each action by acquiring the values ​​necessary for the calculation. In the example of Figure 11, the end user's monthly CO2 reduction (total CO2 reduction per month) is 44.424.

[0041] 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of calculating the environmental contribution. Assuming that the end user is a Tokyo resident, the CO2 reduction contribution is calculated using the average monthly CO2 emissions (average monthly CO2 emissions) (605.8) per Tokyo resident (specific area resident) and the reduction amount (44.424) using the following formula (1). The calculation method is stored in the logic DB 131.

[0042] Reduction contribution = 44.424 / 605.8 …(1)

[0043] The calculated reduction contribution is approximately 0.073 = 7.3%.

[0044] Next, the environmental contribution associated with trees will be explained. As a premise, it is assumed that the amount of CO2 absorbed in one year by a coniferous tree with a trunk diameter of 60 centimeters (338) has been obtained from various data. In this case, the monthly value (conversion standard value) is (338 / 12). Using this absorption amount, if the coniferous trees are to absorb the amount of reductions made by the end user, how many coniferous trees are required is calculated, and this value is taken as the environmental contribution. The environmental contribution is found using the following formula (2). The amount of CO2 used for the calculation is stored in the conversion DB 132.

[0045] Environmental contribution = 44.424 / (338 / 12) …(2)

[0046] The calculated environmental contribution is approximately 1.57. Rounding to the nearest tenth gives us 2 (bottles).

[0047] Next, we will explain the environmental contribution associated with biological species. Although we will omit the details, reducing CO2 emissions will help curb the rise in global temperature. Curbing the rise in temperature will make it possible to prevent the extinction of biological species. Based on this idea, calculations were made using various statistical data, and the amount of CO2 that one person must reduce per month (conversion standard value) to save one species from extinction was found to be 6.4. In this case, the environmental contribution is calculated using equation (3). The amount of CO2 that must be reduced is stored in the conversion DB 132.

[0048] Environmental contribution = 44.424 / 6.4 … (3)

[0049] The calculated environmental contribution is approximately 6.9. Rounding to the nearest tenth gives 7 (species).

[0050] Next, we will explain the environmental contribution associated with sea level rise. It is believed that global warming will cause Antarctic ice to melt and sea levels to rise. Therefore, just as with biological species, reducing CO2 emissions will help curb the rise in global temperature. Curbing the rise in temperature will also help curb sea level rise. Based on this concept, calculations were performed using various statistical data, and the amount of CO2 that would need to be reduced per person per month (conversion standard value) to lower sea levels by one centimeter in 2100 was found to be 18,174. In this case, the environmental contribution is calculated using equation (4). The amount of CO2 that needs to be reduced is stored in the conversion DB 132.

[0051] Environmental contribution = 44.424 / 18174 … (4)

[0052] The calculated environmental contribution is approximately 0.002 centimeters.

[0053] The environmental contributions shown above are merely examples. Furthermore, the method of calculating the environmental contributions and the conversion standard values ​​(conversion standard values) used for conversion are not limited to those shown above.

[0054] Next, the presentation of the environmental contribution to the end user will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the tally output process. The end user starts the control program 4P on the end user terminal 4. The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 sends a request to send a home screen to the business entity system 5 (step S31). The business entity system 5 receives the request (step S32). The business entity system 5 tally the end user's CO2 reduction amount for a predetermined tally period, for example, from the first day of the current month to the current date (step S33). The business entity system 5 sends a request for the environmental contribution to the server 1 (step S34). The request includes the business entity ID, the user ID, and the tally of the CO2 reduction amount. The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the request (step S35). The control unit 11 calculates the environmental contribution (step S36). The control unit 11 sends the calculation result to the business entity system 5 (step S37). The business entity system 5 receives the result (step S38). The business entity system 5 creates a home screen (step S39). The business entity system 5 transmits the home screen to the end user terminal 4 (step S40). The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 receives the home screen (step S41). The control unit 41 displays the home screen (step S42) and ends the processing.

[0055] In FIG. 13, the business entity system 5 aggregates the CO2 reduction amounts of end users for a predetermined period, but this is not the only option. The server 1 may also aggregate the CO2 reduction amounts stored in the reduction amount column of the contribution DB3. The desired reduction contribution and environmental contribution can be obtained by adding up the values ​​corresponding to the aggregation period among the reduction contribution and environmental contribution stored in the contribution DB3. However, since each reduction contribution and environmental contribution has rounding errors, there is a possibility that the summed values ​​will have a large error. Therefore, it is desirable to aggregate the CO2 reduction amounts for the aggregation period and calculate the reduction contribution and environmental contribution based on the aggregated values.

[0056] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a home screen. The home screen d01 includes an environmental contribution d011, a CO2 reduction amount d012, and a reduction contribution amount d013. The environmental contribution amount d011 indicates the environmental contribution amount of the end user for the current month. The CO2 reduction amount d012 indicates the CO2 reduction amount of the end user for the current month. The CO2 reduction amount is the value used as the basis for calculating the environmental contribution amount. The reduction contribution amount d013 indicates the proportion of the CO2 reduction amount to the average monthly emissions, expressed as a percentage.

[0057] As described above, by calculating the environmental contribution including the reduction contribution, the amount of CO2 reduction becomes a value that is associated with environmental conservation. By referring to the environmental contribution, end users can be expected to realize that their actions that lead to the reduction of their own CO2 emissions are connected to environmental conservation.

[0058] Next, the use of environmental contribution points in the virtual space by the display system 2 will be described. As an example, in the virtual space, the use of an item is permitted by consuming environmental contribution points. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for preparation processing. The preparation processing is periodically started by batch processing or the like. The display system 2 sends an authentication request to the server 1 (step S51). The authentication request includes a business entity ID. The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the authentication request (step S52). The control unit 11 performs authentication (step S53). The control unit 11 sends authentication information to the display system 2 (step S54). The control unit 11 receives the authentication information (step S55). The authentication information is, for example, an access token. Although not shown in FIG. 15, if authentication fails, separate error processing is executed. The display system 2 sends a tally request to the server 1 (step S56). The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the tally request (step S57). The tally request includes a tally period. The control unit 11 tallies the environmental contributions (step S58). The control unit 11 searches the contribution DB3 using the business entity ID as a key, and acquires records whose provision dates are included in the aggregation period and whose business entity IDs match the business entity IDs specified by the display system 2. The control unit 11 tallies the environmental contributions (EPI column values) for each end user (each user ID) based on the acquired records. The control unit 11 transmits the results, in which the user IDs are associated with the aggregated values ​​of the environmental contributions, to the display system 2 (step S59). The display system 2 receives the results (step S60). The display system 2 stores the results (step S61) and ends the process.

[0059] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the login process procedure. The end user operates the end user terminal 4 to log in to the virtual space. The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 sends a login request to the display system 2 (step S71). The login request includes a user ID and a business entity ID. The display system 2 receives the request (step S72). The display system 2 constructs a virtual space based on data associating the user ID with the environmental contribution obtained in the preparation process (step S73). For example, a tree sapling is set in the end user's space based on the environmental contribution. The display system 2 generates an image to be displayed on the end user terminal 4 (step S74). The display system 2 sends the image to the end user terminal 4 (step S75). The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 receives the image (step S76). The control unit 41 displays the received image (step S77) and ends the process.

[0060] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for item usage processing. The end user operates the end user terminal 4 to request the use of an item. The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 transmits a request to consume environmental contribution points to the server 1 (step S81). The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the consumption request (step S82). The control unit 11 temporarily stores the consumption amount associated with the use of the item (step S83). The control unit 11 transmits a command to use the item to the end user terminal 4 (step S84). The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 receives the command (step S85). The control unit 41 executes the command (step S86). The control unit 41 transmits a completion of command execution to the server 1 (step S87). The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the completion (step S88). The control unit 11 updates the environmental contribution points owned by the end user (step S89) and ends the process.

[0061] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of item usage. In the example shown in FIG. 18, a tree seedling 181 is displayed on the end user terminal 4 according to the end user's environmental contribution. When the end user waters the tree seedling 181 using the item, a watering can, the seedling grows into a tree 182. Accordingly, the EPI (environmental contribution index) decreases from 0.4 to 0.3. In this way, by linking the environmental contribution index to the end user's actions of using items in the virtual space rather than displaying it numerically, the end user can better understand that their actions in the real world contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and realizing a better environment. When an item is used in the virtual space, a command is sent from the end user terminal 4 to the display system 2 in step S86 of FIG. 17. Furthermore, when an item is used in the virtual space, the end user's EPI may be reduced only in the virtual space.

[0062] (Increase or decrease in CO2 emissions due to behavioral changes) In the above explanation, we have mainly looked at the reduction in CO2 emissions resulting from end users purchasing products and services provided by businesses, but this is not the only way to do it. It is also possible to look at the reduction in CO2 emissions resulting from changes in end user behavior. Conversely, it is also possible to look at the increase in CO2 emissions resulting from end user behavior.

[0063] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between behavior and CO2 reduction. Figure 19A shows how to calculate the CO2 reduction when an end user uses public transportation instead of their personal car. The typical CO2 emissions when using a personal car are 0.13 kg CO2e / person-km. In contrast, trains have 0.017 kg CO2e / person-km, and buses have 0.057 kg CO2e / person-km. Therefore, if an end user uses a train instead of a personal car, the reduction is 0.1113 kg CO2e / person-km, and if they use a bus, the reduction is 0.073 kg CO2e / person-km. Therefore, when an end user uses a train or bus, the reduction can be calculated by multiplying the traveled distance by these distances.

[0064] Figure 19B shows an example of an increase in CO2 emissions due to end user behavior. For example, if an end user using a school lunch service eats all of the meal served to them, the CO2 emissions when they throw the meal away are 0. However, if they leave 50% of the meal, CO2 will be emitted when they throw it away. Here, the CO2 emissions when one meal is thrown away are set to 3.83 kg CO2e. Therefore, if 50% is left, the emissions are 1.915 kg CO2e, resulting in a CO2 reduction of -1.915 kg CO2e.

[0065] Above are some examples of CO2 reductions that can be achieved through changes in end-user consumption and behavior, but they can be organized as follows. There are five main categories: 1. Select and purchase eco-friendly products. 2. Use alternative products and services. 3. Use for a long time. 4. Eat and use everything. 5. Save and use.

[0066] 1. Regarding the selection and purchase of eco-friendly products, the general rule is to purchase eco-friendly products manufactured and sold by each business entity (each company). When it comes to food, it means purchasing food that is about to be disposed of (clearance items, discounted items). This is because it reduces CO2 emissions associated with disposal.

[0067] 2. Regarding using alternative products and services, in the case of food, this would mean stopping buying meat. This is because the CO2 emissions from meat production are greater than those from other food production. In the case of second-hand goods, this would mean buying second-hand clothes and second-hand goods. This is because purchasing second-hand clothes and second-hand goods eliminates the need to produce new products, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. In the case of refills, this would mean purchasing refill packs. By using refills, used containers are not discarded and new containers are not consumed, thereby ultimately reducing CO2 emissions. Another possible reduction would be using personal items. Reducing plastic bag consumption by using personal bags and reducing the consumption and waste of plastic bottles and other containers by using personal water bottles will lead to reduced CO2 emissions. In the case of transportation, this would include using alternative means of transportation to driving a car. Possible options include using public transportation such as trains and buses, or traveling by bicycle or on foot. All of these methods reduce CO2 emissions compared to driving a car.

[0068] 3. Regarding long-term use, in general, if you measure the period of time until you throw away clothes or home appliances, and use them for longer than their normal useful life, you can consider that the CO2 emissions from purchasing new items have been reduced.

[0069] 4. Regarding eating and using up everything, when it comes to food, it means eating all the food (lunch boxes, eating out, ingredients) because it reduces CO2 emissions associated with waste. When it comes to consumables, it means using up everyday items.

[0070] 5. Save and use. If your electricity, gas, or water usage is less than the average usage of end users with similar residences and family structures, it can be considered that the CO2 emissions required to supply the reduced usage have been reduced.

[0071] As described above, by making it possible to calculate the amount of CO2 reduction resulting from various consumption activities and behavioral changes of end users, the environmental contribution calculation system 100 can provide environmental contribution production services to businesses in various industries.

[0072] (campaign) The following describes a case where a business entity conducts a sales campaign for its end users, using the environmental contribution calculation system 100. It is assumed that the business entity conducts a campaign for a set period of time to encourage the purchase of its products and for the end users to take action to reduce CO2 emissions.

[0073] 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure for the data registration process. The data registration process is a process for registering an end user's purchase of a product or an action to reduce CO2 emissions during a campaign period. The end user operates the end user terminal 4 to input a record of consumption behavior such as a product purchase or an action to reduce CO2 emissions. The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 transmits the action record to the business entity system 5 (step S101). The business entity system 5 receives the action record (step S102). The business entity system 5 determines whether or not the amount of CO2 reduction can be calculated from the received action record (step S103). If the content of the action record is a purchase of the business entity's product, the business entity system 5 determines that calculation is possible. If the content is other than that, it determines that calculation is impossible. If the business entity system 5 determines that calculation of the environmental contribution is possible (YES in step S103), it calculates the amount of reduction (step S104) and proceeds to step S110. If the business entity system 5 determines that it is not possible to calculate the environmental contribution (NO in step S103), it sends a calculation request for the environmental contribution to the server 1 (step S105). The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the calculation request (step S106). The control unit 11 calculates the amount of reduction (step S107). The control unit 11 sends the calculated amount of reduction to the business entity system 5 (step S108). The business entity system 5 receives the amount of reduction (step S109). The business entity system 5 sends a calculation request for the environmental contribution (step S110). The calculation request includes the business entity ID, the user ID, the amount of reduction, and the campaign period. The control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the calculation request (step S111). The control unit 11 calculates the environmental contribution (step S112). The control unit 11 tallies the user's environmental contribution during the campaign period (step S113). If the campaign period (implementation period) is several months, in addition to tallying up from the first day to the current day, monthly tallying may also be performed. The control unit 11 stores the environmental contribution degree and the aggregated value (step S114). The control unit 11 transmits the environmental contribution degree and the aggregated value to the business entity system 5 (step S115). The business entity system 5 receives the environmental contribution degree and the aggregated value (step S116). The business entity system 5 creates a display screen (step S117).The business entity system 5 transmits the display screen to the end user terminal 4 (step S118). The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 receives and displays the display screen (step S119). The control unit 41 ends the processing. Note that the display system 2 may generate and transmit the display screen, instead of the server 1.

[0074] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a campaign display screen. The campaign display screen d02 is a screen displayed on the end user terminal 4 of an end user participating in the campaign. The campaign display screen d02 includes action details d021, environmental contribution d022, an aggregate graph d023, and a total value d024. The action details d021 show the latest action details. The environmental contribution d022 shows the environmental contribution (EPI) according to the action details. The aggregate graph d023 shows the environmental contribution for each period. Here, it is displayed on a monthly basis. The total value d024 shows the total value of the environmental contribution up to the current day.

[0075] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure for login processing. The login processing shown in FIG. 23 is processing executed when an end user participating in a campaign logs in to a virtual space provided by the display system 2. The end user operates the end user terminal 4 to log in to the virtual space. The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 transmits a login request to the display system 2 (step S131). The display system 2 receives the login request (step S132). The display system 2 acquires the user's environmental contribution during the campaign period (step S133). The display system 2 determines whether the campaign goal has been achieved (step S134). If the display system 2 determines that the goal has been achieved (YES in step S134), it sets an achievement message (step S135) and proceeds to step S138. If the display system 2 determines that the goal has not been achieved (NO in step S134), it determines whether the value of the environmental contribution has decreased for each predetermined period, for example, each month (step S136). This determination is made by calculating the increase or decrease in the value of the previous month from the value two months before. If the display system 2 determines that the number of users has not decreased (NO in step S136), the process proceeds to step S138. If the display system 2 determines that the number of users has decreased (YES in step S136), the process sets an expression indicating the decrease (step S137). The display system 2 constructs a virtual space (step S138). The display system 2 creates a screen (step S139). The display system 2 transmits the screen to the end user terminal 4 (step S140). The control unit 41 of the end user terminal 4 receives the screen (step S141). The control unit 41 displays the screen (step S142) and ends the process.

[0076] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a home screen. The home screen d03 shown in FIG. 24 is a screen presented to an end user whose progress in the campaign is not satisfactory. The home screen d03 includes a campaign name d031, an environmental contribution index (EPI) d032, a warning message d033, and an encouragement message d034. The campaign name d031 indicates the name of the campaign. The environmental contribution index (EPI) d032 indicates the aggregate value of the end user's environmental contribution index from the start of the campaign to the current day. The warning message d033 is a message warning that the EPI acquisition is on a downward trend. In addition, it indicates that the trees are weakening due to the downward trend. The encouragement message d034 is a message encouraging the user to acquire environmental contribution index by taking action to reduce CO2 emissions.

[0077] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a home screen. The home screen d04 shown in FIG. 25 is a screen that is displayed when the campaign goal is achieved. The home screen d04 includes a campaign name d041, an environmental contribution index (EPI) d042, and an achievement message d043. The campaign name d041 indicates the name of the campaign. The environmental contribution index (EPI) d042 indicates the aggregate value of the end user's environmental contribution from the start of the campaign to the current day. The achievement message d043 is a message indicating that the campaign goal has been achieved. The achievement of the goal may be expressed with an image (symbol image). For example, the end user may be presented with a gold crown in the virtual space. Alternatively, an incentive such as points that can be used in the real world may be provided.

[0078] By running campaigns using the environmental contribution calculation system 100, companies can promote sales of their products and also use the environmental contribution to encourage end users to take actions that will lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

[0079] The technical features (constituent elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In addition, the claims are written in a format in which a claim cites two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. Multiple claims that cite at least one other claim (multi-multi claim format) may also be written. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 100: Environmental Contribution Calculation System 1: Server 11: Control section 12: Main memory 13: Auxiliary storage section 131: Logic DB 132: Conversion DB 133: Business entity database 134: Selection algorithm DB 14: Communications Department 15: Reading unit 1P: Control program 1a: Portable storage medium 1b: Semiconductor memory 2: Display system 3: Contribution DB 4: End-user terminal 41: Control unit 42: Main memory 43: Auxiliary storage section 44: Communications Department 45: Input section 46:Display section 4P: Control program 5: Enterprise Systems B: Bus N: Network

Claims

1. A business entity ID that identifies the provider of the product or service, a user ID that identifies the user, and a CO for each product or service. ２ acquiring purchase data relating to the goods or services provided to the user, the purchase data including at least the amount of the reduction; The CO ２ A logic ID that specifies the conversion logic used to calculate the environmental contribution from the reduction amount, and ２ a logic ID and a conversion ID corresponding to the business entity ID included in the purchase data are read from a storage unit that stores a conversion ID specifying a conversion reference value for calculating an environmental contribution from the reduction amount and a business entity ID in association with each other; reading out the conversion logic corresponding to the read logic ID and the conversion reference value corresponding to the read conversion ID; Regarding the acquired purchase data, CO for each of the products or services for each of the user IDs is calculated. ２ Calculating the environmental contribution by calculation according to the conversion logic using the reduction amount and the conversion reference value; Output the calculated environmental contribution An information processing method that performs processing.

2. capturing the purchase data including the date and time of purchase of the product or service; Accept the calculation period, Calculating the environmental contribution using the purchase data for the products or services provided during the calculation period based on the purchase date and time; The calculated environmental contribution is tallied for each user ID; The total value obtained by the aggregation is output in association with the user ID. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The calculation period is the campaign implementation period. The information processing method according to claim 2 .

4. The environmental contribution is CO ２ This is the value obtained by dividing the reduction amount by the conversion standard value. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When calculating the environmental contribution, ２ The amount of CO2 reduction due to the change in the user's behavior ２ Include reductions The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. calculating an increase or decrease in the total value of the environmental contribution for each user for the two different calculation periods; An image is generated based on the calculated increase / decrease value. Output the generated image 4. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3.

7. Average CO2 per month for a specific area resident ２ Let X be the amount of CO emitted and the total CO per month of the user being evaluated. ２ The reduction amount is defined as Y, and the environmental contribution is calculated as Y / X. Output the calculated environmental contribution as a percentage. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. CO absorbed by trees per month ２ X is the amount of CO2 per month of the user to be evaluated. ２ The reduction amount is defined as Y, and the environmental contribution is calculated as Y / X. Output the calculated environmental contribution The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. generating a symbol image indicating the success or failure of a predetermined campaign based on the total value of the environmental contribution calculated for each user; Output the generated symbol image The information processing method according to claim 3 .

10. A business entity ID that identifies the provider of the product or service, a user ID that identifies the user, and a CO for each product or service. ２ acquiring purchase data relating to the goods or services provided to the user, the purchase data including at least the amount of the reduction; The CO ２ A logic ID that specifies the conversion logic used to calculate the environmental contribution from the reduction amount, and ２ a logic ID and a conversion ID corresponding to the business entity ID included in the purchase data are read from a storage unit that stores a conversion ID specifying a conversion reference value for calculating an environmental contribution from the reduction amount and a business entity ID in association with each other; reading out the conversion logic corresponding to the read logic ID and the conversion reference value corresponding to the read conversion ID; Regarding the acquired purchase data, CO for each of the products or services for each of the user IDs is calculated. ２ Calculating the environmental contribution by calculation according to the conversion logic using the reduction amount and the conversion reference value; Output the calculated environmental contribution An information processing program that executes processing.

11. An information processing device including a control unit, The control unit A business entity ID that identifies the provider of the product or service, a user ID that identifies the user, and a CO for each product or service. ２ acquiring purchase data relating to the goods or services provided to the user, the purchase data including at least the amount of the reduction; The CO ２ A logic ID that specifies the conversion logic used to calculate the environmental contribution from the reduction amount, and ２ a logic ID and a conversion ID corresponding to the business entity ID included in the purchase data are read from a storage unit that stores a conversion ID specifying a conversion reference value for calculating an environmental contribution from the reduction amount and a business entity ID in association with each other; reading out the conversion logic corresponding to the read logic ID and the conversion reference value corresponding to the read conversion ID; Regarding the acquired purchase data, CO for each of the products or services for each of the user IDs is calculated. ２ Calculating the environmental contribution by calculation according to the conversion logic using the reduction amount and the conversion reference value; Output the calculated environmental contribution An information processing device that executes processing.

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