Point management system, point management method and program

Abstract

To provide a point management system capable of improving the degree of freedom of point utilization.SOLUTION: A point management system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 for acquiring information (reduction information) showing a CO2 emission reduction amount reduced by a decarbonization action of a first user, a calculation unit 12 for calculating a first point on the basis of the information (reduction information) showing the CO2 emission reduction amount of the first user, a giving unit 13 for giving the first point to the first user, and a management unit 15 which can manage the first point and a second point given to a second user different from the first user as a first group point of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a point management system, a point management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a CO2 emissions reduction system that includes a measurement unit that measures CO2 emissions at a user's business or home, a calculation unit that calculates numerical data on CO2 emissions that can be reduced, and an issuance unit that issues local currency, etc. to the user terminals of users who have taken actions to reduce CO2 emissions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-94423 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 has the problem that, for example, if a user is an individual, when points are converted into goods or services, it is difficult for the user to select goods or services that require a high amount of points, reducing the freedom to use points.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a points management system, a points management method, and a program that can improve the flexibility of point utilization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A points management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by a first user's decarbonization actions, a calculation unit that calculates first points based on the information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user, an awarding unit that awards the first points to the first user, and a management unit that is capable of managing the first points and second points awarded to a second user different from the first user as first group points of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong.

[0007] Furthermore, a point management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes acquiring information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by a first user's decarbonization action, calculating first points based on the information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user, assigning the first points to the first user, and managing the first points and second points assigned to a second user other than the first user as first group points of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong.

[0008] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute a point management method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The point management system etc. of the present disclosure can improve the degree of freedom in using points. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a decarbonization system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a decarbonization system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a decarbonization action menu list. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates a decarbonization application displaying reduction information. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between user IDs, group IDs, and points stored in the storage unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between group IDs and group points. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing how to switch from a user point to a group point. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows the decarbonization catalog. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing details of a decarbonization catalog for redeeming points for goods or services. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the decarbonization system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the decarbonization system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the decarbonization system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection of the components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0012] The drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Therefore, for example, the scales of the drawings do not necessarily match. In addition, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote substantially the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) <Summary> Before describing the present disclosure, the background to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1A. Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a decarbonization system according to the embodiment shown below.

[0014] In recent years, greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically due to human social activities, causing global warming. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, are urgently needed.

[0015] The Paris Agreement, adopted at the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP21) and coming into effect in 2016, was an international agreement to achieve "net zero" (a state in which greenhouse gas emissions and removals are balanced) by 2050. Carbon credits are attracting attention as one of the means to achieve this net zero goal.

[0016] Carbon credits are a system in which companies and other organizations issue credits representing the reduction (amount reduced or absorbed) of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by forest protection or afforestation, or the introduction of energy-saving equipment, and can then trade these credits with other organizations such as other companies. Organizations are the entities that create carbon credits, and other companies are the entities that use them. Carbon credit systems include the government-led (Japan) J-Credit and the private-sector-led Voluntary Credit.

[0017] Here, examples of organizations include companies, businesses, organizations, local governments (e.g., local governments), and non-profit organizations (NPOs) that are working to contribute to the environment, but they may also be any other organization that is working to contribute to the environment.

[0018] Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions reductions are being sought not only from organizations such as those mentioned above, but also from users such as individuals and households. However, currently, it is difficult for users to effectively utilize the environmental value generated by their decarbonization actions for purposes such as creating carbon credits. Furthermore, currently, the environmental value generated by users' decarbonization actions is small, making it difficult to make it a viable business. It is believed that decarbonization can be accelerated if users and organizations work together toward decarbonization, but as mentioned above, currently, an environment in which users and organizations can work together toward decarbonization has not been created.

[0019] Therefore, the inventors of the present application developed the decarbonization system (an example of an environmental system) described below with the aim of accelerating decarbonization by fostering momentum among users and organizations working toward decarbonization. This environmental system is characterized by the fact that environmental value generated by users' environmental actions can be exchanged for rebate menus offered by organizations (providers). The environmental system also uses environmental points as a medium for exchanging environmental value and rebate menus. Environmental points are a general term for points used within the environmental system, and there can be one or more (e.g., multiple) types. Rebate menus are the objects of exchange that can be exchanged for environmental value.

[0020] The multiple point types according to the type of decarbonization action include, for example, points derived from J-Credits based on solar power methodologies and awarded to users when they take environmental action related to renewable energy (here, decarbonization actions); points derived from J-Credits based on various energy-saving methodologies and awarded to users when they take decarbonization actions related to energy saving; points derived from users' self-reporting that they have taken decarbonization actions and awarded to users when they self-report that they have taken decarbonization actions; points derived from the measurement results of the decarbonization actions taken by users and awarded to users according to the measurement results of the decarbonization actions taken by users; points derived from various voluntary credits and awarded to users when they take decarbonization actions corresponding to the voluntary credits; points derived from decarbonization actions in which users select (purchase) goods or services with a lower CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) than normal purchasing actions and awarded to users when they purchase products or services with a lower CFP; and points derived from unique decarbonization actions desired by providers and awarded to users when they take the unique decarbonization actions desired by the provider.

[0021] The types of points are not limited to these.

[0022] The decarbonization system is an example of an environmental system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and is a system for mainly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. For example, the environmental system may include a system for reducing CO2 emissions, a system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions other than CO2, or a system for other purposes than reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0023] In the following, decarbonization points refer to environmental points that include points other than decarbonization actions, and include points obtained by reducing CO2 emissions, points obtained by reducing greenhouse gas emissions other than CO2, and points obtained by actions other than reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0024] Furthermore, decarbonization points are an example of environmental points awarded for the above-mentioned environmental actions.

[0025] An overview of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, as an example of an environmental system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a decarbonization system for primarily reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, which is considered to have a large impact on global warming among greenhouse gases, will be described. Hereinafter, organizations participating in the decarbonization system (i.e., organizations offering rebate programs) will also be referred to as providers.

[0026] The outline of the decarbonization system described below is merely an example, and is not limited to the content described below. For example, the decarbonization system will be described below as an example realized via an app, but is not limited to this. For example, the decarbonization system may be realized as a function provided in a home energy management system (HEMS) owned by a household, a terminal device such as an intercom, or a virtual private assistant (VPA) device such as a smart speaker with a monitor. A smart speaker is a speaker with an AI (artificial intelligence) assistant function that supports interactive voice operation.

[0027] A user selects a decarbonization action menu containing a decarbonization action that the user wants to perform from a decarbonization action menu list containing multiple decarbonization action menus via a decarbonization application (app) for realizing a decarbonization system. Specifically, the app is installed on a terminal device owned by the user, and the decarbonization action menu list is displayed on the terminal device. The user operates the terminal device to select a decarbonization action menu containing a desired decarbonization action from the displayed decarbonization action menu list. The decarbonization action menu associates the type of decarbonization action, the unit time for performing the decarbonization action, information indicating the provider, the point type (type of decarbonization point) earned by the decarbonization action, and the number of decarbonization points awarded for the amount of decarbonization action performed. For example, the user can check the multiple decarbonization actions displayed on the app and information regarding the decarbonization points awarded, and select a decarbonization action that the user wants to perform. Note that there are multiple point types corresponding to the decarbonization action menu, i.e., the type of decarbonization action.

[0028] The unit time for performing decarbonization actions is a time period set for counting (aggregating) the amount of CO2 reduction, the number of decarbonization actions, the duration of the decarbonization actions, the distance decarbonized, etc. The unit time is set in advance, and examples include, but are not limited to, one day, one week, one month, one year, etc. For example, decarbonization points may be awarded for each unit time according to the amount of decarbonization action taken in that unit time.

[0029] In this way, the decarbonization action menu sets how many points of each type can be earned by performing each decarbonization action. The decarbonization action selected determines whether the decarbonization points awarded to the user are linked to carbon credits. For example, the decarbonization action selected may determine whether the decarbonization points awarded to the user are automatically linked to J-Credits derived from renewable energy electricity, energy-saving J-Credits, voluntary credits rather than J-Credits, or points that cannot be converted into credits at all. Furthermore, since providing a point type for each environmentally contributing corporation would result in too many point types, the point type may include one or more decarbonization points that can only be used in conjunction with an environmentally contributing corporation, i.e., are not compatible with each other and have limited redemption options.

[0030] The decarbonization action menu list may include a decarbonization action menu including decarbonization actions set by the app administrator, or may include a decarbonization action menu including decarbonization actions proposed by providers or users participating in the decarbonization system (for example, a decarbonization action menu set by an environmental contribution corporation). Also, one decarbonization action menu may include two or more decarbonization actions.

[0031] In addition, information about the provider's environmental contribution efforts may be displayed on the terminal device along with the provider's proposed decarbonization actions. In this way, the app allows users to view the provider's environmental contribution efforts within the app. This increases the provider's opportunities to inform users of its organization's environmental contribution or decarbonization efforts, thereby helping to create a sense of environmental contribution among users through these efforts. Furthermore, by posting information about how the provider utilized the emission reductions generated by users who exchanged their points, users can feel a connection with the provider or its brand, products, or services (e.g., characters, idols, etc.), which may increase customer engagement. Furthermore, these efforts can help create a sense of environmental contribution among stakeholders surrounding the provider, such as investors, business partners, and job seekers, in addition to customers, thereby increasing corporate value.

[0032] Note that the decarbonization actions taken by the user are not limited to those included in the decarbonization action menu, and may be, for example, decarbonization actions proposed by the user. They may also be decarbonization actions voluntarily proposed by the user within the app and approved by a provider or app administrator. In this case, the approved provider or administrator will award the user decarbonization points.

[0033] In this specification, decarbonization behavior is an example of environmental behavior related to greenhouse gas emission reduction, and mainly refers to CO2 emission reduction behavior. Furthermore, for example, environmental behavior may include behavior to reduce CO2 emissions, behavior to reduce greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, or behavior other than greenhouse gas emission reduction (e.g., environmental contribution behavior described below, behavior to indirectly reduce greenhouse gases, etc.). Greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide may include, for example, greenhouse gases whose reduction amount is converted into CO2.

[0034] Environmental actions may include actions to reduce greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide, such as methane, nitrous oxide, and alternative fluorocarbons, and may also include actions to reduce greenhouse gases whose reductions are not converted into CO2 (not quantified).

[0035] Environmental actions may be actions that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as those described above, or actions that indirectly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as purchasing products with a low carbon footprint or alleviating the tightness of electricity supply and demand (for example, participating in DR (Demand Response)).

[0036] CO2 reductions include both quantifiable and unquantifiable CO2 reductions. When a user selects a decarbonization action, the app monitors the amount of CO2 reductions equivalent to the unquantifiable CO2 reductions. The app then awards the user decarbonization points based on the amount of CO2 reductions. Decarbonization points can be exchanged for rewards offered by various providers. Rebate options can be viewed at any time. Users select the desired reward option from a decarbonization catalog containing multiple reward options offered by various providers via the app. This allows the user to use the decarbonization points accumulated through decarbonization actions. Exchanging decarbonization points for reward options is equivalent to exchanging the reward option for the environmental value generated by the decarbonization action corresponding to the decarbonization points. The amount equivalent to CO2 reductions refers to the number of decarbonization actions that cannot be quantified as CO2 reductions, the duration of the decarbonization action, the distance traveled, and other factors. The amount equivalent to CO2 reductions is determined based on the decarbonization action, not limited to duration or distance, and is determined based on the decarbonization action that cannot be quantified as CO2 reductions.

[0037] In addition to the rebate menu offered by the provider, information regarding the provider's environmental contribution efforts may also be displayed on the terminal device.

[0038] The timing for presenting the provider's environmental contribution efforts to the user within the app may be the first timing when the user selects the decarbonization action as described above, or the second timing when the user selects the rebate menu. The presentation timing may be any timing between the first timing and the second timing, for example.

[0039] The app administrator then applies to an examination agency for the amount of CO2 reduction equivalent to the exchanged decarbonization points. If the application is approved, the amount of CO2 reduction is exchanged for J-Credits. In other words, J-Credits are issued according to the amount of CO2 reduction. These J-Credits are awarded to the companies that offer the rebate menu. This allows companies to acquire J-Credits, which are environmental value according to the decarbonization points.

[0040] In addition, when decarbonization points are exchanged for a rebate menu in the decarbonization system, the provider is required to pay a fee based on the number of decarbonization points, a fee based on the number of exchanges, etc. to the administrator of the decarbonization system.

[0041] However, if a product or service that a user desires requires a high value of points, it may be difficult for the user to select the product or service that requires a high value of points, which reduces the user's freedom in using points.

[0042] Therefore, in this embodiment, a points management system that can improve the degree of freedom in using points will be described.

[0043] <Configuration and Function> Hereinafter, a point management system 10, a point management method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1B to 5C.

[0044] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a decarbonization system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a decarbonization action menu list. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a decarbonization application that displays reduction information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between user IDs, group IDs, and points stored in the memory unit 14. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between group IDs and group points. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing how to switch from user points to group points. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a decarbonization catalog. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing details of a decarbonization catalog for redeeming points for goods or services.

[0045] 1B, the decarbonization system 1 can communicate with a user's terminal device 20 and an administrator's management server. By acting as an intermediary between users and providers who are making efforts to contribute to the environment, the decarbonization system 1 can encourage users to take decarbonization actions and make users aware of the organization's efforts to contribute to the environment.

[0046] The decarbonization system 1 has, as one of a plurality of functions, a point management system 10. The decarbonization system 1 may also have a terminal device 20 for a user.

[0047] The terminal device 20 may be, for example, an information terminal in which the dedicated decarbonization application described above is installed. The terminal device 20 may be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, a stationary information terminal such as a PC (personal computer), a HEMS, or a device having a monitor, a device having a VPA function such as a smart speaker connected to the monitor so as to be able to communicate with the monitor, or a device integrated with the monitor so as to be able to communicate with the monitor.

[0048] The point management system 10 can manage points awarded to multiple users in accordance with their respective decarbonization actions as user points. A user is an individual. User points are cumulative points held by a user. In this embodiment, a first user and a second user may be used as an example of multiple users. In this embodiment, points awarded to a first user may be referred to as first points, and points awarded to a second user may be referred to as second points. In addition, multiple users may be collectively referred to simply as users. In addition, points held by a first user may be referred to as first user points, and points held by a second user may be referred to as second user points.

[0049] Points are virtual decarbonization currency that are paid out according to users' decarbonization actions. Users can use the points to exchange for goods or services.

[0050] Furthermore, the point management system 10 can manage points collected by users in a group as group points owned by the group by setting up a group made up of multiple users, rather than just individual users. A group is a collection of multiple users, such as a household, a company, a local government, an organization, or a team. Group points are cumulative points owned by a group. In this embodiment, there are multiple groups, but the following description will use a first group and a second group as examples of multiple groups. In this embodiment, the points owned by the first group may be referred to as first group points, and the points owned by the second group may be referred to as second group points. In addition, multiple groups may be collectively referred to simply as a group.

[0051] Group points are a shared virtual decarbonization currency that is paid to a group based on the decarbonization actions of multiple users belonging to the group. Group points can be used by the group to exchange for goods or services.

[0052] The point management system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, an assignment unit 13, a storage unit 14, a management unit 15, and a presentation unit 16.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2A , when a user wants to earn points or take decarbonization action, the user selects the decarbonization action they want to take from a decarbonization action menu list displayed on the terminal device 20, which is a list of multiple items indicating decarbonization actions. The user then actually takes the selected decarbonization action. Here, the decarbonization action menu list is a list of multiple items A1 indicating one or more providers' environmental contribution initiatives and decarbonization actions. The items A1 indicate, for example, the provider's environmental contribution initiatives, the decarbonization action the provider requests, and the points and point types that can be earned through the decarbonization action. This allows the acquisition unit 11 to acquire information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user's decarbonization action. The acquisition unit 11 can also acquire information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the second user's decarbonization action. Hereinafter, information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced may be referred to as "reduction information."

[0054] 1B, the acquisition unit 11 may be, for example, a terminal device 21 of a first user and a terminal device 22 of a second user. The terminal device 20 is a general term for the terminal device 21 of the first user and the terminal device 22 of the second user.

[0055] In this case, when a user installs energy-saving equipment, the terminal device 20 may acquire usage time, usage frequency, etc. from the equipment and calculate the amount of CO2 emission reduction based on the usage time, usage frequency, etc. Specifically, a decarbonization application installed in the terminal device 20 may calculate the amount of CO2 emission reduction based on the usage time, usage frequency, etc. In this way, the terminal device 20 may acquire reduction information indicating the amount of CO2 emission reduction by calculating the amount of CO2 emission reduction.

[0056] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may be, for example, an input interface. In this case, the first user directly inputs the reduction information to the terminal device 21, and the second user directly inputs the reduction information to the terminal device 22, so that the terminal device 21 of the first user and the terminal device 22 of the second user can acquire the reduction information. The acquisition unit 11 can acquire the reduction information input to the terminal device 21 of the first user from the terminal device 21 of the first user, and can acquire the reduction information input to the terminal device 22 of the second user from the terminal device 22 of the second user. In this embodiment, a case where the acquisition unit 11 is an input interface is exemplified.

[0057] Furthermore, the reduction information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 may be displayed on the terminal device 20 as shown in Fig. 2B. In Fig. 2B, the decarbonization application causes the terminal device 20 to display the amount of CO2 emission reduction (4.842 g) included in the reduction information and the decarbonization actions taken by the user ("I ran the dishwasher during a time period when solar power generation was high" and "I reduced the time I spent playing video games and played outside").

[0058] The acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired reduction information to the calculation unit 12. That is, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires the reduction information of a first user, the acquisition unit 11 outputs the reduction information of the first user to the calculation unit 12, and when the acquisition unit 11 acquires the reduction information of a second user, the acquisition unit 11 outputs the reduction information of the second user to the calculation unit 12. The calculation unit 12 can calculate the first points based on the reduction information of the first user. Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 can also calculate the second points based on the reduction information of the second user.

[0059] For example, the calculation unit 12 may calculate points using a function that is set in advance according to the CO2 emission reduction amount indicated in the reduction information, or may calculate points using a correlation table between the CO2 emission reduction amount and points.

[0060] The calculation unit 12 notifies the granting unit 13 of the calculated points. That is, when the calculation unit 12 calculates the first points of the first user, it notifies the granting unit 13 of the calculated first points. Furthermore, when the calculation unit 12 calculates the second points of the second user, it also notifies the granting unit 13 of the calculated second points.

[0061] The granting unit 13 grants the points calculated by the calculation unit 12 to the users. That is, the granting unit 13 grants the first points calculated by the calculation unit 12 to the first user, and grants the second points calculated by the calculation unit 12 to the second user.

[0062] For example, when granting first points to a first user, the granting unit 13 adds the first points to be granted to the first user points currently held by the first user, and stores the first user points after the addition in the storage unit 14. Furthermore, when granting second points to a second user, the granting unit 13 adds the second points to be granted to the second user points currently held by the second user, and stores the second user points after the addition in the storage unit 14.

[0063] The storage unit 14 stores user IDs capable of identifying each of a plurality of users, group IDs capable of identifying each of a plurality of groups, and user points held by each of the plurality of users in association with each other, as shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the storage unit 14 stores group IDs in association with group points held by each of the plurality of groups, as shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, each of the plurality of group IDs may be linked to, for example, energy-saving equipment for reducing CO2 emissions.

[0064] The memory unit 14 may also store a behavior history of decarbonization actions taken by the user in the past, a point acquisition history of point acquisition, etc., in association with the user ID or group ID. The point acquisition history includes points awarded for decarbonization actions taken by the user in the past, the time points were awarded, etc. Furthermore, the memory unit 14 may also store a decarbonization application for executing the point management system 10.

[0065] The storage unit 14 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory, and is not particularly limited and any known information storage means can be used.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1B, 3 and 4, the management unit 15 can manage the first points and the second points granted to a second user other than the first user as first group points of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong.

[0067] Specifically, the management unit 15 can switch (transfer) at least a portion of the first user points, including the first points granted to the first user, into first group points. The management unit 15 can also switch (transfer) at least a portion of the second user points, including the second points granted to the second user, into first group points.

[0068] For example, when a first user wants to switch at least some of the first user points held by the first user to points of a first group to which the first user belongs, the first user uses the terminal device 21 to perform setting input for switching at least some of the first user points to the first group points. The terminal device 21 communicates with the point management system 10 to transmit a switching instruction for switching at least some of the first user points to the first group points. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A , when switching the first points (500 points) to the first group points, the management unit 15 of the point management system 10, based on the switching instruction, stores in the storage unit 14 the first user points (700 points) obtained by subtracting the first points (500 points) from the first user points (1200 points) held by the first user, and also stores in the storage unit 14 the first group points (100,500 points) obtained by adding the subtracted first points (500 points) to the first group points (100,000 points) held by the first group. The same applies to the case where the second points given to the second user are switched to the points of the first group to which the second user belongs, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0069] Furthermore, the management unit 15 can mutually switch between the user points held by each of multiple users. That is, the management unit 15 can switch the first user points held by a first user to the second user points held by a second user, or switch the second user points held by the second user to the first user points held by the first user.

[0070] For example, when a first user wishes to switch at least some of the first user points held by the first user to second user points, the first user uses the terminal device 21 to perform setting input for switching at least some of the first user points to second user points. The terminal device 21 communicates with the point management system 10 to transmit a switching instruction for switching at least some of the first user points to second user points. For example, when switching first points to second user points, the management unit 15 of the point management system 10, based on the switching instruction, stores the first user points obtained by subtracting the first points from the first user points held by the first user in the storage unit 14, and also adds the subtracted first points to the second user points held by the second user and stores the result in the storage unit 14. Note that the same process is performed when switching second points granted to the second user to first user points, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In addition, the management unit 15 can switch first group points held by the first group to second group points held by a second group different from the first group, and can switch second group points held by the second group to first group points held by the first group.

[0072] For example, if the first group wishes to switch at least some of the first group points held by the first group to second group points, the first group uses the terminal device 20 to input settings for switching at least some of the first group points to second group points. The terminal device 20 communicates with the point management system 10 to transmit a switching instruction for switching at least some of the first group points held by the first group to second group points. Based on the switching instruction, the management unit 15 of the point management system 10 stores in the memory unit 14 the first group points obtained by subtracting a portion of the first group points held by the first group, and also adds the first group points obtained by subtracting a portion of the first group points to the second group points held by the second group and stores the result in the memory unit 14. Note that the same process is followed when switching the second group points held by the second group to first group points, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] In this way, users can accumulate user points and groups can accumulate group points.

[0074] In addition, user points and group points may be transferred to two groups (two group accounts), the first group and the second group, or to three or more groups (three or more group accounts).

[0075] It should be noted that group points collected from multiple users may be transferable to one or more users (or may be transferable to a user's point account).

[0076] In addition, user points may be transferable between the point accounts of each user.

[0077] 1B, 5B, and 5C, when a user or group wants to use points, the user or group can access the decarbonization system 1 using a terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 of the user or group can display a decarbonization catalog that redeems points for goods or services. The decarbonization catalog is, for example, a list of multiple items, each of which includes the details of the goods or services and the points required to exchange them for the goods or services.

[0078] The presentation unit 16 can present, via the terminal device 20, a decarbonization catalog that includes products or services that the first user can receive in exchange for the first user points. The presentation unit 16 can also present, via the terminal device 20, a decarbonization catalog that includes products or services that the second user can receive in exchange for the second user points.

[0079] Furthermore, the presentation unit 16 can present, via the terminal device 20, a decarbonization catalog containing products or services that the first group can receive in exchange for first group points managed by the first group. The presentation unit 16 can also present, via the terminal device 20, a decarbonization catalog containing products or services that the second group can receive in exchange for second group points managed by the second group. In this way, because group points are points collected by multiple users, they are easier to accumulate than when points are accumulated by a single user. This allows the group to select products or services that require a high number of points.

[0080] For example, when a first user selects a desired product or service from a decarbonization catalog displayed on the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20 transmits identification information indicating the selected product or service to the point management system 10. The management unit 15 of the point management system 10 subtracts the points required to exchange for the product or service indicated in the identification information from the first user points, and stores the subtracted first user points in the memory unit 14. The management unit 15 also transmits the identification information to the organization's management server. As a result, the organization provides the user with the product or service selected by the user.

[0081] <Operation> The operation of the point management system 10, point management method, and program according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0082] [Example 1] First, an example of an operation when first points are granted to a first user will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the same example of an operation will be performed when second points are granted to a second user, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the decarbonization system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0084] First, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 6, when a first user accesses the decarbonization system 1 using the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20 displays a decarbonization action menu list, which is a list consisting of multiple items indicating decarbonization actions. The user selects a decarbonization action they wish to implement from the decarbonization action menu list displayed on the terminal device 20. Thereafter, reduction information on the reductions achieved by the decarbonization action implemented by the user is input to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 transmits the input reduction information to the decarbonization system 1. This allows the acquisition unit 11 of the point management system 10 to acquire reduction information on the reductions achieved by the first user's decarbonization action (S11). The acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired reduction information to the calculation unit 12.

[0085] Next, the calculation unit 12 can calculate the first points based on the reduction information of the first user (S12). After calculating the first points of the first user, the calculation unit 12 notifies the allocation unit 13 of the calculated first points.

[0086] Next, the granting unit 13 grants the first points calculated by the calculation unit 12 to the first user (S13). When granting the first points to the first user, the granting unit 13 adds the first points to be granted to the first user points currently held by the first user, and stores the points after the addition in the storage unit 14.

[0087] Then, the point management system 10 ends the operation example of FIG.

[0088] [Example 2] Next, an operation example showing whether or not to switch at least some of the first user points held by a first user to first group points will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the same operation examples apply to cases where at least some of the second user points held by a second user are switched to first group points, where points are mutually switched between the first user and the second user, and where group points are mutually switched between the first group and the second group, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the decarbonization system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0090] First, as shown in FIG. 7, the management unit 15 of the point management system 10 determines whether or not a switching instruction has been received from the terminal device 20 (S21).

[0091] The first user may wish to convert at least a portion of the first points that have been granted to the first user or the first user points that the first user possesses into first group points. In this case, the first user uses the terminal device 20 to perform a setting input for converting at least a portion of the first user points that the first user possesses into first group points.

[0092] The terminal device 20 transmits a switching instruction to switch at least a portion of the first user points to first group points. In this case, the management unit 15 determines that the switching instruction has been received from the terminal device 20 (YES in S21), and therefore executes the switching instruction (S22). That is, the management unit 15 switches at least a portion of the first user points held by the first user to first group points based on the switching instruction. When switching the first points to first group points as at least a portion of the first user points, the management unit 15 subtracts the first points from the first user points held by the first user, stores the resulting first user points in the storage unit 14, and adds the subtracted first points to the first group points held by the first group, and stores the resulting first user points in the storage unit 14. Then, the point management system 10 ends the operation example of FIG. 7.

[0093] On the other hand, if the management unit 15 determines that a switching instruction has not been received from the terminal device 20 (NO in S21), the process returns to step S21.

[0094] In this operation example, the first user switches the first points to the first group points, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is sufficient to switch at least a portion of the first user points held by the first user to the first group points, and the switching is not limited to the first points granted to the first user. Therefore, the same applies to the second points granted to the second user. The same also applies to the case where group points are switched to user points.

[0095] [Example 3] Next, an example of the operation when the first group points are redeemed (exchanged) for goods or services will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the example of the operation when the second group points, the first points, and the second points are exchanged for goods or services is similar to the example of the operation when the second group points, the first points, and the second points are exchanged for goods or services, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the decarbonization system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0097] 5B and 8, when the first group wishes to exchange the first group points they hold for goods or services, the first group accesses the decarbonization system 1 using the terminal device 20. This allows the presentation unit 16 of the point management system 10 to present, via the terminal device 20, a decarbonization catalog, which is a list of goods or services that can be received in exchange for the first group points (S31).

[0098] Next, the first group uses the first group points. Specifically, when the first group selects a desired product or service from the decarbonization catalog displayed on the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20 transmits identification information indicating the selected product or service to the point management system 10. The management unit 15 of the point management system 10 subtracts the points required to exchange for the product or service indicated in the identification information from the first group points. The management unit 15 stores the subtracted first group points, i.e., the updated first group points, in the memory unit 14 (S32).

[0099] Next, the management unit 15 transmits identification information indicating the selected product or service to the administrator's management server (S33). As a result, the provider provides the user with the product or service selected by the user. Then, the point management system 10 ends operation example 3 of FIG. 8.

[0100] <Action and effect> The following describes the effects of the point management system 10, point management method, and program according to this embodiment.

[0101] As described above, the point management system 10 of Technology 1 in this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11 that acquires information (reduction information) indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user's decarbonization actions, a calculation unit 12 that calculates first points based on the information (reduction information) indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user, an assignment unit 13 that assigns the first points to the first user, and a management unit 15 that can manage the first points and second points assigned to a second user different from the first user as first group points of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong.

[0102] This allows the first points granted to the first user and the second points granted to the second user to be managed as first group points for the first group to which the first user and the second user belong. It is easier for a group consisting of multiple users to accumulate group points than for a single user to accumulate points. This makes it easier for a group to exchange points for products or services that require high values.

[0103] Furthermore, when participating with multiple people, the more people who participate, the more efficiently group points can be accumulated, making it easier to exchange points for products or services that require high values.

[0104] Therefore, according to the point management system 10 of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom in using points can be improved.

[0105] Furthermore, the point management method of Technology 10 in this embodiment includes acquiring information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user's decarbonization actions, calculating first points based on the information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user, assigning the first points to the first user, and managing the first points and second points assigned to a second user different from the first user as first group points of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong.

[0106] This method also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0107] The program of Technique 11 in this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the point management method of Technique 10.

[0108] This program also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0109] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technology 2 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in Technology 1. In this case, the point management system 10 further includes a presentation unit 16 that presents products or services that the first group can receive in exchange for the first group points managed by the first group.

[0110] According to this, the presentation unit 16 can present products or services for which the first group's owned first group points can be used. This allows the first group to understand the products or services for which the first group points can be exchanged, and creates an awareness to use the first group points. As a result, it is expected that the first group will be encouraged to use the first group points they own.

[0111] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technology 3 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in Technology 1 or 2. In this case, the presentation unit 16 presents a product or service that the first user can receive in exchange for first user points held by the first user.

[0112] According to this, the first user can not only switch the first user points he / she holds to the first group points, but also hold them as his / her own first user points. Therefore, the first user can switch the points to the first group or hold them as the first user points, which improves the flexibility of point utilization and management.

[0113] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technique 4 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 3. In this case, the presentation unit 16 presents a product or service that the second user can receive in exchange for the second points.

[0114] According to this, not only the first user but also the second user can not only switch their second user points to second group points but also hold them as their own second user points. Therefore, the second user can switch points to the second group or hold them as second user points, which improves the flexibility of point utilization and management.

[0115] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technique 5 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 4. In this case, the management unit 15 can switch at least a part of the first user points, including the first points granted to the first user, into first group points.

[0116] This allows the management unit 15 to, for example, automatically switch the first user points to the first group points, or switch the first user points to the first group points at the request of the first user, thereby making it possible to easily increase the first group points.

[0117] Furthermore, user points are awarded to the user and accumulated in the user's point account, but if the user designates a different user account in advance, the points can also be automatically accumulated in the designated user account.

[0118] Furthermore, group points are awarded to a group and accumulated in the group's point account, but if the group designates a different group account in advance, the points can also be automatically accumulated in the designated group account.

[0119] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technique 6 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 5. In this case, the management unit 15 can switch at least a part of the second user points, including the second points granted to the second user, into first group points.

[0120] This allows the management unit 15 to automatically switch the second points to the first group points, or to switch the second points to the first group points at the request of the second user, thereby making it possible to easily increase the first group points.

[0121] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technique 7 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 6. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the second user's decarbonization behavior. Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 calculates second points based on the information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the second user. Then, the granting unit 13 grants the second points to the second user.

[0122] This allows the second points granted to the second user to be managed as the first group points of the first group, which makes it easier to accumulate the first group points and exchange them for products or services that require high-value points.

[0123] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technique 8 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 7. In this case, the management unit 15 switches first user points held by the first user to second user points held by the second user, or switches at least some of the second user points held by the second user to first user points held by the first user.

[0124] This allows users to easily switch points between them, improving the flexibility of point usage and management, which is expected to encourage users to use their points.

[0125] Furthermore, the point management system 10 of Technique 9 in this embodiment is the point management system 10 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 8. In this case, the management unit 15 switches first group points held by the first group to second group points held by a second group different from the first group, or switches at least some of the second group points held by the second group to first group points held by the first group.

[0126] This allows group points to be easily switched between groups, improving the flexibility of point usage and management, and is expected to encourage the use of group points held by groups.

[0127] (Other variations) The points management system, points management method, and program according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of to the embodiments may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] In the point management system, point management method, and program according to the present embodiment, a user is not limited to belonging to one group. For example, a first user can belong to both a first group and a second group.

[0129] Furthermore, the point management system, point management method, and program according to the present embodiment may be arranged on a cloud server.

[0130] Although the point management method and program according to the present embodiment are installed in a management server of a decarbonization system, this is not limited to this. The program for a computer to execute the point management method may be installed in a user's terminal device. In this case, the user's terminal device may be able to access each user's terminal device via the cloud.

[0131] Furthermore, each component of the point management system according to the above embodiment, such as the calculation unit, the granting unit, the management unit, and the presentation unit, is typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These components may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0132] Furthermore, the integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within LSIs to be reconfigured, may also be used.

[0133] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0134] Furthermore, all of the numbers used above are examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

[0135] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0136] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0137] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10. Point Management System 11 Acquisition Department 12 Calculation section 13 Granting Department 15 Management Department 16 Presentation section

Claims

1. CO2 reduced by primary users' decarbonization actions ２ an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an emission reduction amount; The CO of the first user ２ a calculation unit that calculates first points based on information indicating an emission reduction amount; an awarding unit that awards the first points to the first user; a management unit capable of managing the first points and second points granted to a second user other than the first user as first group points of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong. Points management system.

2. The system further includes a presentation unit that presents products or services that the first group can receive in exchange for the first group points managed by the first group. The points management system according to claim 1 .

3. The presentation unit presents a product or service that the first user can receive in exchange for the first user points held by the first user. The points management system according to claim 2 .

4. The presentation unit further presents a product or service that the second user can receive in exchange for the second points. The points management system according to claim 3 .

5. The management unit can switch at least a part of first user points, including the first points granted to the first user, into the first group points. The point management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The management unit may further switch at least a portion of second user points, including the second points granted to the second user, to the first group points. The points management system according to claim 5 .

7. The acquisition unit acquires a value of CO 2 reduced by the decarbonization behavior of the second user. ２ Obtain information showing the amount of emission reductions, The calculation unit calculates the CO ２ Calculating the second points based on information indicating the amount of emission reduction; The granting unit grants the second points to the second user. The point management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The management unit Switching first user points held by the first user to second user points held by the second user; At least a part of the second user points held by the second user is switched to the first user points held by the first user. The point management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The management unit Switching the first group points held by the first group to second group points held by a second group different from the first group, At least a part of the second group points held by the second group is switched to the first group points held by the first group. The point management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. CO2 reduced by primary users' decarbonization actions ２ obtaining information indicative of emission reductions; The CO of the first user ２ calculating a first point based on the information indicating the emission reduction amount; awarding the first points to the first user; managing the first points and second points granted to a second user different from the first user as first group points of a first group to which the first user and the second user belong. How to manage points.

11. A method for causing a computer to execute the point management method according to claim 10. program.

Images