Rewarding system, rewarding method, and program

Abstract

To provide a rewarding system capable of strengthening incentives rewarded to users.SOLUTION: A rewarding system 10 comprises: a determination unit 12 for determining whether a product that can realize a decarbonization behavior has been purchased; and a rewording unit (a first rewording unit 13) for, if it is determined that the product has been purchased, rewording an additional reward to a user who purchased the product, in addition to points reworded according to the amount of CO2 emissions reduction of the product, based on an incentive from a business operator included in the supply chain of the product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the increase in CO2 emissions has become a problem, and there is a demand for a reduction in CO2 emissions. In particular, there is a demand for reduction in CO2 emissions not only from companies that emit a large amount of CO2, but also from individuals. However, it is known that reducing CO2 emissions at the individual level is difficult to realize and to continue. In order to continue reducing CO2 emissions at the individual level, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, it has been proposed to visualize the amount of CO2 reduction and provide cost incentives. [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] One example of an action to reduce CO2 emissions is purchasing a product that can help achieve decarbonization. In this case, incentives (points) are given to the user according to the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the product.

[0005] From the perspective of curbing increases in CO2 emissions, it is desirable for more products that enable decarbonization behavior to be purchased, but the technology in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of strengthening the incentives given to users by service operators or providers.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a reward system, a reward method, and a program that can strengthen incentives given to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A reward system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a determination unit that determines whether a product that enables decarbonization behavior has been purchased, and a first award unit that, if it is determined that the product has been purchased, awards an additional reward to the user who purchased the product, in addition to points awarded according to the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the product, based on incentives from businesses included in the supply chain of the product.

[0008] A reward granting method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a computer-implemented reward granting method that determines whether a product that enables decarbonization behavior has been purchased, and if it is determined that the product has been purchased, grants an additional reward to the user who purchased the product, in addition to points awarded according to the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the product, based on incentives from businesses in the supply chain of the product.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described reward granting method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a reward system or the like that can strengthen the incentives given to users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a decarbonization system used in the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a decarbonization system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first operation of the decarbonization system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a terminal device of a user according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a second operation of the decarbonization system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Background to this disclosure) Before describing the present disclosure, the background to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a decarbonization system used in the embodiments described below.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In the following, decarbonization points refer to environmental points that include those obtained through actions other than decarbonization, and include points obtained through reducing CO2 emissions, points obtained through reducing greenhouse gas emissions other than CO2, and points obtained through actions other than reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0021] Furthermore, decarbonization points are an example of environmental points awarded for the above-mentioned environmental actions.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 unique decarbonization actions desired by the provider.

[0026] The types of points are not limited to these.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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)).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 the companies to acquire J-Credits, which are environmental value according to the decarbonization points.

[0039] 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.

[0040] As such, there is a problem for providers or administrators in strengthening incentives given to users.

[0041] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into a reward system that can strengthen incentives given to users, and have devised the reward system described below.

[0042] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0044] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0045] Furthermore, in this specification, numerical values ​​and numerical ranges are not expressions that express only the strict meaning, but are expressions that mean that they include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about several percent (or about 10%).

[0046] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used for the purpose of avoiding confusion and distinguishing between components of the same type.

[0047] (Embodiment) The decarbonization system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0048] [1. Overview of the decarbonization system] First, the configuration of a decarbonization system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a decarbonization system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the decarbonization system 1 includes a reward system 10, a terminal device 20, and a terminal device 30.

[0050] The reward granting system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, a first granting unit 13, a second granting unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The reward granting system 10 includes a processor, a memory, and the like. The memory is a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), and can store a program executed by the processor. The acquisition unit 11, the determination unit 12, the first granting unit 13, the second granting unit 14, and the communication unit 15 are realized by a processor that executes a program stored in the memory, and the like. The reward granting system 10 may be realized by, for example, a server device.

[0051] The acquisition unit 11 acquires decarbonization action information, which is a type of environmental action related to CO2 emission reduction (hereinafter, decarbonization action), based on a user's selection. Note that the decarbonization action information includes information related to the decarbonization action selected by the user, such as a history of past selections and past actual executions of the decarbonization action, and user attribute information of the user, but is not limited to this.

[0052] A user may be a single user or a group consisting of multiple users. The units constituting the group may be a variety of group forms, such as a family unit sharing a household, a group based on relationships between users both inside and outside the game, a group with common attributes, belonging to the jurisdiction of an electricity transmission and distribution company, a local community such as a neighborhood association, a group supporting a specific provider, a group united by a provider, a group united by an administrator, a randomly formed group, a group belonging to a local government such as a city, ward, town, village, or prefecture, or all users participating in the decarbonization application or game system.

[0053] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 acquires CO2 emission reduction information of the user when the user actually performs CO2 emission reduction.

[0054] The CO2 emission reduction information may include at least one of information on CO2-saving products, information on manufacturers that produce the purchased CO2-saving products, information on distributors that distribute the CO2-saving products, information on retailers that sell the CO2-saving products, and information on other stakeholders not involved in the supply chain.

[0055] Note that CO2-reducing products here include, but are not limited to, equipment that reduces CO2 emissions (solar power generation equipment, energy-saving homes, electric vehicles, energy-saving equipment, energy-saving home appliances, etc.), services that reduce CO2 emissions, CFP-reducing products, and CFP-reducing services.

[0056] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire the CO2 emission reduction information and the decarbonization action information via communication from a terminal device (not shown) for an energy management system (HEMS) installed in the user's home or the user's terminal device 20. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 is configured to include a communication circuit (communication module) and the like. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire the CO2 emission reduction information and the decarbonization action information directly through input by the user. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 is configured to include a touch panel, buttons, a microphone and the like.

[0057] The CO2 emission reduction information is information about the results of actions taken by a user to reduce CO2 emissions. Specifically, the CO2 emission reduction information includes information about what actions were taken to reduce CO2 emissions, how much of each action was taken, and, in some cases, how much CO2 emissions were reduced by each action.

[0058] The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the product purchased by the user is a predetermined CO2-saving product. The determination unit 12 determines whether or not a CO2-saving product that can realize decarbonization behavior has been purchased. More specifically, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the product is a CO2-saving product that can realize decarbonization behavior and is a product for which an additional reward is granted. A CO2-saving product that can realize decarbonization behavior means a product with low CO2 emissions.

[0059] When the determination unit 12 determines that a CO2-saving product has been purchased, the first granting unit 13 grants an additional reward to the user who purchased the specified CO2-saving product. Specifically, the first granting unit 13 grants the additional reward to the user who purchased the product based on an incentive from a business operator included in the product's supply chain.

[0060] The first granting unit 13 may grant an additional reward to a user who purchases a CO2-saving product based on an incentive from another stakeholder who is not included in the supply chain of the CO2-saving product.

[0061] The first granting unit 13 may grant an additional reward to a user based on an incentive from an administrator of the decarbonization application. For example, the administrator may grant an additional reward to a user who joins within a predetermined period, or to a user who logs in to the decarbonization application continuously for a predetermined period. The first granting unit 13 may grant an additional reward to a user based on a campaign related to a decarbonization action menu specified by the administrator, or may grant an additional reward to a user when points are exchanged for a rebate menu described below within a predetermined period.

[0062] An additional reward may be given to a user who views or selects a decarbonization action menu for which a provider or administrator wants to give an incentive. Also, an additional reward may be given to a user who views or selects a rebate menu for which a provider or administrator wants to give an incentive. Also, an additional reward may be given to a user who views provider information.

[0063] An enterprise included in the supply chain of a CO2-saving product is an enterprise involved in any step from the manufacture to the sale of the CO2-saving product, and may be a manufacturer of the CO2-saving product, a distributor of the CO2-saving product, or a retailer of the CO2-saving product. For example, if a manufacturer runs a campaign offering additional rewards, the additional reward may be offered to users who purchase the CO2-saving product of the manufacturer. In this case, the source of the additional reward will be paid by, for example, the manufacturer. Also, if a retailer runs a campaign, the additional reward may be offered to users who purchase the CO2-saving product sold by the retailer. In this case, the source of the additional reward will be paid by, for example, the retailer.

[0064] The additional reward is a reward given to the user in addition to the points given by the second giving unit 14, i.e., points given according to the amount of CO2 emission reduction of the CO2-saving product (for example, points related to J-Credits). The additional reward may be points given to the user separately from the points given by the second giving unit 14. The additional reward may be something other than points, for example, a reward unrelated to the amount of CO2 emission reduction of the CO2-saving product, or a reward for promoting the sales of the CO2-saving product. A higher reward may be set for a CO2-saving product whose sales are to be further promoted. The additional reward may be an item valid in a dedicated decarbonization application, or may be a CO2-saving product prepared for the additional reward. The additional reward may also be a title or an award related to the decarbonization action. The additional reward may also be points that can be added to the points given by the second giving unit 14.

[0065] The points awarded by the first awarding unit 13 may be points that can be exchanged for products or services (here, rebate menus) included in the decarbonization catalog described above, or they may be points that cannot be exchanged for rebate menus included in the decarbonization catalog.

[0066] In this way, when a user purchases a CO2-saving product that can help realize decarbonization behavior, the first granting unit 13 executes processing to grant the user an additional reward in addition to the points granted by the second granting unit 14.

[0067] The second granting unit 14 grants points to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information. The second granting unit 14 calculates points to be granted to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information and grants the calculated points to the user. The method of calculating points is not particularly limited. For example, the second granting unit 14 may calculate points using a function that is preset according to the CO2 emission reduction amount included in the CO2 emission reduction information, or may calculate points using a correlation table between the CO2 emission reduction amount and the points. For example, when a CO2-saving product that can achieve decarbonization action is purchased as a decarbonization action, the second granting unit 14 grants points according to the CO2 emission reduction amount of the CO2-saving product.

[0068] Then, the second granting unit 14 adds the calculated points to the points currently held by the user and stores the added points in a storage unit (not shown). Furthermore, the second granting unit 14 may, for example, notify the user's terminal device 20 via the communication unit 15 of information indicating at least one of the calculated points and the added points. This makes it possible to notify the user of at least one of the points to be added and the added points via a dedicated decarbonization application or the like.

[0069] In this way, the second granting unit 14 executes a process for granting points generated by the user's decarbonization behavior to the user. Note that the points granted by the second granting unit 14 are points that can be exchanged for rebate menus included in the decarbonization catalog described above.

[0070] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface that allows the reward granting system 10 to communicate with the terminal devices 20 and 30. The communication unit 15 functions as a notification unit that notifies the terminal device 20 or 30 of various information. When the determination unit 12 determines that a CO2-saving product eligible for an additional reward has been purchased, the communication unit 15 notifies at least one of the user who purchased the CO2-saving product and the business that pays the additional reward for the CO2-saving product of the additional reward. The communication unit 15 is configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (communication module).

[0071] The communication unit 15 may, for example, notify the terminal device 20 of the user who purchased the CO2-saving product of information regarding the additional reward via communication. The information regarding the additional reward includes, for example, information indicating the monetary value of the additional reward, information indicating the date and time when the additional reward was awarded, etc. If the additional reward is points, the information indicating the monetary value of the additional reward is the number of points to be awarded.

[0072] Furthermore, the communication unit 15 may, for example, communicate information about the additional reward to the terminal device 30 of the business that pays the additional reward. For example, when a manufacturer pays the additional reward for a purchased CO2-saving product, the communication unit 15 notifies the manufacturer of information about the additional reward, and when a retailer pays the additional reward for a purchased CO2-saving product, the communication unit 15 notifies the retailer of information about the additional reward. The information about the additional reward includes information indicating that the additional reward needs to be granted (paid), and includes, for example, information indicating the monetary value of the additional reward, the grant date and time, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, the communication unit 15 may notify the business operator of information indicating the sales performance of the CO2-saving product. The information indicating the sales performance of the CO2-saving product may include information indicating the CO2-saving product purchased, the sales performance of the CO2-saving product, and, if a campaign period for granting additional rewards is set, information on the effectiveness of the campaign (sales promotion effectiveness). The information on the effectiveness of the campaign may include information indicating how much the number of sales increased during the campaign period.

[0074] The terminal device 20 is an information terminal carried by a user. 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 a 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.

[0075] The terminal device 20 includes a display unit 21 that displays information received from the reward granting system 10. The display unit 21 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this.

[0076] The terminal device 30 is an information terminal owned by a business operator. The terminal device 30 is a stationary information terminal such as a PC (personal computer), and may be, for example, a server device, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0077] [2. Operation of the decarbonization system] Next, the operation of the decarbonization system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a first operation (reward granting method) of the decarbonization system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 shows the operation executed by the reward granting system 10.

[0078] 3, the acquisition unit 11 acquires purchase information of CO2-saving products (S11). The purchase information includes identification information, the number of CO2-saving products purchased, etc.

[0079] Next, the determination unit 12 determines whether a predetermined CO2-saving product has been purchased based on the purchase information (S12). The predetermined CO2-saving product is a CO2-saving product for which an additional reward is to be given to the user who purchases it. The determination unit 12 may make the determination in step S12 based on, for example, identification information of the purchased CO2-saving product and a table in which the identification information is associated with information indicating whether the product is a predetermined CO2-saving product. The table is set in advance and stored in a memory unit (not shown) included in the reward granting system 10.

[0080] Next, when the determination unit 12 determines that a predetermined CO2-saving product has been purchased (Yes in S12), the first granting unit 13 acquires the monetary value of an additional reward corresponding to the CO2-saving product and notifies the business operator, the administrator, or other stakeholders of a request for funds for the additional reward corresponding to the acquired monetary value (S13). Specifically, the first granting unit 13 transmits the request to the business operator's terminal device 30 via communication. When the additional reward is additional points, the first granting unit 13 acquires the additional points corresponding to the CO2-saving product and requests funds (e.g., money to grant the additional points) corresponding to the acquired additional points from the business operator.

[0081] Next, the first granting unit 13 grants the additional reward to the user (S14). The first granting unit 13 may grant the additional reward to the user after the source of the additional reward is paid by the business operator, or may grant the additional reward to the user before the source of the additional reward is paid by the business operator.

[0082] Next, the communication unit 15 notifies the user of information indicating that the additional reward has been granted (S15). Specifically, the communication unit 15 transmits the information to the terminal device 20 of the user by communication.

[0083] If the determination unit 12 does not determine that the predetermined CO2-saving product has been purchased (No in S12), the reward granting system 10 ends the process.

[0084] Here, a display example of information indicating that an additional reward has been granted, which is an example of information regarding the additional reward, will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the terminal device 20 of the user according to this embodiment.

[0085] The display unit 21 of the terminal device 20 displays information about the additional reward given to the user for purchasing a CO2-saving product. The example in Fig. 4 shows an example in which points are given as the additional reward. The display unit 21 may also display the balance of the decarbonization point account and the number of points remaining until the user achieves the target point set by the user.

[0086] Next, the awarding of points based on CO2 emission reduction information will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the second operation (reward awarding method) of the decarbonization system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0087] 5, the acquisition unit 11 acquires CO2 emission reduction information of a user from the user's terminal device 20 or the like (S21). When the acquisition unit 11 receives an input of the results of actions for reducing CO2 emissions via the terminal device 20, the acquisition unit 11 may communicate with the terminal device 20 and acquire the CO2 emission reduction information, triggered by the input. In other words, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the CO2 emission reduction information of the user by receiving an input of the results of actions.

[0088] Next, the second awarding unit 14 calculates points to be awarded to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information, and awards the calculated points to the user (S22).

[0089] As a result, points are awarded to the user according to the CO2 emission reduction information.

[0090] (Effects, etc.) The invention derived from the disclosure of this specification and the effects and the like obtained by said invention will be described below.

[0091] (Invention 1) The reward granting system 10 includes a determination unit 12 that determines whether a product that can realize decarbonization behavior has been purchased, and a first granting unit 13 that, if it is determined that the product has been purchased, grants an additional reward to the user who purchased the product, in addition to points granted according to the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the product, based on incentives from businesses included in the product's supply chain.

[0092] This will allow additional rewards to be paid to users who purchase products that enable decarbonization, strengthening incentives for users. Furthermore, strengthening incentives for users is expected to have the effect of making it easier to communicate environmental contributions, increasing user favorability, and contributing to improved business performance for providers, such as sales of their products and services.

[0093] (Invention 2) The reward granting system 10 of the first invention further comprises a notification unit (for example, a communication unit 15) that notifies the user who has purchased the product of information regarding an additional reward.

[0094] This allows the user to be notified of information about additional rewards, for example, by visualizing that additional points have been awarded.

[0095] (Invention 3) The reward granting system 10 of the first or second invention further comprises a notification unit (for example, a communication unit 15) that notifies the business operator of the sales performance of the product for which the additional reward is granted.

[0096] This allows the business operator to be notified of the sales promotion effect of the additional reward.

[0097] (Invention 4) The reward granting system 10 of any one of Inventions 1 to 3 further comprises a notification unit (for example, communication unit 15) that notifies the business operator of a request for the additional reward when the product is purchased.

[0098] This allows the business operator to be notified that payment of the funds for the additional reward has occurred, making it possible to smoothly grant the additional reward to the user.

[0099] (Invention 5) The reward granting system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 4 further comprises an acquisition unit 11 that acquires CO2 emission reduction information of a user who is performing CO2 emission reduction, and a second granting unit 14 that grants points to the user based on the CO2 emission reduction information.

[0100] This allows the reward system 10 to further award points to the user for the actions he or she has taken to reduce CO2 emissions.

[0101] (Invention 6) This is a reward awarding method executed by a computer, which determines whether a product that enables decarbonization behavior has been purchased (S12), and if it is determined that the product has been purchased (Yes in S12), awards an additional reward to the user who purchased the product, in addition to points awarded according to the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the product, based on incentives from businesses in the product's supply chain (S13).

[0102] (Invention 7) A program for causing a computer to execute the reward granting method of Invention 6.

[0103] As a result, the same effects as those of the reward granting system 10 described above can be achieved.

[0104] These general or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of the system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium. The program may be pre-stored in the recording medium, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0105] (Other embodiments) While the reward system 10 according to one or more aspects has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the present embodiments and forms constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included in the present disclosure.

[0106] For example, the reward granting system 10 in the above embodiment may include at least the determination unit 12 and the first granting unit 13. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11, the determination unit 12, the first granting unit 13, and the communication unit 15 may constitute an additional reward granting system that grants an additional reward.

[0107] In the above 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 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.

[0108] 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, or some of the steps may not be executed.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Furthermore, the reward granting system 10 according to the above embodiment may be realized as a single device or may be realized by multiple devices. When the reward granting system 10 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the reward granting system 10 may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner. When the reward granting system 10 is realized by multiple devices, the communication method between the multiple devices is not particularly limited and may be wireless communication or wired communication. Furthermore, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0111] Furthermore, each component described in the above embodiments may be implemented as software or, typically, as an LSI, an integrated circuit. These components may be integrated individually on a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated on a single chip. While LSI is used here, it may also be referred to as an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the level of integration. Furthermore, the integration method is not limited to LSI; it may be implemented using a dedicated circuit (a general-purpose circuit that executes a dedicated program) or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or a reconfigurable processor, which allows the connection or settings of circuit cells within an LSI to be reconfigured. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or a derivative technology, that technology may naturally be used to integrate the components.

[0112] A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units on a single chip, and is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM stores computer programs. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer programs.

[0113] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each of the characteristic steps included in the reward granting method shown in FIG. 3 or FIG.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Another aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or circulated. For example, the distributed program may be installed in a device having another processor, and the program may be executed by the processor, thereby causing the device to perform each of the above processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10 Reward System 11 Acquisition Department 12 Judgment section 13 First Granting Section 14 Second Granting Section 15. Communications Department (Notification Department) 20 Terminal equipment

Claims

1. a determination unit that determines whether a product that enables decarbonization behavior has been purchased; If it is determined that the product has been purchased, the CO2 of the product is calculated based on incentives from businesses included in the supply chain of the product. ２ and a first awarding unit that awards an additional reward, separate from the points awarded according to the amount of emission reduction, to a user who purchases the product. Reward system.

2. Further, a notification unit is provided for notifying the terminal device of the user who has purchased the product of information regarding the additional reward. The reward system of claim 1 .

3. Further, a notification unit that notifies the business operator of the sales performance of the product for which the additional reward is to be granted is provided. The reward system of claim 1 .

4. Further, a notification unit is provided for notifying the business operator of a request for the additional reward when the product is purchased. The reward system of claim 1 .

5. moreover, CO ２ CO of the user who performs emission reduction ２ an acquisition unit that acquires emission reduction information; The CO ２ a second granting unit that grants the points to the user based on the emission reduction information. The reward system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. 1. A computer-implemented method for rewarding, comprising: Determine whether products that can realize decarbonization actions have been purchased, If it is determined that a product has been purchased, the CO2 of the product is calculated based on incentives from businesses in the supply chain of the product. ２ An additional reward separate from the points awarded according to the amount of emission reduction is awarded to the user who purchases the product. Reward method.

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

Images