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

Abstract

To reduce waste by habitualizing continuous use of an object by a user to reduce an emission amount of carbon dioxide by the continuous use.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a registration part for associating object identification information for identifying an object used by a user with user identification information for identifying the user to register them in a storage part, an acquisition part for acquiring the object identification information related to the object read by a reader in accordance with use of the object from the reader, a generation part for generating environmental contribution degree information showing that an environment receives contribution in accordance with the use of the object corresponding to the object identification information if the acquisition part acquires the object identification information, and a notification control part for notifying the user of privilege information to the environmental contribution degree information on the basis of the user identification information corresponding to the object identification information acquired by the acquisition part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can handle information about items used by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques have been proposed to encourage users to use products. For example, a technique has been proposed in which when a beverage cup with a personal identification code is set in a beverage vending machine, the personal identification code is read, and when the number of sales per person reaches a predetermined value, that sale is given a special benefit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-076539 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, users can receive a special benefit when they purchase a beverage using a beverage cup from a beverage vending machine, which can encourage the use of personal cups. In recent years, beverage containers known as "my bottles" have become popular. Users can fill their desired beverages in their my bottles and carry them around. However, because cleaning my bottles after use is a hassle, it is thought that after filling my bottles with the desired beverages at home or elsewhere, people often use other containers (e.g., plastic bottles or plastic cups) instead of my bottles, without cleaning them. As the use of containers other than my bottles increases, carbon dioxide emissions increase during the production of these other containers, and waste increases when these other containers are disposed of.

[0005] In recent years, washing machines that can easily clean personal bottles have been proposed. Therefore, it is important to use such washing machines to make the continued use of personal bottles a habit, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste. Similarly, it is important to make the continued use of items other than personal bottles a habit, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0006] The present invention aims to encourage users to make continuous use of an item a habit, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions and waste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device having a registration unit that associates item identification information that identifies an item used by a user with user identification information that identifies the user and registers them in a memory unit; an acquisition unit that acquires item identification information related to the item read by the reading device in response to the item being used from the reading device; a generation unit that, when item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, generates environmental contribution information that indicates a contribution made to the environment in response to the use of the item corresponding to the item identification information; and a notification control unit that notifies the user of bonus information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, continuous use of an item by a user can be made a habit, and this continuous use can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and reduce waste. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view showing an example of the external configuration of a lid of a beverage container. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the external configuration of a beverage container. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the cleaning machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a washing machine in which a beverage container is set. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing each piece of information stored in the usage information DB. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the display unit of the electronic device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the display unit of the electronic device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the display unit of the electronic device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the display unit of the electronic device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an article identification information transmission process in a communication device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for providing special information in the server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for counting the number of washes in the washer. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for providing special information in the server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings described by the brief description of the drawings.

[0011] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device having: a registration unit that registers in a memory unit item identification information that identifies an item used by a user and user identification information that identifies the user, in association with each other; an acquisition unit that acquires from a reading device the item identification information related to the item that is read by the reading device in response to the item being used; a generation unit that, when the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, generates environmental contribution information indicating that a contribution has been made to the environment in response to the use of the item corresponding to the item identification information; and a notification control unit that notifies the user of bonus information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0012] According to this system, when an item is used, it is possible to notify the user of environmental contribution information indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of times the item has been used, and of benefit information corresponding to this environmental contribution information. For example, it is possible to notify the user of use count information, which quantifies the number of times the item has been used, and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of uses, so that the user can easily visually grasp that they are contributing to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user of benefit information for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation to use the item. This makes it possible to make continued use of the item a habit, and this continued use can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0013] (2) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (1), wherein the item is a container for holding food and drink, the reading device is a communication device having a reading unit that reads the item identification information and a control unit that executes control to transmit the item identification information read by the reading unit to the information processing device, and is an information processing device that is an apparatus having a washing unit that washes the item, and is a washing machine that washes the container set in the washing unit, or is installed around the washing machine.

[0014] According to this, by installing a simple communication device separate from the washer that washes the containers in or around the washer, the information processing device can easily obtain the number of times the container has been washed with the washer. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of an information processing service that provides reward information according to environmental contribution information, and makes it easy to realize the information processing service. It also makes it possible to increase the number of times the washer is used and reduce standby power consumption when the washer is in standby mode.

[0015] (3) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device described in (2), in which the control unit determines that the container has been cleaned, provided that the container is set in the cleaning unit and the item identification information is continuously read by the reading unit while the cleaning operation of the container is being performed, and transmits the item identification information to the information processing device.

[0016] This allows the number of times a container has been washed to be counted only when the container has been set in the washing unit and the washing operation for the container has been completed. This prevents the number of times a container has been washed from being counted in cases where, for example, a container has been set in the washing unit but then removed without being washed. In other words, it is possible to increase the reliability of the number of times a container has been washed in the washer.

[0017] (4) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (2) or (3), wherein the generation unit, when the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, calculates the carbon dioxide reduction amount associated with washing the container by subtracting the carbon dioxide emission amount during washing, estimated from the power consumption and amount of water used to wash the container, from the carbon dioxide emission amount during manufacturing of another container equivalent to the capacity of the container corresponding to the item identification information, and generates the environmental contribution information based on the carbon dioxide reduction amount.

[0018] This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction that can be used to provide users with a numerical indication of their contribution to the environment.

[0019] (5) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (4), wherein the generation unit calculates a cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount by subtracting the carbon dioxide reduction amount from the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture of the container, and generates the environmental contribution information based on the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount.

[0020] This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount, which is used to provide the user with a numerical value of their contribution to the environment, based on the cumulative number of washes performed by the user.

[0021] (6) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (5), wherein the generation unit increases the number of uses of the item corresponding to the item identification information when the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit after the time elapsed since the acquisition unit acquired the item identification information becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold.

[0022] This makes it possible to prevent the counting of the number of uses of an item by a user who repeatedly does not use the item, thereby making it possible to accurately grasp the number of uses of an item that actually contributes to the environment.

[0023] (7) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (6), wherein the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information including the number of times the item identification information has been acquired by the acquisition unit as the number of times the item has been used, and the notification control unit grants the bonus information to the user when the number of times the item has been used exceeds a number threshold.

[0024] This system can increase users' motivation to use the product by providing them with reward information for contributing to the environment, which can encourage continued use of the product, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0025] (8) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (7), in which a relationship between multiple number thresholds and the types of bonus information corresponding to multiple number thresholds is set in advance.

[0026] This allows users to receive different reward information depending on the number of times they use the product, which can increase their motivation to use the product. This helps to encourage continued use of the product, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0027] (9) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (7) or (8), wherein the registration unit registers the item identification information and the user identification information for each of the multiple users in the memory unit in association with each user, the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information for each user, and the notification control unit grants the bonus information to the multiple users when the total value of the number of uses included in the environmental contribution information generated for each user exceeds the number threshold.

[0028] This allows all members of a group to receive specific benefit information in proportion to the number of times the group uses the product, increasing each user's motivation to use the product. This allows all members of a group to develop the habit of continuing to use the product, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0029] (10) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the registration unit registers usage information relating to the usage status of the item corresponding to the item identification information in the memory unit in association with the item identification information and the user identification information, and the generation unit, when the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, updates the usage information corresponding to the item identification information registered in the memory unit and generates the environmental contribution information based on the updated usage information.

[0030] This makes it possible to generate appropriate environmental contribution information according to the number of times an item is used, based on usage information that is updated according to the number of times the item is used by the user.

[0031] (11) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (10), wherein the notification control unit quantifies or visualizes the environmental contribution information and displays it on a user terminal used by the user.

[0032] This allows users to easily visually understand their contribution to the environment through numerical information, image information, etc. This allows users to make continued use of the product a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0033] (12) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (11), wherein the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information including the number of times the item identification information was acquired by the acquisition unit as the number of times the item has been used, and the notification control unit displays, on the user terminal, numerical information regarding the number of times the item has been used that is included in the environmental contribution information or image information that visually represents changes in the number of times the item has been used.

[0034] This allows users to easily visually understand their contribution to the environment through numerical information, image information, etc. This allows users to make continued use of the product a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0035] (13) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (12), wherein the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information including the date and time when the item identification information was acquired by the acquisition unit as the date and time of use of the item, and the notification control unit notifies the user of predetermined information encouraging the use of the item when the elapsed time from the date and time of use exceeds a frequency threshold.

[0036] This makes it possible to increase opportunities for a user who has decreased frequency of use of an item by notifying the user of predetermined information that encourages the user to use the item.

[0037] (14) An aspect of the present invention is the information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the item identification information is attached to the item.

[0038] This means that when using an item, there is no need to perform specific operations (e.g., touch operations, sending operations) using another device (e.g., a smartphone), and the number of times the item has been used can be easily obtained.

[0039] (15) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (14), wherein the registration unit performs identity authentication of the user using user pre-registration information registered for the user before registering the item identification information, and then associates the user pre-registration information, the item identification information, and the user identification information and registers them in the memory unit, and the generation unit associates the environmental contribution information with the user pre-registration information.

[0040] This makes it possible to register item identification information and user identification information after authenticating the user using the user's pre-registration information, thereby increasing the credibility of users of the service related to this embodiment.

[0041] (16) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising an information processing device capable of handling a database in which item identification information identifying items used by a user is associated with user identification information identifying the user, a reading device that reads the item identification information in response to use of the item, and a user terminal used by the user, wherein the reading device reads the item identification information related to the item in response to its use and transmits the read item identification information to the information processing device, and the information processing device has an acquisition unit that acquires the item identification information transmitted from the reading device, a generation unit that, when the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, generates environmental contribution information indicating a contribution made to the environment in response to use of the item corresponding to the item identification information and records the environmental contribution information in the database in association with the item identification information, and a transmission control unit that transmits bonus information for the environmental contribution information to the user terminal based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0042] According to this, when an item is used, it is possible to notify the user of environmental contribution information indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of times the item has been used, and of benefit information corresponding to this environmental contribution information. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of use count information, which quantifies the number of times the item has been used, and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of uses, so the user can easily visually grasp that they are contributing to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user of benefit information for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation to use the item. This makes it possible to make continued use of the item a habit, and this continued use can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0043] (17) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system as described in (16), in which the item is a container for holding food and drink, and the reading device is a washing machine that washes the container set in the washing unit, and includes a reading unit that reads the item identification information, a washing unit that washes the item, and a control unit that executes control to transmit the item identification information read by the reading unit to the information processing device.

[0044] According to this, by installing a reading unit, a control unit, etc. in the washer that washes the containers, the information processing device can easily obtain the number of times the container has been washed in the washer. In other words, it is possible to omit the installation of devices other than the washer. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of an information processing service that provides reward information according to environmental contribution information, and makes it easy to realize the information processing service.

[0045] (18) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system as described in (17), in which the control unit determines that the container has been cleaned, provided that the container is set in the cleaning unit and the item identification information is continuously read by the reading unit while the cleaning operation of the container is being performed, and transmits the item identification information to the information processing device.

[0046] This allows the number of times a container has been washed to be counted only when the container has been set in the washing unit and the washing operation for the container has been completed. This prevents the number of times a container has been washed from being counted in cases where, for example, a container has been set in the washing unit but then removed without being washed. In other words, it is possible to increase the reliability of the number of times a container has been washed in the washer.

[0047] (19) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system as described in (17) or (18), in which the control unit transmits the item identification information to the information processing device when the item identification information is read by the reading unit after the time elapsed since the transmission becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold.

[0048] This makes it possible to prevent the counting of the number of uses of an item by a user who repeatedly does not use the item, thereby making it possible to accurately grasp the number of uses of an item that actually contributes to the environment.

[0049] (20) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method including: an acquisition process for acquiring, from a reading device, item identification information relating to an item read by a reading device in response to use of the item, the item identification information being registered in a database in which item identification information identifying an item used by a user is associated with user identification information identifying the user; a generation process for generating, when the item identification information is acquired in the acquisition process, environmental contribution information indicating a contribution made to the environment in response to use of the item corresponding to the item identification information; and a notification control process for notifying the user of bonus information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired in the acquisition process.

[0050] According to this, when an item is used, it is possible to notify the user of environmental contribution information indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of times the item has been used, and of benefit information corresponding to this environmental contribution information. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of use count information, which quantifies the number of times the item has been used, and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of uses, so the user can easily visually grasp that they are contributing to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user of benefit information for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation to use the item. This makes it possible to make continued use of the item a habit, and this continued use can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0051] (21) One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition procedure for acquiring, from a reading device, item identification information relating to an item read by a reading device in response to the item being used, the item identification information being registered in a database in which item identification information identifying an item used by a user is associated with user identification information identifying the user; a generation procedure for generating, when the item identification information is acquired in the acquisition procedure, environmental contribution information indicating that a contribution has been made to the environment in response to the use of the item corresponding to the item identification information; and a notification control procedure for notifying the user of bonus information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired in the acquisition procedure.

[0052] According to this, when an item is used, it is possible to notify the user of environmental contribution information indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of times the item has been used, and of benefit information corresponding to this environmental contribution information. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of use count information, which quantifies the number of times the item has been used, and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of uses, so the user can easily visually grasp that they are contributing to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user of benefit information for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation to use the item. This makes it possible to make continued use of the item a habit, and this continued use can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0053] (22) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device having a generation unit that generates environmental contribution information indicating that a container used by a user has contributed to the environment by being washed in a washing machine, and a notification control unit that notifies the user of information related to the environmental contribution information.

[0054] According to this, when a container is washed, it is possible to notify the user of information related to environmental contribution information indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of times the container has been washed. For example, it is possible to notify the user of washing count information, which quantifies the number of times the container has been washed, and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction visualized based on the number of washings, so that the user can easily visually grasp the contribution they are making to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user of information indicating the contribution they have made to the environment, it is possible to increase their motivation to use the container. This makes it possible to make continued use of the container a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0055] (23) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (22), further comprising a registration unit that associates container identification information that identifies the container with user identification information that identifies the user and registers them in a memory unit, and an acquisition unit that acquires the container identification information related to the container from a communication device in response to the container being washed in the washing machine, wherein the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information when the container identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, and the notification control unit notifies the user of information related to the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the container identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0056] According to this, by acquiring the container identification information of the container washed by the washer using a communication device, it is possible to quickly and easily know that the container has been washed by the washer. In addition, by using the user identification information corresponding to the acquired container identification information, it is possible to notify the user of information related to the environmental contribution information, so that appropriate information can be provided to each user.

[0057] (24) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (23), wherein the communication device is an information processing device that includes a reading unit that reads the container identification information and a control unit that executes control to transmit the container identification information read by the reading unit to the information processing device, and is installed in a washing machine that washes the containers or in the vicinity of the washing machine.

[0058] According to this, by installing a simple communication device separate from the washer that washes the containers in or around the washer, the information processing device can easily obtain the number of times the container has been washed with the washer. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of an information processing service that provides information related to environmental contribution information, and makes it easy to realize the information processing service. It also makes it possible to increase the number of times the washer is used and reduce standby power consumption when the washer is in standby mode.

[0059] (25) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device described in (24), in which the control unit determines that the container has been cleaned when the container is set in the cleaning machine and the container identification information is continuously read by the reading unit, and transmits the container identification information to the information processing device.

[0060] This allows the number of times a container has been washed to be counted only when the container has been set in the washer and the washing operation for the container has been completed. This prevents the number of times a container has been washed from being counted in cases where, for example, a container has been set in the washer but then removed without being washed. In other words, it is possible to increase the reliability of the number of times a container has been washed in the washer.

[0061] (26) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device according to any one of (22) to (25), wherein the generation unit calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction associated with the cleaning of the container when the container is cleaned in the cleaning machine by subtracting the amount of carbon dioxide emission during cleaning from the amount of carbon dioxide emission during the manufacture of other containers equivalent to the capacity of the container, and generates the environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide reduction.

[0062] This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction that can be used to provide users with a numerical indication of their contribution to the environment.

[0063] (27) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (26), wherein the generation unit calculates a cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount by subtracting the carbon dioxide reduction amount from the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture of the container, and generates the environmental contribution information based on the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount.

[0064] This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount, which is used to provide the user with a numerical value of their contribution to the environment, based on the cumulative number of washes performed by the user.

[0065] (28) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device according to any one of (22) to (27), wherein the generation unit increases the number of times the container is washed when the container is washed in the washing machine after the time elapsed since the container was washed in the washing machine becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold, and generates the environmental contribution information according to the number of times the container is washed.

[0066] This makes it possible to prevent users who repeatedly wash containers without using them from counting the number of times they have washed them, thereby accurately determining the number of times a container has been washed, which has essentially contributed to the environment.

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] [Example of beverage container configuration] Fig. 1 is a top view showing an example of the external configuration of the lid 20 of the beverage container MB1, and Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of the external configuration of the beverage container MB1.

[0069] The beverage container MB1 is a container whose container (interior) for containing a beverage can be washed and reused. The beverage container MB1 includes a main body 10 having a container, and a lid 20 capable of sealing the container of the main body 10 when a beverage is contained in the container. The main body 10 can have a stainless steel thermos structure, for example. The structures of the main body 10 and the lid 20 can be constructed using various known techniques, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0070] Sheet AS1 is provided on the top surface of lid portion 20 (the surface opposite to the portion facing main body portion 10). Sheet AS1 is preferably made of a material that will not peel off even when lid portion 20 is washed. For example, an adhesive sheet can be used as sheet AS1.

[0071] The sheet AS1 is provided with an integrated circuit (IC) tag TG1 (shown by a dotted line) capable of wireless communication. For example, the IC tag TG1 can be provided inside the sheet AS1. The IC tag TG1 is an example of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and is a device capable of low-power wireless communication. The IC tag TG1 can be configured as a wireless communication tag (RFID tag) compatible with RFID technology. For example, it can be configured as an IC tag that employs a communication method such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), Bluetooth, or ZigBee (registered trademark), which are low-power communication modes. The maximum communication distance of the IC tag TG1 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, in the range of several tens of centimeters to several meters. For example, if the IC tag TG1 complies with the BLE standard, it broadcasts packets at predetermined intervals (for example, every 1 to 10 seconds). The packets transmitted by the IC tag TG1 include a unique ID (Identification) (tag ID), which is the IC tag's identification information. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which this tag ID is used as item identification information for the beverage container MB1.

[0072] That is, it is possible to obtain the item identification information of the beverage container MB1 by reading the tag ID of the IC tag TG1 attached to the sheet AS1 of the lid part 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, when the lid part 20 is set in the lid washing part CS12 of the washer WS1, the tag ID of the IC tag TG1 attached to the sheet AS1 of the lid part 20 is automatically read by the communication device TS1 (see Fig. 4).

[0073] The surface of the sheet AS1 is provided with an identification information display field II1 in which identification information can be acquired by an imaging operation using the imaging unit 405 (see FIG. 5), and an identification information display field II2 in which the identification information displayed in the identification information display field II1 is displayed differently. The identification information display field II1 displays, for example, a barcode, a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), etc. The identification information display field II2 displays character information such as symbols, signs, and numbers. The identification information included in the identification information display fields II1 and II2 can be used to register the item identification information of the beverage container MB1 in the server 200 (see FIG. 5).

[0074] [Washing machine configuration example] 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of the washer WS1. Note that Fig. 4 shows the washer WS1 shown in Fig. 3 with the main body 10 and the lid 20 set therein.

[0075] The washer WS1 is a device capable of cleaning beverage containers MB1 by performing a cleaning operation in which a high-pressure water stream is sprayed onto the main body 10 and the lid 20. The washer WS1 also includes an operation unit OP1 and a cleaning unit CS1 (main body cleaning unit CS11, lid cleaning unit CS12). The washer WS1 is also provided with a communication device TS1. A first display device DD1 and a second display device DD2 are also installed around the washer WS1.

[0076] The main body cleaning section CS11 is a cleaning section that cleans the inside (accommodation section) of the main body section 10 that is set with the opening of the accommodation section facing downward.

[0077] The lid washer CS12 is a washer that washes the inside of the lid 20, which is set with the top surface on which the sheet AS1 (see FIG. 1) is provided facing up and the inside facing the main body 10 facing down. After the lid 20 is set in the lid washer CS12, the lid CS13 is closed and washing is performed. Note that known washing techniques can be used to wash the inside of containers using the main body washer CS11 and the lid washer CS12. Note that in the following description, the state in which the main body 10 is set in the main body washer CS11, the lid 20 is set in the lid washer CS12, and the lid CS13 is closed will be referred to as the state in which the beverage container MB1 is set in the washer WS1.

[0078] The operation unit OP1 accepts operation inputs for operating the washer WS1. For example, an interior cleaning instruction button is provided on the operation unit OP1 for instructing interior cleaning, which cleans the washer CS1, before a beverage container MB1 is set in the washer WS1. The operation unit OP1 also has a first cleaning instruction button (cleaning button) for instructing a first cleaning process, in which ozone water is sprayed onto the main body 10 and the lid 20 using an ozone generator to clean and sterilize the main body 10 and the lid 20. The operation unit OP1 also has a second cleaning instruction button (rinse button) for instructing a second cleaning process, in which the ozone components (ozone water) sprayed in the first cleaning process are removed (rinsed) by spraying ordinary water.

[0079] The communication device TS1 is a communication device capable of exchanging various information using wireless communication with the IC tag TG11 (see FIG. 1) of the beverage container MB1 set in the cleaning unit CS1. For example, wireless communication similar to that used by the IC tag TG1 described above can be used. The configuration of the communication device TS1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0080] While FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example in which the communication device TS1 is installed above the washer WS1, this is not limiting. For example, the communication device TS1 may be installed in another location where it can receive radio waves from the IC tag TG1 of the beverage container MB1 set in the washer CS1. For example, it is conceivable that a user U1 (see FIG. 5) may pass by the washer WS1 while holding the beverage container MB1. In this case, if the communication device TS1 were able to receive radio waves from the IC tag TG1 of the beverage container MB1, it may erroneously detect that the beverage container MB1 has been set in the washer CS1. Therefore, to prevent erroneous detection of the setting of the beverage container MB1 held by the user U1 who passed by the washer WS1 in the washer CS1, it is preferable to adjust the installation location of the communication device TS1 to a location where it can receive radio waves only from the IC tag TG1 of the lid 20 set in the lid washer CS12. For example, a roof (e.g., a fixture) may be installed above the washer WS1, directly above the lid washer CS12, and the communication device TS1 may be installed inside this roof. This makes it possible to properly receive radio waves from the IC tag TG1 of the lid part 20 set directly below the communication device TS1.

[0081] The first display device DD1 is a display device that displays information about a user who uses the washer WS1 to wash a beverage container under the control of the server 200 (see FIG. 5). The display unit DD11 of the first display device DD1 displays, for example, identification image information AB1 for identifying the owner of the beverage container MB1 set in the washer CS1, nickname information AB2 for identifying the owner, and a display area NW1 for information on the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed by the owner. Each of these pieces of information is displayed based on the usage information DB240 (FIG. 6).

[0082] The second display device DD2 is a display device that displays information about a group to which a user U1 who uses the washer WS1 to wash a beverage container belongs, based on the control of the server 200 (see FIG. 5). The display unit DD12 of the second display device DD2 displays, for example, group identification information GN1 for identifying the group to which the user U1 of the beverage container MB1 set in the washer CS1 belongs, image information SS1 visualizing the environmental contribution of the group, numerical information GCR1 quantifying the environmental contribution, and information GNW1 about the number of times the beverage container has been washed by each user belonging to the group. Each of these pieces of information is displayed based on the usage information DB240 (FIG. 6). An example of the transition of the image information SS1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Furthermore, in FIG. 3, in order to illustrate a washer WS1 that is used only by users in the group to which the user U1 belongs, the group identification information GN1, image information SS1, numerical information GCR1, and information GNW1 about the number of times the beverage container has been washed are displayed in a state before use by the user U1.

[0083] 3 and 4 show an example in which the first display device DD1 is provided on the side of the washer WS1 and the second display device DD2 is provided on the top of the washer WS1, but this is not limiting. For example, the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 may be provided in another position that is visible to a user U1 using the washer WS1. Furthermore, at least one of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 may be provided on the washer WS1. Note that the first display device DD1 or the second display device DD2 may be omitted, and another display device may be provided to display various information.

[0084] Here, a washing method for washing the beverage container MB1 set in the washer WS1 will be described.

[0085] For example, before setting a beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1, user U1 presses the interior cleaning command button on operation unit OP1 to cause the washer WS1 to perform an interior cleaning operation. Next, user U1 sets the main body 10 of the beverage container MB1 in the main body washer CS11 and the lid 20 in the lid washer CS12. Then, with the lid 20 set in the lid washer CS12, user U1 closes the lid CS13 of the lid washer CS12. This completes the setting of the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1.

[0086] Next, user U1 operates operation unit OP1 to start the cleaning operation. For example, user U1 presses the first cleaning command button on operation unit OP1 to execute a first cleaning process in which ozone water is sprayed onto main body 10 and lid 20 to clean and disinfect main body 10 and lid 20. Next, user U1 presses the second cleaning command button on operation unit OP1 to execute a second cleaning process in which the ozone water sprayed in the first cleaning process is removed by spraying regular water. Note that these cleaning methods are merely examples, and other cleaning methods may be used.

[0087] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the item identification information of the beverage container MB1 is automatically read using the IC tag TG1, but this is not limiting. For example, other reading means for automatically reading the item identification information of the beverage container MB1 may be used. For example, a reading means for automatically reading the item identification information of the beverage container MB1 may employ recognition technology such as a barcode or QR code. In this case, a barcode or QR code provided on the top of the lid portion 20, the side of the main body portion 10, or the like may be used.

[0088] [Example of information processing system configuration] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0089] The information processing system 100 is composed of a plurality of devices connectable via a network N1. FIG. 5 shows an example of the information processing system 100 including communication devices TS1 to TS3, a server 200, a beverage container MB1, an electronic device MC1, a first display device DD1, and a second display device DD2. Each of the communication devices TS1 to TS3, the server 200, the electronic device MC1, the first display device DD1, and the second display device DD2 is connected to the network N1 by a communication method using wired communication or wireless communication. The network N1 is a network such as a public line network or the Internet. In this case, the wireless communication may be a mobile communication network (e.g., a standard such as 3G (3rd Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), or 6G (6th Generation)). Alternatively, at least one of wireless communication standards such as a wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)), Bluetooth, or ZigBee (registered trademark) may be used. Furthermore, multiple frequency bands (for example, the UHF band and the 2.4 GHz band) may be used in combination.

[0090] The communication devices TS1 to TS3 and the beverage container MB1 are connected by direct connection using wireless communication, without going through the network N1. For the beverage container MB1, the IC tag TG1 on the lid 20 functions as the communication device. Also, while Figure 5 shows only the user U1 and the beverage container MB1 as representative examples, other users and the beverage containers they use also constitute the information processing system 100.

[0091] In addition, Figure 5 shows the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 installed around the cleaning machine WS1 as representative examples, but the information processing system 100 may also be configured with the same number of first display devices and second display devices as the number of cleaning machines.

[0092] Communication device TS1 includes a communication unit 301, a reading unit 302, a control unit 303, and a storage unit 304. Communication devices TS2 and TS3 are devices that are installed in a washing machine, just like communication device TS1. Since communication devices TS2 and TS3 have the same configuration as communication device TS1, they will not be illustrated or described in detail. Although FIG. 5 shows only three communication devices TS1 to TS3 as representative examples, it is assumed that the information processing system 100 is made up of the same number of communication devices as the number of washing machines.

[0093] The communication unit 301 exchanges various types of information with the server 200 using wireless communication under the control of the control unit 303 .

[0094] The reading unit 302 is a communication unit that receives radio waves from the IC tag TG1 provided on the lid 20 of the beverage container MB1 and exchanges various information with the IC tag TG1. Note that the wireless communication used by the IC tag TG1 described above can be used as the wireless communication exchanged between the reading unit 302 and the IC tag TG1. For example, the reading unit 302 reads the tag ID (item identification information) of the IC tag TG1 and outputs this tag ID (item identification information) to the control unit 303.

[0095] The control unit 303 controls each unit of the communication device TS1 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 304. The control unit 303 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 303 executes control to transmit the tag ID (item identification information) read by the reading unit 302 to the server 200.

[0096] The storage unit 304 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 304 stores various types of information (e.g., a control program, washer identification information for identifying the washer WS1 in which the communication device TS1 is installed) that is required for the control unit 303 to perform various processes. The storage unit 304 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 301. The storage unit 304 may be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0097] The server 200 includes a communication unit 210, a control unit 220, and a storage unit 230.

[0098] The communication unit 210 exchanges various types of information with other devices using wired or wireless communication under the control of the control unit 220.

[0099] The control unit 220 controls each unit of the server 200 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 230. The control unit 220 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU or a GPU. Specifically, the control unit 220 includes a registration unit 221, an acquisition unit 222, a generation unit 223, and a notification control unit 224.

[0100] When the registration unit 221 receives various registration information such as item identification information from the electronic device MC1, the registration unit 221 executes a registration process of associating the item identification information with user identification information that identifies the user U1 and registering the information in the usage information DB 240 (see FIG. 6) of the storage unit 230. A specific registration method will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0101] The acquisition unit 222 acquires the item identification information when it receives a tag ID (item identification information) transmitted from the communication device TS1, and outputs the acquired item identification information to the registration unit 221, the generation unit 223, and the notification control unit 224.

[0102] The generation unit 223 generates environmental contribution information indicating the contribution to the environment made in response to the cleaning (use) of the beverage container corresponding to the item identification information output from the acquisition unit 222, and records the generated environmental contribution information in the usage information DB 240 in association with the item identification information. The environmental contribution information may be, for example, the number of cleanings using the cleaning machine SW1, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction, etc. A method for generating the environmental contribution information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 etc.

[0103] The notification control unit 224 executes notification control to notify user U1 of the environmental contribution information generated by the generation unit 223 and corresponding benefit information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information output from the acquisition unit 222. For example, the notification control unit 224 transmits the environmental contribution information for user U1 and the corresponding benefit information to the electronic device MC1 and causes the display unit 407 to display the information. For example, the notification control unit 224 can transmit information related to the environmental contribution information for user U1 to the first display device DD1 and cause the display unit DD11 to display the information, thereby notifying user U1. Similarly, the notification control unit 224 can transmit information related to the environmental contribution information for user U1 to the second display device DD2 and cause the display unit DD12 to display the information, thereby notifying user U1. The benefit information can be, for example, monetary benefit information (e.g., discount coupons for food and beverages, free coupons for food and beverages) or social benefit information (e.g., status awards, titles, and positions). The benefit information will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6 etc. Examples of notification of environmental contribution information, benefit information etc. will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 10 etc.

[0104] The storage unit 230 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 230 stores various types of information (for example, a control program, a usage information DB 240 (see FIG. 6)) that are necessary for the control unit 220 to perform various processes. The storage unit 230 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 210. The storage unit 230 can be, for example, a ROM, a RAM, an SRAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a combination thereof.

[0105] The electronic device MC1 includes a communication unit 401, a control unit 402, a storage unit 403, an operation unit 404, an imaging unit 405, a sound output unit 406, and a display unit 407.

[0106] The communication unit 401 exchanges various types of information with other devices using wired or wireless communication under the control of the control unit 402 .

[0107] The control unit 402 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 403. The control unit 402 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU or a GPU.

[0108] The storage unit 403 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 403 stores various types of information (for example, control programs, applications) required for the control unit 402 to perform various processes. The storage unit 403 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 401. The storage unit 403 can be, for example, a ROM, a RAM, an SRAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a combination thereof.

[0109] The operation unit 404 receives various operations from the user U 1 and outputs the received operation contents to the control unit 402 .

[0110] The imaging unit 405 captures an image of a subject and generates an image (image data) under the control of the control unit 402, and outputs the generated image to the control unit 402. The imaging unit 405 is configured with, for example, an imaging element (image sensor) that receives light from the subject collected by lenses (for example, multiple lenses that collect light from the subject), an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the imaging element, and the like. For example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type imaging element can be used as the imaging element.

[0111] The sound output unit 406 outputs various sounds based on the control of the control unit 402. As the sound output unit 406, for example, one or more speakers can be used.

[0112] The display unit 407 is a display unit that displays various images based on the control of the control unit 402. As the display unit 407, for example, a display panel such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel can be used.

[0113] [Example of usage information DB contents] 6 is a diagram schematically showing each piece of information stored in the usage information DB 240. The usage information DB 240 is a database for managing each piece of information related to beverage containers (including beverage container MB1) washed using each washing machine (including washing machine WS1) in which the communication devices TS1 to TS3 are installed.

[0114] The usage information DB 240 stores user identification information 241, avatar information 242, nickname information 243, item identification information 244, group identification information 245, number of uses 246, usage history 247, and status information 248 in association with each other. The user identification information 241, avatar information 242, nickname information 243, item identification information 244, and group identification information 245 are registered by the registration unit 221 based on a registration operation by the user U1. The number of uses 246 and usage history 247 are stored by the generation unit 223 each time a beverage container MB1 is washed using the washer WS1. Note that these pieces of information are merely examples, and other information may be stored in the usage information DB 240. For example, after authenticating the user U1 using user pre-registration information (e.g., email address, password) registered for the user U1 before registering the item identification information 244, the user pre-registration information may be stored in the usage information DB 240 in association with the user identification information 241 and the item identification information 244. In this case, the generation unit 223 can associate the generated environmental contribution information with the user pre-registration information. The user pre-registration information may be managed by the server 200 or another device (e.g., an authentication server).

[0115] The user identification information 241 is identification information for identifying each user who uses the environmental contribution information providing service provided by the information processing system 100. In Fig. 6, an example is shown in which "U0001" is stored as the identification information of user U1.

[0116] The avatar information 242 is image information for visually representing the user whose user identification information is stored in the user identification information 241. As this image information, for example, an image that resembles the user, a character image according to the user's preferences, etc. can be stored as appropriate. Based on the image information stored in the avatar information 242, identification image information AB1 (see FIG. 4) can be displayed.

[0117] Nickname information 243 is image information for representing by name a user whose user identification information is stored in user identification information 241. As this nickname information, for example, the user's name, a nickname according to the user's preference, etc. can be stored as appropriate. Nickname information AB2 (see FIG. 4) can be displayed based on the nickname information stored in nickname information 243.

[0118] The item identification information 244 is identification information for identifying an item used by a user whose user identification information is stored in the user identification information 241. Fig. 6 shows an example in which a beverage container is used as the item used by the user. For example, the item identification information acquired using the identification information display field II1 or II2 on the lid 20 of the beverage container MB1 is stored in the item identification information 244.

[0119] The group identification information 245 is identification information for identifying a group to which a user whose user identification information is stored in the user identification information 241 belongs. The user may set a desired group, or a service provider may set a group for each user. For example, a group may be set for each company to which the user belongs, or a group may be set for each predetermined unit (for example, department or section) within the company to which the user belongs.

[0120] The number of uses 246 is information indicating the number of times a user whose user identification information is stored in the user identification information 241 has used an item whose item identification information is stored in the item identification information 244. Fig. 6 shows an example in which the number of times a beverage container has been washed by a user is stored in the number of uses 246.

[0121] The usage history 247 is information indicating the usage history when a user whose user identification information is stored in the user identification information 241 uses an item whose item identification information is stored in the item identification information 244. For example, date and time information and location information are stored as this usage history information.

[0122] The status information 248 is information relating to the status given to a user whose user identification information is stored in the user identification information 241. For example, a higher status is given depending on the number of times that a user whose user identification information is stored in the user identification information 241 has used an item whose item identification information is stored in the item identification information 244.

[0123] In this embodiment, environmental contribution information (e.g., number of uses 246, usage history 247, amount of carbon dioxide reduction) indicating the contribution to the environment in accordance with the washing (use) of a beverage container is generated, and reward information corresponding to this environmental contribution information is provided to the user. In other words, an example is shown in which the number of times a beverage container is washed is detected and an opportunity to change the user's behavior is provided based on the number of times the beverage container is washed. Specifically, an opportunity to change the user's behavior is provided by a direct appeal to environmental issues (indicating the contribution to environmental issues) and an indirect appeal by changing the purpose (granting a reward to the user based on the number of times the beverage container is washed). More specifically, the washing record (utilization information) obtained by detecting the number of times the beverage container is washed is quantified, and the contribution is visualized. For example, examples of communicating the contribution to environmental issues to the user include visualizing the amount of containers (e.g., plastic cups) reduced, clearly expressing carbon dioxide reduction as an environmental contribution, and expressing the value created by the user's actions. Examples of giving benefits to users based on the number of washes include issuing coupons according to the number of washes, displaying a ranking based on the degree of contribution, giving status based on the ranking, and receiving an internal commendation.

[0124] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which monetary benefit information (e.g., discount coupons for food and drink, coupons for free food and drink) and social benefit information (e.g., status, title, position) are granted as the benefit information. Furthermore, frequency information for quantifying environmental contribution information and visually communicating it to the user, image information for visualizing environmental contribution information and visually communicating it to the user, and the like may be granted as the benefit information. Specifically, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which a discount coupon for food and drink is granted as the monetary benefit information and a status is granted as the social benefit information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a stamp image may be granted or numerical information may be displayed as the frequency information in terms of benefit information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a desert forest image or various environmental information (e.g., trivia information) may be displayed as image information as benefit information.

[0125] For example, when the number of times a beverage container is washed (used) is low, it is preferable to increase the weight of monetary reward information to increase the user's motivation to wash the beverage container more frequently. In this way, when the number of times a beverage container is washed is low, even if the weight of social reward information is reduced, it does not hinder the user's motivation to wash the beverage container more frequently. On the other hand, when the number of times a beverage container is washed is high, it is thought that even if the weight of social reward information is reduced, it does not hinder the user's motivation to wash the beverage container more frequently. In this way, when the number of times a beverage container is washed is low, the weight of monetary reward information is increased, but the weight of monetary reward information is reduced as the number of times the beverage container is washed increases. On the other hand, when the number of times a beverage container is washed is low, the weight of social reward information is reduced, but the weight of social reward information is increased as the number of times the beverage container is washed increases. This makes it possible to maintain the user's motivation to continue washing the beverage container, whether the number of times a beverage container is washed is low or whether the number of times a beverage container is washed is high.

[0126] For example, a user who has washed a beverage container for the first time (an example of the number of uses) is given a 10% discount coupon for a specific food or drink (for example, coffee from a certain store) and is also given Bronze 1 status. Note that for Bronze 1 to 5, the status increases as the number increases. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container for the third time is given a 10% discount coupon for a specific food or drink. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container for the fifth time is given a 50% discount coupon for a specific food or drink.

[0127] For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 10 times may be given a free coupon for a predetermined food or drink and be given Bronze 2 status. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 15 times may be given a 50% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 20 times may be given a 50% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink and be given Bronze 3 status. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 25 times may be given a 30% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink.

[0128] For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 30 times may be given a 30% discount coupon for a predetermined food or beverage, and may be given Bronze 4 status. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 35 times may be given a 20% discount coupon for a predetermined food or beverage. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 40 times may be given a 20% discount coupon for a predetermined food or beverage, and may be given Bronze 5 status. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 45 times may be given a 10% discount coupon for a predetermined food or beverage.

[0129] For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 50 times may be given a 10% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink, and may also be given Silver 1 status. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 55 times may be given a 10% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 60 times may be given a 10% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink, and may also be given Silver 2 status. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 100 times may be given Gold status. For example, a user who has washed a beverage container 200 times may be given Platinum status. Higher statuses may be given in the same manner thereafter.

[0130] Here, an example of a registration method in which user U1 registers the item identification information of beverage container MB1 with server 200 will be described. Here, from the perspective of increasing the credibility of the user of beverage container MB1, a registration example is shown in which user U1 is authenticated (identified) using pre-registration information of user U1 that has already been registered before registering the item identification information with server 200, and after the authentication is complete, the user identification information of user U1 is associated with the item identification information of beverage container MB1. Also shown here is a registration example in which the item identification information of beverage container MB1 is registered using electronic device MC1.

[0131] First, user U1 uses operation unit 404 to cause display unit 407 to display a registration screen that is displayed under the control of server 200 (or a registration screen that is displayed after a predetermined application is downloaded from server 200). Next, user U1 performs an input operation on the registration screen to input user information (e.g., email address, password) for authenticating user U1, and then performs a login operation. When this login operation is performed, server 200 (or another authentication device) performs an authentication process for user U1 based on the input user information and pre-registration information for user U1. If the input user information matches the pre-registration information for user U1 as a result of this authentication process, it is determined that authentication of user U1 has been successful, and server 200 causes display unit 407 to display a user registration screen for registering the item identification information of beverage container MB1. On the other hand, if the result of this personal authentication process shows that the input user information does not match the pre-registered information of user U1, it is determined that personal authentication of user U1 has failed, and server 200 displays an error screen indicating that personal authentication of user U1 has failed on display unit 407. When this error screen is displayed, user U1 can retry inputting user information and logging in.

[0132] After the user registration screen is displayed on the display unit 407, the user U1 performs an input operation on the user registration screen to input various pieces of information about the user U1 (e.g., email address, password, avatar image, nickname), and then performs a transmission operation. When this transmission operation is performed, the registration unit 221 of the server 200 performs a registration process to register various pieces of information about the user U1 in the usage information DB 240 based on the input various pieces of information and the pre-registration information of the user U1. After this registration process, the server 200 causes the display unit 407 to display an item identification information registration screen for registering item identification information of the beverage container MB1. This item identification information registration screen includes a captured image display area that displays a captured image generated by the imaging unit 405. The user U1 holds the electronic device MC1 so that the captured image generated by the imaging unit 405 includes the identification information display field II1 of the lid part 20 (e.g., a QR code) (i.e., so that the captured image display area includes the identification information display field II1 of the lid part 20). Then, when the imaging unit 405 generates a captured image of the identification information display field II1 of the lid unit 20, the control unit 402 acquires item identification information based on the captured image of the identification information display field II1 and transmits the item identification information to the server 200. Upon receiving this item identification information, the registration unit 221 of the server 200 performs a registration process to associate the received item identification information with each piece of information related to the already registered user U1 and register the information in the usage information DB 240. This completes the registration process to register the item identification information of the beverage container MB1 in the usage information DB 240. Upon completion of these registration processes, the server 200 displays a display screen indicating that the registration process has been completed on the display unit 407 of the electronic device MC1, and displays an initial screen (display screen 500 shown in FIG. 7(A)) on the display unit 407. Note that these registration methods are merely examples, and other registration methods may be used.

[0133] Furthermore, server 200 provides electronic device MC1 with various images corresponding to the number of times beverage container MB1 has been washed, based on the operation of user U1. For example, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, a display screen for visually providing user U1 with the usage status (washing status) of beverage container MB1 is displayed on display unit 407.

[0134] [Example of electronic device display] 7 and 8 are diagrams showing examples of transitions of display screens displayed on the display unit 407 of the electronic device MC1. Each time the user U1 cleans the beverage container MB1, a stamp image is given as bonus information in accordance with the cleaning.

[0135] The display screen 500 displays a tab area TB1, a stamp display area SP1, a wash count information display area NW1, a carbon dioxide reduction amount display area CR1, and a status information display area SU1.

[0136] Tab area TB1 is an area that displays tabs for switching between a display screen that displays environmental contribution information, etc., relating to user U1 as an individual (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and a display screen that displays environmental contribution information, etc., relating to a group to which user U1 belongs (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Specifically, when "Individual" is selected in tab area TB1, the display screens shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are displayed. On the other hand, when "All" is selected in tab area TB1, the display screens shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are displayed.

[0137] The stamp display area SP1 displays a stamp image (an example of bonus information) that is awarded according to the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed. That is, it is possible to display the number of washes in a display format similar to a stamp rally. The number of washes information display area NW1 displays the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed. Each of these pieces of information can be displayed based on the number of uses 246 (see FIG. 6). The carbon dioxide reduction amount display area CR1 displays the amount of carbon dioxide reduction calculated according to the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed. A method for calculating this amount of carbon dioxide reduction will be described later. The status information display area SU1 displays a status that is awarded according to the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed. This status can be displayed based on the status information 248 (see FIG. 6).

[0138] [Example of calculating carbon dioxide reduction for an individual] First, an example of a method for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide reduction for an individual will be described.

[0139] First, it is possible to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction RA1 resulting from one washing of the beverage container MB1 using the amount of carbon dioxide emission CE1 during the manufacturing of a container (e.g., a paper cup, plastic cup, or PET bottle) to be used in place of the beverage container MB1 and the amount of carbon dioxide emission CE2 resulting from one washing of the beverage container MB1. Specifically, it is possible to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction RA1 resulting from one washing of the beverage container MB1 using the following Equation 1. RA1=CE1-CE2 Formula 1

[0140] It is possible to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions CE1 by taking into account each pre-use stage of the target container, such as the raw material procurement stage, manufacturing stage, and distribution stage, and each post-use stage of the target container, such as the disposal stage and recycling stage. It is also possible to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions CE2 by taking into account the amount of water used and power consumption in each stage of interior cleaning, ozone water cleaning, and rinsing, as well as standby power consumption during standby time. It is also possible to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions CE2 by taking into account each stage of the washer, such as the raw material procurement stage, manufacturing stage, and distribution stage, and the disposal stage of the washer.

[0141] Furthermore, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction RA1 due to one washing of the beverage container MB1 can be used to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction RA2 due to washing the beverage container MB1. Specifically, the generation unit 223 can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction RA2 due to washing the beverage container MB1 using the following equation 2. The carbon dioxide reduction amount display area CR1 can be displayed based on this amount of carbon dioxide reduction RA2. RA2 = RA1 x number of washes Formula 2

[0142] Furthermore, it is possible to calculate the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide emission CE10 due to the cleaning of the beverage container MB1 using the amount of carbon dioxide emission CE3 during the manufacturing of the beverage container MB1 and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction RA2 due to the cleaning of the beverage container MB1. Specifically, the generation unit 223 can calculate the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide emission CE10 due to the cleaning of the beverage container MB1 using the following equation 3. CE10=CE3-RA2 Formula 3

[0143] It is possible to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions CE3 by taking into account each stage before use of the beverage container MB1, such as the raw material procurement stage, manufacturing stage, and distribution stage, and each stage after use, such as the disposal stage and recycling stage of the beverage container MB1.

[0144] These specific values ​​can be calculated using data published by government agencies (for example, the Ministry of the Environment), data obtained through experiments and simulations, etc. When calculating the values ​​to be displayed on the electronic device MC1, predetermined data set in advance based on these data can be used.

[0145] [Example of calculation of carbon dioxide reduction for the group] Next, an example of a method for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide reduction for a group will be described.

[0146] By adding up the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount RA2 due to the washing of beverage containers (including beverage container MB1) used by each user in the group, the generation unit 223 can calculate the carbon dioxide reduction amount RA10 for the group. Based on this carbon dioxide reduction amount RA10 for the group, it is possible to display the carbon dioxide reduction amount display area CR2 for the group (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0147] [Example of displaying personal environmental contribution information and benefit information] Fig. 7(A) shows an example of a display screen 500 when the number of times that the beverage container MB1 has been washed is 0. Fig. 7(B) shows an example of a display screen 510 when the number of times that the beverage container MB1 has been washed is 6. Figs. 7(C) and 8(A) show examples of display screens 520 and 530 when the number of times that the beverage container MB1 has been washed is 10. Figs. 8(B) and 8(C) show examples of display screens 540 and 550 when the number of times that the beverage container MB1 has been washed is 20.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 7(B), each time the beverage container MB1 is washed, a stamp image is added to the white circle corresponding to the washing. For example, the stamp images are added sequentially in the order of the numbers written in the white circles. For example, an image of a plant sprout may be used as this stamp image. Furthermore, when a predetermined number of washings is reached, predetermined bonus information may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), when the beverage container MB1 has been washed six times, a lamp image may be provided as the stamp image, and information regarding the amount of carbon dioxide reduction that would occur if the beverage container MB1 were washed six times may be displayed in the display area EC1.

[0149] Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 7(C), when the beverage container MB1 has been washed 10 times, a gift box image can be attached as a stamp image. In this case, as shown in Fig. 8(A), coupon information for a free cup of coffee can be displayed in the display area PO1 as bonus information for washing the beverage container MB1 10 times.

[0150] Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 8(B), when the number of washes of the beverage container MB1 reaches 20, stamp images are displayed in all the white circles. In this case, as shown in Fig. 8(C), it is possible to display the next page of the stamp display area SP1.

[0151] [Example of displaying information on environmental contributions and benefits related to the Group] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of transition of a display screen displayed on display unit 407 of electronic device MC1. Each time a user (including user U1) belonging to a certain group washes a beverage container (including beverage container MB1), a bonus image that transitions from a desert image to a forest image is displayed as bonus information corresponding to the washing.

[0152] Display screen 560 displays tab area TB1, desert forest image display area IM1, group washing count information display area NW2, and group carbon dioxide reduction amount display area CR2. Tab area TB1 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The numerical value displayed in group washing count information display area NW2 can be displayed based on the calculation result (e.g., addition) of the number of uses 246 (see FIG. 6) of users with the same group identification information 245 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, group carbon dioxide reduction amount display area CR2 can be displayed based on the carbon dioxide reduction amount RA10 for the group, as described above.

[0153] In the desert forest image display area IM1, a desert forest image (an example of bonus information) is displayed that changes based on the number of times the beverage containers (including the beverage container MB1) of each user (including the user U1) belonging to the group have been washed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(A), when the number of times the group has washed is zero, an image of a desert without a single tree is displayed in the desert forest image display area IM1. Also, as shown in FIGS. 9(B) to 10(A), for example, as the number of times the group has washed increases, an image of one or more trees growing in the desert is displayed in the desert forest image display area IM1. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(B), for example, when the number of times the group has washed reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., 24,000 times), an image of multiple trees growing, a rainbow appearing in the sky, and animals swimming in a pond is displayed in the desert forest image display area IM1.

[0154] Here, we will explain the number of trees that can be added to the image displayed in the desert forest image display area IM1. For example, when the amount of carbon dioxide reduction of the group becomes equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by a specific tree (e.g., oil palm or cedar) in a year, it is possible to add and display one tree. For example, when the number of washings of the group reaches about 90 to 120 times, it is possible to add one tree. Also, when the number of washings of the group reaches about 24,000 times, it is possible to display the image shown in FIG. 10(B).

[0155] Fig. 9(A) shows an example of a display screen 560 when the number of washes for the group is 0. Fig. 9(B) shows an example of a display screen 570 when the number of washes for the group is 500. Fig. 9(C) shows an example of a display screen 580 when the number of washes for the group is 8000. Fig. 10(A) shows an example of a display screen 590 when the number of washes for the group is 12000. Fig. 10(B) shows an example of a display screen 595 when the number of washes for the group is 24000.

[0156] [Example of communication device operation] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an item identification information transmission process in communication device TS1. This item identification information transmission process is executed by control unit 303 (see Fig. 5) based on a program stored in storage unit 304 (see Fig. 5). This item identification information transmission process is executed for each control cycle. This item identification information transmission process will be described with appropriate reference to Figs. 1 to 10.

[0157] In step S601, the control unit 303 determines whether the reading unit 302 has received radio waves from another device. For example, when a beverage container MB1 is set in the washer WS1, the reading unit 302 receives radio waves output from the IC tag TG1 on the lid 20. Furthermore, since these radio waves contain the item identification information of the beverage container MB1, the control unit 303 can acquire that item identification information. If the reading unit 302 has received radio waves from another device, the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if the reading unit 302 has not received radio waves from another device, the operation of the item identification information transmission process is terminated.

[0158] In step S602, the control unit 303 transmits the item identification information acquired based on the radio waves received in step S601 and the washer identification information stored in the memory unit 304 to the server 200. If the item identification information cannot be acquired based on the radio waves received in step S601, the operation of the item identification information transmission process is terminated.

[0159] [Server operation example] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a privilege information granting process in the server 200. This privilege information granting process is executed by the control unit 220 (see Fig. 5) based on a program stored in the storage unit 230 (see Fig. 5). This privilege information granting process is executed for each control cycle. This privilege information granting process will be described with appropriate reference to Figs. 1 to 11.

[0160] In step S621, the acquisition unit 222 determines whether or not the item identification information and the washer identification information have been received from any of the communication devices. If the item identification information and the washer identification information have been received from any of the communication devices, the process proceeds to step S622. On the other hand, if the item identification information and the washer identification information have not been received from any of the communication devices, the process proceeds to step S628.

[0161] In step S622, the notification control unit 224 transmits the avatar information 242, nickname information 243, number of uses 246, status information 248, etc. corresponding to the item identification information received in step S621 to a display device installed around the communication device that transmitted the item identification information. For example, if the item identification information received in step S621 was transmitted from communication device TS1, the notification control unit 224 transmits each piece of information to the first display device DD1 installed around communication device TS1. Note that the storage unit 230 stores the relationship between the communication devices and the display devices installed around the communication devices.

[0162] The display device that receives each piece of information displays the received information on its display unit. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the avatar, number of washes, nickname, and status of user U1 are displayed on the display unit DD11 of the first display device DD1 installed around the communication device TS1. This allows user U1 who is washing the beverage container MB1 to easily understand his or her registered information.

[0163] In step S623, the generation unit 223 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last recording time of the item identification information received in step S621. Here, for example, it is assumed that there may be a user who repeats the cleaning process without using a container that has been cleaned (i.e., without putting a drink in it). Therefore, to prevent the counting of the number of cleanings due to such user actions, it is determined whether or not a time equivalent to the time when the container that has been cleaned is used (for example, about one to several hours) has elapsed. This predetermined time can be set appropriately based on experiments or simulations, etc., performed. If a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the last recording time of the item identification information, the process proceeds to step S624. On the other hand, if a predetermined time or more has not elapsed since the last recording time of the item identification information, the process proceeds to step S628.

[0164] In step S624, generation unit 223 updates number of uses 246 and usage history 247 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the item identification information received in step S621. That is, generation unit 223 adds 1 to the value of number of uses 246 corresponding to the received item identification information, and records the installation location of the washer corresponding to the received washer identification information and the time the item identification information was received in usage history 247. Furthermore, generation unit 223 updates status information 248 (see FIG. 6) as necessary. Furthermore, generation unit 223 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction, etc. as necessary.

[0165] In step S625, the generation unit 223 determines whether or not there is any bonus information to be provided to the user of the user identification information 241 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the item identification information received in step S621, based on the number of uses 246 (see FIG. 6) updated in step S624. As described above, the number of washes and the bonus information to be provided to the user are set in advance, so the determination is made based on this setting. If there is any bonus information to be provided to the user, the process proceeds to step S626. On the other hand, if there is no bonus information to be provided to the user, the process proceeds to step S627.

[0166] As described above, for example, a user who has completed one cleaning is given a 10% discount coupon for a specific food or drink (e.g., coffee from a certain store) and is given Bronze 1 status. Also, for example, a user who has completed three cleanings is given a 10% discount coupon for a specific food or drink.

[0167] In step S626, the notification control unit 224 provides the electronic device MC1 with environmental contribution information and benefit information based on the updated number of uses 246 (see FIG. 6). For example, when the updated number of washes reaches 10, the notification control unit 224 causes the display unit 407 of the electronic device MC1 to display a display screen 530 (see FIG. 8(A)) that displays a coupon for a free coffee and a stamp image of a gift box.

[0168] In step S627, the notification control unit 224 provides environmental contribution information to the electronic device MC1 based on the updated number of uses 246 (see FIG. 6). For example, the notification control unit 224 causes the display unit 407 of the electronic device MC1 to display a display screen for adding a stamp image. Note that the display timing of each display screen displayed in steps S626 and S627 is not limited to this. For example, the display may be based on a user operation at a timing preferred by the user.

[0169] In step S628, the notification control unit 224 determines whether or not there is an item for which a frequency threshold value (for example, several days to several weeks) or more has passed since the most recent recording time, based on the usage history 247 (see FIG. 6). If there is an item for which a frequency threshold value or more has passed since the most recent recording time, the process proceeds to step S629. On the other hand, if there is no item for which a frequency threshold value or more has passed since the most recent recording time, the operation of the bonus information granting process ends.

[0170] In step S629, the notification control unit 224 provides notification information to the user terminal (e.g., electronic device MC1) encouraging the use of the item based on the user identification information 241 corresponding to the item identification information 244 of the item determined in step S628 to have elapsed more than the frequency threshold since the most recent recording time. For example, it is possible to display a display screen on the display unit 407 containing a message, image, etc., expressing sadness because the beverage container has not been washed recently. In this way, if the frequency of washing the beverage container MB1 decreases, it is possible to increase the frequency of washing the beverage container MB1 by notifying the user U1 of notification information encouraging the user U1 to wash the beverage container MB1.

[0171] [Modification of the washing machine] In the above, an example has been shown in which a communication device TS1 for acquiring the item identification information of a beverage container MB1 is installed in a washer WS1 (or its vicinity). Here, a reading unit for acquiring the item identification information of a beverage container MB1 and a control unit for executing control for transmitting the item identification information may be provided in the washer. Therefore, the following describes an example in which the reading unit, control unit, etc. are provided in the washer.

[0172] [Example of information processing system configuration] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system 700. The information processing system 700 is a partial modification of the information processing system 100 shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, the information processing system 700 is provided with cleaners WS10-WS12 instead of the communication devices TS1-TS3. Note that the information processing system 700 is common to the information processing system 100 except for the fact that the cleaners WS10-WS12 are provided instead of the communication devices TS1-TS3. Therefore, parts common to the information processing system 100 are assigned the same reference numerals, and some of these parts will not be illustrated or described. Parts different from the information processing system 100 will be described below as appropriate.

[0173] The information processing system 700 is configured by a plurality of devices connectable via a network N1. Fig. 13 shows, as an example, the information processing system 700 including washing machines WS10 to WS12, a server 200, a beverage container MB1, an electronic device MC1, a first display device DD1, and a second display device DD2.

[0174] Cleaning machine WS10 includes a communication unit 701, a reading unit 702, a control unit 703, a storage unit 704, an operation unit 705, a display unit 706, and a cleaning unit 707. The operation unit 705 corresponds to operation unit OP1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the cleaning unit 707 corresponds to cleaning unit CS1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The cleaning unit 707 outputs status information relating to each step during cleaning to the control unit 703. The reading unit 702 corresponds to the reading unit 302 of communication device TS1 (see FIG. 5). Cleaning machines WS11 and WS12 have the same configuration as cleaning machine WS10, and therefore will not be illustrated or described in detail.

[0175] The communication unit 701 exchanges various types of information with the server 200 using wireless communication under the control of the control unit 703 .

[0176] The control unit 703 controls each unit of the washer WS10 based on a control program stored in the memory unit 704. The control unit 703 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU, a GPU, etc. For example, the control unit 703 executes control to transmit the tag ID (item identification information) read by the reading unit 702 to the server 200.

[0177] The storage unit 704 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 704 stores various types of information (for example, a control program, washer identification information for identifying the washer WS10) that is required for the control unit 703 to perform various processes. The storage unit 704 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 701. The storage unit 704 can be, for example, a ROM, a RAM, an SRAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a combination thereof.

[0178] The display unit 706 is a display device that displays information about each washing step when washing beverage containers using the washer WS10, based on the control of the control unit 703. For example, it is possible to provide guidance by displaying a list of the interior washing step, the beverage container setting step, the washing step, the rinsing step, etc., or to provide guidance by displaying each of these steps sequentially.

[0179] [Example of cleaning machine operation] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the wash count process in the washer WS10. This wash count process is executed by the control unit 703 (see Fig. 13) based on a program stored in the storage unit 704 (see Fig. 13). This wash count process is executed for each control cycle. This wash count process will be explained with reference to Figs. 1 to 13 as appropriate.

[0180] In step S801, the control unit 703 determines whether the reading unit 702 has received radio waves from another device. For example, when a beverage container MB1 is set in the washer WS10, the reading unit 702 receives radio waves output from the IC tag TG1 on the lid 20. Furthermore, since these radio waves contain the item identification information of the beverage container MB1, the control unit 703 can acquire this item identification information. If the reading unit 702 has received radio waves from another device, the process proceeds to step S802. On the other hand, if the reading unit 702 has not received radio waves from another device, the operation of the wash count process ends.

[0181] In step S802, the control unit 703 acquires the item identification information based on the radio waves received in step S801, and stores the acquired item identification information in the storage unit 704. Note that if the item identification information cannot be acquired based on the radio waves received in step S801, the operation of the wash count process is terminated.

[0182] In step S803, the control unit 703 determines, based on the status information from the cleaning unit 707, whether a container has been set in the cleaning unit 707 while receiving the same radio waves as those received in step S801. For example, if it is detected that the main body 10 of the beverage container MB1 has been set in the main body cleaning unit CS11 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), the lid 20 has been set in the lid cleaning unit CS12 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the lid CS13 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) has been closed, the cleaning unit 707 outputs a signal to that effect to the control unit 703. This enables the control unit 703 to detect that a container has been set in the cleaning unit 707. If a container has been set in the cleaning unit 707 while receiving the same radio waves as those received in step S801, the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, if a container is set in the cleaning unit 707 without receiving the same radio waves as those received in step S801, or if a radio wave is received in step S801 but a container is not set in the cleaning unit 707, the operation of the cleaning count process is terminated.

[0183] In step S804, the control unit 703 determines whether or not a cleaning start operation (for example, pressing a cleaning button) to start the cleaning process has been performed by the user, based on operation information from the operation unit 705. If a cleaning start operation has been performed by the user, the process proceeds to step S805. On the other hand, if a container has been set in the cleaning unit 707 but the user has not performed a cleaning start operation, the process waits until a cleaning start operation is performed.

[0184] In step S805, the control unit 703 causes the cleaning unit 707 to perform a cleaning process for cleaning the container set in the cleaning unit 707.

[0185] In step S806, the control unit 703 determines whether the cleaning process has been completed. If the cleaning process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S807. On the other hand, if the cleaning process has not been completed, the process returns to step S805.

[0186] In step S807, the control unit 703 determines whether or not the same radio waves as those received in step S801 have been continuously received during the cleaning process in the cleaning unit 707. If the same radio waves have been continuously received during the cleaning process in the cleaning unit 707, the process proceeds to step S808. On the other hand, if the same radio waves have not been continuously received during the cleaning process in the cleaning unit 707, the operation of the cleaning count process ends.

[0187] In step S808, the control unit 703 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last recording time of the item identification information corresponding to the radio waves received in step S801. Here, as described in step S623 (see FIG. 12), it is assumed that there may be users who repeat the cleaning process without using a container that has already been cleaned. Therefore, to prevent the counting of the number of cleanings due to such user actions, it is determined whether or not a time equivalent to the time when the container that has already been cleaned has been used (for example, about one to several hours) has elapsed. This predetermined time can be set appropriately, as in step S623. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the last recording time of the item identification information, the process proceeds to step S809. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the last recording time of the item identification information, the process terminates the operation of the number of cleanings count process.

[0188] In step S809, the control unit 703 transmits the item identification information of the container for which the cleaning process has been completed and the washer identification information for identifying the washer WS10 to the server 200. That is, the control unit 703 transmits the item identification information stored in the memory unit 304 in step S802 to the server 200. The washer identification information is identification information that can identify the installation location of the washer WS10.

[0189] In step S810, the control unit 703 causes the storage unit 304 to record the item identification information of the container for which the cleaning process has been completed and the time when the cleaning process was completed.

[0190] [Server operation example] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a bonus information granting process in the server 200. The bonus information granting process is executed by the control unit 220 (see FIG. 5) based on a program stored in the storage unit 230 (see FIG. 5). The bonus information granting process is executed for each control cycle. The bonus information granting process is a partial modification of the bonus information granting process shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, steps S821 to S827 correspond to steps S621 and S624 to S629 shown in FIG. 12.

[0191] Although the above describes an example in which the number of washes count process is executed in washer WS10, some of these processes may be executed in server 200. For example, control unit 703 of washer WS10 may sequentially transmit to server 200 the item identification information contained in the received radio waves, container setting information indicating the setting state of the container in washer 707, and operation information indicating the operation content in washer 707, and server 200 may execute each of the processes corresponding to steps S803 to S808. Furthermore, at least a portion of the item identification information transmission process shown in Fig. 11 and the number of washes count process shown in Fig. 14 may be combined, and at least a portion of the bonus information granting process shown in Fig. 12 and the bonus information granting process shown in Fig. 15 may be combined.

[0192] [Examples of services realized by information processing systems] Here, an example of an environmental contribution information providing service that can be realized using the information processing system 100 will be described. For example, assume that there is Company A, which provides the environmental contribution information providing service and installs a washing machine WS1 or the like (referred to as washing machine WS1 in this description), Company B, which has a contract with Company A so that multiple employees B1 can receive the environmental contribution information providing service, and Company C (e.g., a coffee shop or restaurant), which provides beverages in personal bottles. In this case, Company C is assumed to have a contract with Company A to provide some kind of service (drinks, food) in response to a request from Company B's employee B1, in accordance with the benefit information (e.g., washing points) granted to Company B by Company A.

[0193] For example, Company A installs washer WS1 at a predetermined location designated by Company B and performs various maintenance tasks on washer WS1. Company A also grants Company B bonus information (e.g., cleaning points) based on the number of times employee B1 has used washer WS1. In this case, Company B grants employee B1 bonus information (bonus information granted by Company A) based on the number of times employee B1 has used washer WS1. Company A also acquires various data (operation information) such as the number of times employee B1 has used washer WS1, and receives from Company B a usage fee based on the number of times employee B1 has used washer WS1. Company A also provides Company B with operation information on washer WS1 (e.g., the number of times it has been used, cleaning points, etc.). This allows Company B to publish information (e.g., the amount of reduced pollutants) that is determined based on the operation information, etc., of washer WS1.

[0194] Furthermore, for example, employee B1, who has been given special privilege information according to the number of washes, can use that special privilege information to obtain a beverage at company C and pour it into beverage container MB1 to drink. In this way, it is possible to realize an environmental contribution information provision service in which company A presents operation information (e.g., number of washes, washing points, etc.) of washer WS1 to company B, and company B pays company A a fee according to that operation information. Furthermore, company B can publish details of the operation information, such as actual results per bottle.

[0195] [Example of effect of this embodiment] For example, even if personal bottles become widespread, it is expected that it will be difficult to continue using them when out and about unless there is sufficient cleaning infrastructure and replenishment services that allow users to clean their bottles on the go. Therefore, it is possible to consider expanding the cleaning infrastructure and replenishment services. However, simply expanding the cleaning infrastructure and replenishment services will not allow users to easily understand how much their actions of using personal bottles are contributing to reducing environmental impact, and there will be little opportunity for users to change their behavior, so it is likely that they will not become accustomed to using personal bottles.

[0196] Therefore, in this embodiment, automatic recognition technology such as IC tags for personal bottles and personal containers is utilized to automatically collect and visualize usage information such as cleaning, making it possible to provide the benefits of usage at the appropriate time and in the appropriate amount, thereby encouraging continuous behavioral change and making it possible to accurately and easily grasp the number of repeated uses.

[0197] In other words, in this embodiment, item identification information can be appropriately acquired using automatic recognition technology such as IC tags, without the user being aware of the task of reading the item identification information, and without the user having to perform additional tasks (for example, tasks using a smartphone). In this way, by building a cleaning infrastructure using automatic recognition technology, evidence of use can be acquired and visualized, thereby visualizing environmental contributions. As a result, the use of personal bottles becomes a habit, leading to continued use and achieving carbon neutrality in the production load of personal bottles. Furthermore, as added value, the use of plastic cups and PET bottles is reduced, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions and also reduces plastic waste.

[0198] In other words, by using a washer WS1 or the like, it becomes possible to make continuous use of personal bottles a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0199] [Examples of application to other items] In this embodiment, a beverage container MB1 is shown as an example of an item, but the present invention can be applied to other items (e.g., personal belongings such as a reusable bag, umbrella, or cutlery) that are reused repeatedly to reduce environmental impact. For example, an IC tag is provided on each item, and a reader is installed in a predetermined location (e.g., the entrance to a home or a company). Then, the number of times each item has been used can be obtained by reading the item identification information of each item, and environmental contribution information can be generated and bonus information can be granted based on this number of uses. This can encourage continued use of items other than reusable bottles, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0200] [Example of executing processing on other devices or systems] In the above, an example has been shown in which the registration process, acquisition process, generation process, notification control process, etc. are executed by the server 200, but all or part of each of these processes may be executed by other devices. In this case, an information processing system is configured by the devices that execute part of each of these processes. For example, at least part of each process may be executed by using devices available to the user (e.g., smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers), various information processing devices such as servers that can be connected via a predetermined network such as the Internet, and various electronic devices.

[0201] Furthermore, a part (or all) of the information processing system capable of executing the functions of the server 200 (or the information processing system 100) may be provided by an application that can be provided via a predetermined network such as the Internet. This application is, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0202] [Configuration example and effect example of this embodiment] The main effects of the server 200, the information processing system 100, the information processing method, and the program according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0203] The server 200 (an example of an information processing device) includes a registration unit 221 that associates item identification information "MB001" that identifies a beverage container MB1 (an example of an item) used by a user U1 with user identification information "U0001" that identifies the user U1 and registers the associated information in the usage information DB 240 of the storage unit 230; an acquisition unit 222 that acquires, from the communication device TS1, the item identification information "MB001" related to the beverage container MB1 that is read by the communication device TS1 (or the washing machine WS10) (an example of a reading device) in response to the beverage container MB1 being used; The system includes a generation unit 223 that, when the product identification information "MB001" is acquired, generates environmental contribution information (e.g., number of uses 246, usage history 247, amount of carbon dioxide reduction) indicating a contribution to the environment in response to washing (an example of use) of the beverage container MB1 corresponding to the product identification information "MB001," and a notification control unit 224 that notifies user U1 of benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for the environmental contribution information based on user identification information "U0001" corresponding to the product identification information "MB001" acquired by the acquisition unit 222. For example, the notification control unit 224 can notify (e.g., display) user U1 using at least one of a user terminal (e.g., electronic device MC1) and a display device (e.g., first display device DD1, second display device DD2, display unit 706) of the washer WS1 (or the washer WS10) or its surroundings.

[0204] According to this system, when a user U1 carrying a beverage container MB1 filled with a desired beverage finishes drinking the beverage and then washes the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1 for reuse, the user U1 can be notified of environmental contribution information (e.g., number of washes, cumulative carbon dioxide reduction) indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of washes, and benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for this environmental contribution information. In this way, the user U1 can be notified of washing count information, which quantifies the number of washes indicating that the beverage container MB1 has been washed in the washer WS1 for reuse, and the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of washes, allowing the user U1 to visually and easily grasp the contribution to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user U1 of benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation of the user U1 to wash the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1 for reuse. This allows the user U1 to develop a habit of continued use of the beverage container MB1, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0205] Beverage container MB1 (an example of an article) is a container for holding food or drink. Communication device TS1 (an example of a reading device) is a communication device that includes a reading unit 302 that reads article identification information "MB001" and a control unit 303 that executes control to transmit the article identification information "MB001" read by reading unit 302 to server 200 (an example of an information processing device). Furthermore, communication device TS1 is a device that includes a washing unit CS1 that washes beverage container MB1, and is installed in or around a washer WS1 that washes beverage container MB1 set in the washing unit CS1.

[0206] According to this, by installing a simple communication device TS1, which is different from the washer WS1 that washes beverage containers MB1, on or around the washer WS1, the server 200 can easily obtain the number of times the washer WS1 has washed beverage containers MB1. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of an information processing service that provides reward information based on environmental contribution information, and makes it easy to realize the information processing service. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the opportunities to use the washer WS1 and reduce standby power consumption during standby time of the washer WS1.

[0207] The control unit 703 of the washing machine WS10 (an example of a reading device) determines that the beverage container MB1 has been washed, provided that the beverage container MB1 is set in the washing unit 707 and the reading unit 702 continuously reads the item identification information "MB001" while the washing operation of the beverage container MB1 is being performed, and sends the item identification information "MB001" to the server 200 (an example of an information processing device).

[0208] This allows the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed to be counted on the condition that the washing operation of the beverage container MB1 has been completed after the beverage container MB1 has been set in the washing unit 707. This prevents the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed from being counted, for example, in cases where the beverage container MB1 is set in the washing unit 707 but then removed without being washed. In other words, it is possible to increase the reliability of the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed in the washer WS10.

[0209] When the acquisition unit 222 acquires the item identification information "MB001", the generation unit 223 of the server 200 calculates the carbon dioxide reduction amount associated with washing the beverage container MB1 by subtracting the carbon dioxide emission amount during washing, estimated from the power consumption and amount of water used to wash the beverage container MB1, from the carbon dioxide emission amount during the manufacture of another container (e.g., a synthetic resin container) equivalent to the capacity of the beverage container MB1 corresponding to the item identification information "MB001", and generates environmental contribution information (carbon dioxide reduction amount) based on this carbon dioxide reduction amount.

[0210] This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction that can be used to provide user U1 with a numerical value of the contribution that is being made to the environment.

[0211] The generation unit 223 of the server 200 calculates the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount by subtracting the above-mentioned carbon dioxide reduction amount from the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the production of the beverage container MB1, and generates environmental contribution information based on this cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount.

[0212] According to this, it is possible to appropriately calculate the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount that allows the user U1 to numerically show the user U1 that he or she has contributed to the environment, based on the cumulative number of times the user U1 has washed.

[0213] The generation unit 223 of the server 200 increments the number of uses 246 of the beverage container MB1 corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" when the acquisition unit 222 acquires the item identification information "MB001" after the time elapsed since the acquisition unit 222 acquired the item identification information "MB001" becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold (for example, about one to several hours). In other words, the generation unit 223 of the server 200 does not increment the number of uses 246 of the beverage container MB1 corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" when the acquisition unit 222 acquires the item identification information "MB001" at a time when the time elapsed since the acquisition unit 222 acquired the item identification information "MB001" does not exceed the time threshold.

[0214] This allows the number of washings of a beverage container MB1 that has been washed to be accurately counted, even if the user U1 repeats the washing process without using the beverage container MB1 that has already been washed.

[0215] The generation unit 223 of the server 200 generates environmental contribution information that includes the number of times the item identification information "MB001" is acquired by the acquisition unit 222 as the number of uses of the beverage container MB1. The notification control unit 224 of the server 200 grants reward information to the user U1 when the number of uses exceeds a threshold number of times. For example, monetary reward information (e.g., discount coupons for food and beverages, free coupons for food and beverages) or social reward information (e.g., status, title, position) can be granted based on the relationship with a preset threshold number of times.

[0216] This allows user U1 to receive reward information (e.g., status, coupons) for contributing to the environment, which can increase motivation to wash and reuse beverage containers MB1 in the washer WS1. This makes it possible to make continued use of beverage containers MB1 a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0217] The relationship between a plurality of count thresholds and the types of benefit information corresponding to the plurality of count thresholds is set in advance. As described above, for example, when the number of washes is 1, a 10% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink and Bronze 1 status are given. Also, for example, when the number of washes is 3, a 10% discount coupon for a predetermined food or drink is given.

[0218] This allows user U1 to receive different reward information (e.g., status, coupons) depending on the number of times the container is washed, thereby increasing motivation to wash and reuse the container MB1 in the washer WS1. This allows continuous use of the container MB1 to become a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0219] The registration unit 221 of the server 200 associates item identification information and user identification information for each of multiple users (including user U1) and registers them in the usage information DB 240 of the storage unit 230. The generation unit 223 of the server 200 generates environmental contribution information for each user. The notification control unit 224 of the server 200 grants bonus information to multiple users when the total number of uses included in the environmental contribution information generated for each user exceeds a number threshold. For example, when the number of washes for a group to which user U1 belongs exceeds 24,000, an image showing the desert turning into fertile land (see FIG. 10(B)) is provided to each user belonging to the group as bonus information.

[0220] This allows all members of a group to receive special rewards (for example, an image showing that the earth has become fertile) as the number of washings increases, which can increase the motivation of each user to wash and reuse beverage containers in the washer. This allows all members of a group to get into the habit of continuing to use beverage containers, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0221] The registration unit 221 of the server 200 associates the item identification information "MB001" with the user identification information "U0001" and registers usage information regarding the usage status of the beverage container MB1 corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" in the usage information DB 240 of the storage unit 230. When the acquisition unit 222 acquires the item identification information "MB001", the generation unit 223 of the server 200 updates the usage information (number of uses 246, usage history 247) corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" registered in the usage information DB 240 of the storage unit 230, and generates environmental contribution information (e.g., carbon dioxide reduction amount) based on this updated usage information.

[0222] This makes it possible to generate appropriate environmental contribution information (e.g., number of washes, amount of carbon dioxide reduction) according to the number of washes based on usage information (number of uses 246, usage history 247) that is updated according to the number of washes of user U1's beverage container MB1.

[0223] The notification control unit 224 of the server 200 quantifies or visualizes (e.g., each numerical value, desert forest image) the environmental contribution information (e.g., number of washes, amount of carbon dioxide reduction) and displays it on the electronic device MC1 (an example of a user terminal) used by the user U1.

[0224] This allows user U1 to easily visually understand that they are contributing to the environment through numerical information, image information, etc. This allows them to make continued use of beverage container MB1 a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0225] The generation unit 223 of the server 200 generates environmental contribution information (e.g., the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been used, or the amount of carbon dioxide reduction) that includes the number of times the item identification information "MB001" was acquired by the acquisition unit 222. The notification control unit 224 of the server 200 causes the electronic device MC1 (an example of a user terminal) to display numerical information regarding the number of uses included in the environmental contribution information or image information (e.g., a desert forest image) that visually represents a change in the number of uses.

[0226] This allows user U1 to easily visually understand that they are contributing to the environment through numerical information, image information, etc. This allows them to make continued use of beverage container MB1 a habit, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0227] The generation unit 223 of the server 200 generates environmental contribution information (e.g., usage history 247) that includes the date and time when the item identification information "MB001" was acquired by the acquisition unit 222 as the date and time when the beverage container MB1 was used. The notification control unit 224 of the server 200 notifies the user U1 of predetermined information that encourages the use of the beverage container MB1 when the elapsed time since the date and time of use exceeds a frequency threshold.

[0228] This allows for increased opportunities to wash and reuse beverage containers MB1 in the washer WS1 by notifying a user U1 who has decreased the frequency of washing beverage containers MB1 of predetermined information encouraging them to continue using the beverage container MB1. This also increases the opportunities to use the washer WS1, and reduces standby power consumption during standby time of the washer WS1.

[0229] The item identification information is attached to the beverage container MB1. For example, the tag ID of the IC tag TG1 provided on the lid 20 of the beverage container MB1 can be used as the item identification information.

[0230] According to this, when washing a beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1, there is no need to perform specific operations (e.g., touch operations, sending operations) using other devices (e.g., smartphones), and the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed in the washer WS1 can be easily obtained.

[0231] The registration unit 221 of the server 200 authenticates the user U1 using the user pre-registration information (e.g., email address, password) registered for the user U1 before registering the item identification information "MB001", and then associates the user pre-registration information (e.g., email address, password), the item identification information "MB001", and the user identification information "U0001" and registers them in the usage information DB 240 of the storage unit 230. The generation unit 223 of the server 200 associates the environmental contribution information with the user pre-registration information.

[0232] According to this, after performing identity authentication of user U1 using the user pre-registration information, it is possible to register the item identification information "MB001" and the user identification information "U0001", thereby increasing the credibility of users of the service related to this embodiment.

[0233] The information processing system 100 includes a server 200 (an example of an information processing device) capable of handling a usage information DB240 (an example of a database) in which item identification information "MB001" identifying a beverage container MB1 (an example of an item) used by a user U1 is associated with user identification information "U0001" identifying the user U1, a communication device TS1 or a washer WS10 (an example of a reading device) that reads the item identification information "MB001" in response to cleaning (an example of use) of the beverage container MB1, and an electronic device MC1 (an example of a user terminal) used by the user U1. The communication device TS1 (or the washer WS10) reads the item identification information "MB001" associated with the beverage container MB1 in response to its use, and transmits the read item identification information "MB001" to the server 200. The server 200 has an acquisition unit 222 that acquires item identification information "MB001" transmitted from the communication device TS1 (or the washing machine WS10), a generation unit 223 that, when the item identification information "MB001" is acquired by the acquisition unit 222, generates environmental contribution information (e.g., number of uses 246, usage history 247, amount of carbon dioxide reduction) indicating the contribution made to the environment in accordance with the use of the beverage container MB1 corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" and records the environmental contribution information in the usage information DB240 in association with the item identification information "MB001", and a notification control unit 224 (an example of a transmission control unit) that transmits bonus information (e.g., status, coupon) for the environmental contribution information to the electronic device MC1 based on the user identification information "U0001" corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" acquired by the acquisition unit 222.

[0234] According to this system, when a user U1 carrying a beverage container MB1 filled with a desired beverage finishes drinking the beverage and then washes the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS10 and reuses it, the user U1 can be notified of environmental contribution information (e.g., number of washes, cumulative carbon dioxide reduction) indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of washes, and benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for this environmental contribution information. In this way, the user U1 can be notified of washing count information, which quantifies the number of washes indicating that the beverage container MB1 has been washed and reused in the washer WS10, and the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of washes, etc., allowing the user U1 to visually and easily grasp the contribution to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user U1 of benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation for washing the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS10 and reusing it. This allows the user U1 to develop a habit of continued use of the beverage container MB1, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0235] Beverage container MB1 (an example of an article) is a container for holding food and drink. Washer WS10 (an example of a reading device) is a washer that includes a reading unit 702 that reads article identification information "MB001," a washing unit 707 that washes beverage container MB1, and a control unit 703 that executes control to transmit the article identification information "MB001" read by reading unit 702 to server 200 (an example of an information processing device), and washes beverage container MB10 set in washing unit 707.

[0236] According to this, by installing a reading unit, a communication unit, etc. in the washer WS10 that washes the beverage container MB1, the server 200 can easily obtain the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed by the washer WS10. In other words, it is possible to omit the installation of devices other than the washer WS10. This makes it possible to reduce the cost associated with an information processing service that provides reward information according to environmental contribution information, and makes it easy to realize the information processing service. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the opportunities to use the washer WS10 and reduce standby power consumption during standby time of the washer WS10.

[0237] The control unit 703 of the washing machine WS10 determines that the beverage container MB1 has been washed, provided that the beverage container MB1 is set in the washing unit 707 and the reading unit 702 continues to read the item identification information "MB001" while the washing operation of the beverage container MB1 is being performed, and sends the item identification information "MB001" to the server 200 (an example of an information processing device).

[0238] This allows the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed to be counted on the condition that the washing operation of the beverage container MB1 has been completed after the beverage container MB1 has been set in the washing unit 707. This prevents the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed from being counted, for example, in cases where the beverage container MB1 is set in the washing unit 707 but then removed without being washed. In other words, it is possible to increase the reliability of the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed in the washer WS10.

[0239] After the control unit 703 of the cleaning machine WS10 transmits the item identification information "MB001" to the server 200 (an example of an information processing device), if the item identification information "MB001" is read by the reading unit 702 after the time elapsed since the transmission becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold (for example, one to several hours), the control unit 703 transmits the item identification information "MB001" to the server 200.

[0240] This allows the number of washings of a beverage container MB1 that has been washed to be accurately counted, even if the user U1 repeats the washing process without using the beverage container MB1 that has already been washed.

[0241] The information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition process (step S621) for acquiring from communication device TS1 the item identification information "MB001" relating to beverage container MB1 (an example of an item) used by user U1, which is registered in usage information DB240 (an example of a database) in which item identification information "MB001" identifying beverage container MB1 (an example of an item) used by user U1 is associated with user identification information "U0001" identifying user U1, and which is read by communication device TS1 (an example of a reading device) in response to the beverage container MB1 being used; This information processing method includes a generation process (step S624) for generating environmental contribution information (e.g., number of uses 246, usage history 247, amount of carbon dioxide reduction) indicating a contribution to the environment in accordance with the cleaning (an example of use) of beverage container MB1 corresponding to item identification information "MB001" when "MB001" is acquired, and a notification control process (step S626) for notifying user U1 of benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for the environmental contribution information based on user identification information "U0001" corresponding to item identification information "MB001" acquired in the acquisition process (step S621).

[0242] According to this system, when a user U1 carrying a beverage container MB1 filled with a desired beverage finishes drinking the beverage and then washes the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1 for reuse, the user U1 can be notified of environmental contribution information (e.g., number of washes, cumulative carbon dioxide reduction) indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of washes, and benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for this environmental contribution information. In this way, the user U1 can be notified of washing count information, which quantifies the number of washes indicating that the beverage container MB1 has been washed in the washer WS1 for reuse, and the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of washes, allowing the user U1 to visually and easily grasp the contribution to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user U1 of benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation of the user U1 to wash the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1 for reuse. This allows the user U1 to develop a habit of continued use of the beverage container MB1, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0243] The program according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition step (step S621) of acquiring from communication device TS1 the item identification information "MB001" relating to beverage container MB1 (an example of an item) used by user U1, which is registered in usage information DB240 (an example of a database) in which item identification information "MB001" identifying beverage container MB1 (an example of an item) used by user U1 is associated with user identification information "U0001" identifying user U1, and which is read by communication device TS1 (an example of a reading device) in response to the beverage container MB1 being used; This is a program that causes a computer to execute a generation procedure (step S624) that, when acquired, generates environmental contribution information (e.g., number of uses 246, usage history 247, amount of carbon dioxide reduction) that indicates a contribution made to the environment in response to cleaning (an example of use) of a beverage container MB1 corresponding to the item identification information "MB001," and a notification control procedure (step S626) that notifies user U1 of bonus information (e.g., status, coupon) for the environmental contribution information based on user identification information "U0001" corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" acquired in the acquisition procedure (step S621).

[0244] According to this system, when a user U1 carrying a beverage container MB1 filled with a desired beverage finishes drinking the beverage and then washes the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1 for reuse, the user U1 can be notified of environmental contribution information (e.g., number of washes, cumulative carbon dioxide reduction) indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of washes, and benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for this environmental contribution information. In this way, the user U1 can be notified of washing count information, which quantifies the number of washes indicating that the beverage container MB1 has been washed in the washer WS1 for reuse, and the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction that visualizes the number of washes, allowing the user U1 to visually and easily grasp the contribution to the environment. Furthermore, by notifying the user U1 of benefit information (e.g., status, coupon) for contributing to the environment, it is possible to increase the motivation of the user U1 to wash the beverage container MB1 in the washer WS1 for reuse. This allows the user U1 to develop a habit of continued use of the beverage container MB1, which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0245] The server 200 (an example of an information processing device) has a generation unit 223 that generates environmental contribution information indicating that a beverage container MB1 (an example of a container) used by a user U1 has contributed to the environment by being washed in the washer WS1 (or the washer WS10), and a notification control unit 224 that notifies the user U1 of information related to the environmental contribution information (e.g., number of uses 246, usage history 247, amount of carbon dioxide reduction, status, coupon, desert forest image).

[0246] According to this, when the beverage container MB1 is washed, it is possible to notify the user U1 of information related to environmental contribution information indicating the contribution to the environment according to the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed. For example, it is possible to notify the user U1 of washing count information, which quantifies the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed, and the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount visualized by the number of washings, so that the user U1 can easily visually grasp the contribution to the environment. Furthermore, notifying the user U1 of the information indicating the contribution to the environment can increase the motivation to use the beverage container MB1. This can make continued use of the beverage container MB1 a habit, and this continued use can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and waste.

[0247] The server 200 (an example of an information processing device) further has a registration unit 221 that associates item identification information (an example of container identification information) "MB001" that identifies a beverage container MB1 (an example of a container) with user identification information "U0001" that identifies a user U1 and registers them in the usage information DB240 of the memory unit 230, and an acquisition unit 222 that acquires from the communication device TS1 the item identification information "MB001" related to the beverage container MB1 that was acquired by the communication device TS1 in response to the beverage container MB1 being washed in the washing machine WS1, and the generation unit 223 generates environmental contribution information when the item identification information "MB001" is acquired by the acquisition unit 222, and the notification control unit 224 notifies the user U1 of information related to the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information "U0001" corresponding to the item identification information "MB001" acquired by the acquisition unit 222.

[0248] According to this, by acquiring the item identification information "MB001" of the beverage container MB1 washed by the washer WS1 using the communication device TS1, it is possible to quickly and easily know that the beverage container MB1 has been washed by the washer WS1. In addition, by using the user identification information "U0001" corresponding to the acquired item identification information "MB001", it is possible to notify the user U1 of information related to the environmental contribution information, so that appropriate information can be provided to each user.

[0249] The communication device TS1 is equipped with a reading unit 302 that reads item identification information (an example of container identification information) "MB001" and a control unit 303 that executes control to transmit the item identification information "MB001" read by the reading unit 302 to a server 200 (an example of an information processing device), and is installed in a washer WS1 that washes beverage containers MB1 (an example of a container) or in the vicinity of the washer WS1.

[0250] According to this, by installing a simple communication device TS1, which is different from the washer WS1 that washes the beverage container MB1, on or near the washer WS1, the server 200 can easily obtain the number of times the washer WS1 has washed the beverage container MB1. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of an information processing service that provides information related to environmental contribution information, and makes it easy to realize the information processing service. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the number of times the washer WS1 is used, and it is possible to reduce standby power consumption when the washer WS1 is in standby mode.

[0251] The control unit 303 (or control unit 703) determines that the beverage container MB1 (an example of a container) has been washed, provided that the beverage container MB1 (an example of a container) is set in the washing machine WS1 (or washing machine WS10) and the item identification information (an example of container identification information) "MB001" is continuously read by the reading unit 302 (or reading unit 702), and sends the item identification information "MB001" to the server 200 (an example of an information processing device).

[0252] This allows the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed to be counted, provided that the washing operation of the beverage container MB1 has been completed after the beverage container MB1 was set in the washer WS1 (or washer WS10). This prevents the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed from being counted, for example, in cases where the beverage container MB1 was set in the washer WS1 but then removed without being washed. In other words, it is possible to increase the reliability of the number of times the beverage container MB1 has been washed in the washer WS1.

[0253] When a beverage container MB1 (an example of a container) is washed in a washing machine WS1, the generation unit 223 of the server 200 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction associated with washing the beverage container MB1 by subtracting the amount of carbon dioxide emission during washing from the amount of carbon dioxide emission during the manufacture of another container (e.g., a synthetic resin container) that has a capacity equivalent to that of the beverage container MB1, and generates environmental contribution information (amount of carbon dioxide reduction) based on this amount of carbon dioxide reduction.

[0254] This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the amount of carbon dioxide reduction that can be used to provide user U1 with a numerical value of the contribution that is being made to the environment.

[0255] The generation unit 223 of the server 200 calculates the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount by subtracting the above-mentioned carbon dioxide reduction amount from the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture of the beverage container MB1 (an example of a container), and generates environmental contribution information based on this cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount.

[0256] According to this, it is possible to appropriately calculate the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount that allows the user U1 to numerically show the user U1 that he or she has contributed to the environment, based on the cumulative number of times the user U1 has washed.

[0257] The generation unit 223 of the server 200 increases the number of times the beverage container MB1 (an example of a container) is washed in the washing machine WS1 when the beverage container MB1 is washed in the washing machine WS1 after the time elapsed since the beverage container MB1 (an example of a container) was washed in the washing machine WS1 becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold (for example, 1 to several hours), and generates environmental contribution information according to the number of times the beverage container MB1 is washed.

[0258] This prevents the number of washings by user U1 from being counted even if user U1 repeatedly washes beverage container MB1 without using it, making it possible to accurately grasp the number of washings of beverage container MB1 that have actually contributed to the environment.

[0259] Note that each processing procedure shown in this embodiment is an example for realizing this embodiment, and the order of some of the processing procedures may be changed within the scope that makes it possible to realize this embodiment, and some of the processing procedures may be omitted or other processing procedures may be added.

[0260] Each process described in this embodiment is executed based on a program that causes a computer to execute each processing procedure. Therefore, this embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program that realizes the function of executing each process and a recording medium that stores the program. For example, an update process for adding a new function to an information processing device can store the program in the storage device of the information processing device. This makes it possible to cause the updated information processing device to execute each process described in this embodiment.

[0261] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0262] 10 Main body 20 Lid 301, 210, 401, 701 Communications Department 302, 702 reading unit 220, 303, 402, 703 Control unit 230, 304, 403, 704 Storage section 100, 700 Information Processing Systems 200 servers 221 Registration Department 222 Acquisition Department 223 Generation part 224 Notification control section 240 Usage information DB 404, 705, OP1 operation section 405 Imaging unit 406 Sound output unit 407, 706, DD11, DD12 Display section 707, CS1 cleaning section AS1 seat CS11 Main body cleaning section CS12 Lid Cleaning Unit CS13 Lid DD1 1st display device DD2 2nd display device II1, II2 Identification information display field MB1 Beverage container MC1 Electronic equipment N1 Network TG1 IC tag TS1~TS3 communication equipment WS1~WS3, WS10~WS12 washing machines

Claims

1. a registration unit that registers in a storage unit, in association with item identification information that identifies an item used by a user and user identification information that identifies the user; an acquisition unit that acquires, from a reading device, the item identification information related to the item that is read by the reading device in response to the use of the item; a generating unit that generates, when the item identification information is acquired by the acquiring unit, environmental contribution information indicating a contribution to the environment made in accordance with the use of the item corresponding to the item identification information; a notification control unit that notifies the user of benefit information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, Information processing device.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, the article is a container for holding food or drink, The reading device a communication device including a reading unit that reads the item identification information; and a control unit that executes control to transmit the item identification information read by the reading unit to the information processing device, An apparatus including a washing unit for washing the article, the apparatus being a washing machine for washing the container set in the washing unit, or the apparatus being installed around the washing machine, Information processing device.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, The control unit determines that the container has been cleaned on the condition that the container is set in the cleaning unit and the reading unit continues to read the item identification information while a cleaning operation of the container is being performed, and transmits the item identification information to the information processing device. Information processing device.

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, When the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, the generation unit calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction associated with cleaning the container by subtracting the amount of carbon dioxide emission during cleaning estimated from the power consumption and amount of water used to clean the container from the amount of carbon dioxide emission during manufacturing of another container equivalent to the capacity of the container corresponding to the item identification information, and generates the environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide reduction. Information processing device.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, the generation unit calculates a cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount by subtracting the carbon dioxide reduction amount from the carbon dioxide emission amount during the manufacture of the container, and generates the environmental contribution information based on the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount. Information processing device.

6. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, the generation unit increases the number of uses of the item corresponding to the item identification information when the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit after the time elapsed since the acquisition unit acquired the item identification information becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold; Information processing device.

7. 7. The information processing device according to claim 1, the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information including the number of times the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit as the number of times the item is used; the notification control unit grants the privilege information to the user when the number of uses exceeds a number threshold. Information processing device.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, A relationship between a plurality of the number thresholds and the types of the benefit information corresponding to the plurality of the number thresholds is set in advance. Information processing device.

9. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, the registration unit registers the item identification information and the user identification information for each of the plurality of users in the storage unit in association with each of the users; the generating unit generates the environmental contribution information for each user; the notification control unit grants the reward information to the plurality of users when a total value of the number of times of use included in the environmental contribution information generated for each user exceeds the number of times threshold. Information processing device.

10. 7. The information processing device according to claim 1, the registration unit registers, in the storage unit, usage information relating to a usage status of the item corresponding to the item identification information in association with the item identification information and the user identification information; when the acquisition unit acquires the item identification information, the generation unit updates the usage information corresponding to the item identification information registered in the storage unit, and generates the environmental contribution information based on the updated usage information. Information processing device.

11. 7. The information processing device according to claim 1, the notification control unit quantifies or visualizes the environmental contribution information and displays it on a user terminal used by the user; Information processing device.

12. The information processing device according to claim 11, the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information including the number of times the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit as the number of times the item is used; the notification control unit causes the user terminal to display numerical information regarding the number of uses included in the environmental contribution information or image information visually expressing a change in the number of uses. Information processing device.

13. 7. The information processing device according to claim 1, the generation unit generates the environmental contribution information including a date and time when the item identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit as a date and time when the item is used; the notification control unit notifies the user of predetermined information that prompts the user to use the item when the elapsed time from the date and time of use exceeds a frequency threshold. Information processing device.

14. 7. The information processing device according to claim 1, The item identification information is attached to the item. Information processing device.

15. 7. The information processing device according to claim 1, the registration unit performs identity authentication of the user using user pre-registration information registered for the user before the registration of the item identification information, and then associates the user pre-registration information, the item identification information, and the user identification information and registers them in the storage unit; The generation unit associates the environmental contribution information with the user pre-registration information. Information processing device.

16. An information processing system comprising: an information processing device capable of handling a database in which item identification information identifying an item used by a user is associated with user identification information identifying the user; a reading device that reads the item identification information in response to use of the item; and a user terminal used by the user, the reading device reads the item identification information related to the item in response to the use of the item, and transmits the read item identification information to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the item identification information transmitted from the reading device; a generation unit that, when the acquisition unit acquires the item identification information, generates environmental contribution information indicating a contribution to the environment made in accordance with the use of the item corresponding to the item identification information, and records the environmental contribution information in the database in association with the item identification information; a transmission control unit that transmits, to the user terminal, bonus information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, Information processing system.

17. 17. The information processing system according to claim 16, the article is a container for holding food or drink, the reading device is a washing machine that includes a reading unit that reads the item identification information, a washing unit that washes the item, and a control unit that executes control to transmit the item identification information read by the reading unit to the information processing device, and washes the container set in the washing unit. Information processing system.

18. 18. The information processing system according to claim 17, The control unit determines that the container has been cleaned on the condition that the container is set in the cleaning unit and the reading unit continues to read the item identification information while a cleaning operation of the container is being performed, and transmits the item identification information to the information processing device. Information processing system.

19. 18. The information processing system according to claim 17, the control unit, after transmitting the item identification information to the information processing device, transmits the item identification information to the information processing device when the item identification information is read by the reading unit after a time elapsed since the transmission becomes equal to or greater than a time threshold; Information processing system.

20. an acquisition process for acquiring, from a reading device, the item identification information relating to an item that has been read by a reading device in response to use of the item, the item identification information being registered in a database in which item identification information identifying the item used by the user and user identification information identifying the user are associated with each other; a generation process for generating, when the item identification information is acquired in the acquisition process, environmental contribution information indicating a contribution to the environment made in accordance with the use of the item corresponding to the item identification information; a notification control process for notifying the user of benefit information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired in the acquisition process, Information processing methods.

21. an acquisition step of acquiring, from the reading device, the item identification information relating to the item that has been read by the reading device in response to the use of the item, the item identification information being registered in a database in which item identification information identifying the item used by the user and user identification information identifying the user are associated with each other; a generation step of generating, when the item identification information is acquired in the acquisition step, environmental contribution information indicating a contribution to the environment made in accordance with the use of the item corresponding to the item identification information; a notification control step of notifying the user of benefit information for the environmental contribution information based on the user identification information corresponding to the item identification information acquired in the acquisition step; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images