Communication terminals, servers, systems, communication methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide a communication terminal, a transaction system, a display method, and a program that prevent a user of an asset from worrying about which type of production method to be selected.SOLUTION: In a transaction system, a communication terminal (smartphone) capable of communicating via a communication network with a registration server that registers contents of future transactions related to an asset has a display control unit that displays a recommended type of asset production method determined by the registration server based on information regarding the type of asset production method involved in past asset transactions and the contents of future transactions conducted on a block chain network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication terminal, a trading system, a display method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electricity produced by renewable energy sources has been attracting attention. This electricity is produced by utilizing renewable energy resources such as sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal power, hydroelectric power, and atmospheric heat. Compared to power generation using fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas, renewable energy is an environmentally friendly energy resource among the resources used to produce electricity, as it emits almost no CO2, which causes global warming. Using this kind of environmentally friendly green electricity to operate factories and other facilities can increase corporate value.

[0003] In addition, there is a method in which electricity consumers can purchase electricity through an intermediary by using blockchain (see Patent Document 1). In this case, for example, electricity produced by solar power is difficult to obtain during periods of short sunshine hours, and electricity produced by petroleum has a stable supply but is not considered environmentally friendly, so users of assets such as electricity need to be able to flexibly select the resources used to produce the assets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-144851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, as mentioned above, there are multiple types of energy resources that can be used to produce assets. That is, there are multiple types of production methods for producing assets using a given type of resource, which creates a problem for asset users, as they have to decide which production method to select. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention of claim 1 is a communication terminal capable of communicating with a registration server that registers the details of future transactions related to assets via a communication network, characterized in that the communication terminal has a display control means that displays the type of recommended asset production method determined by the registration server based on information regarding the type of asset production method involved in past transactions of the asset and the content of the future transactions to be carried out on a blockchain network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, the present invention has the effect of preventing asset users from worrying about which type of production method to select. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a trading system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smart meter. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a mediation server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a smartphone and a smart meter in the trading system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an intermediary server and a node in the trading system. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a user management table. [Figure 7B]FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a provider management table. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a transaction content management table. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a transaction history management table. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process for registering an intermediary. [Figure 10A] 10 is a display example of an intermediary registration screen. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of an intermediary registration screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process for registering asset transaction details. [Figure 12A] 10 is a display example of a transaction conditions registration screen before input and selection. [Figure 12B] 10 is a display example of a transaction conditions registration screen after input and selection. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process for registering asset transaction details. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 shows a transaction content setting screen, in particular a renewable energy utilization rate priority setting screen (initial). [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 shows a transaction content setting screen, and is a diagram showing a renewable energy utilization rate priority setting screen (after modification). [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows a transaction content setting screen, in particular a low price priority setting screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 shows a transaction content setting screen, and in particular a CO2 reduction priority setting screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process of setting the owner of an asset provided by a provider to an intermediary. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of transaction information and asset information. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process of setting the owner of an asset mediated by an intermediary to a user. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of transaction information and asset information when the amount of electricity used is equal to or greater than the tradable amount of electricity. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an intermediation process for a production method certificate of an asset. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [System configuration overview] First, an outline of the configuration of the trading system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a trading system according to this embodiment. Here, a case where electricity is handled as an example of an asset will be described. The ownership of the asset and the type of production method of the asset are managed in the asset information described below.

[0011] <Explanation of each company> As shown in FIG. 1, there is an electricity producer Aa, an electricity producer Ab, an electricity consumer Ca, an intermediary Da, and a certification authority E.

[0012] Producer Aa is an example of a provider, and is a company that produces electricity from solar power, an example of renewable energy used to produce electricity produced by renewable energy (known as "green power" in Japan). Producer Ab is an example of a provider, and is a company that produces electricity from oil, an example of fossil fuel. Providers also include associations that purchase assets from each producer and resell them.

[0013] Consumer Ca is an example of a user, and is a business that consumes the electricity provided by producers Aa and Ab. Note that users also include those who become owners of assets such as real estate that are not consumed like electricity.

[0014] Intermediary Da is a company that mediates the transaction of electricity ownership.

[0015] The certification authority E is a public institution such as a national or local government that certifies the type of electricity production method. Examples of electricity production methods include methods using sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, atmospheric heat, and nuclear power. Among these, sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, and atmospheric heat belong to the broad category of renewable energy. Furthermore, oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas belong to the broad category of fossil fuels. Renewable energy generation is an environmentally friendly energy source because it emits almost no CO2, a cause of global warming, compared to fossil fuel generation. In this embodiment, sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, or atmospheric heat is used as renewable energy. Furthermore, oil, coal, or liquefied natural gas is used as fossil fuel.

[0016] Furthermore, the intermediary Da performs the intermediary work of sending an application form to the certification authority E by mail or the like, receiving the production method certificate from the certification authority E, and sending the production method certificate to the consumer Ca by mail or the like. The production method certificate contains, for example, the renewable energy utilization rate. As a result, the consumer Ca can use the production method certificate to apply for public subsidies based on their company's renewable energy utilization rate (CO2 reduction rate) and the use of renewable energy.

[0017] There may be one producer or three or more producers. There may be multiple consumers and intermediaries.

[0018] <Power transmission and distribution network> Substation Bx is the nearest substation to producers Aa and Ab, and substation By is the nearest substation to consumer Ca. Substations Bx and By, along with transmission and distribution lines, etc., form a power transmission and distribution network 10. Electric power provided by producers Aa and Ab is provided to consumer Ca via the power transmission and distribution network 10.

[0019] <Data communication network> Producer Aa has a smartphone 2a, a smart meter 3a, and a power generation device 4a. Producer Ab has a smartphone 2b, a smart meter 3b, and a power generation device 4b. Consumer Ca has a smartphone 2c, a smart meter 3c, and an electrical device 8. Intermediary Da manages an intermediary server 5. This intermediary Da is a corporation or an individual (for example, an employee such as the president, an executive, or an IT manager).

[0020] The number of smartphones may be two or four or more depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the smartphones 2a, 2b, and 2c will be collectively referred to as smartphone 2. The number of smart meters 3a, 3b, and 3c may be two or four or more depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the smart meters 3a, 3b, and 3c will be collectively referred to as smart meter 3. The number of power generation devices 4a and 4b may be one or three or more depending on the number of producers. Hereinafter, the power generation devices 4a and 4b will be collectively referred to as power generation device 4.

[0021] The number of intermediary servers 5 may be two or more depending on the number of intermediaries. Furthermore, the intermediary server 5 may be constructed by a single computer or by multiple computers. The number of electrical devices 8 may be two or more depending on the number of consumers. Furthermore, the intermediary server 5 is also a server that registers the details of future transactions related to assets, so it can also be called a "registration server." The registration server may be a server separate from the intermediary server 5.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, a tracking system 1 serving as a data communication network is constructed with multiple smartphones 2a, 2b, and 2c, multiple smart meters 3a, 3b, and 3c, multiple power generation devices 4a and 4b, an intermediary server 5, and nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, such as computers. The nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d also form a blockchain network 90. ​​The blockchain network 90 is constructed within a communication network 100, such as the Internet. The communication network 100 may include the Internet, a mobile communication network, a local area network (LAN), or the like. The communication network 100 may include not only wired communication but also wireless communication networks such as mobile communication systems (4G, 5G, 6G, etc.) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). While there are actually many nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, only four are shown here due to space limitations. The nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are each managed by a different company. The intermediary Da may be included among the different companies. Hereinafter, the nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d will be collectively referred to as node 9.

[0023] Next, the terminals and devices of the producers Aa and Ab and the consumer Ca will be described.

[0024] (Producer Aa's terminals and devices) The smartphone 2a can perform data communication with the smart meter 3a using short-range wireless technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The smartphone 2a can also perform data communication with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0025] The smart meter 3a can perform data communication with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. The smart meter 3a also measures the amount of electricity provided by the power generation device 4a at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processing such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of assets such as electricity provided and the owner, etc.

[0026] The power generation device 4a is a device that generates electricity using sunlight.

[0027] (Producer Ab's terminals and equipment) The smartphone 2b can perform data communication with the smart meter 3b using short-range wireless technology such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The smartphone 2b can also perform data communication with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0028] The smart meter 3b can perform data communication with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. The smart meter 3b also measures the amount of electricity provided by the power generation device 4b at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processing such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of assets such as electricity provided and the owner, etc.

[0029] The power generation device 4b is a device that generates electricity using petroleum.

[0030] (Consumer Ca terminals and devices) The smartphone 2c can perform data communication with the smart meter 3c using short-range wireless technology such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The smartphone 2c can also perform data communication with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0031] The smart meter 3c can perform data communication with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. Furthermore, the smart meter 3c measures the amount of electricity used by the electrical device 8 at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processing such as transmitting usage information indicating the amount of electricity used and the duration of use to the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. In this embodiment, the intermediary server 5 accesses the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c, so the smart meter 3c does not need to access the blockchain network 90. ​​In order to access the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c, the intermediary server 5 stores in the storage unit 5000 a certificate of the consumer Ca that is necessary for the smart meter 3c to access the blockchain.

[0032] The electric device 8 is a device that is driven by the power provided by the consumers Aa and Ab.

[0033] (Intermediary server of intermediary Da) The intermediary server 5 mediates asset transactions, such as the transfer of asset information, between an asset provider such as electricity and an asset user. To this end, the intermediary server 5 can perform data communication with each smartphone 2 and each smart meter 3 via the communication network 100. The intermediary server 5 can also access a node 9 of the blockchain network 90 and perform data communication with the node 9.

[0034] (supplement) The smartphones 2a and 2b are examples of a provider's communication terminal. The smartphone 2c is an example of a user's communication terminal. Communication terminals also include smartwatches, PCs, smart glasses, etc. The smart meter 3 is an example of a measurement terminal.

[0035] [Hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configurations of the smartphone 2, the smart meter 3, the intermediation server 5, and the node 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] <Hardware configuration of smartphone> 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. As shown in FIG. 2, the smartphone 2 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an EEPROM 204, a CMOS sensor 205, an image sensor I / F 206, an acceleration / direction sensor 207, a media I / F 209, and a GPS receiver 211.

[0037] Of these, the CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the smartphone 2. The ROM 202 stores programs used to drive the CPU 201, such as the CPU 201 and IPL. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The EEPROM 204 reads and writes various data, such as smartphone programs, under the control of the CPU 201. The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 205 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject (mainly a self-portrait) and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 201. Note that instead of a CMOS sensor, an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor may also be used. The imaging element I / F 206 is a circuit that controls the operation of the CMOS sensor 205. The acceleration / azimuth sensor 207 is a variety of sensors, such as an electronic magnetic compass or gyrocompass that detects geomagnetism, and an acceleration sensor. The media I / F 209 controls the reading and writing (storage) of data from and to a recording medium 208, such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver 211 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0038] The smartphone 2 also includes a long-distance communication circuit 212, a CMOS sensor 213, an image sensor I / F 214, a microphone 215, a speaker 216, an audio input / output I / F 217, a display 218, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 219, a short-distance communication circuit 220, an antenna 220a of the short-distance communication circuit 220, and a touch panel 221.

[0039] Of these, the long-distance communication circuit 212 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the communication network 100. The CMOS sensor 213 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 201. The imaging element I / F 214 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 213. The microphone 215 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The speaker 216 is a built-in circuit that converts the electrical signal into physical vibrations to generate sounds such as music and voice. The audio input / output I / F 217 is a circuit that processes the input and output of audio signals between the microphone 215 and the speaker 216 under the control of the CPU 201. The display 218 is a type of display means such as a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) display that displays images of subjects, various icons, etc. The external device connection I / F 219 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-distance communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 221 is a type of input means that allows the user to operate the smartphone 2 by pressing the display 218.

[0040] The smartphone 2 also includes a bus line 210. The bus line 210 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 201 shown in FIG.

[0041] <Smart meter hardware configuration> Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smart meter. As shown in Fig. 3, the smart meter 3 is equipped with a computer, and as shown in Fig. 3, it is equipped with a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an NVRAM 304, a display 306, a measurement sensor 307, a switch 308, a network I / F 309, a keypad 311, a touch panel 312, a short-range communication circuit 220, and an antenna 220a of the short-range communication circuit 220.

[0042] Of these, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the smart meter 3. The ROM 302 stores programs used to drive the CPU 301, such as IPL. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 304 is a non-volatile memory that stores and reads out various data such as programs. The display 306 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image.

[0043] The measurement sensor 307 measures the power provided or used. The switch 308 turns on (closes) or cuts off (opens) the electric circuit to pass or stop electricity.

[0044] The network I / F 309 is an interface for data communication using a communication network 100 such as the Internet, including the blockchain network 90. ​​The keypad 311 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting or selecting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The short-range communication circuit 320 is a communication circuit that realizes short-range wireless technology such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The bus line 310 is an address bus, data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] <Hardware configuration of the mediation server> Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the intermediary server. Each piece of hardware configuration in the intermediary server 5 is indicated by a reference number in the 500 series. As shown in Figure 4, the intermediary server 5 is constructed by a computer, and as shown in Figure 4, it is equipped with a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0046] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the intermediary server 5. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information, such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like, for electrically connecting the components, such as the CPU 501, shown in FIG. 4.

[0047] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the medium is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, a Blu-ray Disc, or the like. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 515, such as a flash memory.

[0048] <Node hardware configuration> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the node. Each piece of hardware configuration of node 9 is indicated by a reference number in the 900s in parentheses. As shown in Fig. 4, node 9 is constructed by a computer, and as shown in Fig. 4, it has the same configuration as intermediary server 5, so a description of each piece of hardware configuration will be omitted.

[0049] [Functional configuration] Next, the functional configuration of each terminal and device that constitutes the trading system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the smartphone and smart meter in the trading system.

[0050] <Functional configuration of smartphone 2a> 5, the smartphone 2a includes a transmission / reception unit 21a, a reception unit 22a, a display control unit 24a, a communication unit 28a, and a storage / readout unit 29a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 2 in response to an instruction from the CPU 201 in accordance with a smartphone program loaded from the EEPROM 204 onto the RAM 203.

[0051] The smartphone 2a also includes a storage unit 2000a configured by the ROM 202, RAM 203, and EEPROM 204 shown in FIG.

[0052] (Functional configuration of smartphone 2a) The transmitter / receiver unit 21a of the smartphone 2a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the long-distance communication circuit 212, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other devices (e.g., the intermediary server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0053] The reception unit 22a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the touch panel 221, and receives various selections or inputs from the user.

[0054] The display control unit 24a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201, and causes various images to be displayed on the display 218. The display control unit 24a also includes a web browser function.

[0055] The communication unit 28a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the short-range communication circuit 220, and communicates various data with a communication unit 38a (described later) of the smart meter 3a. In the case of wired communication, data communication is performed by connecting the smart meter 3a to a communication cable.

[0056] The storage / readout processing unit 29a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 2000a and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 2000a.

[0057] <Functional configuration of Smartphone 2c> 5, the smartphone 2c includes a transmission / reception unit 21c, a reception unit 22c, a display control unit 24c, a communication unit 28c, and a storage / readout unit 29c. Each of these units is a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 2 in response to an instruction from the CPU 201 in accordance with a smartphone program loaded from the EEPROM 204 onto the RAM 203.

[0058] The smartphone 2c also includes a storage unit 2000c that is configured by the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the EEPROM 204 shown in FIG.

[0059] Note that the various parts of smartphone 2c (transmission / reception unit 21c, reception unit 22c, display control unit 24c, communication unit 28c, and memory / readout unit 29c) have the same functions as the various parts of smartphone 2a (transmission / reception unit 21a, reception unit 22a, display control unit 24a, communication unit 28a, and memory / readout unit 29a), and therefore descriptions of these parts will be omitted.

[0060] The smartphone 2b, like the smartphone 2c, has the same components as the smartphone 2a, but these components will not be described in the process described later and are therefore omitted from FIG.

[0061] <Functional configuration of Smart Meter 3a> 5, the smart meter 3a has a transmitting / receiving unit 31a, a measuring unit 33a, a display control unit 34a, a communication unit 38a, and a memory / readout unit 39a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 3 in response to an instruction from the CPU 301 in accordance with the smart meter program loaded from the NVRAM 304 onto the RAM 303.

[0062] The smart meter 3a also includes a storage unit 3000a configured by the ROM 302, RAM 303, and NVRAM 304 shown in FIG.

[0063] (Functional configuration of smart meter 3a) The transmitter / receiver unit 31a of the smart meter 3a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 on the network I / F 309, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other devices (e.g., the intermediary server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0064] The measurement unit 33a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 for the measurement sensor 307, and measures the amount of power provided by the power generation device 4a.

[0065] The display control unit 34a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301, and causes the display 306 to display various images.

[0066] The communication unit 38a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 on the short-range communication circuit 320, and communicates various data with the communication unit 28a of the smart meter 2a. In the case of wired communication, data communication is performed by connecting the smart meter 3a to the communication unit 38a with a communication cable.

[0067] The storage / readout processing unit 39a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 3000a and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 3000a.

[0068] <Functional configuration of Smart Meter 3c> As shown in Fig. 5, the smart meter 3c has a transmitting / receiving unit 31c, a measuring unit 33c, a display control unit 34c, a communication unit 38c, and a memory / readout unit 39c. Each of these units is a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in Fig. 3 in response to an instruction from the CPU 301 in accordance with the smart meter program loaded from the NVRAM 304 onto the RAM 303.

[0069] The smart meter 3a also includes a storage unit 3000c that is configured by the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the NVRAM 304 shown in FIG.

[0070] Note that the functions of each part of the smart meter 3c (transmitter / receiver 31c, measuring unit 33c, display control unit 34c, communication unit 38c, and memory / readout unit 39c) are the same as those of each part of the smart meter 3a (transmitter / receiver 31a, measuring unit 33a, display control unit 34a, communication unit 38a, and memory / readout unit 39a), and therefore descriptions of these parts will be omitted.

[0071] The smart meter 3b, like the smart meter 3c, has the same components as the smart meter 3a, but these components will not be described in the process described later and are therefore omitted from FIG.

[0072] <Functional configuration of intermediary server 5> Due to space limitations, a functional block diagram of the intermediary server 5 is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram of the intermediary server and node functions of the trading system. As shown in Figure 6, the intermediary server 5 has a transmitting / receiving unit 51, a determining unit 53, a display control unit 54, a judging unit 55, a creating unit 58, and a storing / reading unit 59. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 being loaded from HD 504 onto RAM 503 and operating in accordance with an instruction from CPU 501 in accordance with a program for the intermediary server.

[0073] The intermediary server 5 also has a storage unit 5000 constructed by the ROM 502 and HD 504 shown in Fig. 4. The storage unit 5000 stores carbon dioxide emission information for displaying the graph of lifecycle CO2 emissions by various power sources shown in Fig. 16. The storage unit 5000 also stores asset price information showing asset prices by past month and asset prices expected for the next year for each type of production method. Note that with regard to past prices, prices for at least one year or more from the month in question are displayed.

[0074] (User management table) Fig. 7A is a conceptual diagram showing a user management table. The user management table is a table used by the intermediary Da to manage each user, such as an electricity consumer. A user management DB 5001 configured with a user management table such as that shown in Fig. 7A is constructed in the memory unit 5000. In this user management table, user IDs, user names, user addresses (or residences), and selectable provider IDs are managed in association with each other.

[0075] Of these, the user ID is an example of user identification information for identifying a user of an asset, such as an electricity consumer Ca. The selectable provider ID is an example of provider identification information for identifying a provider, such as a producer, that can be selected by the user indicated by the user ID. For example, if the user's address is in Tokyo, the selectable providers are limited to providers with addresses in Tokyo and its surrounding areas.

[0076] (Provider management table) Fig. 7B is a conceptual diagram showing a provider management table. The provider management table is a table used by the intermediary Da to manage each provider, such as an electricity producer. A provider management DB 5002 configured with a provider management table such as that shown in Fig. 7B is constructed in the memory unit 5000. In this provider management table, the provider ID, provider name, type of production method of an asset such as electricity by the provider, and available supply amount are managed in association with each other.

[0077] Of these, the provider ID is an example of provider identification information for identifying a provider of an asset, such as a producer of electricity. The type of production method indicates the type of energy used to produce the asset. As described above, types of production method include methods of generation using solar power, wind power, biomass, geothermal power, hydropower, petroleum, coal, liquefied natural gas, etc. The type of production method may also indicate a broad category such as renewable energy or fossil fuel. The available amount is the amount of asset that a provider, such as a producer, can provide in a certain period (or certain time), for example, the amount of electricity (kWh).

[0078] (Transaction content management table) FIG. 8A is a conceptual diagram showing a transaction content management table. The transaction content management table is a table for managing asset transaction content set by a user such as consumer Ca. A transaction content management DB 5003 configured with a transaction content management table such as that shown in FIG. 8A is constructed in the memory unit 5000. This transaction content management table manages transaction content information, and specifically, the user ID, start date of use, end date of use, planned amount of use, renewable energy utilization rate, provider ID, provider name, and type of production method are associated and managed. Note that item names that are the same as those in FIGS. 7A and 7B, such as user ID, have the same meaning.

[0079] Of these, the start date of use is information indicating the date on which a user such as consumer Ca will start using an asset such as electricity. The end date of use is information indicating the date on which a user will end using an asset such as electricity. The planned usage amount is the amount of asset that a user plans to use over a certain period (or certain amount of time), for example, the amount of electricity (kWh). The renewable energy utilization rate is information indicating the proportion (%) of assets such as electricity used by a user such as consumer Ca that are produced using renewable energy such as solar power.

[0080] (Transaction history management table) FIG. 8B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a transaction history management table. The transaction history management table is a table for managing transaction histories of transactions in which the intermediary server 5 intervened for assets acquired from providers such as producers for each user, such as a consumer (Ca). The storage unit 5000 stores a transaction history management DB 5004 configured with the transaction history management table shown in FIG. 8B. This transaction history management table manages transaction history information, specifically, intermediation date and time, transaction volume, production method type, and total transaction volume for each production method, all of which are associated with each other. The type of (energy) resource used to produce an asset is, in other words, the "type of production method" that uses a specific type of resource to produce the asset. For example, if the asset is electricity, the "type of production method" indicates a "power generation method," such as solar power. While solar power and oil are shown as examples of various production methods, this is not limiting and production methods using wind power, coal, etc. may also be managed. Furthermore, a broad classification of production methods, such as renewable energy and fossil fuels, may also be managed.

[0081] Among these, the same item names as those in Figures 7A and 7B, such as user ID, have the same meaning. The brokerage date and time indicates the date and time when the brokerage server 5 brokered the ownership of assets acquired from providers such as producers by assigning the ownership of the assets to users such as consumers. The transaction volume indicates the transaction volume of assets acquired from providers and brokered to users, and is expressed, for example, in kWh. The total transaction volume indicates the total amount of assets produced by a specific type of production method allocated to users such as consumers over a certain period (or time period), and is expressed, for example, in kWh. The brokerage server 5 determines the type of production method for assets to be allocated to users such as consumers by referring to the transaction history management DB 5004. For example, if consumer Ca has set the proportion of electricity produced using renewable energy to 40%, the brokerage server 5 determines the type of production method for the assets to be provided to consumer Ca next by referring to the total transaction volume in the transaction history management DB 5004.

[0082] Note that the planned usage amount shown in Figure 8A (e.g., 20 kWh) is the planned usage amount per hour, so if asset information is transferred every 30 minutes, the transaction amount will be half of the planned usage amount (e.g., 10 kWh).

[0083] In addition, although the various production methods shown here are those using sunlight and oil, the present invention is not limited to these and production methods using wind, coal, etc. may also be managed. Furthermore, large classifications such as types of production methods indicating renewable energy and fossil fuels may also be managed.

[0084] Furthermore, the type of production method also includes the type of asset production process. The type of asset production process indicates different processes by which an asset, such as electricity, is produced. As an example, even when using the same resource, the sun, it includes a method of producing electricity using sunlight and a method of producing electricity using solar heat. Another example of the type of asset production process includes a method of producing electricity using a turbine and a method of producing electricity without using a turbine.

[0085] (Functional configuration of the intermediary server) Next, each functional configuration of the intermediary server 5 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. The transmission / reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501 on the network I / F 509, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other terminals (for example, smartphones 2a and 2c) via the communication network 100. The transmission / reception unit 51 also serves as a reception unit that receives transaction details (described below) from the smartphone 2c.

[0086] The determination unit 53 is realized by processing of the CPU 501 and determines asset information indicating the ownership of assets to be transferred to users (for which the determination unit 53 mediates transactions). For example, the determination unit 53 determines asset information related to assets produced by a specific type of production method for which the determination unit 53 mediates transactions for users such as consumer Ca, based on the "transaction history of assets produced by users using a specific type of production method" managed in the transaction history management DB 5004 and the "renewable energy utilization rate" previously managed in the transaction content management DB 5003. Specifically, if consumer Ca has set the renewable energy utilization rate to 40%, the determination unit 53 refers to the total transaction volume in the transaction history management DB 5004 and determines to change the owner of the asset information related to assets produced by renewable energy from intermediary Da, who manages the intermediary server 5, to consumer Ca, so that the utilization rate approaches 40%.

[0087] The display control unit 54 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and causes various images to be displayed on the display 506, or causes various images to be displayed on the display 218 of the smartphone 2 via the communication network 100. In this case, the smartphone 2 displays various images using the web browser function of the display control unit 24 of the smartphone 2. The display control unit 24 is a collective term for the display control units 24a and 24c.

[0088] The determination unit 55 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and performs various determinations.

[0089] The creation unit 58 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and creates an application form based on the transaction information and asset information to be submitted by the intermediary to the certification authority E. This application form is created in a predetermined format for applying for a production method certificate to certify the type of production method of the asset.

[0090] The storage / readout unit 59 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501 , and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000 .

[0091] <Functional configuration of Node 9> 6, the node 9 has a transmitting / receiving unit 91, a verifying unit 93, a determining unit 95, a transaction processing unit 96, an asset processing unit 97, and a storing / reading unit 99. Each of these units is a function or means realized by one of the components shown in Fig. 4 being loaded from the HD 904 onto the RAM 903 and operating in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 901 in accordance with a program for the node.

[0092] The node 9 also has a storage unit 9000 constructed by the ROM 902 and HD 904 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows an image in which transaction information is linked like a chain. Asset information generated based on the transaction information is also stored. Each piece of transaction information and asset information is held by each node.

[0093] (each functional configuration of the node) Next, each functional configuration of the node 9 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. The transmitter / receiver 91 of the node 9 is mainly realized by processing of the CPU 901 on the network I / F 909, and transmits and receives various data (or information) with other nodes of the blockchain network 90 within the communication network 100. The transmitter / receiver 91 also transmits and receives various data (or information) with the transmitter / receiver 31a of the smart meter 3a and the transmitter / receiver 51 of the intermediary server 5. Note that although the smartphone 3b is not shown in Fig. 6, the transmitter / receiver 91 actually transmits and receives various data (or information) with the smart meter 3b as well.

[0094] The verification unit 93 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and verifies the certificate and the provided information. The verification of the certificate is a process of determining whether or not the certificate is a certificate of the person pre-registered in the node 9. The verification of the provided information is a process of determining whether or not all of the predetermined format and contents (for example, whether the provider has been entered, whether the time of provision has been entered, etc.) have been entered.

[0095] The determination unit 95 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and performs various determinations.

[0096] The transaction processing unit 96 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and performs processing such as generating transaction information indicating transactions used to generate asset information and storing the information in the storage unit 9000.

[0097] The asset processing unit 97 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and performs processing such as generating asset information in accordance with transaction information and storing it in the storage unit 9000.

[0098] The storage / readout unit 99 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901 , and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 9000 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 9000 .

[0099] [Processing or Action] Next, the processing or operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0100] <Intermediary registration process> First, the intermediary registration process will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the intermediary registration process. Figure 10A is a diagram showing an example of the display of an intermediary registration screen, and Figure 10B is a diagram showing an example of the display of an intermediary registration completion screen. Here, a case will be described in which a producer Aa registers an intermediary Da from among multiple intermediaries. Note that the producer Aa has previously concluded a contract with the intermediary Da, and as will be described later, the producer Aa is able to select the intermediary Da. In addition, an application for intermediary registration has been installed in advance on the smartphone 2a. This application associates and manages an intermediary ID for identifying each intermediary, the intermediary name, and the IP address of the intermediary server owned by the intermediary.

[0101] 9, on the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a displays the intermediary registration screen shown in A on the display 218 (S21). This intermediary registration screen displays a pull-down menu showing intermediary names so that a specific intermediary can be selected. Also displayed at the bottom of the intermediary registration screen are an "OK" button that can be pressed to confirm the intermediary name selected in the pull-down menu, and a "CANCEL" button that can be pressed to cancel the selection.

[0102] Then, when the producer Aa selects a desired intermediary name from the multiple intermediary names and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 22a receives the selection of the intermediary (S22). Here, a case where the intermediary Da is selected will be described.

[0103] After the reception unit 22a receives the selection, the communication unit 28a transmits the intermediary information to the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a via short-range wireless communication (S23). This intermediary information includes an intermediary ID for identifying the selected intermediary and the IP address of the intermediary server owned by the selected intermediary. As a result, the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a receives the intermediary information.

[0104] Next, in the smart meter 3a, the storage / readout unit 39a registers the intermediary information in the storage unit 3000a. Then, the communication unit 38a transmits registration completion information indicating that the registration has been completed to the smartphone 2a. As a result, the communication unit 28a of the smartphone 2a receives the registration completion information.

[0105] Next, in the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a displays a registration completion screen as shown in Fig. 10B on the display 218. This registration completion screen displays a comment indicating that the intermediary registration has been completed. In addition, this registration completion screen displays an "OK" button that can be pressed to close the screen, and when the producer Aa presses this button, the registration completion screen is closed.

[0106] This completes the registration process for the intermediary.

[0107] <Transaction details registration process> Next, the process of registering asset transaction details will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 16. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the process of registering asset transaction details. Figure 12A is a diagram showing an example of the display of the transaction conditions registration screen before input and selection, and Figure 12B is a diagram showing an example of the display of the transaction conditions registration screen after input and selection. Here, a case will be described in which consumer Ca uses smartphone 2c to register the transaction details of electricity as an asset to intermediary server 5.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 11, the transmitter / receiver 21c of the smartphone 2c transmits a display request for a transaction details registration screen to the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100 (S41). This display request includes a user ID for identifying consumer Ca as the user who made the request. The transmitter / receiver 51 of the intermediary server 5 then receives the display request. The user ID is an example of user identification information. User identification information also includes the My Number, which is a number designated by local governments and the like as an individual's identification number in Japan, and the telephone number of an individual or company, etc.

[0109] Next, in the intermediary server 5, the storage / readout unit 59 searches the user management DB 5001 (see FIG. 7A) using the user ID received in step S41 as a search key to read out all corresponding selectable provider IDs (S42). Furthermore, the storage / readout unit 59 searches the provider management DB 5002 using each provider ID read out in step S42 as a search key to read out corresponding information (provider name, production method type information, and available quantity) (S43). Then, the display control unit 54 uses the information read out in step S43 to create a transaction conditions registration screen as shown in FIG. 12A (S44). As a result, in the smartphone 2c, the display control unit 24c uses the web browser function to display the transaction conditions registration screen shown in FIG. 12A, created by the intermediary server 5, on the display 218 of the smartphone 2c (S45). This transaction conditions registration screen displays input fields for entering specified conditions (the asset (here, electricity) usage period date, asset usage end date, planned asset usage amount, and renewable energy utilization rate), as well as a production method priority display area. The renewable energy utilization rate indicates the proportion of renewable energy used in the production of the electricity that consumer Ca wishes to acquire. The entered specified conditions and selected priority items will be used later by the intermediary server 5 when determining the type of production method to recommend.

[0110] Additionally, the production method priority item display area displays multiple production method priority items and a "Detailed Settings" button. For each priority item, a radio button is displayed for selecting a specific priority item from the multiple priority items. The intermediary server 5 transfers ownership of multiple electricity ownerships with different production methods according to the selected priority item. Here, the multiple priority items are displayed as "prioritizing the achievement of renewable energy utilization rates," "prioritizing the lowest price for assets to be used," and "prioritizing the minimum amount of carbon dioxide emissions." Note that FIG. 12A simply displays "prioritizing renewable energy utilization rates," "prioritizing low prices," and "prioritizing CO2 reduction."

[0111] Among these, "give priority to achieving the renewable energy utilization rate" is an option selected when a user such as a consumer Ca wants to give priority to achieving the utilization rate entered in the renewable energy utilization rate input field. In this case, the intermediary server 5 performs processing to transfer ownership of assets that emit a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide during production, in order to give priority to achieving a renewable energy utilization rate of 40%.

[0112] Furthermore, "prioritizing keeping the asset price to the lowest" is an option selected when a user such as a consumer Ca wants to prioritize keeping the asset fee to the lowest possible level. In this case, the intermediary server 5 performs processing to transfer ownership of the asset with the lowest fee according to the asset fee determined in advance.

[0113] Furthermore, "minimizing carbon dioxide emissions" is an option selected when a user, such as a consumer, wants to prioritize reducing the carbon dioxide emissions generated during asset production. In this case, the intermediary server 5 performs processing to transfer ownership of the asset that emits the least amount of carbon dioxide during production based on the carbon dioxide emission information. For example, while solar and wind power, both of which are used to produce assets such as electricity, do not emit carbon dioxide during production, wind power emits less carbon dioxide than solar power during the manufacture of solar panels and wind turbines. Therefore, if the intermediary server 5 owns an asset produced using wind power, it performs processing to transfer ownership of the asset. The number of production method priorities may be two, four, or more. Alternatively, there may be no production method priorities, and for example, renewable energy utilization rates may always be prioritized.

[0114] Next, the "Detailed Settings" button is a button that, when pressed after one of multiple priority items has been selected, displays a transaction details setting screen for setting the details of the selected priority item. The transaction details setting screens are shown in Figures 14 to 16 for each priority item, and these screens will be explained later.

[0115] Also, at the bottom of the transaction conditions registration screen, there is an "OK" button that can be pressed to finally confirm the transaction conditions and the contents of the detailed settings, and a "CANCEL" button that can be pressed to cancel without confirming the transaction conditions and the contents of the detailed settings.

[0116] 11, when the consumer Ca operates the touch panel of the smartphone 2c to input desired values ​​into each input field, check the checkbox of the desired priority item, and press the "Detailed Settings" button, the reception unit 22c receives the input into each input field and selection of the priority item by the consumer Ca, as well as the pressing of the "Detailed Settings" button on the transaction conditions registration screen of Fig. 12A (S46). Here, the renewable energy utilization rate is set to 40% by the consumer Ca.

[0117] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 21c of the smartphone 2c transmits the transaction terms information (input information and selection information) accepted in step S46 to the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100 (S47). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the transaction terms information.

[0118] Next, in the intermediary server 5, the storage and reading unit 59 reads out the total transaction volume for each type of production method for all users that have been traded within a predetermined period (for example, the past year) (S48).The storage and reading unit 59 then reads out the carbon dioxide emission information and asset price information from the storage unit 5000 (S49).

[0119] Next, the determination unit 53 determines the content of recommendations to the user Ca based on the transaction condition information received in step S47, the total transaction volume for each type of production method read in step S48, and the carbon dioxide emission information and asset price information read in step S49 (S50). For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, if the renewable energy utilization rate is input as "40"% and "prioritize achieving the renewable energy utilization rate" is selected among the priority items, the determination unit 53 prioritizes achieving a renewable energy utilization rate of 40%, the second priority is the total transaction volume for each type of production method in the past, and the third priority is the monthly asset price for each type of production method, and determines the type of production method to recommend for a certain period (e.g., every month) for a predetermined period (one year). The total transaction volume for each type of production method in the past is considered to ensure a stable supply of assets produced by a specific type of production method to the consumer Ca. Note that the second and third priorities may be reversed. Furthermore, the user, such as the consumer Ca, may be able to specify priorities from the second priority onward.

[0120] Next, the process for finally determining the transaction details will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process for registering asset transaction details. Fig. 14 shows a transaction details setting screen, where (a) is a diagram particularly showing a renewable energy utilization rate priority setting screen (initial), and (b) is a diagram showing a renewable energy utilization rate priority setting screen (modified). Fig. 15 shows a transaction details setting screen, particularly a diagram showing a low price priority setting screen. Fig. 16 shows a transaction details setting screen, particularly a diagram showing a CO2 reduction priority setting screen.

[0121] In the following, a case will be described in which "give priority to achieving the utilization rate of renewable energy" is selected in step S46 as shown in FIG. 12B.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 13, the display control unit 54 creates a recommendation screen as shown in Fig. 14A based on the content determined in step S50 (S51). As a result, in the smartphone 2c, the display control unit 24c uses the web browser function to display the recommendation screen shown in Fig. 14A, created by the intermediary server 5, on the display 218 of the smartphone 2c (S52). The initial screen of the renewable energy utilization rate priority setting screen, which is the recommendation screen in this case, displays, at the top, "Past Transaction Results," which shows a graph indicating the monthly total transaction volume for each type of all production methods read out in step S48, and displays, at the bottom, the "Recommendation Content" determined in step S50.

[0123] "Past trading performance" shows trading performance from one year ago for each type of production method. The vertical axis shows the trading volume, and the horizontal axis shows the trading month. The name of the energy resource is also displayed for each type of production method.

[0124] The "Recommendation Content" shows the types of production methods and the proportion of each type recommended by the intermediary server 5 for each month based on the renewable energy utilization rate entered in Figure 12B. For example, the "Recommendation Content" shows the types of production methods as rectangular regions, with the horizontal dimension indicating the asset's monthly usage period and the vertical dimension indicating the utilization rate. Here, electricity produced by petroleum, whose supply and price are stable throughout the year, is shown. Based on past trading performance, electricity produced by solar power is shown during periods when solar power production is high, and electricity produced by hydropower is shown during periods when solar power production is low. Furthermore, since consumer Ca has set the renewable energy utilization rate to 40% and has selected a priority for renewable energy utilization, the recommendation content shows electricity produced by 40% renewable energy for every month. Note that past trading performance and future recommendations are shown based on the same month, but offset by one year.

[0125] Also, at the bottom of the recommendation screen, there is displayed an "OK" button to be pressed when the recommendation content is confirmed, and a "CANCEL" button to be pressed when confirmation or registration is to be cancelled.

[0126] Next, when user Ca changes the rectangular area of ​​a specific production method type with a finger or the like to change the recommended content to the desired content, the reception unit 22c accepts the change (S53). Examples of this change include changing the usage period by changing the rectangular area of ​​a specific production method type horizontally, and changing the usage rate by changing the rectangular area of ​​a specific production method type vertically. Figure 14B shows the case where the rectangular area of ​​the production method type "sunlight" is stretched horizontally to extend the usage period.

[0127] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the smartphone 2c transmits change information indicating the change content accepted in step S53 to the intermediary server 5 (S54). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the change information.

[0128] Next, in the intermediary server 5, the determination unit 53 redetermines the recommendation content based on the change information (S55). For example, if the consumer Ca extends the usage period of the asset produced by the first type (here, solar power), the determination unit 53 redetermines to balance by changing the length (width) so as to shorten the usage period of the asset produced by the second type (here, hydropower). Note that, in the above step 53, if the consumer Ca vertically stretched the rectangular area of ​​the production method type "solar power" to increase the utilization rate, the determination unit 53 redetermines to balance by changing the length (height) so as to decrease the utilization rate of another production method type "oil" for the same usage period.

[0129] Next, the display control unit 54 changes the recommendation screen to reflect the content redetermined in step S55 (S56). As a result, the display control unit 24c of the smartphone 2c uses the web browser function to display the recommendation screen shown in Fig. 12B, which was changed by the intermediary server 5, on the display 218 of the smartphone 2c (S57). Here, in the recommended content area of ​​the renewable energy utilization rate priority setting screen, which is an example of a recommendation screen, the usage period of assets produced by hydroelectric power is shortened by the amount that the usage period of assets produced by solar power has been extended.

[0130] Here, when the consumer Ca presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 22c receives the confirmation of the recommended content (S58). Then, the transmission / reception unit 21c transmits confirmation information indicating that the recommended content has been confirmed to the intermediary server 5. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the confirmation information.

[0131] Next, in the intermediary server 5, the storage / readout unit 59 stores and manages the transaction content information indicating the recommended content re-determined in step S55 in the transaction content management DB 5003 (see FIG. 8A) (S60).

[0132] On the other hand, if "Give priority to keeping the assets to be used at the lowest price" is selected in Fig. 12A in step S46, then in step S52, the recommendation screen (here, the low price priority setting screen) shown in Fig. 15 is displayed. On the initial screen of this low price priority setting screen, "Past Prices" showing a graph indicating the monthly prices for each type of production method for all assets read out in step S49 are displayed at the top, and "Recommendation Contents" determined in step S50 are displayed at the bottom.

[0133] "Past Prices" shows the asset prices from one year ago for each type of production method. The vertical axis shows the asset price, and the horizontal axis shows the price month when that price was. Again, the name of the energy resource is displayed for each type of production method.

[0134] The display format of "Recommended Contents" is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 14A, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] Furthermore, in step S46 above, if "Give priority to minimizing carbon dioxide emissions" is selected in Fig. 12A, then in step S52 above, a recommendation screen (here, a CO2 reduction priority setting screen) shown in Fig. 16 is displayed. On the initial screen of this CO2 reduction priority setting screen, the "carbon dioxide emissions" for each type of production method for all assets read out in step S49 are displayed in the upper part, and the "recommended content" determined in step S50 is displayed in the lower part.

[0136] "Carbon dioxide emissions" displays the latest carbon dioxide emissions information for each type of production method. In this case, there is no correlation with the month of use of the recommended content.

[0137] The display format of the "recommended content" is basically the same as that of Fig. 14A, and therefore the explanation will be omitted. As described above, for example, while "solar power" and "wind power" used to produce assets such as electricity do not generate carbon dioxide during production, "wind power" emits less carbon dioxide than "solar power" in the manufacture of solar panels and wind turbines, and therefore, if the intermediary server 5 has ownership of an asset produced by wind power, it will recommend trading of this asset produced by wind power.

[0138] Note that the data regarding past asset transactions shown in Figures 14A, 14B, 15, and 16 may be data regarding past asset transactions that took place on the blockchain network 90, or may be data regarding past asset transactions that did not take place on the blockchain network 90.

[0139] This completes the transaction details registration process.

[0140] <Process to set asset owner as intermediary> Next, a process of setting the owner of an asset provided by a provider to an intermediary will be described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 is a sequence diagram showing a process of setting the owner of an asset provided by a provider to an intermediary. Fig. 18 is a conceptual diagram of transaction information and asset information. Here, a case will be described in which the smart meter 3a of producer Aa sets the owner of the asset to the intermediary for the node 9a.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 17, the measurement unit 33a measures the power supplied from the power generation device 4a to the power transmission and distribution network 10 (S61). Then, the transceiver unit 31a of the smart meter 3a transmits a request for asset information generation to the node 9a of the blockchain network 90 once every predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) (S62). This request includes an electronic certificate verifying the identity of the producer Aa as the provider and provided information so that the smartphone 2a of the producer Aa, who is the provider, can access the blockchain network 90. ​​The provided information includes information on the provider, the date and time of provision, the (tradable) amount, the type of production method, and the asset owner. As a result, the transceiver unit 91 of the node 9a receives the request for asset information generation (S62). This provided information is information used to generate the transaction information shown in FIG. 18. The content of this provided information is predetermined by a blockchain smart contract (contract automation).

[0142] Next, the verification unit 93 of the node 9 verifies the certificate and the provided information received in step S62 (S63). Next, a case where the verification result shows no problem will be described.

[0143] Next, the transaction processing unit 96 uses the provision information received in step S62 to generate transaction information such as that shown in Fig. 18 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S64). In this case, the transaction processing unit 96 assigns a transaction ID and sets the transaction type. The transaction information includes the transaction ID, information on the transaction type, and provision information (information on the provider, provision date and time, (tradable) amount, production method, and owner).

[0144] Of these, the transaction ID is an example of unique identification information for identifying transaction information. The transaction type is information indicating the type of processing content for asset information. In Figure 18, the transaction type is the creation of asset information, so the asset processing unit 97 creates the asset information. The provider is information indicating the provider of the asset. The provided date and time is information indicating the date and time when the asset was provided by the provider. The (tradable) amount is information indicating the amount of electricity, etc. that the provider can trade within a specified period. The type of production method is information indicating the type of production method shown in Figure 8B. The owner is information indicating the owner of the asset, indicating the ownership of the asset, etc.

[0145] Next, the asset processing unit 97 generates the asset information shown in FIG. 18 in accordance with the transaction information shown in FIG. 18 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S65). In this case, the asset processing unit 97 sets the provision information (information on the provider, provision date and time, (tradable) amount, production method, and owner) in the transaction information, as well as the expiration date of the transaction and the transaction status of the asset information. The expiration date of the transaction is set, for example, to one month after the provision date. The transaction status is information indicating whether the asset information has been traded (allocated) to a user by the intermediary server 5. In FIG. 18, "Not yet" indicates a state in which the asset information has not been traded (allocated) to a user, that is, a state in which the intermediary has not yet provided the asset information to the user.

[0146] Furthermore, the transmitter / receiver 91 of node 9 distributes the transaction information generated in step S64 as a block to the other multiple nodes in the blockchain network 90 (S66). As a result, the other nodes verify the block and add it to the chain of blocks already stored in each node, and then generate asset information according to the transaction information in the same manner as in step S65 above and store it in each storage unit. Note that multiple pieces of transaction information may be stored in one block.

[0147] Next, the transmitter / receiver 91 of the node 9 transmits a response to the request of step S62 to the smart meter 3a (S67). The content of this response indicates whether the generation of the asset information was successful or unsuccessful. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 31a of the smart meter 3a receives the response.

[0148] Next, in the smart meter 3a, the storage / readout unit 39a stores the response content in the storage unit 3000a.

[0149] As a result, asset information indicating the details of the asset owner being set as intermediary Da is managed on the blockchain network, and the process of providing asset information from the provider to the intermediary is completed.

[0150] <Process of providing asset information from intermediary to user> Next, a process for setting the owner of an asset mediated by an intermediary to a user will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 is a sequence diagram showing a process for setting the owner of an asset mediated by an intermediary to a user.

[0151] First, the transmitter / receiver 31c of the smart meter 3c of the consumer Ca transmits usage information regarding the electricity as an asset via the communication network 100 once every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) (S81). This usage information includes information indicating the usage status of the electricity as an asset, a user ID for identifying the consumer Ca as the user, the amount of electricity used as an asset, and the usage time of the electricity as an asset. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 51 of the intermediation server 5 receives the usage information.

[0152] Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 transmits a request for all asset information for which the intermediary Da, who manages the intermediary server 5, is the owner to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S82). This request includes an electronic certificate verifying the identity of the intermediary Da as the intermediary, and information indicating the intermediary Da as the owner, so that the intermediary server 5 managed by the intermediary Da can access the blockchain network 90. ​​As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of the node 9 receives the request for all asset information.

[0153] Next, in node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies the certificate received in step S82 (S83). Certificate verification is a process of determining whether the received certificate is a certificate of a server pre-registered in node 9. Next, a case where the verification result shows no problem will be described.

[0154] The storage / read unit 99 of the node 9 reads out all asset information managed by the owner as the intermediary Da who manages the intermediary server 5 (S84). Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 transmits all asset information read out in step S84 to the intermediary server 5 (S85). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives all asset information. As a result, the intermediary server 5 can receive asset information of the intermediary Da that can be assigned to a user and that the owner can receive. Next, the storage and reading unit 59 of the intermediary server 5 searches the transaction content management DB 5003 using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key to read out the corresponding transaction content information (S86). Furthermore, the storage and reading unit 59 searches the transaction history management DB 5004 using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key to read out each corresponding total transaction volume (S87). In the case of Figure 8B, 20 (kWh) is read as the total transaction volume of electricity produced by solar power, and 160 (kWh) is read as the total transaction volume of electricity produced by petroleum.

[0155] Next, the determination unit 53 determines the type of production method of the asset related to the asset information to be transferred to the consumer Ca as a user, based on the transaction content information read in step S86 and the total transaction volume read in step S87 (S88). For example, if the transaction content information indicates the types of production method as "solar power" and "oil," the transaction history information indicates that the latest total transaction volumes are "20" for solar power and "160" for oil, so the determination unit 53 determines the type of production method to be "solar power" so as to approach a renewable energy rate of "40."

[0156] Then, the memory and read unit 59 adds the content processed in step S88 to the transaction history management DB 5004 by storing it (S89). As a result, for example, the memory and read unit 59 adds a record indicating the brokerage date and time "2020.1.1 9:00-9:30", the transaction volume "10", the type of production method "solar power", and the total solar power transaction volume "30" to the transaction history management DB 5004 (see FIG. 8B).

[0157] Next, the transmitter / receiver 51 of the intermediary server 5 transmits an asset information change request to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S90). This change request includes an asset ID for identifying asset information relating to a specific asset produced by the specific type of production method determined in step S88, among the asset information received in step S85 above. The change request of step S90 also includes information indicating a new owner. The information indicating the new owner may be the user ID received in step S81 or the owner's name. Note that if there are multiple assets produced by the specific type of production method determined in step 88, the transmitter / receiver 51 transmits a change request for specific asset information relating to the asset with the expiration date closest to the current date and time among these multiple assets.

[0158] Next, in node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies each piece of information (asset ID, owner, (usage) amount) received in step S90 (S91). This verification is a process of determining whether each piece of information has a predetermined format and content. Next, a case where there is no problem in the verification result will be described.

[0159] Next, the node 9 generates transaction information and changes (or generates) asset information based on the change request in step S90 (S92).

[0160] The processing of step S92 will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a conceptual diagram of the transition of transaction information and asset information in the processing of step S92. The first transaction information and first asset information on the left side of Fig. 20 are the same as the transaction information and asset information in Fig. 18, respectively. Here, a case will be described in which the smart meter 3a sets the asset owner to the intermediary Da (generation of the first asset information based on the first transaction information), and then the intermediary server 5 changes the asset owner to the consumer Ca (change of the first asset information based on the second transaction information), thereby causing the intermediary Da to mediate the transaction of asset information (asset ownership).

[0161] In step S92, the transaction processing unit 96 generates second transaction information as shown in Fig. 20. This second transaction information indicates a unique transaction ID and the transaction type "asset information transaction." The second transaction information also indicates the date and time of the brokerage of the asset information transaction, the new owner after brokerage, an asset ID for identifying the asset information to be transferred, and the usage amount of the asset (here, electricity) received in step S90.

[0162] Then, the asset processing unit 97 changes the first asset information as shown in FIG. 20. In the first asset information, the asset processing unit 97 changes the "(tradable) amount" to "(usage) amount" and changes the owner from "intermediary Da" to "consumer Ca." Furthermore, the asset processing unit 97 changes the transaction status in the first asset information from "not yet" to "completed." Note that asset information whose transaction status has been changed to "completed" in this way will be excluded from future transactions. Therefore, the transaction processing unit 96 does not include asset information whose transaction status is set to "completed" in the transaction type of "asset information transaction." In other words, asset information that has been excluded from transaction targets will not be transferred again.

[0163] This completes the process of step S92.

[0164] 19, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of the node 9 transmits a response to the request of step S90 to the relay server 5 (S93). This response indicates whether the processing of the request of step S90 was successful or unsuccessful. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the relay server 5 receives the response.

[0165] Next, the transmitter / receiver 51 of the intermediary server 5 transmits a response to the transmission in step S81 to the smart meter 3c (S94). As a result, the transmitter / receiver 31c of the smart meter 3c receives the response from the intermediary server 5. The content of this response indicates the response content (success or failure) received in step S93, and is managed and displayed in the smart meter 3c.

[0166] <Intermediary processing of production method certificate> Next, the mediation process for an asset production method certificate will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a sequence diagram showing the mediation process for an asset production method certificate. In order to prove that the type of production method for the electricity consumed is renewable energy such as solar power, consumer Ca requests intermediary Da to obtain a production method certificate for proving the asset production method from certification authority E. This will be described below.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 21, when consumer Ca operates smartphone 2c, the transmitter / receiver 21c transmits a request for a production method certificate for the asset via the communication network 100 (S201). As a result, the transmitter / receiver 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the request. This request includes a user ID for identifying the user as consumer Ca and transaction period information indicating the period for trading the asset. That is, consumer Ca requests a production method certificate for a specific transaction period, for example, from January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020.

[0168] Next, the transmitter / receiver 51 of the intermediary server 5 transmits a request for transaction information and asset information to the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S202). This request includes the certificate of the user (here, consumer Ca) that the intermediary server 5 previously obtained from the smartphone 2c, information indicating the user (here, consumer Ca) as the owner, and transaction period information. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 91 of the node 9 receives the request. The certificate of the intermediary server 5 is the same as the content transmitted in step S82 above. Furthermore, the transaction period information is the transaction period information received in step S121.

[0169] Next, in node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies the certificate received in step S122 (S203). Certificate verification is a process of determining whether the received certificate is a certificate of a server pre-registered in node 9. Next, a case where the verification result shows no problem will be described.

[0170] Next, the storage and reading unit 99 reads out transaction information and asset information in which consumer Ca is set as the owner within the specified transaction period indicated by the transaction period information received in step S202 (S204). In this case, the storage and reading unit 99 reads out specific transaction information that indicates an intermediation date and time included in the transaction period and indicates that the new owner is consumer Ca. The storage and reading unit 99 also reads out asset information based on the asset ID indicated in the specific transaction information that has been read out.

[0171] Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of the node 9 transmits the requested transaction information and asset information to the intermediary server 5 (S205). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the transaction information and asset information.

[0172] Next, in the intermediary server 5, the creation unit 58 creates an application form for the intermediary to submit to the certification authority E based on the transaction information and asset information received in step S205 (S206). This application form is used to apply for a production method certificate to certify the type of production method for the asset.

[0173] Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the intermediary Da sends the application created in step S206 to the certification authority E by mail or the like (S1). The certification authority E then creates an asset production method certificate that certifies that 40% of the electricity consumed by the consumer Ca was produced using renewable energy such as solar power, and sends it to the intermediary Da by mail or the like (S2). The intermediary Da then sends the production method certificate to the consumer Ca by mail or the like (S3). Note that the certification authority E may, if necessary, obtain transaction information and asset information from the blockchain network 90 and check the contents before issuing the production method certificate.

[0174] This completes the intermediation process for the production method certificate by intermediary Da. After receiving the production method certificate, consumer Ca can use it to improve the image of their company or to apply for government subsidies for the use of renewable energy.

[0175] [Major Effects of the Embodiments] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the intermediary server 5 presents the recommended (recommended) contents as shown in Figures 14 to 16, thereby providing the effect of preventing the asset user from worrying about which type of production method to select. On the other hand, from the perspective of the intermediary, by presenting the recommended contents so that the user will have as little trouble as possible, the effect is that it can lead to the successful acquisition of customers such as users.

[0176] Furthermore, since the quality of assets such as electricity provided to users is constant, even if the type of production method for the asset is unknown, node 9 of the blockchain network 90 can manage asset information that indicates the type of production method for the asset and the owner of the asset, as well as the transaction information used to generate this asset information, thereby achieving the effect of being able to prove the type of production method without fraud.

[0177] Furthermore, to ensure stable use of electricity, it is necessary to adjust the amount of consumed and produced electricity to be equal in real time (simultaneous equalization). However, because blockchain is a distributed ledger, it takes a certain amount of time to verify the consistency of each ledger information via the network, making it unsuitable for applications requiring real-time performance, such as instant asset transactions. In contrast, in this embodiment, the intermediary server 5 transmits a change request to the blockchain network 90 to change the owner indicated in the asset information managed on the blockchain network 90 from the original owner to the user (consumer Ca) after the consumer Ca has used the asset, rather than when the consumer Ca begins using the asset (S89). This process, such as deferred payment, has the advantage of enabling blockchain-based asset ownership management for applications requiring real-time performance, such as instant asset transactions. Furthermore, because the intermediary server 5 changes the asset information managed on the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the provider (producer Aa, etc.) and the user (consumer Ca, etc.), the provider (producer Aa, etc.) and the user (consumer Ca, etc.) can trade electricity without worrying about changes to the asset information.

[0178] Furthermore, the intermediary server 5 has the effect of being able to be used for purposes such as instant trading of assets such as electricity produced using renewable energy such as solar power by changing the owner of a specific type of asset production method.

[0179] 〔others〕 In the above embodiment, the asset information includes information indicating the owner of the asset, but in some cases, information indicating the owner may not be included. For example, if the user is also a producer and is self-sufficient, there is no need to transfer the asset to another person (other company), so it is sufficient to be able to prove the type of production method.

[0180] In addition, in the above embodiment, electricity is shown as an example of an asset, but this is not limited to this, and includes assets that physically (or actually) exist and assets that do not physically (or actually) exist, as follows:

[0181] Examples of assets that exist physically (or in reality) include foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, and processed foods. When the asset is a grain, vegetable, or fruit, the asset information is additional information such as information indicating whether pesticides were used, or information indicating the producer or place of production. When the asset is meat, the asset information is additional information such as information indicating whether the animal was raised using genetically modified crops, or information indicating the producer or place of production. When the asset is a seafood product such as fish or shellfish, the asset information is additional information such as information indicating whether the product is natural or farmed, or information indicating the producer (fisherman) or production area (fishing area). When the asset is a processed product, the asset information is additional information such as information indicating allergens, information indicating whether the asset was processed using genetically modified crops, or information indicating the processor or the location of the processing plant.

[0182] Furthermore, physically (or actually) existing assets include real estate such as land and buildings, and movable assets such as goods or quantities of goods. When the asset is real estate, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership. When the asset is movable, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership.

[0183] On the other hand, assets that do not exist physically (or in reality) include tokens (virtual currencies) or token quantities, carbon dioxide emission rights, rights such as intellectual property rights, contracts, etc. When the asset is a token, the asset information is additional information such as ownership. When the asset is a carbon dioxide emission right, the asset information is additional information such as ownership. When the asset is a right such as intellectual property right, the asset information is additional information such as the owner of the right, the transferee of the right, and the licensee. When the asset is a contract, the asset information is additional information such as the contract terms and performance status. Note that not only contracts but also treaties, agreements, promises, memoranda, notes, etc. are considered to be contracts.

[0184] Furthermore, in the case of postpaid processing, assets include not only electricity but also gas, tap water, telephone calls, etc. In the case of gas, tap water, and telephone calls, asset information is incidental information such as ownership.

[0185] Each of the components such as the CPUs 201, 301, 501, 901, etc. may be a single component or multiple components.

[0186] Each function in the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present embodiment includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices designed to execute each of the above-described functions, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a SOC (System on a Chip), a GPU, and a conventional circuit module.

[0187] Furthermore, the power generation device 4a (4b) may be provided with a device or function that is the smart meter 3a (3b), and the electrical device 8 may be provided with a device or function that is the smart meter 3c.

[0188] Furthermore, each of the above programs may be recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD and distributed.

[0189] Furthermore, other servers or the like may relay data between the smartphone 2 (or smart meter 3), the intermediation server 5, and each node 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 1. Trading System 2. Smartphones (an example of a communication device) 3 Smart meter (an example of a measurement terminal) 4. Power generation equipment 5. Intermediary Server 8 Electrical Equipment 9 nodes 10 Power Transmission and Distribution Network 51 Transmitting and receiving unit (reception unit) 53 Decision Section 90 Blockchain Network 91 Transmitter / Receiver 95 Judgment Department 96 Transaction Processing Unit 97 Asset Processing Section 100 Communication Network 5001 User management DB 5002 Provider management DB 5003 Transaction Management DB 5004 Transaction history management database

Claims

1. A display control means that displays on the screen the type of production method for the asset to be used by the user as a recommendation to the user, The aforementioned screen includes a means for receiving changes to the recommended content by the user, A transmission means for sending the content of the received change to the server, A communication terminal.

2. The communication terminal according to Claim 1, wherein the recommended content indicates the type of production method for the asset and the usage ratio of the type of production method for each month.

3. The recommended content indicates the type of production method for the asset and the usage ratio of the type of production method for each month, The type of production method is represented by a rectangular area, The lateral length of the rectangular region indicates the usage period of the production method type. The vertical length of the rectangular region indicates the usage ratio of the production method type. The communication terminal according to claim 1.

4. The communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein the receiving means accepts the change when the rectangular area is changed by the user's operation.

5. The communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein the receiving means changes the usage ratio by changing the vertical direction of the rectangular area and changes the usage period by changing the horizontal direction of the rectangular area.

6. A transmission means for transmitting recommendations to a communication terminal, including the type of production method for the asset to be used by the user, A receiving means for receiving the content of changes received from the user to the recommended content displayed on the communication terminal, A server.

7. A system including a server and a communication terminal, The aforementioned server, A transmission means for transmitting recommendations, including the type of production method for the assets to be used by the user, to the communication terminal, A receiving means for receiving the content of changes received from the user to the recommended content displayed on the communication terminal, It has, The aforementioned communication terminal is As the recommendation to the user, a display control means that displays on the screen the type of production method for the asset used by the user, The aforementioned screen includes a means for receiving changes to the recommended content by the user, A transmission means for sending the content of the received change to the server, Having, system.

8. A communication method performed in a system including a server and a communication terminal, A transmission step of sending recommendations to the communication terminal, including the type of production method for the assets to be used by the user, A receiving step in which the user has made changes to the recommended content displayed on the communication terminal, A display control step that displays on the screen the type of production method for the asset used by the user as the recommendation content for the user, The aforementioned screen includes a reception process for accepting changes to the recommended content by the user, A transmission step of sending the content of the received change to the server, A communication method that includes this.

9. A computer, As a recommendation to the user, a display control means displays on the screen the type of production method for the asset the user will use, The aforementioned screen includes a means for receiving changes to the recommended content by the user, A transmission means for sending the content of the received change to the server, A program that makes it function as such.

10. A computer, A transmission means that sends recommendations to a communication terminal, including the type of asset production method used by the user. A receiving means for receiving the content of changes received from the user to the recommended content displayed on the communication terminal, A program that makes it function as such.

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