Information processing system, information processing method, and information terminal

Abstract

To promote a user of a working machine to use fuel having a high emission reduction effect of greenhouse gas.SOLUTION: The information processing system includes a processor. The processor acquires emission reduction effect data indicating a greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of the fuel, acquires a refueling amount indicating an amount of the fuel supplied to the work machine, calculates a greenhouse gas emission reduction amount in the work machine based on the emission reduction effect data and the refueling amount, and gives an incentive to a user of the work machine based on the emission reduction amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] From the viewpoint of preventing global warming, it is desirable to suppress greenhouse gas emissions. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a fuel with reduced carbon dioxide emissions is measured and filled into a vehicle fuel tank, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduction is calculated and output based on the measured filled amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-157420 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a work machine is powered by an engine, fuel is used to drive the engine. The effectiveness of reducing greenhouse gas emissions varies depending on the properties of the fuel. Using alternative fuels as work machine fuel is more effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions than using diesel. There is a demand for technology that encourages work machine users to use fuels that are more effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to encourage users of work machines to use fuels that are highly effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is disclosed an information processing system including a processor, which acquires emission reduction effect data indicating the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of fuel, acquires a fuel supply amount indicating the amount of fuel supplied to a work machine, calculates an amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction in the work machine based on the emission reduction effect data and the fuel supply amount, and provides an incentive to a user of the work machine based on the amount of emission reduction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, users of work machines can be encouraged to use fuels that are highly effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of types of alternative fuels according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a computer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a transaction management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring emission reduction effect data according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring the fuel supply amount according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring identification data according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for providing an incentive according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an incentive according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] [Information Processing Systems] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 manages fuel transaction histories and usage histories. The information processing system 1 includes a transaction management device 2 and an information terminal 60. The transaction management device 2 and the information terminal 60 each include a computer. Examples of the information terminal 60 include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a personal computer.

[0011] The information processing system 1 manages a fuel supply amount that indicates the amount of fuel supplied to the work machine 40. The work machine 40 consumes fuel. The work machine 40 has an engine. Fuel is consumed to drive the engine. Examples of the work machine 40 include an excavator, a bulldozer, a wheel loader, and a dump truck.

[0012] The information processing system 1 provides incentives to users of work machines 40. Users of work machines 40 include owners of the work machines 40. Owners of work machines 40 include managers of construction companies or rental companies that own the work machines 40. Users of work machines 40 include operators of the work machines 40. The information terminals 60 are carried by users of the work machines 40. The transaction management device 2 communicates with the work machines 40, refueling machines 50 that supply fuel to the work machines 40, transport vehicles 30 that supply fuel to the refueling machines 50, and information terminals 60 carried by users, via a communications network. The communications network includes at least one of the Internet and a local area network (LAN).

[0013] The refueling machine 50 is installed at the gas station 3. The refueling machine 50 has a refueling nozzle. The refueling machine 50 supplies fuel to the work machine 40. The fuel is manufactured by a fuel manufacturer. The fuel manufactured by the manufacturer is transported to the gas station 3 by a transport vehicle 30. The transport vehicle 30 has a transport tank 31 in which the fuel is stored. The transport vehicle 30 supplies the fuel from the transport tank 31 to a storage tank (not shown) provided at the gas station 3. The storage tank at the gas station 3 temporarily stores the fuel. An operator at the gas station 3 uses the refueling nozzle of the refueling machine 50 to supply fuel from the storage tank to the work machine 40.

[0014] In an embodiment, the fuel is an alternative fuel. Alternative fuels include fuels that absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a type of greenhouse gas, during the production process, and fuels produced from greenhouse gases. An example of a fuel produced from greenhouse gases is carbon-neutral fuel. Carbon-neutral fuel refers to a fuel produced from carbon dioxide (CO2), a type of greenhouse gas. Although carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted into the atmosphere during the consumption process of carbon-neutral fuel, carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed from the atmosphere during the production process of carbon-neutral fuel. An alternative fuel is a fuel that suppresses the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration throughout all distribution processes, from the production process to the consumption process. Alternative fuels are more effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions than diesel.

[0015] [Alternative fuel] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of types of alternative fuels according to an embodiment. Examples of alternative fuels include biofuels produced using plants that have absorbed carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, and synthetic fuels produced by chemically synthesizing carbon dioxide (CO2). Examples of types of biofuels include FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), which is produced from plants or waste oil, and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which is produced by hydrotreating waste oil or animal fat. Examples of types of synthetic fuels include e-fuels, which are produced by chemically synthesizing hydrogen (H2) produced from renewable energy and carbon dioxide (CO2), and GTL (Gas to Liquids) fuels, which are produced from natural gas.

[0016] The greenhouse gas emission reduction effect varies depending on the type of fuel. The greenhouse gas emission reduction effect differs between FAME, HVO, e-fuel, and GTL fuel. The greenhouse gas emission reduction effect also differs depending on the fuel's properties (composition). Even alternative fuels of the same type may have different properties (composition). The greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of alternative fuels varies depending on the properties. The properties of alternative fuels may differ depending on the manufacturing conditions of the alternative fuel. The manufacturing conditions of alternative fuels include differences in the raw materials used in the manufacturing process. The manufacturing conditions may change the amount of CO2 absorbed during the manufacturing process of the alternative fuel, or the properties of the manufactured alternative fuel may change. Differences in properties may change the amount of CO2 emitted during the consumption process of the alternative fuel. In other words, the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of alternative fuels with different properties may differ from each other.

[0017] Examples of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and fluorocarbons. An example of an indicator of greenhouse gas emission reduction effectiveness is the emission reduction rate, which indicates the amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction per unit volume of fuel. When greenhouse gases are converted to carbon dioxide (CO2), an example of an indicator of greenhouse gas emission reduction effectiveness is the CO2 emission reduction rate per unit volume of fuel relative to diesel oil [kg-CO2 / L]. As shown in Figure 2, the CO2 emission reduction rate per unit volume of FAME relative to diesel oil is between 50% and 60%. Depending on the properties of FAME, the CO2 emission reduction rate of FAME may vary within a range of between 50% and 60%. The CO2 emission reduction rate per unit volume of HVO relative to diesel oil is currently approximately 90%. Due to differences in HVO properties and changes in the manufacturing or transportation process, the CO2 emission reduction rate of HVO may vary up to 100%. The CO2 emission reduction rate of e-fuel per unit volume compared to diesel is approximately 100%. The CO2 emission reduction rate of GTL fuel compared to diesel is approximately 8.5%.

[0018] [computer] 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a computer 11 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a computer 11. In the embodiment, each of the transaction management device 2 and the information terminal 60 includes the computer 11.

[0019] The computer 11 includes a processor 11A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 11B including a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage 11C, an input / output interface 11D including an input / output circuit, and a communication interface 11E including a communication circuit. The functions of the computer 11 are stored in the storage 11C as a computer program. The processor 11A reads the computer program from the storage 11C, loads it into the main memory 11B, and executes processing in accordance with the computer program. The computer program may be distributed to the computer 11 via a communication network.

[0020] The communication interface 11E communicates via a communication network. An input device 12 and a display device 13 are connected to the input / output interface 11D. The input device 12 generates input data when operated by a user of the information processing system 1. The user of the information processing system 1 can input input data to the information processing system 1 by operating the input device 12. Examples of the input device 12 include a touch panel, a computer keyboard, and a voice input device. The input data generated by the input device 12 is transmitted to the computer 11. The display device 13 provides display data to the user of the information processing system 1. The display device 13 displays the display data transmitted from the computer 11. Examples of the display device 13 include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0021] [Transaction management device] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing a transaction management device 2 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, transaction management device 2 has an emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21, a fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22, a user data acquisition unit 23, an emission reduction amount calculation unit 24, an evaluation unit 25, and a memory unit 26. The functions of emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21, fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22, user data acquisition unit 23, emission reduction amount calculation unit 24, and evaluation unit 25 are respectively performed by processor 11A. The function of memory unit 26 is performed by storage 11C. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21, fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22, user data acquisition unit 23, emission reduction amount calculation unit 24, and evaluation unit 25 each include a computer program, algorithm, and data executed by processor 11A.

[0022] The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 acquires emission reduction effect data indicating the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of the fuel. The emission reduction effect data includes the greenhouse gas emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel relative to diesel. The greenhouse gas emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel refers to the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount of the alternative fuel per unit volume. When greenhouse gas is converted to carbon dioxide (CO2), the greenhouse gas emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel is the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel per unit volume relative to diesel [kg-CO2 / L]. The emission reduction effect data may also include property data indicating the properties (composition) of the alternative fuel.

[0023] The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 acquires emission reduction effect data of the alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. There are cases where a plurality of alternative fuels with mutually different properties are supplied to the work machine 40. The CO2 emission reduction rates of the alternative fuels with different properties may differ from each other. When a plurality of alternative fuels with different properties are supplied to the work machine 40, the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 acquires the CO2 emission reduction rates of the respective alternative fuels.

[0024] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of acquiring emission reduction effect data according to the embodiment. An on-board tank 41 is provided on a work machine 40. Alternative fuel is supplied to the on-board tank 41 from a fuel nozzle of a fuel dispenser 50. The on-board tank 41 has a fuel filler opening into which the fuel nozzle is inserted. The alternative fuel is stored in the on-board tank 41. The alternative fuel is supplied from the on-board tank 41 to the engine of the work machine 40. The engine of the work machine 40 is powered by using the alternative fuel supplied from the on-board tank 41 as fuel.

[0025] A property sensor 42 is disposed in the on-board tank 41. The property sensor 42 may be disposed, for example, in a cap that closes the fuel filler opening of the on-board tank 41. The property sensor 42 detects the properties of the alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41. Detected data from the property sensor 42 is transmitted to an on-board controller 43 of the work machine 40. The on-board controller 43 stores correlation data that indicates the relationship between the properties of the alternative fuel and the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel. The correlation data is derived in advance, for example, by a preliminary experiment or simulation, and stored in the on-board controller 43. The on-board controller 43 calculates the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41 based on the detected data from the property sensor 42 and the correlation data. The on-board controller 43 transmits the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41 to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 via a communication network. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 can acquire the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel from the in-vehicle controller 43 as emission reduction effect data.

[0026] Table data showing the relationship between the type of alternative fuel and the CO2 emission reduction rate may be stored in advance in the storage of the on-board controller 43. The on-board controller 43 may calculate the CO2 emission reduction rate based on the type of alternative fuel detected by the property sensor 42 and the table data.

[0027] The on-vehicle controller 43 may transmit detection data from the property sensor 42 to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 via a communication network. Correlation data indicating the relationship between the properties of the alternative fuel and the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel may be stored in the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 may calculate the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the on-vehicle tank 41 as emission reduction effect data based on the detection data from the property sensor 42 and the correlation data.

[0028] A property sensor 52 may be provided in the refueling machine 50. The property sensor 52 may be provided in a storage tank at the refueling station 3 where the alternative fuel is temporarily stored, or in the fueling nozzle of the refueling machine 50. The property sensor 52 detects the properties of the alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50. The refueling machine 50 has a communication controller 53. Detection data from the property sensor 52 is transmitted to the communication controller 53 of the refueling machine 50. The communication controller 53 stores the above-mentioned correlation data. The communication controller 53 calculates the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50 based on the detection data from the property sensor 52 and the correlation data. The communication controller 53 transmits the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50 to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 via a communication network. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 can acquire the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel from the communication controller 53 as emission reduction effect data.

[0029] The communication controller 53 may transmit the detection data of the property sensor 52 to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 via the communication network. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 may calculate the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50 as emission reduction effect data based on the detection data of the property sensor 52 and the above-mentioned correlation data.

[0030] In addition, if the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel is pre-stored in the communication controller 53 of the fuel dispenser 50, the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the communication controller 53 may be transmitted to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 as emission reduction effect data.

[0031] A property sensor 32 may be disposed in a transport tank 31 of a transport vehicle 30 that transports the alternative fuel. The alternative fuel is stored in the transport tank 31. The alternative fuel is supplied from the transport tank 31 to a storage tank of a fuel dispenser 50. The property sensor 32 detects the properties of the alternative fuel stored in the transport tank 31. Detection data from the property sensor 32 is transmitted to an on-board controller 33 of the transport vehicle 30. The on-board controller 33 stores the above-mentioned correlation data. The on-board controller 33 calculates the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the transport tank 31 based on the detection data from the property sensor 32 and the correlation data. The on-board controller 33 transmits the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the transport tank 31 to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 via a communication network. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 can acquire the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel from the on-board controller 33 as emission reduction effect data.

[0032] The on-board controller 33 may transmit the detection data of the property sensor 32 to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 via a communication network. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 may calculate the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the transportation tank 31 as emission reduction effect data based on the detection data of the property sensor 32 and the correlation data described above.

[0033] In addition, if the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel is pre-stored in the on-board controller 33 of the transport vehicle 30, the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel stored in the on-board controller 33 may be transmitted to the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 as emission reduction effect data.

[0034] The fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 acquires fuel supply amount data indicating the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. The fuel supply amount [L] indicates the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the on-board tank 41 of the work machine 40. The fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 may acquire the trading volume [L] of the alternative fuel in at least a part of the distribution process of the alternative fuel, and calculate the amount of fuel supplied to the on-board tank 41 of the work machine 40 based on the trading volume.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring the amount of fuel supplied according to the embodiment. A liquid level sensor 44 is disposed in the on-board tank 41 of the work machine 40. The liquid level sensor 44 functions as a fuel supply sensor that detects the amount of fuel supplied. The liquid level sensor 44 can detect the increased amount [L] of the alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41. The amount [L] of alternative fuel supplied from the refueling machine 50 to the on-board tank 41 of the work machine 40 can be regarded as the increased amount of alternative fuel detected by the liquid level sensor 44. The increased amount of alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41 is regarded as the trading amount of alternative fuel in the distribution process of the alternative fuel. The liquid level sensor 44 can detect the trading amount. The detection data of the liquid level sensor 44 is transmitted to the on-board controller 43 of the work machine 40. The on-board controller 43 transmits the detection data of the liquid level sensor 44 to the fuel amount acquisition unit 22 via a communication network. The fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 acquires detection data of the liquid level sensor 44 from the on-board controller 43 as the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the on-board tank 41 of the work machine 40 .

[0036] The on-board controller 43 may calculate the amount of alternative fuel consumed by the work machine 40 [L] based on detection data from the liquid level sensor 44. The amount of alternative fuel consumed by the work machine 40 may be considered to be the supply amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. The alternative fuel is consumed to drive the engine of the work machine 40. When the amount of alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41 becomes low, the alternative fuel is replenished from the fuel dispenser 50 to the on-board tank 41. The amount of alternative fuel consumed by the work machine 40 can be considered to be the supply amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. The liquid level sensor 44 can detect the amount [L] of alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41 that has decreased. The amount of alternative fuel consumed by the work machine 40 can be considered to be the amount of alternative fuel that has been supplied to the work machine 40. The liquid level sensor 44 can detect the amount [L] of alternative fuel that has decreased in the amount of alternative fuel stored in the on-board tank 41. The amount of alternative fuel consumed by the work machine 40 can be considered to be the amount of alternative fuel that has decreased that has been detected by the liquid level sensor 44. The on-board controller 43 may transmit the amount of alternative fuel consumed by the work machine 40 to the fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 via a communication network.

[0037] A fuel supply amount sensor 54 may be provided in the refueling machine 50. The fuel supply amount sensor 54 may be provided in a storage tank at the refueling station 3 where the alternative fuel is temporarily stored, or in the fuel nozzle of the refueling machine 50. The property sensor 52 detects the amount of alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50. The fuel supply amount sensor 54 can detect the amount [L] of the alternative fuel that has been reduced in the refueling machine 50. The amount of the alternative fuel that has been reduced in the refueling machine 50 is considered to be the trading amount of the alternative fuel in the distribution process of the alternative fuel. The fuel supply amount sensor 54 can detect the trading amount. The amount of the alternative fuel that has been reduced in the refueling machine 50 can be considered to be the amount of alternative fuel that has been supplied from the refueling machine 50 to the work machine 40. The detection data of the fuel supply amount sensor 54 is transmitted to the communication controller 53 of the refueling machine 50. The communication controller 53 transmits the detection data of the fuel supply amount sensor 54 to the fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 via a communication network. The fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 acquires detection data of the fuel supply amount sensor 54 from the communication controller 53 as the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40 .

[0038] The increase in the amount of alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50 may be considered to be the amount of alternative fuel supplied from the refueling machine 50 to the work machine 40. When the amount of alternative fuel stored in the storage tank of the refueling station 3 becomes low, the alternative fuel is replenished from the transport vehicle 30 to the storage tank of the refueling station 3. The refueling amount sensor 54 can detect the increase in the amount [L] of alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50. When the refueling machine 50 refuels only the work machine 40, the increase in the amount of alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50 can be considered to be the decrease in the amount of alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50. When the refueling machine 50 refuels only the work machine 40, the increase in the amount of alternative fuel held in the refueling machine 50 can be considered to be the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40.

[0039] In addition, a fuel supply amount sensor 34 may be disposed in the transport tank 31 of the transport vehicle 30 that transports the alternative fuel. When the amount of alternative fuel stored in the storage tank of the gas station 3 becomes low, the alternative fuel is replenished from the transport vehicle 30 to the storage tank of the gas station 3. The fuel supply amount sensor 34 can detect the amount [L] of alternative fuel that has decreased in the transport tank 31. The amount of alternative fuel that has decreased in the transport tank 31 is considered to be the trading amount of alternative fuel in the alternative fuel distribution process. The fuel supply amount sensor 34 can detect the trading amount. When the refueling machine 50 refuels only the work machine 40, the amount of alternative fuel that has decreased in the transport tank 31 can be considered to be the amount of alternative fuel that has been supplied from the refueling machine 50 to the work machine 40. The detection data of the fuel supply amount sensor 34 is transmitted to the on-board controller 33 of the transport vehicle 30. The on-board controller 33 transmits the detection data of the fuel supply amount sensor 34 to the fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 via a communication network. The fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 acquires detection data of the fuel supply amount sensor 34 from the on-board controller 33 as the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40 .

[0040] The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires user data for identifying the user of the work machine 40. The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires the user data from the information terminal 60. Application software for using the information processing system 1 is installed on the information terminal 60. The user of the work machine 40 can operate the application software installed on the information terminal 60 to send the user data to the transaction management device 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the user data acquisition unit 23 acquires identification data for identifying the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel has been supplied. The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires identification data for identifying the refueling machine 50 that supplied the alternative fuel to the work machine 40. The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires identification data for identifying the transport vehicle 30 that supplied the alternative fuel to the refueling machine 50.

[0042] 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring identification data according to the embodiment. The identification data of the work machine 40 is stored in advance in the on-board controller 43 of the work machine 40. The on-board controller 43 transmits the identification data of the work machine 40 to the user data acquisition unit 23 via a communications network. The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires the identification data of the work machine 40.

[0043] The identification data of the work machine 40 may include, for example, a two-dimensional code or nameplate affixed to the body of the work machine 40. The two-dimensional code or nameplate may be read by a reading device. The read data read by the reading device may be transmitted from the on-board controller 43 to the user data acquisition unit 23 as the identification data of the work machine 40.

[0044] The communication controller 53 of the refueling aircraft 50 stores in advance the identification data of the refueling aircraft 50. The communication controller 53 transmits the identification data of the refueling aircraft 50 to the user data acquisition unit 23 via the communication network. The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires the identification data of the refueling aircraft 50.

[0045] The identification data of the refueling aircraft 50 may include, for example, a two-dimensional code or nameplate affixed to the main body of the refueling aircraft 50. The two-dimensional code or nameplate may be read by a reading device. The read data read by the reading device may be transmitted from the communication controller 53 to the user data acquisition unit 23 as the identification data of the refueling aircraft 50.

[0046] The on-board controller 33 of the transport vehicle 30 stores in advance the identification data of the transport vehicle 30. The on-board controller 33 transmits the identification data of the transport vehicle 30 to the user data acquisition unit 23 via a communication network. The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires the identification data of the transport vehicle 30.

[0047] The identification data of the transport vehicle 30 may include, for example, a two-dimensional code or a nameplate affixed to the body of the transport vehicle 30. The two-dimensional code or the nameplate may be read by a reading device. The read data read by the reading device may be transmitted from the on-board controller 33 to the user data acquisition unit 23 as the identification data of the transport vehicle 30.

[0048] The user data acquisition unit 23 can identify the work machine 40 to which alternative fuel has been supplied, based on the identification data of the work machine 40 and the fuel amount data acquired by the fuel amount acquisition unit 22. As described above, the fuel amount acquisition unit 22 acquires fuel amount data that indicates the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. The user data acquisition unit 23 can identify the work machine 40 to which alternative fuel has been supplied, by associating the identification data of the work machine 40 with the work machine 40 to which alternative fuel has been supplied.

[0049] The user data acquisition unit 23 can identify the refueling machine 50 that supplied the alternative fuel to a specific work machine 40, based on the identification data of the work machine 40, the identification data of the refueling machine 50, and the refueling amount data acquired by the refueling amount acquisition unit 22. As described above, the user data acquisition unit 23 can identify the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel has been supplied by associating the identification data of the work machine 40 with the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel has been supplied. The user data acquisition unit 23 can identify the refueling machine 50 that supplied the alternative fuel to a specific work machine 40 by associating the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel has been supplied with the identification data of the refueling machine 50 that supplied the alternative fuel to the work machine 40.

[0050] The user data acquisition unit 23 can identify the transport vehicle 30 that transported the alternative fuel supplied from a specific refueling machine 50 to a specific work machine 40 based on the identification data of the work machine 40, the identification data of the refueling machine 50, the identification data of the transport vehicle 30, and the refueling amount data acquired by the refueling amount acquisition unit 22.

[0051] The user data acquisition unit 23 can identify the user of the work machine 40 to which alternative fuel has been supplied, based on the identification data of the work machine 40 and the user data for identifying the user transmitted from the information terminal 60.

[0052] The emission reduction amount calculation unit 24 calculates the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount in the work machine 40 based on the emission reduction effect data acquired by the emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 and the fuel supply amount data indicating the fuel supply amount acquired by the fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22. The emission reduction effect data includes the CO2 emission reduction rate [kg-CO2 / L] of the alternative fuel. The emission reduction amount calculation unit 24 can calculate the CO2 emission reduction amount [kg-CO2] in the specific work machine 40 as the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount by multiplying the CO2 emission reduction rate [kg-CO2 / L] of the alternative fuel by the fuel supply amount [L].

[0053] As described above, the amount of alternative fuel consumed [L] by the work machine 40 can be considered to be the supply amount [L] of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. The alternative fuel is consumed to drive the engine of the work machine 40. The emission reduction calculation unit 24 can calculate the CO2 emission reduction amount [kg-CO2] in the operation process of the work machine 40 (the process of consuming the alternative fuel) based on the CO2 emission reduction rate [kg-CO2 / L] of the alternative fuel and the supply amount [L] of the alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40.

[0054] The evaluation unit 25 grants an incentive to the user of the work machine 40 based on the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount of the work machine 40 calculated by the emission reduction amount calculation unit 24. The evaluation unit 25 increases the amount of incentive the greater the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount of the work machine 40, and decreases the amount of incentive the smaller the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount of the work machine 40. The evaluation unit 25 increases the amount of incentive the greater the supply amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40, and decreases the amount of incentive the smaller the supply amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40.

[0055] The evaluation unit 25 can identify the user of the work machine 40 to whom an incentive will be granted, based on the user data for identifying the user of the work machine 40 acquired by the user data acquisition unit 23 and the identification data of the work machine 40 to which alternative fuel has been supplied. The evaluation unit 25 generates evaluation data indicating the incentive to be granted to the user of the work machine 40. The evaluation unit 25 transmits the evaluation data indicating the incentive to an information terminal 60 carried by the user via a communications network. The evaluation unit 25 transmits the evaluation data to the information terminal 60 in which application software for using the information processing system 1 is installed. The incentive includes points. The user of the work machine 40 can exchange the points for, for example, merchandise or gift certificates.

[0056] As described above, the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40 is detected by at least one of the liquid level sensor 44 of the work machine 40, the fuel amount sensor 54 of the refueling machine 50, and the fuel amount sensor 34 of the transport vehicle 30. Based on the identification data of the work machine 40, the identification data of the refueling machine 50, and the fuel amount data, the evaluation unit 25 can identify the refueling machine 50 that supplied the alternative fuel to the work machine 40, the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel was supplied from the refueling machine 50, and the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. Based on the identification data of the work machine 40, the identification data of the refueling machine 50, the identification data of the transport vehicle 30, and the fuel supply amount data, the evaluation unit 25 can identify the transport vehicle 30 that supplied the alternative fuel to the refueling machine 50, the refueling machine 50 to which the alternative fuel was supplied from the transport vehicle 30, the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel was supplied from the refueling machine 50, and the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. Based on the multiple pieces of identification data, the evaluation unit 25 can identify with a high degree of reliability that alternative fuel has been supplied to the work machine 40, and the user of the work machine 40 to whom an incentive should be awarded.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for granting incentives according to an embodiment. The evaluation unit 25 may change the amount of the incentive based on the operating location of the work machine 40. The operating location of the work machine 40 refers to the location where the engine of the work machine 40 consumes alternative fuel. As shown in FIG. 8, the work machine 40 has a position sensor 45 that detects the position of the work machine 40. The position sensor 45 includes a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver that detects the position of the work machine 40 in a global coordinate system using the GNSS. The detection data of the position sensor 45 is transmitted to the on-board controller 43. The on-board controller 43 transmits the detection data of the position sensor 45 to the transaction management device 2 via a communications network. The detection data of the position sensor 45 indicates the operating location of the work machine 40. The evaluation unit 25 changes the amount of the incentive based on the detection data of the position sensor 45.

[0058] The evaluation unit 25 classifies the operating location of the work machine 40 into a first operating location where high cleanliness is required for the exhaust gas from the engine of the work machine 40, and a second operating location where low cleanliness exhaust gas is acceptable. Examples of the first operating location include residential areas or areas around public facilities. Examples of the second operating location include industrial areas or areas around major roads. When diesel is used as engine fuel, the cleanliness of the exhaust gas is likely to be low. When an alternative fuel is used as engine fuel, the cleanliness of the exhaust gas is likely to be high compared to when diesel is used. When the evaluation unit 25 determines, based on the detection data of the position sensor 45, that the work machine 40 is consuming alternative fuel at the first operating location, the amount of the incentive is increased. When the evaluation unit 25 determines, based on the detection data of the position sensor 45, that the work machine 40 is consuming alternative fuel at the second operating location, the amount of the incentive is decreased.

[0059] The evaluation unit 25 may change the amount of incentive based on the type or class of the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel has been supplied. The evaluation unit 25 can identify the type or class of the work machine 40 based on the identification data of the work machine 40 described with reference to FIG. 7. Examples of types of work machine 40 include excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and dump trucks. Classification refers to the class of the work machine 40 classified by body size or engine displacement. The type of work machine 40 may affect the amount of fuel consumption per unit work amount. The class of the work machine 40 may affect the amount of fuel consumption per unit work amount. The evaluation unit 25 may increase the amount of incentive the greater the fuel consumption per unit work amount of the work machine 40 that consumes the alternative fuel (the worse the fuel efficiency), and may decrease the amount of incentive the lower the fuel consumption per unit work amount (the better the fuel efficiency).

[0060] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 25 calculates history data indicating the transaction history and usage history of the alternative fuel. The history data includes the transaction volume of the alternative fuel in the distribution process of the alternative fuel. When multiple alternative fuels with different properties are in circulation, the evaluation unit 25 calculates history data for each of the multiple alternative fuels with different properties. The history data may also include the CO2 emission reduction rate [kg-CO2 / L] of the alternative fuel. The evaluation unit 25 stores the calculated history data in the memory unit 26.

[0061] [How incentives are awarded] 9 is a flowchart showing a method for granting incentives according to the embodiment. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 acquires emission reduction effect data of the alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. The emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 acquires the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel relative to diesel as the emission reduction effect data of the alternative fuel (step S1). The fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 acquires the fuel supply amount of the alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40 (step S2).

[0062] The user data acquisition unit 23 acquires user data for identifying the user of the work machine 40. The user data acquisition unit 23 also acquires identification data for identifying the work machine 40 to which the alternative fuel has been supplied (step S3).

[0063] The emission reduction calculation unit 24 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount of the work machine 40 based on the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel acquired in step S1 and the amount of alternative fuel supplied acquired in step S2. The emission reduction calculation unit 24 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount of the alternative fuel compared to diesel. The emission reduction calculation unit 24 calculates the CO2 emission reduction amount when the work machine 40 consumes the alternative fuel by the amount of fuel supplied acquired in step S2 (step S4).

[0064] Based on the amount of CO2 emission reduction calculated in step S4, the evaluation unit 25 generates evaluation data indicating an incentive to be given to the user of the work machine 40. The evaluation unit 25 generates the evaluation data so that the amount of incentive increases as the amount of CO2 emission reduction calculated in step S4 increases, and decreases as the amount of CO2 emission reduction decreases (step S5).

[0065] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 25 calculates history data indicating the transaction history and usage history of the alternative fuel. The history data includes the CO2 emission reduction amount calculated in step S4. The evaluation unit 25 stores the calculated history data in the storage unit 26 (step S6).

[0066] The evaluation unit 25 transmits evaluation data indicating an incentive to the information terminal 60 carried by the user via a communication network. Application software for using the information processing system 1 is installed in the information terminal 60. When the evaluation data is transmitted to the information terminal 60 carried by the user, an incentive is granted to the user (step S7).

[0067] [effect] As described above, the transaction management device 2 comprises an emission reduction effect acquisition unit 21 that acquires emission reduction effect data indicating the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of the alternative fuel; a fuel supply amount acquisition unit 22 that acquires fuel supply amount data indicating the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40; an emission reduction amount calculation unit 24 that calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction in the work machine 40 based on the emission reduction effect data and the fuel supply amount data; and an evaluation unit 25 that grants incentives to the user of the work machine 40 based on the emission reduction amount calculated by the emission reduction amount calculation unit 24.

[0068] According to the embodiment, the evaluation unit 25 increases the amount of incentive the greater the amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction in the work machine 40, and decreases the amount of incentive the smaller the amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction in the work machine 40. The evaluation unit 25 increases the amount of incentive the greater the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40, and decreases the amount of incentive the smaller the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40. This increases the likelihood that the user of the work machine 40 will actively use alternative fuels. It is possible to encourage the user of the work machine 40 to use alternative fuels that have a high greenhouse gas emission reduction effect.

[0069] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the emission reduction effect data includes the greenhouse gas emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel relative to diesel. The greenhouse gas emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel is the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel per unit volume [kg-CO2 / L] relative to diesel. The greenhouse gas emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel may also be the CO2 emission reduction rate of the alternative fuel per unit weight [kg-CO2 / kg].

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, FAME, HVO, e-fuel, and GTL fuel are exemplified as alternative fuels. The alternative fuel may be any fuel that is more effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions than diesel. Examples of alternative fuels include hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), methanol, ethanol, and ammonia. The fuel may also include diesel.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the refueling machine 50 and the work machine 40 may communicate via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless PAN (Personal Area Network) at any timing before, during, or after fuel is supplied from the refueling machine 50 to the work machine 40, and the on-board controller 43 may acquire the emission reduction effect data from the refueling machine 50. The on-board controller 43 may also acquire the emission reduction effect data from the refueling machine 50 by reading a two-dimensional code provided on the refueling machine 50. The on-board controller 43 may acquire the emission reduction effect data from the refueling machine 50 by contactless communication such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), or may acquire the emission reduction effect data from the refueling machine 50 in a contact-type manner via a connector cable connected to the refueling machine 50. The on-board controller 43 may calculate the amount of CO2 emission reduction based on the emission reduction effect data acquired from the refueling machine 50. The refueling machine 50 may also acquire user data by reading a two-dimensional code provided on the work machine 40. The fuel dispenser 50 and the transaction management device 2 may communicate with each other, and the transaction management device 2 may grant an incentive based on the user data and emission reduction effect data transmitted from the fuel dispenser 50.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, some or all of the functions of the transaction management device 2 may be possessed by the computer of the information terminal 60. A processor of the computer of the information terminal 60 may acquire emission reduction effect data indicating the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of the alternative fuel, acquire a fuel supply amount indicating the amount of alternative fuel supplied to the work machine 40, calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction in the work machine 40 based on the emission reduction effect data and the fuel supply amount, and grant an incentive to the user of the work machine 40 based on the amount of emission reduction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...information processing system, 2...transaction management device, 3...fuel station, 11...computer, 11A...processor, 11B...main memory, 11C...storage, 11D...input / output interface, 11E...communication interface, 12...input device, 13...display device, 21...emission reduction effect acquisition unit, 22...fuel amount acquisition unit, 23...user data acquisition unit, 24...emission reduction amount calculation unit, 25...evaluation unit, 26...memory unit, 30...transport vehicle, 31...transport tank, 32...property sensor, 33...on-board controller, 34...fuel amount sensor, 40...work machine, 41...on-board tank, 42...property sensor, 43...on-board controller, 44...liquid level sensor, 45...position sensor, 50...fuel pump, 52...property sensor, 53...communication controller, 54...fuel amount sensor, 60...information terminal.

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: Obtain emission reduction effect data showing the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of fuel, acquiring a fuel supply amount indicating the amount of fuel supplied to the work machine; calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction in the work machine based on the emission reduction effect data and the amount of fuel supplied; providing an incentive to a user of the work machine based on the amount of emission reduction; Information processing system.

2. The processor: acquiring user data for identifying a user of the work machine; Identifying a user to whom the incentive is to be granted based on the user data; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: Varying the amount of the incentive based on the operating location of the work machine. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The processor: changing the amount of the incentive based on the type or class of the work machine; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: Acquire the trading volume of the fuel in the distribution process of the fuel; Calculating the amount of fuel supplied based on the transaction amount. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The processor: Calculating the amount of fuel supplied based on a fuel supply amount sensor that detects the transaction amount. The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. the fuel amount sensor is provided in at least one of the work machine, a refueling machine that supplies the fuel to the work machine, and a transport vehicle that supplies the fuel to the refueling machine; The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The emission reduction effect data includes an emission reduction rate indicating the greenhouse gas emission reduction amount of the fuel per unit volume relative to diesel fuel, The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. The processor: calculating the emission reduction rate based on detection data from a property sensor that detects the property of the fuel; The information processing system according to claim 8 .

10. the property sensor is provided in at least one of the work machine, a refueling machine that supplies the fuel to the work machine, and a transport vehicle that supplies the fuel to the refueling machine; The information processing system according to claim 9 .

11. obtaining emission reduction effect data showing the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of the fuel; acquiring a fuel supply amount indicating the amount of fuel supplied to the work machine; calculating an emission reduction amount of the greenhouse gas in the work machine based on the emission reduction effect data and the amount of fuel supplied; and providing an incentive to a user of the work machine based on the amount of emission reduction. Information processing methods.

12. a processor; The processor: Obtain emission reduction effect data showing the greenhouse gas emission reduction effect of fuel, acquiring a fuel supply amount indicating the amount of fuel supplied to the work machine; calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emission reduction in the work machine based on the emission reduction effect data and the amount of fuel supplied; providing an incentive to a user of the work machine based on the amount of emission reduction; Information terminal.

Images