Information processing device

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device that can acquire and notify users of the contribution level of each individual participant. [Solution] The information processing device disclosed herein is an information processing device for notifying participants in an environmental contribution project of environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by home appliances they use, and comprises a communication unit that communicates via a network and a control unit that controls the communication unit, wherein the control unit acquires environmental contribution information calculated based on the operating information of home appliances and notifies the participants of the environmental contribution information via the communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various measures have been taken to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in order to prevent global warming. For example, there is a "J-Credit system" in which the state certifies, as "credits", the amount of reduction or absorption of greenhouse gases achieved through measures such as the introduction of energy-saving equipment or efforts in forest management.

[0003] In such measures, there is a known generation device that generates a report on the effect on environmental contributions such as the amount of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an environmental contribution effect report generation device that generates a report on the environmental contribution effect by introducing equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The environmental contribution effect report generation device of Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in obtaining and notifying the contribution degree of each participant.

[0006] This disclosure provides an information processing apparatus capable of obtaining and notifying the contribution degree of each participant.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The information processing apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure is An information processing device for notifying environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reductions made by home appliances used by participants in an environmental contribution project, A communication unit that communicates via a network, A control unit that controls the communication unit, Equipped with, The control unit acquires the environmental contribution information calculated based on the operating information of the home appliance and notifies the participant of the environmental contribution information via the communication unit.

[0008] A method relating to one aspect of this disclosure is, A method for calculating environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by home appliances used by participants in an environmental contribution project, The steps include: acquiring operating information of the aforementioned home appliance, A step of calculating the environmental contribution information based on the aforementioned driving information, The steps include notifying the participant of the calculated environmental contribution information, Includes.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes the method of the above-described aspect to be executed.

[0010] A recording medium according to one aspect of this disclosure is a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for performing the method of the above-described aspect is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can acquire and notify the contribution level of individual participants. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing device in Figure 1 [Figure 3] The sequence diagram showing the processing sequence of the information processing device in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure showing an example of the environmental contribution information output by the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1 [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 6] Figure showing an example of the environmental ratio output by the information processing apparatus [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 8] Figure showing an example of the reward output by the information processing apparatus [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 4 [Figure 10] Sequence diagram showing the processing sequence of the information processing apparatus [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of the selection screen output by the information processing apparatus

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] (Background Leading to the Present Disclosure) Various measures have been taken to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. In order to make these measures more effective, it has also been considered to issue reports on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by these measures.

[0014] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an environmental contribution effect report generation device that reports the environmental contribution effect of an invested project to investors.

[0015] As measures for emitting greenhouse gases, for example, there are systems such as the J-credit system in which the country certifies the reduction or absorption amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In such a system, small-scale reduction activities such as reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases in the use of electrical appliances at home can be grouped together as one project and certified.

[0016] In this case, it is important to raise each user's awareness of environmental contributions not only by reporting the environmental impact of the project as a whole, but also by reporting the environmental impact to individual users who use electrical appliances in their homes.

[0017] The environmental contribution effect report generation device described in Patent Document 1 shows investors the environmental contribution effect of the project as a whole, but it cannot clearly show the environmental contribution effect of individual users, making it difficult to increase the motivation of individual users to participate in environmental contributions.

[0018] Therefore, the inventors considered providing information that would allow individual participants to understand the contribution of the home appliances they use, and arrived at the following invention.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) [Overall structure] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this disclosure. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing device 1 in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the processing sequence of the information processing device 1 in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of environmental contribution information output by the information processing device 1 in Figure 1.

[0020] Information processing device 1 is a device that calculates environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by home appliances used by participants in the environmental contribution project.

[0021] An environmental contribution project is an activity that protects the global environment, such as participating in a system that certifies the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. In this embodiment, an environmental contribution project will be explained using a project registered with the J-Credit Scheme as an example. For example, users who use electrical appliances at home can participate in an environmental contribution project. In this embodiment, electrical appliances used at home will be referred to as "home appliances," and the example will be that the home appliance is an air conditioner.

[0022] Furthermore, environmental contribution information refers to information that shows how much carbon dioxide emissions were reduced through the environmental contribution project. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction for each home appliance (air conditioner) used by the project participants as environmental contribution information.

[0023] The information processing device 1 calculates environmental contribution information based on the operating information of home appliances used by participants in the environmental contribution project. Home appliance operating information includes logs related to the operation of each appliance, such as the start time, stop time, and power consumption. If the appliance is an air conditioner, the operating information includes information such as the start time, stop time, operating mode (heating operation or cooling operation, etc.), and set temperature.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1 comprises a communication unit 10, a storage unit 20, and a control unit 30.

[0025] The communication unit 10 includes a network interface circuit that communicates via wired or wireless connection with air conditioners 41a to 41c or user terminals 42a to 42c used by users participating in the environmental contribution project. The communication unit 10 communicates with the air conditioners 41a to 41c or user terminals 42a to 42c using a predetermined communication standard, such as mobile communication including WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 5G, power line communication, or short-range wireless communication including Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0026] The storage unit 20 stores operating information of home appliances acquired via the communication unit 10. The storage unit 20 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor storage device such as flash memory or a solid-state drive (SSD), a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or a volatile memory such as SRAM or DRAM.

[0027] The control unit 30 calculates environmental contribution information based on the driving information stored in the memory unit 20. The control unit 30 also notifies participants of the calculated environmental contribution information via the communication unit 10. As a specific example of notifying participants, the environmental contribution information is displayed on user terminals 42a to 42c via the communication unit 10.

[0028] The control unit 30 is comprised of a processor that performs a predetermined function by executing a program stored in a built-in memory device, for example. The control unit 30 is not limited to one that performs a predetermined function through the cooperation of hardware and software, but may also be a hardware circuit designed to perform a predetermined function. In other words, the control unit 30 can be comprised of various processors such as a microcontroller, CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, etc.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the detailed method for calculating environmental contribution information will be explained. Here, the control for the air conditioner 41a and user terminal 42a in Figure 1 will be described. Similar control is performed for the air conditioners 41b to 41c and user terminals 42b to 42c.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the information processing device 1 acquires operating information of the air conditioner 41a, calculates environmental contribution information based on the operating information, and transmits the environmental contribution information to the user terminal 42a.

[0031] First, in step S1, the memory unit 20 acquires operating information. The memory unit 20 acquires and stores the operating information for each of the air conditioners 41a to 41c used by the participants of the environmental contribution project via the communication unit 10. The memory unit 20 acquires operating information at predetermined intervals. These predetermined intervals are, for example, every 24 hours, every month, every three months, or every year. It is preferable that the memory unit 20 acquires operating information after a certain amount of operating information has been accumulated in the air conditioner 41a.

[0032] Next, in step S2, the control unit 30 calculates environmental contribution information. The control unit 30 calculates a first environmental contribution value, which indicates the energy consumption information of the air conditioner 41a used by the participants in the environmental contribution project, and a second environmental contribution value, which serves as a baseline. Energy consumption information includes, for example, the power consumption or usage time of the air conditioner 41a, and indicates information related to power consumption. The control unit 30 calculates environmental contribution information based on the first environmental contribution value and the second environmental contribution value.

[0033] The first environmental contribution value is calculated based on the operating information stored in the storage unit 20 in step S1. The control unit 30 can calculate the first environmental contribution value by obtaining, for example, the power consumption of the air conditioner 41a during a predetermined period based on the operating information for a predetermined period, and multiplying the obtained power consumption by a predetermined carbon dioxide emission coefficient. The power consumption can be calculated by the control unit 30 based on the start time and stop time of the air conditioner 41a included in the operating information. Alternatively, the power consumption may be included in the operating information. Specifically, the first environmental contribution value EM1 can be calculated using the formula EM1 = EL × CEF based on the power consumption EL and carbon dioxide emission coefficient CEF of the air conditioner 41a during a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be, for example, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months, or 1 year. The control unit 30 may calculate the first environmental contribution value at the same timing as the predetermined interval at which the operating information is obtained in step S1, or it may calculate the first environmental contribution value regardless of the timing at which the operating information is obtained. The carbon dioxide emission factor (CO2 emission factor) is an indicator that shows the amount of carbon dioxide emitted to supply 1 kWh of electricity, and its unit is "kg-CO2 / kWh". If an air conditioner 41a uses electricity supplied by an electric utility, for example, the carbon dioxide emission factor determined by each electric utility will be used.

[0034] The second environmental contribution calculation value is a value that indicates energy consumption information that serves as a baseline for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction. The control unit 30 can calculate the second environmental contribution calculation value by multiplying the calculated first environmental contribution calculation value by a predetermined coefficient that indicates the ratio of the APF (Annual Performance Factor) of the air conditioner 41a, which indicates the annual energy consumption efficiency of the air conditioner 41a, to the baseline APF of the air conditioner. The predetermined coefficient ε can be calculated by the formula ε = APF1 / APF2, based on the annual energy consumption efficiency APF1 of the air conditioner 41a and the baseline annual energy consumption efficiency APF2. The second environmental contribution calculation value EM2 can be calculated by the formula EM2 = EM1 × ε, based on the first environmental contribution calculation value EM1 and the predetermined coefficient ε. The baseline APF of the air conditioner refers to, for example, the APF of the air conditioner used by the participant in the environmental contribution project before the start of use of the air conditioner 41a, or a predetermined APF determined by the Top Runner Program. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 calculates the second environmental contribution value EM2 by multiplying the first environmental contribution value EM1 by the predetermined coefficient ε, using the ratio of the APF of the air conditioner 41a to the baseline APF as a predetermined coefficient ε.

[0035] The control unit 30 can calculate environmental contribution information indicating the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by the air conditioner 41a by subtracting the first environmental contribution calculation value from the second environmental contribution calculation value. Specifically, based on the first environmental contribution calculation value EM1 and the second environmental contribution calculation value EM2, the environmental contribution information ER can be calculated using the formula ER = EM2 - EM1. The difference between the first environmental contribution calculation value, which shows the energy consumption information when using the air conditioner 41a, and the second environmental contribution calculation value, which shows the baseline energy consumption information, is the environmental contribution information, and it indicates the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by the air conditioner 41a.

[0036] Next, in step S3, the control unit 30 notifies the participant of the environmental contribution information calculated in step S2 via the communication unit 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 can notify the participant of the environmental contribution information by transmitting it to the user terminal 42a, such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet, owned by the participant. Figure 4 shows an example of environmental contribution information 51 transmitted to a smartphone, which is a user terminal 42a owned by the participant. In the example in Figure 4, the environmental contribution information 51 includes the carbon dioxide emissions of the air conditioner used before the air conditioner 41a was put into use, and the carbon dioxide emissions of the air conditioner 41a. Therefore, the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from using the air conditioner 41a can be communicated to the participant in numerical and visual form. This can increase the participant's motivation to participate in the environmental contribution project.

[0037] [effect] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0038] The information processing device 1 calculates environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by the home appliances used by participants in the environmental contribution project. The information processing device 1 comprises a communication unit 10, a storage unit 20, and a control unit 30. The communication unit 10 communicates via a network. The storage unit 20 acquires and stores operating information of home appliances via the communication unit 10. The control unit 30 acquires environmental contribution information based on the operating information. The control unit 30 notifies the participants of the environmental contribution information via the communication unit 10.

[0039] This configuration makes it possible to provide an information processing device that can acquire and notify the contribution level of each individual participant. By acquiring and notifying the contribution level of each participant, it is possible to increase the participants' motivation to participate in environmental contribution projects.

[0040] The control unit 30 calculates a first environmental contribution value, a second environmental contribution value, and calculates environmental contribution information based on the first and second environmental contribution values. The first environmental contribution value is a value indicating energy consumption information of home appliances calculated based on operating information for a predetermined period. The second environmental contribution value is a value indicating energy consumption information that serves as a basis for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction, calculated based on the first environmental contribution value and a predetermined coefficient.

[0041] This configuration allows for more accurate calculation of environmental contribution information.

[0042] This disclosure provides a method for calculating environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by home appliances used by participants in an environmental contribution project, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring operating information of the home appliances; calculating environmental contribution information based on the operating information; and notifying the participants of the calculated environmental contribution information.

[0043] This disclosure can provide a computer program and a storage medium for controlling the information processing device 1.

[0044] Furthermore, this disclosure can provide a computer program for causing the information processing device 1 to execute the method described above.

[0045] The computer program is stored in a non-temporary, computer-readable storage medium. The above method is realized when the computer program is read and executed by the control unit 30 of the information processing device 1.

[0046] The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium may be the storage unit 20 of the information processing device 1, or it may be an external storage device of the information processing device 1.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the control unit 30 calculates a first environmental contribution value based on operating information for a predetermined period, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 30 may calculate an estimated value of future environmental contribution information based on the first environmental contribution value. More specifically, an estimated value of the first environmental contribution value of the air conditioner 41a for the following year may be calculated based on operating information for a predetermined period, for example, one year. By calculating an estimated value of environmental contribution information, it is possible to further increase the motivation of participants to participate in environmental contribution projects.

[0048] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains an example in which the control unit 30 calculates the second environmental contribution value using a common coefficient for both cooling and heating operations, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 30 may calculate the second environmental contribution value using different coefficients for heating and cooling operations. In an air conditioner, the energy consumption efficiency may differ between heating and cooling operations. Therefore, different coefficients based on APF may be used for heating and cooling operations. That is, a predetermined coefficient ε includes a first coefficient ε1 for cooling operation of the air conditioner 41a and a second coefficient ε2 for heating operation of the air conditioner 41a. Based on the annual energy consumption efficiency APFc during cooling operation and the baseline annual energy consumption efficiency APF2, the first coefficient ε1 can be calculated by the formula ε1 = APFc / APF2. Similarly, the second coefficient ε2 can be calculated using the formula ε2 = APFw / APF2, based on the annual energy efficiency AFPw during heating operation and the baseline annual energy efficiency APF2. The control unit 30 can calculate the second environmental contribution value EM2 based on the first environmental contribution value EM1 and the first coefficient ε1 when the air conditioner 41a is in cooling operation. The control unit 30 can also calculate the second environmental contribution value EM2 based on the first environmental contribution value EM1 and the second coefficient ε2 when the air conditioner 41a is in heating operation. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may calculate the second environmental contribution value using either the first coefficient ε1 or the second coefficient ε2 depending on the season. For example, the control unit 30 may calculate the first environmental contribution value EM1 using the second coefficient ε2 during heating operation from October to March, and the first environmental contribution value EM1 using the first coefficient ε1 during cooling operation from April to September. This configuration allows for more accurate calculation of environmental contribution information.

[0049] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains an example in which the control unit 30 calculates environmental contribution information based on the operating information of the air conditioner 41a, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 30 may calculate a first environmental contribution value based on the power consumption of the indoor unit and the power consumption of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 41a. Based on the operating information, the control unit 30 can calculate the first environmental contribution value by, for example, calculating the power consumption of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, adding the respective power consumption values, and multiplying the sum of these values ​​by the carbon dioxide emission coefficient. For example, the power consumption of the indoor unit can be calculated based on a power consumption table that associates the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor of the air conditioner 41a with the power consumption. The rotation speed of the indoor fan motor can be stored in the storage unit 20 as operating information, for example, by a value measured by a sensor. The power consumption of the outdoor unit can be calculated based on the AC voltage, AC current, and power factor of the outdoor unit. For example, the AC voltage can be a value specified by the model of the air conditioner 41a. The AC current can be stored in the memory unit 20 as operating information, for example, by a sensor. The power factor can be calculated based on a conversion table using the AC voltage and AC current values. This configuration allows for more accurate calculation of environmental contribution information.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 30 calculates the power consumption EL of the air conditioner 41a based on the operating information and calculates the first environmental contribution calculation value EM1 based on the power consumption EL and the carbon dioxide emission coefficient CEF, but the invention is not limited to this. The control unit 30 can calculate the usage time of the air conditioner 41a over a predetermined period based on the operating information and use this as the first environmental contribution calculation value EM1. In this case, the control unit 30 can calculate the second environmental contribution calculation value EM2 based on the usage time of the air conditioner 41a (first environmental contribution calculation value EM1) and a predetermined coefficient ε.

[0051] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains an example in which the control unit 30 notifies the participant's user terminal 42a of environmental contribution information, the invention is not limited to this. The control unit 30 may also notify the participant of information for viewing the environmental contribution information, such as a URL.

[0052] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explained an example where the environmental contribution project is the J-Credit scheme, it is not limited to this. The environmental contribution project may also be a carbon dioxide emission reduction certification scheme other than the J-Credit scheme.

[0053] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains an example in which the control unit 30 calculates environmental contribution information, the system is not limited to this. For example, the environmental contribution information may be calculated by the user terminals 42a to 42c held by the participants, and the control unit 30 may acquire the environmental contribution information from each user terminal 42a to 42c via the communication unit 10.

[0054] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which the home appliance is an air conditioner, the invention is not limited to this. The home appliance may be, for example, a refrigerator. Since refrigerators are usually in continuous operation, the information processing device 1 can calculate environmental contribution information without using operating information. For example, the control unit 30 may calculate environmental contribution information based on the power consumption and energy efficiency values ​​of the refrigerator's specifications or catalog values ​​after a predetermined period has elapsed since the participant's participation in the environmental contribution project.

[0055] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains an example in which the storage unit 20 stores operating information, it is not limited to this. In addition to operating information, the storage unit 20 may also store information about home appliances (air conditioners 41a to 41c) participating in the environmental contribution project, information about participants in the environmental contribution project who use the home appliances, and information about users who use the home appliances. One of the users who uses the home appliances is stored in the storage unit 20 as a participant in the environmental contribution project. Therefore, the storage unit 20 can distinguish and manage participants in the environmental contribution project from users who do not participate in the environmental contribution project. The storage unit 20 can store home appliances in association with users, including participants. For example, the storage unit 20 can store each family member living in the same house as a user associated with one air conditioner 41a, and store one of the users associated with the air conditioner 41a as a participant. The control unit 30 can notify the user terminals 42a to 42c held by participants associated with the home appliances and terminals held by users. The control unit 30 may also notify all users, including participants associated with the air conditioner 41a, of the environmental contribution information. Alternatively, the control unit 30 can notify only participants associated with the air conditioner 41a of the environmental contribution information, and not notify users other than those associated with the air conditioner 41a of the environmental contribution information. In this case, the environmental contribution information can be correctly notified to participants in the environmental contribution program.

[0056] The memory unit 20 can associate and store one participant with each of the multiple home appliances participating in the environmental contribution project. The memory unit 20 may also associate one or more non-participant users with each of the multiple home appliances participating in the environmental contribution project. The control unit 30 acquires environmental contribution information for all or some of the home appliances participating in the environmental contribution project. The control unit 30 can notify each of the associated participants of each of the acquired environmental contribution pieces of information. Because there is a one-to-one association between the home appliances participating in the environmental contribution project and the participants who use those appliances, the control unit 30 can correctly notify each participant of the information about the home appliances they use.

[0057] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In Embodiment 2, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in Embodiment 2, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0058] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing device 1 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the environmental percentage output by the information processing device 1. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that, as shown in Figure 5, the environmental contribution information includes project environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction in the environmental contribution project, and individual environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction in each home appliance. It also differs from Embodiment 1 in that the control unit 30 calculates the contribution percentage for each home appliance, which is the ratio of the individual environmental contribution information to the project environmental contribution information. The configuration of the information processing device 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so its explanation is omitted.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5, the detailed method for calculating environmental contribution information in Embodiment 2 will be explained.

[0060] First, in step S11, the memory unit 20 acquires operating information. The memory unit 20 acquires and stores the operating information for each of the air conditioners 41a to 41c used by the participants of the environmental contribution project via the communication unit 10.

[0061] Next, in step S12, the control unit 30 calculates environmental contribution information. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 calculates project environmental contribution information in step S121 and individual environmental contribution information in step S122.

[0062] Project environmental contribution information is a value that indicates the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction in the entire or a part of the environmental contribution project. For example, it is the sum of the carbon dioxide emission reductions of all air conditioners used by participants in the environmental contribution project. Alternatively, it may be the sum of the carbon dioxide emission reductions for each region in which participants in the environmental contribution project reside. The control unit 30 can calculate the project environmental contribution information ERp by calculating the sum of the environmental contribution information ER of each air conditioner 41a to 41c calculated by the method described in Embodiment 1.

[0063] Individual environmental contribution information refers to the environmental contribution information (ERi) for each home appliance used by participants in the environmental contribution project. The environmental contribution information calculated for each home appliance (air conditioner 41a-41c) constitutes the individual environmental contribution information. This individual environmental contribution information indicates the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction for each home appliance.

[0064] Next, in step S13, the control unit 30 calculates the contribution ratio. The contribution ratio indicates what percentage of the total carbon dioxide emission reduction of the project is accounted for by the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction achieved by the home appliances used by the participants in the environmental contribution project. Alternatively, the contribution ratio may be the ratio of the carbon dioxide emission reduction achieved by each home appliance to the total carbon dioxide emission reduction of the entire region in which the participants in the environmental contribution project reside.

[0065] The control unit 30 can calculate the contribution ratio Rt based on the project environmental contribution information ERp and the individual environmental contribution information ERi using the formula Rt = ERi / ERp.

[0066] Next, in step S14, the control unit 30 notifies the participant of the contribution ratio information calculated in step S13 via the communication unit 10. The control unit 30 can notify the participant of the contribution ratio information by transmitting information regarding the contribution ratio of the air conditioners 41a to 41c used by the participant to each of the user terminals 42a to 42c. At this time, the control unit 30 may also notify the participant of environmental contribution information including the project environmental contribution information and individual environmental contribution information calculated in step S12. Figure 6 shows an example of information regarding the contribution ratio transmitted to a smartphone, which is a user terminal 42a owned by the participant. In the example in Figure 6, the contribution ratio information 52 shows the contribution ratio 52a in the area where the participant lives and the contribution ratio 52b for the entire environmental contribution project in a graph. By visually showing the degree of the participant's contribution to the environmental contribution project in an easy-to-understand manner, it is possible to increase the participant's motivation to participate in the environmental contribution project.

[0067] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In Embodiment 3, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 2 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in Embodiment 3, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 2 will be omitted.

[0068] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing device 1 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reward output by the information processing device 1. Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 2 in that, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 30 calculates a reward based on individual environmental contribution information and notifies the participant of information regarding the reward. The configuration of the information processing device 1 is the same as in Embodiment 2, so its explanation is omitted.

[0069] Steps S21 to S22 in Figure 7 are the same processes as steps S11 to S12 in Figure 5 described in Embodiment 2, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0070] In steps S21 to S22, the control unit 30 calculates project environmental contribution information and individual environmental contribution information. In step S23, the control unit 30 calculates a reward based on the individual environmental contribution information. The reward includes at least one of the following: cash, points, or content associated with an NFT, and is calculated based on the individual environmental contribution information by the air conditioners 41a to 41c, i.e., the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction. The content associated with the NFT includes an environmental contribution certificate or certification patch that recognizes the participant's contribution to the environment. Participants in the environmental contribution project can receive rewards such as cash according to the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by the air conditioners 41a to 41c they use.

[0071] Next, in step S24, the control unit 30 notifies the participant of the reward information calculated in step S23 via the communication unit 10. The control unit 30 can notify the participant of the reward information by transmitting the reward information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by the air conditioners 41a to 41c used by the participant to each of the user terminals 42a to 42c. Figure 8 shows an example of the reward information transmitted to the participant's smartphone, which is a user terminal 42a. In the example in Figure 8, the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction 53 by the air conditioner 41a and the points 54 awarded based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction 53 are displayed. The reward can be calculated based on individual environmental contribution information for a predetermined period, such as every month, every three months, or every year. By calculating the reward based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by the home appliances used by the participant, the motivation of participants in the environmental contribution project to contribute to the environment can be further increased.

[0072] (Embodiment 4) Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. In Embodiment 4, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in Embodiment 4, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0073] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information processing device 1 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing sequence of the information processing device 1. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen output by the information processing device 1. Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in that, as shown in Figure 9, the storage unit 20 acquires and stores information from participants regarding how the benefits generated by environmental contribution information will be used via the communication unit 10. The configuration of the information processing device 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so its explanation is omitted.

[0074] Steps S31 to S32 in Figure 9 are the same processes as steps S1 to S2 in Figure 2 described in Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0075] In step S33, the control unit 30 notifies the participant of options for how to use the profits, as shown in Figure 10. As shown in the example in Figure 11, environmental contribution information 55 showing the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by the air conditioner 41a and options 56 for selecting how to use the profits generated by the environmental contribution information 55 are displayed. The profits generated by the environmental contribution information 55 refer to the profits obtained by the environmental contribution project by selling the carbon dioxide emissions reduced in the environmental contribution project as credits. The use of the profits indicates what activities the environmental contribution project will invest the profits in. For example, in the example in Figure 11, the options for how to use the profits include tree planting activities, donations to environmental organizations, development of more efficient energy-saving products, product recycling activities, and promotion of the expansion of zero-carbon factories. The control unit 30 notifies the participant of the options 56, and the participant can select how to use the profits from among the options 56.

[0076] Next, in step S34, as shown in Figure 10, the storage unit 20 acquires and stores the use of the funds selected by the participant. For example, in the example in Figure 11, it is shown that the participant selected "donation to an environmental organization" as the use of the profits, and when the participant presses the send button 57 on the user terminal 42a, information regarding the use of the funds selected by the participant is sent to the information processing device 1. The storage unit 20 acquires and stores the information regarding the use of the profits selected by the participant. By allowing participants to choose how the profits generated by environmental contribution information will be used, it is possible to further increase the participants' motivation to participate in environmental contribution projects.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which, after calculating environmental contribution information, the control unit 30 notifies the participant of options for how to use the profits, and the storage unit 20 obtains and stores information regarding the use of the profits from the participant. However, the system is not limited to this example. The control unit 30 may also notify the participant of options for how to use the profits before calculating environmental contribution information, and the storage unit 20 may obtain and store information regarding the use of the profits from the participant.

[0078] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0079] (Technology 1) An information processing device for notifying participants in an environmental contribution project of environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction by home appliances they use, comprising a communication unit that communicates via a network, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, wherein the control unit acquires environmental contribution information calculated based on the operating information of home appliances and notifies the participants of the environmental contribution information via the communication unit.

[0080] This configuration allows us to present environmental contribution information to participants in environmental contribution projects, thereby increasing their motivation to participate.

[0081] (Technology 2) The information processing apparatus according to Technology 1 further comprises a storage unit for storing operating information of home appliances, and a control unit for calculating the environmental contribution information based on the operating information.

[0082] This configuration allows us to present environmental contribution information to participants in environmental contribution projects, thereby increasing their motivation to participate.

[0083] (Technology 3) The control unit calculates a first environmental contribution calculation value indicating energy consumption information of home appliances based on operating information for a predetermined period, calculates a second environmental contribution calculation value indicating energy consumption information that serves as a basis for calculating carbon dioxide emission reductions based on the first environmental contribution calculation value and a predetermined coefficient, and calculates environmental contribution information based on the first environmental contribution calculation value and the second environmental contribution calculation value, according to the information processing device of Technology 2.

[0084] This configuration allows for more accurate calculation of environmental contribution information.

[0085] (Technology 4) The control unit is an information processing device of technology 3, which calculates an estimated value of future environmental contribution information based on the first calculated environmental contribution value.

[0086] This configuration allows for the calculation of highly accurate estimates of environmental contributions based on actual performance data.

[0087] (Technology 5) The home appliance is an air conditioner, and the predetermined coefficient includes a first coefficient for when the air conditioner is in cooling operation and a second coefficient for when the air conditioner is in heating operation, and the control unit calculates a second environmental contribution value based on the first environmental contribution value and the first coefficient when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, and calculates a second environmental contribution value based on the first environmental contribution value and the second coefficient when the air conditioner is in heating operation, according to technology 3 or 4, information processing device.

[0088] This configuration makes it possible to calculate environmental contribution information showing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by using air conditioners.

[0089] (Technology 6) An information processing device for Technology 5, wherein the air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and the first environmental contribution calculation value is the sum of indoor energy consumption information based on the energy consumption of the indoor unit and outdoor energy consumption information based on the energy consumption of the outdoor unit.

[0090] This configuration allows for more accurate calculation of environmental contribution information.

[0091] (Technology 7) An information processing device according to any one of technologies 2 to 6, wherein the memory unit further stores information about participants in the environmental contribution project, and the environmental contribution information includes project environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction in the entire or a part of the environmental contribution project, and individual environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction in each home appliance, and the control unit obtains the contribution ratio for each home appliance, which is the ratio of the individual environmental contribution information to the project environmental contribution information.

[0092] This structure can further increase participants' motivation to participate.

[0093] (Technology 8) The control unit calculates a reward that includes at least one of the following based on individual environmental contribution information: cash, points, or content associated with NFTs, and notifies the participant of the information regarding the reward via the communication unit, according to the information processing device of Technology 7.

[0094] This structure can further increase participants' motivation to participate.

[0095] (Technology 9) The control unit transmits information regarding the contribution ratio to a participant's terminal via a communication unit, or notifies the participant's terminal of information for accessing information regarding the contribution ratio, according to technology 7 or 8.

[0096] This structure can further increase participants' motivation to participate.

[0097] (Technology 10) The information processing device according to any one of technologies 7 to 9, wherein the memory unit further stores information about users who use home appliances, the participant in the environmental contribution project is one of the users who use home appliances, and the control unit notifies the participant among the users of the environmental contribution information.

[0098] This configuration allows for accurate notification of environmental contribution information to participants in the environmental contribution program.

[0099] (Technology 11) The information processing device according to any one of technologies 2 to 10, wherein the memory unit obtains and stores information from participants regarding how the benefits generated by environmental contribution information will be used, via the communication unit.

[0100] This structure can further increase participants' motivation to participate.

[0101] (Technology 12) A method for calculating environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by home appliances used by participants in an environmental contribution project, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring operating information of the home appliances; calculating environmental contribution information based on the operating information; and notifying the participants of the calculated environmental contribution information.

[0102] This configuration allows us to present environmental contribution information to participants in environmental contribution projects, thereby increasing their motivation to participate.

[0103] (Technology 13) A program that causes an information processing device to execute the 12th technique.

[0104] This configuration allows us to present environmental contribution information to participants in environmental contribution projects, thereby increasing their motivation to participate.

[0105] (Technology 14) A non-temporary, computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute 12 techniques.

[0106] This configuration allows us to present environmental contribution information to participants in environmental contribution projects, thereby increasing their motivation to participate. [Industrial applicability]

[0107] This disclosure can be applied to information processing equipment that calculates environmental contribution information, such as the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction, in environmental contribution projects. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Information Processing Device 10 Communications Department 20 Memory section 30 Control Unit 41a Air conditioner 41b Air conditioner 41c Air conditioner 42a User terminal 42b User terminal 42c User Terminal 51 Environmental Contribution Information 52a Contribution ratio 52b Contribution ratio 53. Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions 55 Environmental Contribution Information 56 options

Claims

1. An information processing device for notifying environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reductions made by home appliances used by participants in an environmental contribution project, A communication unit that communicates via a network, A control unit that controls the communication unit, Equipped with, The control unit acquires the environmental contribution information calculated based on the operating information of the home appliance and notifies the participant of the environmental contribution information via the communication unit. Information processing device.

2. The appliance further comprises a storage unit for storing operating information of the aforementioned appliance, The control unit calculates the environmental contribution information based on the driving information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, Based on the aforementioned operating information for a predetermined period, a first environmental contribution calculation value indicating the energy consumption information of the home appliance is calculated. Based on the first environmental contribution calculation value and a predetermined coefficient, a second environmental contribution calculation value is calculated, which indicates energy consumption information that serves as a basis for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction. Based on the first calculated environmental contribution value and the second calculated environmental contribution value, the environmental contribution information is calculated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control unit calculates an estimated value of future environmental contribution information based on the first calculated environmental contribution value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned home appliance is an air conditioner. The predetermined coefficient includes a first coefficient for the cooling operation of the air conditioner and a second coefficient for the heating operation of the air conditioner. The control unit, During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the second environmental contribution value is calculated based on the first environmental contribution value and the first coefficient. During heating operation of the air conditioner, the second environmental contribution value is calculated based on the first environmental contribution value and the second coefficient. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The aforementioned air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, The first environmental contribution calculation value is the sum of indoor energy consumption information based on the energy consumption of the indoor unit and outdoor energy consumption information based on the energy consumption of the outdoor unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The memory unit further stores information about the participants in the environmental contribution project, The aforementioned environmental contribution information includes project environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction in the entire or a part of the environmental contribution project, and individual environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduction in each of the aforementioned home appliances. The control unit acquires the contribution ratio for each of the home appliances, which is the ratio of individual environmental contribution information to project environmental contribution information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The control unit calculates a reward based on the individual environmental contribution information, which includes at least one of the following: cash, points, or content associated with NFTs, and notifies the participant of the information regarding the reward via the communication unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The control unit transmits information regarding the contribution ratio to the participant's terminal via the communication unit, or notifies the participant's terminal of information for accessing the information regarding the contribution ratio. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The memory unit further stores information about the user who uses the home appliance, The participants in the aforementioned environmental contribution project are one of the users of the aforementioned home appliances. The control unit notifies the participants among the users of environmental contribution information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

11. The memory unit, via the communication unit, obtains and stores information from participants regarding how the benefits generated by the environmental contribution information will be used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

12. A method for calculating environmental contribution information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by home appliances used by participants in an environmental contribution project, The steps include: acquiring operating information of the aforementioned home appliance, A step of calculating the environmental contribution information based on the aforementioned driving information, The steps include notifying the participant of the calculated environmental contribution information, including, method.

13. A program that causes an information processing device to execute the method described in claim 12.

14. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the method described in claim 12.

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