Information processing systems and programs

Abstract

This promotes the conservation of fuel used in power generation in fuel cells. [Solution] The acquisition unit acquires remaining fuel information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel (step S101). The acquisition unit acquires remaining fuel information for each cartridge, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel in the cartridge. In step S102, the generation unit generates benefit information, which is information about benefits to be granted to the user, based on the acquired remaining fuel information (step S102). The generation unit generates this benefit information for each cartridge. Subsequently, the matching unit associates the generated benefit information with the user who uses the fuel for which the remaining fuel information was acquired (step S103).

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , ,

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell device including a fuel cell and a control unit that notifies a user and controls a first electronic device that discharges hot water using waste heat of the fuel cell by a user's operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a disaster such as an earthquake occurs, the supply of external power to equipment is likely to be interrupted. In this case, if each household or business establishment has a power generation function using a fuel cell, the possibility of supplying power to the equipment increases. On the other hand, even if a fuel cell is provided, power generation cannot be performed unless the fuel used for power generation in the fuel cell is secured. To secure the fuel, it is necessary to save fuel in the daily use of the fuel cell. An object of the present invention is to promote the saving of fuel used for power generation in a fuel cell.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing system to which the present invention is applied is an information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring remaining amount information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel supplied to a fuel cell; a generation means for generating benefit information, which is information about benefits granted to a user, based on the acquired remaining amount information; and an association means for associating the generated benefit information with a user who uses the fuel for which the remaining amount information was acquired.

[0006] Here, the generation means may generate information indicating that a benefit will be granted as the benefit information if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the generation means may generate information indicating that no benefit will be granted as benefit information if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is smaller than the predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the system may also include a means for changing the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount. Furthermore, the modification means may also modify the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount according to the passage of time. Furthermore, the modification means may also be configured to decrease the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount as time progresses. Furthermore, the acquisition means may acquire the remaining quantity information each time a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and the generation means may generate information indicating that a benefit will be granted as the benefit information if the absolute value of the difference between the remaining quantity specified by the acquired remaining quantity information and the remaining quantity specified by the remaining quantity information acquired before that remaining quantity information is smaller than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the generation means may generate information indicating that no benefit is granted as benefit information if the absolute value of the difference is greater than the predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the acquisition means may acquire the remaining quantity information each time a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and the generation means may generate the benefit information each time a predetermined period of time has elapsed, based on the remaining quantity information acquired each time a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Furthermore, the system may also include a setting means for setting the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount for each user. Furthermore, the setting means may set the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount based on the user's past fuel usage history. Furthermore, the setting means may be configured to set the threshold such that the threshold decreases as the average value of the user's past fuel usage increases. Furthermore, the generation means may generate information indicating that if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the number of benefits granted will be greater than the number of benefits granted when the remaining amount is less than the threshold. Furthermore, the generation means may generate information indicating that if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the reward information will include more types of rewards than those granted when the amount is less than the threshold. Furthermore, the generation means may generate information indicating that if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the reward information will be of a value greater in monetary terms than the reward granted when the remaining amount is less than the threshold.

[0007] Furthermore, if the present invention is considered as a program, the program to which the present invention applies is a program that causes a computer to implement: an acquisition function that acquires remaining amount information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel supplied to a fuel cell; a generation function that generates benefit information, which is information about benefits granted to a user, based on the acquired remaining amount information; and a matching function that associates the generated benefit information with users who use the fuel for which the remaining amount information was acquired. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to promote the saving of fuel used for power generation in fuel cells. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the management system for a fuel cell. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the management server. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional blocks implemented by the management server. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the flow of processes executed on the management server. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the management table registered in the information storage device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by the generation unit and other components. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the change in the reference threshold. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the generation of bonus information. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the generation of bonus information based on differences. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fuel cell management system 10. The management system 10 of this embodiment is provided with a fuel cell 11 that generates electricity. A plurality of these fuel cells 11 are provided. The fuel cell 11 is installed, for example, in a house or a factory. There are also portable fuel cells 11. The portable fuel cell 11 is taken out, for example, to a campsite and used outdoors. Also, the fuel cell 11 is installed, for example, in home appliances. Supply of fuel to the fuel cell 11 is performed by a cartridge 12 that stores fuel.

[0011] Each user attaches the cartridge 12 to the housing in which the fuel cell 11 is installed. Thereby, fuel is supplied from the cartridge 12 to the fuel cell 11. Power generation is performed in the fuel cell 11. When the fuel cell 11 is installed in a house, a factory, or outdoors, the electric power generated by the power generation in the fuel cell 11 is supplied to the devices installed around the fuel cell 11. Also, when the fuel cell 11 is installed in a home appliance, the electric power generated by the power generation in the fuel cell 11 is supplied to this home appliance.

[0012] Furthermore, the management system 10 of this embodiment is provided with a management server 20. As will be described later, the management server 20 acquires information about the remaining amount of fuel in the cartridge 12. Then, based on this acquired information, the management server 20 generates information about the benefits given to the user.

[0013] Here, in the fuel cell 11, using a fuel such as hydrogen and an oxidant, electric power is generated by a pair of oxidation-reduction reactions. As the oxidant, oxygen in the air is often used. The fuel is supplied from the cartridge 12 to the fuel cell 11. In this embodiment, hydrogen is supplied as fuel from the cartridge 12 to the fuel cell 11. Also, air around the fuel cell 11 is supplied to the fuel cell 11. In the fuel cell 11, electricity is generated using hydrogen, which is a gas, and oxygen contained in the air.

[0014] The fuel cell 11 has two electrodes. An electrolyte is provided between the two electrodes. Furthermore, a wire is provided to connect the two electrodes. In the fuel cell 11, hydrogen is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons at one electrode. The hydrogen ions move to the other electrode through the electrolyte. The electrons move to the other electrode through the wire. Electricity is generated by this movement of electrons. At the other electrode, oxygen from the air, hydrogen ions that have passed through the electrolyte, and electrons that have traveled through the wire react to produce water, which is one example of a product.

[0015] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the management server 20. The management server 20 is equipped with a processing unit 901 and an information storage device 902 for storing information. The processing unit 901 is comprised of a computer. The processing unit 901 has a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) 911 as an example of a processor. The processing unit 901 also has a ROM (=Read Only Memory) 912 in which the program is stored. Furthermore, the processing unit 901 has a RAM (=Random Access Memory) 913 used as a work area. The information storage device 902 is implemented using existing devices such as hard disk drives, semiconductor memory, and magnetic tape. The processing unit 901 and the information storage device 902 are connected via the bus 906 and signal lines (not shown).

[0016] The program executed by CPU911 can be provided to the management server 20 via a recording medium. Examples of recording media include magnetic recording media such as magnetic tapes and magnetic disks. Other examples of recording media include optical recording media such as optical disks. Furthermore, magneto-optical recording media are another example. Finally, semiconductor memory is another example of a recording medium. Furthermore, the program executed by CPU911 may be provided to the management server 20 using communication means such as the internet. In this embodiment, the CPU 911 executes programs stored in the ROM 912 and the information storage device 902.

[0017] Figure 3 shows the functional blocks implemented by the management server 20. In this embodiment, the CPU 911 provided in the management server 20 executes a program stored in the ROM 912, thereby realizing each of the functional units shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the management server 20 functions as an information processing system. The management server 20 processes information about the fuel cell 11. In this embodiment, the information processing system is implemented by a single device, the management server 20. However, the information processing system is not limited to this and may be composed of multiple information processing devices.

[0018] In this embodiment, the functional units include an acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 22, a mapping unit 23, a modification unit 24, and a setting unit 25. The acquisition unit 21 acquires remaining fuel information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel in the cartridge 12. The generation unit 22 generates benefit information, which is information about the benefits to be granted to the user, based on the acquired remaining amount information.

[0019] The mapping unit 23 associates the generated reward information with users who use the fuel for which the remaining fuel amount information was acquired. In other words, the mapping unit 23 associates the generated reward information with users who are associated with the cartridge 12 for which the remaining fuel amount information was acquired. The modification unit 24 changes the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount. The setting unit 25 sets the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount. In other words, the setting unit 25 performs the initial setting of the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the management server 20 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, an acquisition unit 21, which is an example of an acquisition means, acquires remaining amount information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel (step S101). The acquisition unit 21 acquires remaining amount information for each cartridge 12, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel in the cartridge 12.

[0021] Although not explained above, in this embodiment, each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a communication unit for communicating with external devices. This communication unit outputs the above-mentioned remaining fuel amount information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel in the cartridge 12. In this embodiment, the remaining fuel amount information is output at predetermined intervals. In addition to the remaining quantity information itself, the remaining quantity information also includes date and time information, which indicates when the remaining quantity was acquired.

[0022] Furthermore, when the use of cartridge 12 begins, the communication unit outputs start information, which indicates that the use of cartridge 12 has begun. The cartridge 12 is equipped with a sensor that detects fuel discharge. The cartridge 12 detects that use has begun when this sensor detects fuel discharge. In response, the communication unit of the cartridge 12 outputs start information. Furthermore, the cartridge 12 is equipped with a control board that controls various parts of the cartridge 12. The remaining charge information and start time information output from the communication unit are transmitted via wired or wireless connection to nearby communication devices such as the user's smartphone or PC (Personal Computer). The start information and remaining amount information are then transmitted to the management server 20 via this communication device. A communication line (not shown) is provided between this communication device and the management server 20 to connect them.

[0023] As a result, the management server 20 obtains start information, which is information indicating that the cartridge 12 has been put into use. The start information includes the date and time when the cartridge 12 was put into use. Furthermore, the management server 20 acquires remaining fuel information, which is information about the amount of fuel remaining in the cartridge 12. The management server 20 obtains start information and remaining amount information for each cartridge 12.

[0024] Each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a memory (not shown). This memory stores identification information, which is used to distinguish each cartridge 12 from other cartridges 12. Each of the cartridges 12 outputs this identification information in addition to start information and remaining amount information. As a result, the acquisition unit 21 of the management server 20 acquires the start information, remaining amount information, and identification information for each cartridge 12.

[0025] The start information and remaining quantity information acquired by the management server 20 are registered in the management table stored in the information storage device 902 shown in Figure 2. This registration is performed using identification information as the key. The management table already contains identification information assigned to each cartridge 12. The remaining amount information and start information transmitted from the cartridge 12 along with the identification information are registered in the management table in a manner that corresponds to the identification information already registered in the management table.

[0026] The remaining amount information, along with its associated identification information, is transmitted from cartridge 12 to management server 20 at predetermined intervals. This remaining amount information, which is sequentially sent from cartridge 12, is registered in the management table in a way that it is associated with identification information already registered in the management table. Further details about the management table will be provided later.

[0027] This section describes how to obtain information about the remaining amount of fuel in cartridge 12. In cartridge 12, information about the remaining amount of fuel can be obtained by a known method. In cartridge 12, for example, information about the remaining amount of fuel is obtained based on the pressure inside cartridge 12. In addition, information about the remaining fuel amount is obtained, for example, based on the amount of fuel discharged from the inside of cartridge 12 to the outside. In addition, information about the remaining amount of fuel may be obtained based on the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11. In addition, information about the remaining amount of fuel may be obtained based on the operating status of the equipment to which the electricity generated by the fuel cell 11 is supplied.

[0028] Refer to Figure 4 for further explanation. After the processing in step S101, the processing in step S102 is performed. In step S102, the generation unit 22, which is a generation means, generates bonus information, which is information about the bonuses to be granted to the user, based on the acquired remaining amount information (step S102). The generation unit 22 generates this bonus information for each cartridge 12.

[0029] The generation unit 22 reads and obtains the remaining amount information that has been registered in the management table from this management table. More specifically, the generation unit 22 reads and obtains information on the remaining amount at a specific time elapsed, which is a specific time after a reference time has elapsed, from this management table. It should be noted that there may be cases where remaining quantity information is not obtained at a specific time interval. In this case, remaining quantity information that has a specific relationship with the specific time interval is read and obtained from this management table.

[0030] Specifically, for example, remaining quantity information acquired after a specific time interval, but closest to that specific time interval, is read and retrieved from the management table. Then, the generation unit 22 generates benefit information, which is information about the benefits to be granted to the user, based on the acquired remaining amount information.

[0031] In this embodiment, the start of use of cartridge 12 is used as the reference time. The acquisition unit 21 acquires information on the remaining amount at a specific time elapsed, which is a predetermined time after a specific period of time has elapsed from the reference time, as remaining amount information. The reference time may be any time other than when cartridge 12 is first used, such as when cartridge 12 is opened.

[0032] The generation unit 22 identifies a specific time elapsed based on the start information registered in the management table. The generation unit 22 then reads and obtains the remaining amount information obtained at this specific time interval from the management table. As mentioned above, it is possible that remaining quantity information may not be available at the time of the specified time elapsed. In this case, the generation unit 22 reads and obtains remaining quantity information that has a specific relationship with the time elapsed, as described above, from the management table.

[0033] Subsequently, the generation unit 22 generates benefit information, which is information about the benefits to be granted to the user, based on the acquired remaining amount information. The generation unit 22 generates reward information based on the acquired remaining amount information and a predetermined standard threshold. Subsequently, the matching unit 23, as an example of a matching means, associates the generated benefit information with the user who uses the fuel for which the remaining amount information was acquired (step S103).

[0034] More specifically, the matching unit 23 associates the generated reward information with the user associated with the cartridge 12 for which the remaining amount information was acquired. More specifically, the mapping unit 23 registers the benefit information in the management table in a manner that associates the benefit information with the identification information that matches the identification information transmitted together with the remaining amount information, which is pre-registered in the management table. This allows reward information to be associated with users linked to cartridge 12 for which remaining quantity information has been acquired. This will result in users receiving benefits.

[0035] Figure 5 shows the management table registered in the information storage device 902. In this embodiment, information about each of the cartridges 12 is registered in the management table shown in Figure 5. The management table is stored in the information storage device 902 shown in Figure 2. The management table contains identification information, user information (information used to identify the user), and a reference threshold, corresponding to each of the 12 cartridges.

[0036] Identification information is registered in the identification information registration field 31. User information is registered in the user information registration field 32. Criteria thresholds are registered in the threshold registration field 33. In this embodiment, each of the cartridges 12 is registered in a management table with its corresponding identification information, user information, and reference threshold.

[0037] In this embodiment, before the process shown in Figure 4 is started, identification information, user information, and a reference threshold are registered in the management table in advance. User information may include, for example, the user's name and address. Other examples of user information include information about where information will be sent, such as an email address. Furthermore, user information may include the user's gender and age. This information is entered in advance by the user using a device such as a smartphone or PC. This information is then transmitted from the device to the management server 20 and registered in the management table of the management server 20.

[0038] The management table also includes a start information registration field 34 for registering start information, and a remaining quantity information registration field 35 for registering remaining quantity information. In this embodiment, the acquired start information is registered in this start information registration field 34. Furthermore, the remaining quantity information, which is acquired sequentially and sent sequentially to the management server 20, is registered in the remaining quantity information registration field 35. In this embodiment, identification information, start information, and remaining amount information are transmitted from the cartridge 12 to the management server 20. As described above, the management server 20 registers the start information and remaining amount information in the management table using the identification information as the key. Furthermore, the management table also includes a history information registration field 36, which is a field for registering history information, containing information about the usage history of cartridges 12 that the user has used in the past.

[0039] In this embodiment, information about the amount of fuel used by the user in the past for cartridges 12 is registered in this history information registration field 36. Specifically, in this embodiment, the remaining amount information for cartridges 12 previously used by the user is registered in this history information registration field 36. The remaining fuel amount information is registered as time-series data. In addition to the information on the remaining fuel amount itself, the history information registration field 36 also registers date and time information, which indicates the date and time when the remaining fuel amount was acquired. In the history information registration field 36, information about the remaining amount itself and date and time information are registered in a manner that is associated with each other. In this embodiment, information on the remaining amount of cartridges 12 previously used by the user is not discarded but is registered in the history information registration field 36.

[0040] The management table also includes a benefit information registration field 37, which is a field for registering the benefit information generated by the generation unit 22. In this embodiment, the mapping unit 23 registers the bonus information in the bonus information registration field 37. The mapping unit 23 registers the bonus information generated by the generation unit 22 in the bonus information registration field 37. The mapping unit 23 registers the benefit information in a manner that is associated with the user information.

[0041] The mapping unit 23 uses the transmission identification information, which is the identification information transmitted from the cartridge 12, as the key to register this benefit information in the management table. The mapping unit 23 maps the benefit information to the management table, associating it with the identification information registered in the management table that matches the transmitted identification information. Identification information already registered in the management table is associated with user information. When registering benefit information in a way that associates the benefit information with identification information already registered in the management table, the benefit information will ultimately be associated with the user information.

[0042] Here, the benefits may be either tangible or intangible. One example of an intangible benefit is electronic points. More specifically, an example of an intangible benefit is electronic points that have the same value as money. Furthermore, tangible benefits include items that have a physical form, such as goods. In the case of tangible benefits, information indicating these tangible benefits is registered in the benefit information registration field 37 of the management table.

[0043] In this embodiment, the benefit information registration field 37 of the management table is registered as benefit information, which is either information indicating that a benefit will be granted or information indicating that a benefit will not be granted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if information indicating that a benefit will be granted is registered in the benefit information registration field 37, information indicating the content of the benefit is also registered in the benefit information registration field 37.

[0044] If information indicating the content of the bonus is predetermined, the predetermined bonus information is read from the information storage device 902. Then, this predetermined bonus information is registered in the bonus information registration field 37. In other words, if the content of the bonus is predetermined by default, the information of the default bonus content will be registered in the bonus information registration field 37. On the other hand, if the content of the bonus is not predetermined, the generation unit 22 performs a process to determine information indicating the content of the bonus. The information indicating the content of the bonus obtained through this process is then registered in the bonus information registration field 37.

[0045] [Processing by the generation unit 22, etc.] The processing performed by the generation unit 22 and other components will be explained in detail. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by the generation unit 22 and other components. The generation unit 22 determines whether the remaining amount identified by the remaining amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 and registered in the management table is greater than a predetermined standard threshold (step S201). Then, in step S201, if the generation unit 22 determines that the remaining amount is greater than a predetermined threshold, it generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted as benefit information (step S202).

[0046] Then, the matching unit 23 registers this information, indicating that a benefit will be granted, in the benefit information registration field 37 of the management table (step S203). In step S201, the generation unit 22 obtains remaining quantity information at a specific time interval from the management table. The generation unit 22 reads and obtains this remaining quantity information from the remaining quantity information registration column 35 of the management table. Furthermore, the generation unit 22 reads and obtains the reference threshold from the threshold registration column 33 of the management table. Then, in the process of step S201, the generation unit 22 determines whether the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than the acquired reference threshold. Then, if the generation unit 22 determines that the remaining amount is greater than the reference threshold, in step S202 it generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted as benefit information.

[0047] If the content of the bonus is not determined by default, the generation unit 22 will also generate information indicating the content of the bonus. If the content of the bonus is predetermined by default, it is not necessary to generate information indicating the content of the bonus. In this case, the predetermined content will be registered in the bonus information registration field 37. In contrast, if the content of the bonus is not predetermined, the generation unit 22 also generates information indicating the content of the bonus.

[0048] If information indicating the details of the benefits is also generated, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating the details of the benefits based on the user information. The generation unit 22 generates information indicating the details of the benefits based on the user's gender, age, etc., which are identified based on the user information. In addition, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating the content of the benefit based on the remaining amount and the threshold for content determination, as will be described later.

[0049] In step S203, when information indicating that a benefit will be granted is registered in the benefit information registration field 37, the process in step S204 is executed. In step S204, the user is notified. In step S204, the user's email address and other information included in the user information are used to send a notification to the user. In this notification process, information is sent to the user indicating that a benefit will be granted.

[0050] This means that the user will be notified via their device that they have been granted a benefit. In this case, the user will be aware that they have been granted a benefit. As in this embodiment, providing users with incentives creates an incentive for them to conserve fuel. In this case, wasteful fuel consumption is reduced.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the remaining amount is not greater than the reference threshold, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that no benefit will be granted, as benefit information. Then, the matching unit 23 registers this information, indicating that no benefit is granted, in the benefit information registration field 37 of the management table (step S206). In this case, no notification is sent to the user. Alternatively, the user may be notified that the benefit was not granted.

[0052] In this embodiment, as described above, first, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted. Alternatively, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that a benefit will not be granted. Then, the mapping unit 23 associates this information with the user. The mapping unit 23 registers this information in the management table in a way that associates it with the user. Specifically, it registers this information in the benefit information registration field 37 of the management table.

[0053] [Processing to change the reference threshold] Figure 7 illustrates the change in the reference threshold. The above reference threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount may be changed. In this embodiment, the modification unit 24, as an example of a modification means, modifies the reference threshold. The modification unit 24 modifies the reference threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount of fuel. The modification unit 24 changes the reference threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount, for example, according to the passage of time. More specifically, the modification unit 24 decreases the reference threshold according to the passage of time.

[0054] The modification unit 24 reduces the reference threshold each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. For example, after a specific time has elapsed, the modification unit 24 reduces the reference threshold by a predetermined value each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. In other words, the modification unit 24 generates a new reference threshold by subtracting a predetermined subtraction value from the reference threshold set at that time each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after a specific time timing. The newly generated threshold value is registered in the threshold registration field 33 of the management table.

[0055] Here, the generation of the bonus information by the generation unit 22 may be performed at a later time than the specific time elapsed, rather than at the specific time elapsed. In this case, we assume that the reference threshold is constant and that the value of the reference threshold does not decrease. In this case, even if the user is conserving fuel, it is likely that the remaining amount will fall below the standard threshold. Conversely, if the reference threshold is reduced, it becomes more likely that the remaining amount will exceed the reference threshold.

[0056] Normally, fuel is consumed gradually, and the remaining amount of fuel decreases over time. If the reference threshold remains constant, the remaining amount will fall below the reference threshold over time. After a certain time point, the likelihood of the remaining amount falling below the reference threshold increases. In contrast, as described above, if the threshold is reduced over time, it becomes more likely that the remaining amount will exceed the threshold even after a specific time has elapsed. If the threshold is reduced over time, it becomes more likely that the remaining amount will exceed the threshold if the user is conserving fuel.

[0057] After a specific time has elapsed, the generation unit 22 compares the remaining amount at that time with the latest reference threshold registered in the threshold registration field 33. In other words, in this case, the generation unit 22 compares the remaining amount at that point with the reference threshold after the subtraction process of the subtracted value described above has been performed. The generation unit 22 then generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted if the remaining amount is greater than the latest standard threshold. On the other hand, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that a benefit will not be granted if the remaining amount is less than the latest standard threshold.

[0058] The above explains the case in which bonus information is generated at a specific point in time. Specifically, the above describes cases in which reward information is generated at a specific time interval or at a time later than that specific time interval. In addition to this, the generation of bonus information may be performed multiple times. In this case, users will have more opportunities to receive benefits, which will encourage them to save fuel.

[0059] If the bonus information is generated multiple times, for example, as shown by symbol 8A in Figure 8 (a diagram illustrating the generation of bonus information), the generation unit 22 retrieves the latest remaining amount information from the management table each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. In this case, as indicated by reference numeral 8B, the modification unit 24 performs the subtraction process of the above subtraction value each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after a specific time timing, thereby reducing the reference threshold.

[0060] The generation unit 22 then compares the latest remaining amount obtained with the latest reference threshold at predetermined intervals, and after a specific time interval has elapsed. The generation unit 22 then generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted if the latest remaining amount is greater than the latest standard threshold. On the other hand, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that a benefit will not be granted if the latest remaining amount is less than the latest standard threshold.

[0061] [Setting user-specific threshold values] The above reference threshold used for comparison with remaining quantity information may be set individually for each user. In other words, the initial value of the standard threshold registered in the threshold registration column 33 of the management table shown in Figure 5 may be set for each user. In this embodiment, as described above, a process is performed in which a subtracted value is subtracted from the reference threshold as time progresses. In this embodiment, the setting unit 25, which is an example of a setting means, sets the initial value of the reference threshold for each user before the subtraction value is reduced.

[0062] The setting unit 25 sets the initial value of the reference threshold, for example, based on the user's past fuel usage history. Specifically, the setting unit 25 sets the initial value of the reference threshold such that, for example, the initial value of the reference threshold decreases as the average amount of the user's past fuel usage increases. In this embodiment, information about fuel usage history is registered as time-series data in the history information registration field 36 (see Figure 5) of the management table.

[0063] Specifically, the history information registration field 36 contains information about the usage history of the used cartridge 12, which is a cartridge 12 that the user has used in the past, as time-series data. Specifically, in this embodiment, information regarding the usage history of a used cartridge 12 includes information about the remaining amount of fuel and information about the date and time this information was obtained.

[0064] The setting unit 25 determines the amount of fuel used for a used cartridge 12 at predetermined intervals, based on the information about the remaining amount of fuel registered in the history information registration field 36. Furthermore, the setting unit 25 calculates the average value of these usage amounts obtained at predetermined intervals. Then, the setting unit 25 sets the initial value of the reference threshold based on this average value. More specifically, the setting unit 25 sets the initial value by changing the value of the reference threshold that is pre-set as the default, based on this average value.

[0065] The setting unit 25 sets the initial value such that the initial value of the reference threshold decreases as the above average value increases. In detail, if the average value is greater than a predetermined value, the setting unit 25 subtracts a predetermined specific value from the default default threshold to set the initial value of the reference threshold. The setting unit 25 then registers this initial value in the threshold registration field 33 of the management table.

[0066] In this case, the generation unit 22 compares the remaining amount of fuel with this initial value registered in the threshold registration field 33, for example, at a specific time interval. In other words, in this case, the generation unit 22 compares the remaining amount of fuel with the initial value of a standard threshold set for each user at a specific time interval. When this process is performed, even for users with high fuel consumption, the remaining amount is more likely to exceed the standard threshold at a specific point in time. In this case, users who use a lot of fuel will also be given benefits. This will create an incentive for these users to conserve fuel.

[0067] In addition, you may also set the subtraction value described above by subtracting it from the initial value of the reference threshold, based on the average value described above. Specifically, the subtraction value is set so that the larger the average value, the larger the subtraction value becomes. More specifically, if the average value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the subtraction value is increased by a specific amount compared to when it is not greater than the threshold. In this case, users who use a large amount of fuel will have more opportunities to receive benefits.

[0068] [Generating bonus information based on differences] Figure 9 illustrates the generation of bonus information based on differences. Reward information may be generated based on the difference between the remaining amounts. In the above example, reward information was generated based on a comparison between the remaining amount and a standard threshold. However, reward information may also be generated based on a comparison between the difference between remaining amounts and a predetermined threshold. In this case, the generation unit 22 generates information about the benefits based, for example, on the remaining amount identified by the latest remaining amount information and the remaining amount identified by past remaining amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 before the acquisition of this remaining amount information.

[0069] More specifically, in this case, the generation unit 22 calculates the difference between the remaining amount identified by the latest remaining amount information and the remaining amount identified by past remaining amount information acquired at a timing one step prior to this latest remaining amount information, as shown by reference numeral 9A. Then, as shown in reference numeral 9B, the generation unit 22 generates bonus information based on this difference. The generation unit 22 generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted if the absolute value of the difference is smaller than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, if the absolute value of the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that the benefit will not be granted as benefit information.

[0070] As mentioned above, the historical remaining quantity information includes, for example, the remaining quantity information obtained at a time immediately preceding the most recent remaining quantity information. However, this is not limited to the above; past remaining quantity information may also include information obtained at two or more points prior to the most recent remaining quantity information.

[0071] In addition, the difference threshold, which is the threshold used for comparison with the difference, may also be set based on the above average value. In this case, the difference threshold is set so that the larger the average value, the larger the difference threshold becomes. More specifically, if the average value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the difference threshold is increased by a specific amount compared to when it is not greater than the average value. In this case, users who use a large amount of fuel are more likely to be rewarded.

[0072] [Details of the benefits] In this embodiment, as described above, if the remaining amount is greater than a predetermined threshold, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted as benefit information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the remaining amount is smaller than this predetermined threshold, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that no benefit will be granted as benefit information. In this embodiment, whether or not a benefit is granted is determined based on whether or not the remaining amount exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0073] The generation unit 22 may generate information indicating that a benefit will be granted, information indicating that a benefit will not be granted, and other information. The generation unit 22 also generates information indicating the content of the bonus if such information is not pre-set as a default. As described above, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating the content of the benefits based on, for example, the user's gender and age, which are identified based on user information.

[0074] In addition, the generation unit 22 may, for example, differentiate the information indicating the content of the benefit based on the remaining amount and the threshold for determining the content. When the generation unit 22 generates information indicating the content of the reward, it may, for example, change the content of this information indicating the content of the reward depending on the amount of remaining fuel. The generation unit 22 compares the remaining amount with a predetermined threshold value for determining the content of the reward. This content determination threshold value is greater than the standard threshold value mentioned above.

[0075] The generation unit 22 may, for example, generate information indicating that if the remaining amount is greater than the content determination threshold, a greater number of benefits will be granted than the number of benefits granted if the remaining amount is less than the content determination threshold. Specifically, in this case, the generation unit 22 may generate information as reward information indicating that, for example, more points will be awarded than the points awarded when the remaining amount is less than the threshold for determining the content.

[0076] In addition, if the remaining amount is greater than the threshold for determining the content, the generation unit 22 may generate information indicating that a greater variety of benefits will be granted, as information indicating the content of the benefits. In this case, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that more types of benefits will be granted than the types of benefits granted when the remaining amount is less than the threshold for determining the content.

[0077] More specifically, in this case, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating, for example, that multiple types of products are offered to the user. If the remaining quantity is less than the threshold for determining the content, for example, information is generated indicating that a single type of product will be offered to the user as information about the content of the benefit. Conversely, if the remaining quantity is greater than the threshold for determining the content, information is generated indicating, for example, that multiple types of products will be offered to the user.

[0078] In addition, if the remaining amount is greater than the threshold for determining the content, the generation unit 22 may generate information indicating that a benefit of greater monetary value will be granted, as information indicating the content of the benefit. Specifically, the generation unit 22 generates information indicating that a benefit with a monetary value greater than the monetary value of a benefit granted when the remaining amount is less than the threshold for determining the content will be granted.

[0079] The benefits granted to users may be a single benefit defined by default. Alternatively, as described above, the content of the benefits granted to users may differ depending on whether the remaining amount is greater or less than the threshold used to determine the content.

[0080] 〔others〕 A charge will be incurred to the user as the fuel in the cartridge 12 is used. The charge to the user may be determined based on the remaining amount registered in the remaining amount information registration field 35 of the management table. In addition, users may be charged using a subscription model. Even when billing is done on a subscription basis, the fee charged to the user may be determined based on the remaining amount registered in the remaining amount information registration field 35. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 11...Fuel cell, 12...Cartridge, 20...Management server, 21...Acquisition unit, 22...Generation unit, 23...Mapping unit, 24...Modification unit, 25...Setting unit

Claims

1. A means for acquiring remaining fuel amount information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel supplied to a fuel cell, A generation means that generates benefit information, which is information about the benefits to be granted to the user, based on the acquired remaining amount information, A means for associating the generated benefit information with the user who uses the fuel for which the remaining amount information was acquired, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation means generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted as the benefit information when the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the generation means generates information indicating that no benefit is granted when the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a means for changing the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the modifying means modifies the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount according to the passage of time.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the modifying means reduces the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount as time progresses.

7. The acquisition means acquires the remaining amount information each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation means generates information indicating that a benefit will be granted if the absolute value of the difference between the remaining amount specified by the acquired remaining amount information and the remaining amount specified by the remaining amount information acquired before the said remaining amount information is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the generation means generates information indicating that no benefit is granted as benefit information when the absolute value of the difference is greater than the predetermined threshold.

9. The acquisition means acquires the remaining amount information each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation means generates the benefit information each time a predetermined time has elapsed, based on the remaining amount information acquired each time the predetermined time has elapsed.

10. The information processing system according to claim 2, further comprising setting means for setting the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount for each user.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein the setting means sets the threshold used for comparison with the remaining amount based on the user's past fuel usage history.

12. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the setting means sets the threshold such that the threshold becomes smaller as the average value of the user's past fuel usage increases.

13. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation means generates information indicating that if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the number of benefits granted will be greater than the number of benefits granted when the remaining amount is less than the threshold.

14. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation means generates information indicating that if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the reward information will include more types of rewards than those granted when the remaining amount is less than the threshold.

15. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation means generates information indicating that if the remaining amount identified by the acquired remaining amount information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the reward information will be a reward with a monetary value greater than the reward that would be granted if the remaining amount was less than the threshold.

16. A function to acquire remaining fuel amount information, which is information about the remaining amount of fuel supplied to the fuel cell, Based on the acquired remaining quantity information, a generation function generates benefit information, which is information about the benefits granted to the user. A mapping function that associates the generated benefit information with users who use the fuel for which the remaining amount information has been acquired, A program to make a computer realize this.

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