Information processing system, server, and information processing method

Abstract

To quantify information on an environmental value acquired from a dwelling house, to be distributed on a digital market while ensuring reliability.SOLUTION: An information processing system 100 includes an information collection terminal 10 equipped in a house H, and a server 30 connected to the information collection terminal 10 over a network 20. The information collection terminal 10 acquires information on an environmental value from equipment attached to the house H. The server 30 acquires the information from the information collection terminal 10. The server 30 generates an evaluation value by quantifying the information, and records certificate data including the evaluation value on a distributed ledger based on a blockchain technology.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system that distributes quantified evaluation values ​​relating to information regarding the environmental value latent in a home in a digital market. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, CO 2 In order to reduce emissions, there is a need to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy and realize a decarbonized society.

[0003] CO in various companies and organizations 2 Although efforts are being made to reduce emissions, there are cases where there are limits to these efforts. Even in such cases, companies can prevent their corporate image from being tarnished by purchasing environmental value, and also contribute to compliance with laws and regulations. Well-known examples of such environmental value include J-Credits, Green Power Certificates, and Non-Fossil Certificates.

[0004] In addition, for example, in a home that has a solar power generation system, the portion of the generated electricity that is consumed by the home is not made apparent and is lost without the average household consumer realizing it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-033480 Summary of the Invention

[0006] By extracting and revealing information about the latent environmental value of homes and distributing it to businesses and other consumers who want it, it is possible to encourage the introduction of renewable energy power generation in ordinary households and meet the needs of consumers. Promoting the introduction of renewable energy power generation in ordinary households leads to the effective use of renewable energy in the region and contributes to the realization of a decarbonized society. In addition, distributing environmental value to businesses and other consumers in the digital market can create a new market and stimulate economic activity.

[0007] However, in order to distribute this information in the digital market, the information regarding environmental value needs to be quantified, and it is also necessary to distribute the quantified data while ensuring its reliability. [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system that can collect information regarding environmental value from homes, quantify it, and distribute it in the digital market while ensuring reliability, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing system of the present invention comprises an information collection terminal provided in a home and a server connected to the information collection terminal via a network, wherein the information collection terminal acquires information relating to environmental value from equipment associated with the home, and the server acquires the information from the information collection terminal. The server creates an evaluation value that quantifies the information, and records certificate data including the evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology.

[0010] The server of the present invention acquires information regarding the environmental value of equipment associated with the home, collected by an information collection terminal installed in the home, creates an evaluation value that quantifies the information, and records certificate data including the evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology.

[0011] The information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method executed by one or more information processing devices, and includes obtaining information relating to the environmental value of equipment associated with the home, collected by an information collecting terminal provided in the home, creating an evaluation value that quantifies the information, and recording certificate data including the evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, information regarding the environmental value latent within a home can be quantified and converted into an evaluation value, and certificate data containing this can be circulated in the digital market while ensuring reliability, transparency, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between the facility devices, information collecting terminal, and server associated with a house. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information collecting terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the entire information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a system for buying and selling certificate data. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] [Concept of the present invention] Within a home, there is information about environmental value, but it is lost without being extracted. For example, an average home is small in size, so the environmental value lost in each home is small, but by collecting this information, it can become relatively large and create a market.

[0015] This invention extracts and makes visible information about the environmental value lost within a home, quantifies that information, turns it into an asset-like evaluation value, and distributes it in the digital market while ensuring reliability and transparency.

[0016] In this information processing system, an information collection terminal installed in a home acquires information regarding environmental value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as environmental value information) from equipment associated with the home and sends it to a server. The server then quantifies the information to create an evaluation value, and further creates certificate data including the evaluation value and records it in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology.

[0017] This information processing system can be broadly divided into three stages: a first stage in which an information collection terminal acquires environmental value information from equipment attached to the home and sends this to a server; a second stage in which the server creates certificate data including an evaluation value of the environmental value information; and a third stage in which the server records the certificate data in a distributed ledger on the blockchain network. [Stage 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information collecting terminal and a server for explaining the first stage.

[0018] 1, the information processing system 100 when performing the first stage includes an information collecting terminal 10, a server 30, and a network 20. The network 20 includes, for example, a carrier network for mobile phones, the wide area Internet, and the like.

[0019] The information collecting terminal 10 is installed at a predetermined position in a residence H, and is generally installed at a predetermined position indoors. The residence H includes a detached house, a collective housing such as an apartment, a store, and the like.

[0020] Although only one information collecting terminal 10 is shown in FIG. 1, in reality, a plurality of information collecting terminals 10 are connected to the server 30 via the network 20.

[0021] House H is equipped with various types of equipment, such as a renewable energy power generation system H1, a gas meter H2 that measures gas flow, a water meter H3, home appliances H4 (lighting fixtures, vacuum cleaner, refrigerator, air conditioner, television, etc.), and gas combustion appliances H5 (gas stove, water heater, gas fan heater, etc.).

[0022] The information collecting terminal 10 can be electrically connected to facility devices such as the power generation system H1 by wired communication or wireless communication, and can also be electrically connected to the server 30 via the network 20.

[0023] The information collecting terminal 10 wirelessly communicates with facility devices such as the power generation system H1 using a communication method that utilizes, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc., and acquires information from them. The information collecting terminal 10 has a gateway function that provides data exchange between multiple communication standards, and controls data to be exchanged smoothly even when protocols are different.

[0024] In addition, the information collecting terminal 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 30 using, for example, a mobile phone communication system such as 4G or 5G (4th (5th) Generation) or any wireless communication system that will become widespread in the future. <Renewable energy power generation system> Examples of the power generation system H1 using renewable energy include solar power generation, wind power generation, geothermal power generation, fuel cell power generation using hydrogen, etc. Fuel cell power generation is also included in the renewable energy power generation in the broad sense because it is carbon-free.

[0025] Typically, photovoltaic power generation systems are installed in homes of ordinary households.

[0026] The photovoltaic power generation system is a conventionally known system, and includes, for example, a solar panel as a power generation element, a power conditioner for converting direct current to alternating current, a distribution board as an electrical branch circuit, a smart meter for measuring the amount of power, a controller including a HEMS for centrally managing the supply of power, a communication unit including a communication module, a display device, and a storage battery. The smart meter measures the amount of power generated, the amount of power sold to the power company, and the amount of power purchased from the power company, calculates the amount of self-consumption (amount of power generated minus amount of power sold), and stores the calculated amount together with time information. The smart meter can be connected to the information collecting terminal 10 by a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and transmits power information such as self-consumption or power information associated with time information to the information collecting terminal 10. The controller may transmit information such as the amount of self-consumption.

[0027] The time information includes the time (corresponding time) corresponding to the amount of self-consumption, gas usage, water usage, etc., and may further include the time (acquisition time) at which the amount was measured or acquired. <Gas meter> The gas meter H2 measures the amount of combustible gas (gas flow rate) flowing from the supply source to the house H. The combustible gas flowing in the house H is consumed by the gas combustion appliance H5. Combustible gas is generally broadly divided into LP gas and city gas.

[0028] A gas meter has at least a gas flow measurement function, a communication function, and a clock function, and in order to perform each function, the hardware has a control unit including a clock, a measuring device, a communication unit, a processor, and a memory unit. For example, a smart gas meter can be used as such a gas meter. A gas meter may measure the integrated amount (integrated value) of gas usage or gas flow, or may measure both. The amount of usage (gas usage or water usage described below) refers to the total amount of flow during a certain period of time, and the integrated amount refers to the accumulated value of the flow at the time of measurement. The amount of usage is calculated by: Amount of usage = Integrated amount (integrated value) at the time of measurement - Integrated amount (integrated value) at the previous measurement.

[0029] The gas meter can be connected to the information collecting terminal 10 by a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The gas meter transmits gas information (such as gas usage amount) to the information collecting terminal 10, and preferably transmits the gas information associated with time information. <Water meter> Water meter H3 measures the amount of water (water flow rate) flowing from the supply source to the house.

[0030] The water meter has at least a flow rate measurement function, a communication function, and a clock function, and in order to perform each function, the hardware has a control unit including a clock, a measuring device, a communication unit, a processor, and a memory unit. For example, a smart water meter can be used as such a water meter. The water meter may measure the amount of water usage or the integrated amount (integrated value) of water flow rate, or may measure both. The water meter can be connected to the information collecting terminal 10 by a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The water meter transmits water information (such as water usage) to the information collecting terminal 10, and preferably transmits water information associated with time information. <Information gathering terminal> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information collecting terminal 10. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The information collection terminal 10 has a main control unit 110, a first communication unit 120 and a second communication unit 130 each including a communication module, an output unit 140 including a speaker, and an input unit 150 including an operation interface, and each unit is connected by a bus 160 to exchange data signals.

[0032] The main control unit 110 performs various controls such as communication with the power generation system H1 and the like, communication with the server 30, output of information to the output unit 140, and input from the input unit 150. The main control unit 110 has a processor 111 and a storage unit 112 such as a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory. The processor 111 is an arithmetic device that controls the overall operation in accordance with a program stored in the nonvolatile memory or the like, and performs information processing required for controlling transmission and reception of data and executing processing.

[0033] The first communication unit 120 is for communicating with equipment (equipment such as a power generation system installed in the house) associated with the house, and the information collecting terminal 10 (main control unit 110) communicates with the equipment through the first communication unit 120 including a short-range wireless communication module such as a Bluetooth module. Examples of the equipment include a smart meter, gas meter, water meter, home appliances, and gas combustion appliances of the power generation system. The second communication unit 130 is for communicating with the server 30, and the information collecting terminal 10 (main control unit 110) communicates with the server 30 through the second communication unit 130 including an LTE module, for example.

[0034] The output unit 140 has a speaker, and may further have a display device as necessary. The speaker converts the sound data output from the main control unit 110 to emit sound, and the display device converts the image data output from the main control unit 110 to display an image.

[0035] The input unit 150 receives various instructions from a user. The input unit 150 includes operation buttons for causing the output unit 140 to output a predetermined sound or image or to stop the output, an emergency contact button, and the like.

[0036] The information collecting terminal 10 may have other functions and devices for realizing those functions in addition to those described above. For example, the information collecting terminal 10 may have a function of having a camera and capturing images of the inside of the house H with the camera and transmitting the captured image data to the server 30, a function of having a gas sensor for detecting a gas leak and activating a gas shutoff valve when a gas leak is detected, a function of transmitting a detected gas leak to the server 30, and a function of sounding an alarm from a speaker when a gas leak is detected. <The information-gathering device sends the collected information to the server> The information collecting terminal 10, the server 30, etc. execute the following processes according to the programs. Note that although the processes are executed by a processor in the information collecting terminal 10, etc., the following description will be given in terms of the information collecting terminal 10, etc.

[0037] When the information collecting terminal 10 receives an instruction to acquire various information from the server 30, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires the various information from the facility equipment and transmits it to the server 30. Alternatively, a start time for acquiring various information may be set in advance in the information collecting terminal 10, and when the information collecting terminal 10 determines that the time has come, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires the various information from the facility equipment and transmits it to the server 30.

[0038] When the information collecting terminal 10 acquires various information from the facility equipment, the information collecting terminal 10 records the information in the storage unit 112 and then transmits the information to the server 30.

[0039] After transmitting the information to the server 30, the information collecting terminal 10 may delete the transmitted information from the memory unit 112, or may add information indicating that the information has already been transmitted and leave it in the memory unit 112 for a predetermined period of time.

[0040] The information that the information collecting terminal 10 transmits to the server 30 includes at least the environmental value information and the identification information (ID, etc.) of the information collecting terminal 10.

[0041] In the present invention, environmental value information is information relating to environmental value latent within a house.

[0042] The environmental value information is CO 2 The matters or activities in the home that can be evaluated as contributing to the reduction of CO emissions (reducing emissions means no emissions or low emissions) and 2 This includes activities or matters within the home that can be evaluated as contributing to the absorption of CO2.

[0043] For example, electricity generated by a renewable energy power generation system emits CO 2 Low emission or CO 2 This is electricity that does not emit CO 2 Consuming the generated electricity in the home contributes to reducing CO 2This can be evaluated as contributing to reducing emissions, and can therefore be said to be environmental value information latent within the home.

[0044] For example, any event or activity taking place in a home previously generated a given amount of CO 2 Compared to before, CO 2 Matters or activities that can be evaluated as having reduced emissions can be considered to be environmental value information latent within the home.

[0045] For example, the CO 2 Matters or activities that can be evaluated as absorbing environmental value can be said to be latent environmental value information within the home.

[0046] Whether or not something corresponds to environmental value information is determined according to a predetermined standard by the operator of this information processing system, taking into consideration laws and regulations and general social awareness.

[0047] For example, the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy and consumed by a household is generally recognized as an environmental value in society, and is environmental value information.

[0048] The information collecting terminal 10 may acquire only the environmental value information from the facility equipment and transmit this to the server 30 together with the identification information.

[0049] Typically, the information collecting terminal 10 collects various information from various equipment in a house, and transmits the collected information to the server 30. The various information includes environmental value information and information that is not environmental value information (CO 2 reduction of CO 2 The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as contributing to the absorption of

[0050] As described above, the information collected by the information collecting terminal 10 includes electricity information, gas information, water information, and other information. The information collecting terminal 10 transmits to the server 30 one or more pieces of information selected from the above and identification information.

[0051] The power information includes the amount of power self-consumption and / or generated power, the amount of power sold, and the amount of power purchased, and also includes time information as necessary.

[0052] The gas information includes the amount or cumulative amount of gas used, and, if necessary, time information thereof.

[0053] The water information includes the amount of water usage or the accumulated amount, and if necessary, time information thereof.

[0054] The other information includes information on home appliances, information on gas burning appliances, image data captured by cameras, and the like.

[0055] The information collecting terminal 10 transmits to the server 30 its own identification information and one or more pieces of information selected from electricity information, gas information, water information, and other information (hereinafter, collective information).

[0056] It is preferable that the collective information is structured and digitized in such a way that it can be decomposed into identification information, electricity information, gas information, water information, and other information in the server 30 (a receiving unit of the server 30).

[0057] In addition, it is preferable that the bulk information transmitted by the information collecting terminal 10 is created in a structure that enables various types of information (electricity information, gas information, water information, and other information) to be individually extracted and classified by using the identification information of the information collecting terminal 10 as a single identification unit through information processing by the server 30 (the receiving section of the server 30).

[0058] The network 20 divides and propagates the communication traffic including the batch information, but propagates the communication traffic in accordance with a specification (protocol) that allows the communication traffic to be distinguished as a single unit by information processing in the server 30. The network 20 is, for example, a wide area Internet network based on TCP / IP. [Second Stage] <Extraction of environmental value information> The server 30 that receives the batch of information extracts the environmental value information from it.

[0059] When the information collecting terminal 10 transmits only environmental value information to the server, the server 30 extracts the environmental value information received from the information collecting terminal.

[0060] In addition, the evaluation value described later may be created based on environmental value information obtained from one information collecting terminal 10 (an information collecting terminal having specific identification information), or the evaluation value described later may be created based on a compilation of environmental value information obtained from several information collecting terminals 10. <Creating evaluation values> The server 30 creates an evaluation value by quantifying the environmental value information in accordance with a predetermined rule of the administrator that takes into consideration laws and regulations, general social awareness, etc. The evaluation value is a quantification of the environmental value information.

[0061] The evaluation value is assumed to have a positive correlation with the environmental value information, for example.

[0062] Specifically, when the environmental value information is, for example, the amount of privately generated electricity (unit: kWh), the server 30 adds the CO 2 Emission factor (CO 2 The emission factor is the amount of CO emitted by a power company when it produces 1 kWh of electricity. 2 kg-CO 2 / kWh) to calculate the CO 2 The amount of emission reduction (unit: kg) is calculated and used as the evaluation value.

[0063] In addition, the CO 2 The emission coefficient varies from one power company to another, and also changes over time even for the same power company. For this reason, the server 30 uses the average CO 2 Alternatively, the server 30 may use an emission coefficient. Alternatively, in the above calculation, the server 30 refers to a customer database based on the identification information of the information collection terminal 10, identifies the electric power company with which the owner of the house of the terminal has a contract, and calculates the CO 2 Emission factors may be used.

[0064] Furthermore, the server 30 may use the amount of self-consumption itself as the evaluation value. In this case, the predetermined rule of the operator in quantification is that the amount of self-consumption, which is environmental value information, is used as the evaluation value as it is. <Creating a certificate (certificate data)> A certificate is intangible information that includes at least an evaluation value, and the substantial asset of the certificate is the evaluation value. A certificate, which is intangible information, exists as certificate data that can be handled by a computer. By printing and documenting the certificate data in a prescribed format or displaying it in a viewer, a person can visually recognize the certificate information.

[0065] The server 30 creates certificate data including the evaluation value.

[0066] For example, the server 30 collects information for creating a certificate, and creates certificate data based on that information.

[0067] The information for creating the certificate includes at least the evaluation value, and may include other information. For example, the information for creating the certificate includes the following: (a) Evaluation value. (b) Unit of evaluation value. For example, kWh, cal, m 3 , kg etc. (c) The operator (the issuer of the certificate), e.g., the name, address, etc. of the operator. (d) The creation or issue date of the certificate, for example, _____ / __ / 2022. (e) The geographical areas in which the operator may make attestations regarding the Certificate, such as Japan, the United States, etc. (f) The laws and regulations applicable to the Certificate, such as international laws, treaties, Japanese laws, government orders, regulations, and their respective provisions. (g) A root certificate (intermediate certification authority) that certifies the digital signature of the operator (the certificate issuer). (h) Identification information used for the management of the operator, such as the certificate reference number, (i) Timestamp information, such as the hash value of the data to be timestamped, the signature of a time stamping authority, etc. [Third Stage] Server 30 of this information processing system creates certificate data (certificate data is a collection of data files that make up one certificate) from the information for creating the above-mentioned certificate, and then records the certificate data in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology. By using blockchain technology, it is possible to prevent tampering with the certificate data, ensure the transparency of the information, and also enable the owner to be confirmed.

[0068] Moreover, in order to ensure the openness of information, it is desirable for the server 30 to be able to provide certificate data in response to requests from participants in this information processing system.

[0069] Furthermore, in order to deal with any future need to prove the basis for certificate data, particularly the basis for creating an evaluation value, it is desirable for server 30 to be able to provide the information on that basis (hereinafter, "basis data") upon request of participants in this information processing system. <Overall system configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0070] 3, the system 100 includes an information collecting terminal 10, a server 30 having a center server 31 and an electronic certificate issuing server 32, a plurality of block chain nodes 40, a plurality of wallets 50, and a file server 60. The information collecting terminal 10 and the center server 31 are connected to a network 20, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 and the node 40 are connected to a network 21, the wallet 50 is connected to a network 22, and the file server 60 is connected to a network 23. The networks 20, 21, 22, and 23 are connected to each other, and transmit information to each other by data signals. The networks 20, 21, 22, and 23 are, for example, a wide area internet network, a WAN, or the like.

[0071] In terms of hardware, the center server 31, the electronic certificate issuing server 32, the node 40, and the wallet 50 are computers equipped with a control unit, a memory unit, and various input / output interfaces.

[0072] The certificate electronic issuance server 32, the node 40 and the wallet 50 participate in the blockchain network of the information processing system 100.

[0073] The server 30 of the information processing system 100 may be composed of one server or multiple servers. Here, the server 30 includes a center server 31 and an electronic certificate issuing server 32. The center server 31 and the electronic certificate issuing server 32 work together to create certificate data and perform other operations.

[0074] As described below, the center server 31 performs information processing such as creating an evaluation value, transmitting information for creating a certificate, and creating an electronic signature. The center server 31 includes a device (hereinafter, a signature device) that can create an electronic signature using a public key authentication infrastructure or the like. The operator of this information processing system may own the signature device, or may not own it but may have substantial possession of it.

[0075] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 performs various information processing such as creating certificate data and creating transactions, as described below.

[0076] Node 40 validates transactions and records blocks containing the transactions in the distributed ledger. Multiple nodes 40 are connected, but only one is shown in Figure 3.

[0077] The wallet 50 is a computer capable of executing information processing involving cryptographic calculations required when creating a transaction that changes the owner. The certificate electronic issuance server 32 is also a computer capable of executing information processing involving cryptographic calculations required when creating various transactions.

[0078] Note that the reference numerals 51, 52, ... each indicate an independent wallet, and the reference numeral 50 indicates a general term for wallets. <Restrictions on issuance, transfer and transfer of certificate data> By recording the certificate data in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology, it is possible to identify the owner of the certificate data without including information about the owner in the certificate data. (1) Issuance of certificate data For example, as described in [Stage 2] above, the center server 31 creates an evaluation value from the information transmitted from the information collecting terminal 10. The center server 31 transmits information for creating a certificate, including the evaluation value, to the certificate electronic issuance server 32. The information for creating the certificate is represented, for example, in a structured data structure (data format such as XML or JSON), a graphical representation (data format such as JPEG or PDF), or a combination of both.

[0079] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 processes the information for creating the certificate as input information and creates certificate data. The format of the certificate data is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a configuration in which multiple different file formats (xml, csv, pdf, jpeg, etc.) are combined in an archive format (zip, lha, etc.).

[0080] Furthermore, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 converts the certificate data using a hash function to calculate a hash value, and transmits the certificate data and the hash value to the center server 31 .

[0081] The center server 31 calculates a hash value of the received certificate data, verifies the hash value received from the electronic certificate issuing server 32, and performs cryptographic calculations on the hash value using a private key held by the attached signature device to create an electronic signature, and sends it to the electronic certificate issuing server 32.

[0082] It should be noted that the creation of an electronic signature is not limited to being processed by the center server 31, and it is also possible to delegate part of the processing to the electronic certificate issuing server 32 (proxy signature).

[0083] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 creates a transaction (T10) indicating that the certificate data is to be issued. The transaction is created in a format based on the blockchain protocol. The transaction (T10) includes the electronic signature of the center server 31 on the hash value of the certificate data, signature information encrypted with the private key of the electronic certificate issuing server 32, the address of the issuer, and the like.

[0084] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 transmits (broadcasts) the transaction (T10) to the node 40.

[0085] Node 40, which receives transaction (T10), verifies transaction (T10) in accordance with the blockchain protocol and records a block including transaction (T10) in the memory unit (distributed ledger).

[0086] On the blockchain network, it is guaranteed based on the computational difficulty of the discrete logarithm problem that the transaction (T10) cannot be connected to other transactions without cryptographic calculations being performed by the electronic certificate issuing server 32. In this way, the transaction (T10) represents a state owned by the electronic certificate issuing server 32.

[0087] Therefore, in this system, the certificate data identified by the transaction (T10) is owned by the electronic certificate issuing server 32, and other computers, including the center server 31, cannot claim ownership of the certificate data. (2) Relocation Any wallet 50 can transfer certificate data it owns to any other wallet 50.

[0088] For example, the wallet 51 executes information processing involving cryptographic calculations using as input a transaction (T10) in which the wallet 51 is the recipient and the blockchain address of the wallet 52 to which the certificate data is to be transferred, creates a transaction (T20) indicating that the wallet 52 owns it, and transmits it to the node 40. In this case, since the initial owner of the certificate data is the electronic certificate issuing server 32, the wallet 51 is the electronic certificate issuing server 32.

[0089] Wallet 52 determines that the transfer of certificate data is complete if the transaction (T20) is successfully recorded in the distributed ledger of node 40. (3)Sharing Any wallet50 that creates a new transaction to transfer ownership of its transaction may set multiple blockchain addresses to the new owner.

[0090] For example, wallet 51 creates a new transaction (T30) that cannot transfer ownership without the cooperation of multiple wallets 52 and 53. Transaction (T30) includes multiple blockchain addresses, one for each wallet 52 and 53.

[0091] When the owner of the certificate data identified in the transaction (T30) is changed to wallet 54, wallets 52 and 53 create a transaction (T40) including the result of cryptographic calculations by both of the multiple wallets 52 and 53 and send it to node 40.

[0092] By such processing, it is possible to realize that the certificate data is shared between the wallets 52 and 53, and it is possible to make it impossible for the certificate data to be transferred based on the decision of one side. (4) Dividing the value of certificate data The certificate data includes a value that is a substantial asset, but this value can also be divided.

[0093] For example, assume that wallet 55 is the owner of the certificate data identified in a certain transaction (T101).

[0094] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 receives a transaction (T102) from the wallet 55, which is the owner of the transaction (T101), requesting division, along with a message requesting division, and changing the owner to the blockchain address of the electronic certificate issuing server 32.

[0095] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 creates a transaction (T103) that splits the certificate data identified in the transaction (T101) into, for example, two pieces so as to avoid double counting.

[0096] When the certificate electronic issuance server 32 splits the certificate data into two, if it wishes to grant split certificates for the evaluation value of each piece of certificate data, it requests the center server 31 to digitally sign the hash value and includes it in the transaction (T103). If the split evaluation value is clear, it is possible to omit granting the split certificate. In addition, the certificate electronic issuance server 32 includes the blockchain address of the wallet 55 as the owner of the transaction (T103) representing the split.

[0097] The certificate electronic issuance server 32 sends a transaction (T102) to node 40, and then sends a transaction (T103) to node 40, which are recorded in the distributed ledger, causing the wallet 55 to become the owner of the divided certificate data.

[0098] When dividing the certificate, the certificate data before division can be explicitly invalidated (discarded).

[0099] For example, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 uses the transaction (T102) as input to create a transaction (T105) in which no wallet becomes the owner. The electronic certificate issuing server 32 also creates a transaction (T103) that is equivalent to a new issuance of certificate data, splits the certificate data into two, for example, and includes the blockchain address of the wallet 55 as the owner.

[0100] If the relationship between the certificate data before and after division is to be maintained, a transaction (T103) is created so that the output of transaction (T102) becomes the input of transaction (T103) (so that a chain structure is formed).

[0101] The certificate electronic issuance server 32 transmits a transaction (T102) to the node 40, then transmits a transaction (T103) to the node 40, and then transmits a transaction (T105) to the node 40.

[0102] By recording the transaction (T105) in the distributed ledger of node 40, wallet 55 becomes the owner of the divided certificate data and can invalidate (discard) the pre-division certificate data. <Providing certificate data> In order to ensure the openness of information, this system can provide certificate data upon request from participants.

[0103] By recording the certificate data in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology, it is possible to distinguish between certificate data owners and non-owners and provide certificate data to each of them. (1) Storage of certificate data For example, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 that issues the certificate data divides the electronically signed certificate data into appropriate file sizes in a manner that enables the data to be restored, while creating the transaction (T10), and records and stores each of the divided data in the memory of one or more file servers 60, associating it with identification information for the certificate data (identification information for the certificate).

[0104] When the certificate data is divided, information processing is performed by applying an arbitrary calculation algorithm. By applying a certain calculation algorithm, the total size of the divided files can be adjusted to be smaller than the file size of the original certificate data, which may reduce storage efficiency. In addition, by applying a different calculation algorithm, it may be possible to reduce cases where restoration becomes impossible due to a partial failure of the storage unit of the file server 60. (2) Providing certificate data to the owner For example, the wallet 56 requests the electronic certificate issuing server 32 to transmit certificate data identified by a transaction ID that the wallet 56 possesses.

[0105] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 verifies that the wallet 56 owns the transaction based on cryptographic calculations performed by the wallet 56.

[0106] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 obtains the divided data associated with the identification information of the certificate data from the file server 60, restores the certificate data, and transmits it to the wallet 56. (3) Providing certificate data to non-holders For example, when any wallet 50 requests the electronic certificate issuing server 32 to transmit certificate data by specifying a transaction ID that it does not own, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 retrieves the divided data associated with the identification information of the certificate data from the file server 60, restores the certificate data, and creates viewing data (a copy of the certificate data). The viewing data is what this information processing system certifies as the contents of all or part of the certificate data.

[0107] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 sends the restored certificate data and the created viewing data to the center server 31, and the center server 31 inspects both data, attaches an electronic signature to the viewing data, and sends it to the electronic certificate issuing server 32.

[0108] The center server 31 may instruct the electronic certificate issuing server 32 on the inspection method and delegate the processing of the electronic signature based on the result to the electronic certificate issuing server 32. In that case, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 will sign on behalf of the server.

[0109] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 transmits the electronically signed viewing data to the wallet 50 that is not the owner. <Provision of evidence> The evaluation value of certificate data can be considered an actual asset of the certificate, and as certificate data circulates, there may be cases in the future where public institutions and others may request the basis for the evaluation value.

[0110] To deal with such cases, the present information processing system makes it possible to provide information (basis data) that serves as the basis for creating an evaluation value in accordance with a participant's request.

[0111] The basis data includes the environmental value information that is the basis for creating the evaluation value, its time information (such as response time), identification information of the information collecting terminal 10 that obtained the environmental value information, location information of the information collecting terminal 10 (for example, location information of the information collecting terminal by GPS), personal information (name, address, etc.) of the subscriber of the information collecting terminal 10, and a processing procedure for quantifying the environmental value information to create the evaluation value (an algorithm for quantifying environmental value information). (1) Storage of evidence data For example, the center server 31 creates basis data in a specified format in parallel with creating information for creating a certificate. The center server 31 creates the basis data as structured data in which certain items of information constituting the basis data are classified as public and certain items are confidential. The types and units of these items are established as specifications. In general, they comply with the format and input standards established by a third-party organization.

[0112] The center server 31 transmits the basis data to the electronic certificate issuing server 32, and the electronic certificate issuing server 32 divides the basis data into appropriate file sizes in a manner that enables the data to be restored, associates each piece of divided data with identification information of the certificate data (identification information of the certificate), and records and stores it in the memory unit of one or more file servers 60.

[0113] In the storage, it is desirable to select a calculation algorithm with a high compression rate for file size with high storage efficiency, even if it means sacrificing the information processing cost required for restoration. Also, based on information theory, it is desirable to apply an appropriate calculation algorithm depending on the type of information to be recorded and minimize the file size. (2) Provision of the Data to the Owner For example, the wallet 56 requests the electronic certificate issuing server 32 to transmit the basis data of the certificate data identified by the transaction ID that the wallet 56 possesses.

[0114] As described above, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 confirms that the transaction is owned by the wallet 56, and then obtains the divided data associated with the identification information of the certificate data from the file server 60 to restore the basis data.

[0115] Furthermore, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 transmits to the center server 31 a request message informing that the owner of the certificate data has requested disclosure of the basis data, together with the restored basis data. The request message includes information regarding the recipient of the basis data (such as the name of the business entity that owns the wallet 56 and an email address).

[0116] The center server 31 uses this information processing system or another system to perform a predetermined disclosure restriction process and transmits the basis data to the wallet 56. Note that the transmission of the basis data is not limited to being processed by the center server 31, and the process can also be delegated to the certificate electronic issuance server 32 (proxy transmission). (3) Providing evidence data to non-owners When any wallet 50 requests the electronic certificate issuing server 32 to send basis data of certificate data by specifying a transaction ID that it does not own, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 retrieves the divided data associated with the identification information of the certificate data from the file server 60 and restores the basis data.

[0117] Furthermore, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 transmits to the center server 31, together with the restored basis data, a request message informing that a request for disclosure of the basis data has been made by a person who is not the owner of the certificate data. The request message includes information regarding the recipient of the basis data (such as the name of the business entity that owns the wallet 50 and an email address).

[0118] The center server 31 performs a predetermined disclosure restriction process using this information processing system or another system, and then transmits the basis data to the wallet 50. Note that the transmission of the basis data is not limited to being processed by the center server 31, and the process can also be delegated to the certificate electronic issuance server 32 (proxy transmission).

[0119] The electronic certificate issuing server 32 creates a dedicated message to notify the wallet 56 of the certificate data owner that the basis data has been made public to the wallet 50 , and sends the dedicated message to the wallet 56 .

[0120] For example, if there exists a wallet 56 managed by a first user and a wallet 50 managed by a second user, the following process is executed when disclosing the certificate data or evidence data of the first user.

[0121] In response to an operation by the second user, the wallet 50 specifies a transaction ID corresponding to the certificate data obtained from the information collection terminal managed by the first user, and transmits a request signal to the electronic certificate issuance server 32 requesting disclosure of the certificate data or basis data corresponding to the transaction ID.

[0122] In response to the request signal, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 reads out the certificate data or basis data corresponding to the specified transaction ID from the storage unit of the file server 60. Then, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 transmits the certificate data or basis data that has been subjected to a predetermined disclosure restriction process in collaboration with the center server 31 (or processing based on delegation) to the wallet 50, and notifies the wallet 50 that the wallet 50 has requested disclosure of the certificate data or basis data.

[0123] As described above, when the electronic certificate issuing server 32 receives a request for disclosure of certificate data or basis data corresponding to a transaction ID, which specifies a transaction ID that is identification information corresponding to certificate data owned by a first user, from the wallet 50 (second wallet) managed by the second user who is the source of the disclosure request, the electronic certificate issuing server 32 transmits the certificate data or basis data that has been subjected to a predetermined disclosure restriction process to the wallet 50. In addition, the center server 31 (or the electronic certificate issuing server 32 that processes based on delegation from the center server 31) notifies the wallet 56 (first wallet) managed by the first user that a disclosure request has been made from the wallet 50. This enables the disclosure of the certificate data or basis data to be made appropriately. (4) Storage of raw data In this information processing system, there may be cases in the future where it is necessary to recalculate the evaluation value for some reason, or where it is necessary to cancel an already issued certificate and re-create a certificate with a new evaluation value. In preparation for such cases, it is desirable to store and keep in an arbitrary storage unit all information (INPUT and environmental data, calculation program modules, etc.) that operates the system of the server (center server 31) that creates the evaluation value.

[0124] Specifically, in the above case, it is desirable to collect all data required when the center server 31 processes information related to the evaluation value again, and environmental data that can restore the state of the center server 31 that is the premise of the processing (all this data and the environmental data are collectively referred to as raw data), and electronically freeze (freeze, snapshot) the information processing system. Note that the environmental data is data that indicates the system environment when the evaluation value is calculated, the certificate data, and the basis data are generated, etc. For example, the unit of data acquired by the information collecting terminal 10 and the data collection period are also environmental data. Also, the raw data is the first recorded data that has not been recorded before.

[0125] For example, the center server 31 stores the raw data in the file server 60 , either via the electronic certificate issuing server 32 or without passing through the electronic certificate issuing server 32 .

[0126] When passing through the electronic certificate issuing server 32, the raw data is recorded and stored in the storage unit of the file server 60 in the same manner as in (1) above, in which the basis data is stored.

[0127] When the electronic certificate issuing server 32 is not used, the center server 31 divides the raw data or the raw data in a restorable state and records and stores it directly in the memory unit of the file server 60.

[0128] Of the three types of data mentioned above, namely raw data, certificate data, and evidence data, the certificate data and evidence data are intermediate data created taking into account the format at the time of disclosure. Specifically, the certificate data and evidence data are data obtained by extracting a part of the raw data and converting the extracted data using a specified algorithm.

[0129] In addition, the certificate data and the evidence data may contain information that can identify an individual. For this reason, it is necessary to be able to control the recipients of this information. In principle, the raw data will not be made public.

[0130] Therefore, the center server 31 stores the certificate data, the basis data, and the raw data in the file server 60 where the administrator is located, and records the certificate data in the blockchain so that future unauthorized alterations (e.g., numerical tampering or concealment) can be detected. The anchoring method is realized by including the result of calculating an electronic signature on a hash value, which is a digest of the raw data, the certificate data, and the basis data, in the transaction area of ​​the blockchain.

[0131] For this reason, the center server 31 generates certificate data from the raw data and generates evidence data representing the evidence of the certificate data from the raw data. Then, the center server 31 stores the raw data, the certificate data, and the evidence data in the storage unit of the file server 60. Also, in order to detect future unauthorized alterations, the center server 31 calculates a hash value, which is a digest of the raw data, the certificate data, and the evidence data. Then, the center server 31 records the calculated hash value in association with identification information of the certificate data in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology. This makes it possible to restore the certificate data and the evidence data using the raw data, and to provide not only the certificate data, but also the evidence data as necessary. (5) Provision of statistical information The operator of this information processing system may make part of the evidence data available to the general public by using means such as a web service on the wide area Internet.

[0132] For example, statistical information (big data) such as the total value of environmental value information (such as self-consumption amount) collected from a plurality of information collecting terminals 10 and the total value of collected power generation amount are made public via the web or the like.

[0133] In one example, the evidence data includes identification information and location information of the information collecting terminal 10. By the above processes (2) and (3), the owner and non-owner of the certificate data (participants of this information processing system) can easily obtain this information.

[0134] In addition, the statistical information (big data) to be made public can be represented as tree-structured data based on location information.

[0135] Using the evidence information acquired by the participants and the statistical information made public, the accuracy of the environmental value information (such as self-consumption amount) and the amount of power generation that are the basis of the evaluation value can be verified.

[0136] Specifically, as a method of making it difficult to rewrite each data item in the tree structure and maintaining balance (consistency), for example a hash tree (Merkle tree) is created, and this is made public along with statistical information (big data) via the web, etc.

[0137] More specifically, the storage unit of the file server 60 stores a plurality of pieces of evidence data created using environmental value information acquired from each of the plurality of information collecting terminals 10. Therefore, the center server 31 can generate and publish statistical information on data including environmental value generated by equipment in a plurality of homes based on the plurality of pieces of evidence data.

[0138] For example, the environmental value information collected by the information collecting terminal 10 is 2 If the information indicates the degree of contribution to emission reduction, the center server 31 can publish statistical information generated based on the information. This makes it possible to visualize the environmental value created by the equipment in multiple homes. The information can be published to any desired destination, such as the Internet.

[0139] If the location information of the information collecting terminal 10 installed in the house is included in the basis data, the center server 31 may make statistical information including the location information public. This makes it possible to visualize the extent to which environmental value is being generated in what areas. However, if the location information is too detailed, it may not be appropriate from the perspective of protecting personal information. Therefore, instead of pinpoint location information such as latitude and longitude, the information may be converted to information indicating a broader area such as XX ward, XX city, XX prefecture, and then made public. [Example] An example of the distribution (buying and selling) of certificates in the digital market in this information processing system is shown below. <Prerequisites> Referring to FIG. 4, wallet 51 is the owner of the certificate data identified in transaction (T60).

[0140] Assume that wallet 52 desires to possess the certificate data identified in transaction (T60) and that wallet 52 holds tokens in circulation on any other blockchain network.

[0141] It is assumed that wallet 51 is willing to change the owner (transfer rights) of the certificate data transaction (T60) on the condition that wallet 52 transfers N tokens owned by wallet 52 to wallet 51.

[0142] In addition, if the state of the information processing system satisfies the above conditions and a change in the owner of the certificate data occurs (rights transfer), the operator of the information processing system shall promise to provide attestation regarding the ownership of the rights (to comply with legal requirements), guarantee the rights of the owner provided by the operator (if a corresponding contract is included), and handle the distribution of profits, etc.

[0143] It is assumed that this information processing system has all the information that allows a third party to verify the rationality and objectivity of irreversible transactions between the wallets 51 and 52 in the real world. <Buying and Selling by Implementing Smart Contracts> There are systems in which tokens are distributed without a bank or other administrator, and the owner creates and records the transaction history, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. There is a method of programmatically controlling the conditions for a token transfer transaction to be completed, for example, by creating a smart contract for Ethereum (such as programmable money).

[0144] First, any token (such as Ethereum token) is registered along with the transfer conditions, and a smart contract (buy / sell smart contract) is created that automatically transfers the token to the first wallet that meets the transfer conditions, and then broadcasts the smart contract on the blockchain network.

[0145] Wallet 51 broadcasts a transaction (T60) to register with the buy / sell smart contract a condition to transfer ownership of the certificate data to the wallet offering the quantity N of Ethereum tokens.

[0146] The buy / sell smart contract will record this condition with an ID called transaction number A.

[0147] The wallet 52 creates and broadcasts a transaction (T70) to transfer the quantity N of Ethereum tokens to the transaction number A of the buy / sell smart contract.

[0148] The buy / sell smart contract receives the transaction (T70), automatically executes the transaction, transfers ownership of the certificate data to wallet 52, and transfers quantity N of Ethereum tokens to wallet 51. <Sidechain implementation> When performing token transactions in wallets 51 and 52, it is common to consume a small amount of tokens equivalent to the fee (called gas in the Ethereum network). There are techniques called side chains and off-chains to save the small amount of tokens equivalent to the fee. For example, in the Ethereum network, Plasma and Optimistic Rollup are typical examples.

[0149] A side chain that guarantees a portion of the token network transactions is implemented within network 21. Paymate Channel technology is applied to implement the side chain. A payment gateway 70 is connected to network 21. The payment gateway 70 holds a certain amount of Ethereum tokens.

[0150] When an Ethereum token is traded between wallet 51 and wallet 52 conducting a transaction in this information processing system, payment gateway 70 acts as an intermediary without broadcasting to the Ethereum network.

[0151] The payment gateway 70 aggregates a certain number of transactions, creates a transaction for the aggregated transactions, and broadcasts it to the Ethereum network. This allows for the saving of fees. The payment gateway 70 records the individual transaction histories that were not broadcast to the Ethereum network in its internal storage.

[0152] This transaction history may also be recorded in multiple distributed ledgers depending on the implementation of the blockchain node 40 including it in the transactions. [Examples of information processing methods] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method according to this embodiment. The following describes the processing executed by the information collecting terminal 10 and the server 30. The following describes an example in which environmental value information is acquired from one information collecting terminal 10, but it is also possible to acquire environmental value information from each of a plurality of information collecting terminals 10, generate certificate data based on the information, and record the information.

[0153] In S1, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires information on environmental value, i.e., environmental value information, from equipment attached to the house. 2 Information indicating the degree of contribution to emission reduction may be acquired as environmental value information.

[0154] In S2, the server 30 acquires the information acquired in S1 from the information collecting terminal 10. Next, in S3, the server 30 creates an evaluation value that quantifies the information acquired in S2. Then, in S4, the server 30 creates certificate data using the evaluation value created in S3. Note that the server 30 may also create evidence data for the created certificate data. The methods for creating the evaluation value, certificate data, and evidence data are as described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0155] In S5, the server 30 records the certificate data created in S4 in a distributed ledger based on block chain technology. More specifically, the server 30 creates a transaction indicating that the certificate data will be issued and transmits it to the node 40. This causes the node 40 to verify the transaction, and after the verification is completed, a block including the transaction is recorded in the storage unit of the node 40, i.e., in the distributed ledger. This ends the information processing method shown in FIG. 5.

[0156] As described above, the server 30 acquires information on the environmental value of the equipment associated with the home collected by the information collecting terminal 10 installed in the home, creates an evaluation value by quantifying the acquired information, and records certificate data including the created evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology. This makes it possible to collect information on environmental value from homes, quantify it, and distribute it in the digital market while ensuring its reliability.

[0157] As described above, the information processing method according to the present embodiment includes acquiring information on the environmental value of equipment associated with a house, collected by an information collecting terminal 10 provided in the house, creating an evaluation value that quantifies the acquired information, and recording certificate data including the created evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology. Thus, it becomes possible to collect information on environmental value from houses, quantify it, and distribute it in the digital market while ensuring reliability, etc.

[0158] The above-mentioned information processing method can be executed by one or more information processing devices (which can also be called processors). For example, all of the processes from S2 to S5 can be executed by one server, or the processes from S2 to S3 can be executed by the center server 31, and the processes from S4 to S5 can be executed by the certificate electronic issuance server 32. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10. Information collection terminal 20 Network 30,31,32 Server

Claims

1. An information collection terminal installed in the home; a server connected to the information collecting terminal via a network; the information collecting terminal acquires information on environmental value from equipment associated with the house; The server acquires the information from the information collecting terminal, The server creates an evaluation value that quantifies the information, and records certificate data including the evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology; The server, generating, from raw data including the information acquired by the information collecting terminal, the certificate data and grounds data indicating a ground for creating the evaluation value included in the certificate data; calculating a hash value, which is a digest of the raw data, the certificate data, and the basis data; The hash value is associated with a transaction ID, which is identification information of the certificate data, and recorded in the distributed ledger. Information processing system.

2. The information acquired by the information collecting terminal is ２ This information indicates the degree to which the project contributed to emission reductions. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the server publishes statistical information generated based on the information acquired from a plurality of the information collecting terminals.

3. the basis data representing the basis of the certificate data includes location information of the information collecting terminal; The information processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the server publishes the statistical information including the location information.

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein when the server receives from a second wallet managed by a second user that is the source of the request for disclosure a request for the certificate data or the basis data corresponding to a transaction ID specifying a transaction ID that is identification information corresponding to the certificate data owned by a first user, the server transmits the certificate data or the basis data that has been subjected to a predetermined disclosure restriction process to the second wallet and notifies the first wallet managed by the first user that a request for disclosure has been made from the second wallet.

5. Acquire information on the environmental value of equipment associated with the home, the information being collected by an information collecting terminal installed in the home; Creating an evaluation value that quantifies the information; Recording the certificate data including the evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology; generating, from raw data including the information acquired by the information collecting terminal, the certificate data and grounds data indicating a ground for creating the evaluation value included in the certificate data; calculating a hash value, which is a digest of the raw data, the certificate data, and the basis data; The hash value is associated with a transaction ID, which is identification information of the certificate data, and recorded in the distributed ledger. server.

6. An information processing method executed by one or more information processing devices, Acquiring information on the environmental value of equipment associated with the home, the information being collected by an information collecting terminal installed in the home; Creating an evaluation value that quantifies the information; and and recording the certificate data including the evaluation value in a distributed ledger based on blockchain technology; The information processing device includes: generating, from raw data including the information acquired by the information collecting terminal, the certificate data and grounds data indicating a ground for creating the evaluation value included in the certificate data; calculating a hash value, which is a digest of the raw data, the certificate data, and the basis data; The hash value is associated with a transaction ID, which is identification information of the certificate data, and recorded in the distributed ledger. Information processing methods.

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