Grid computing management device and management method

Abstract

To provide a management apparatus of grid computing processing configured to contribute to using renewable energy in consideration of a ratio of renewable energy-derived electricity in the amount of electricity used by a computing device of a vehicle.SOLUTION: In a system 1, a management server 50 for system operation, which is a kind of management apparatus of grid computing processing, manages grid computing processing so that computing devices 105 mounted on multiple vehicles 10 process job data provided from a client 30. When a representative value of renewable energy ratios of the computing devices 105 is smaller than a representative value of requested renewable energy ratio values of each job data, renewable energy feed request information for power feed to the vehicles 10 with renewable energy-derived electricity, is transmitted to the computing devices 105.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to the management of grid computing.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a plurality of communication devices and a management server that manages grid computing. The management server includes a signal reception unit, a state determination unit, and a response transmission unit. The signal reception unit receives a signal from a communication device indicating that the communication device can participate in grid computing. The state determination unit determines a shortage state of the processing capacity of each of the plurality of processing devices based on the usage status of the computing resources of each of the plurality of processing devices. The response transmission unit transmits an instruction to participate in grid computing to the communication device based on the signal when the processing capacity of at least one of the plurality of processing devices is insufficient. With such a configuration, the computing resources of a plurality of communication devices are effectively utilized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology as described in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the ratio of renewable energy in the power consumption used for computing by the communication device of a vehicle participating in grid computing.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and by managing grid computing processing in consideration of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power used by the computing device of the vehicle, it is possible to contribute to the utilization of renewable energy. An object of the present invention is to provide a management device and a management method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a management device according to the present invention is a management device that manages grid computing processing for causing a computing device mounted on a plurality of vehicles to process job data provided from a client server, and includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit stores renewable energy ratio information indicating the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the computing devices, and the control unit receives, from the client server, one or more pieces of job data and a renewable energy ratio required value indicating a required value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the power consumption used for each calculation of the job data. A job reception process, a job allocation process of selecting one or more computing devices and allocating the selected computing devices to the job data, distributing the job data to each of the computing devices allocated to the job data, receiving calculation result data of the job data from each of the computing devices, and transmitting the received calculation result data to the client server. Grid computing processing, and based on the renewable energy ratio information and the renewable energy ratio required value, when the representative value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the computing devices is smaller than the representative value of the renewable energy ratio required value of each of the job data, it is configured to execute a renewable energy power supply request process of transmitting renewable energy power supply request information for prompting power supply to the vehicle by the power derived from renewable energy to the computing device.

[0007] According to the present invention configured as described above, when the representative value of the renewable energy ratio of each of the computing devices is smaller than the representative value of the renewable energy ratio requirement value of each of the job data, the management device that manages grid computing processing transmits to the computing devices the renewable energy power supply request information that prompts power supply to the vehicle using the power derived from renewable energy. As a result, it is possible to promote an improvement in the renewable energy ratio in the computing devices of the vehicles participating in grid computing, and it is possible to support the use of renewable energy by the operator of the client server that has requested the grid computing processing.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the storage unit stores the computable amount that each of the computing devices can compute in grid computing processing, and the control unit receives, in job reception processing, the amount of computation required for the computation of the job data, and in renewable energy power supply request processing, calculates a weighted average in which the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the computing devices is weighted by the computable amount of that computing device, and sets this weighted average as the representative value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the computing devices, and calculates a weighted average in which each renewable energy ratio requirement value of the job data is weighted by the amount of computation of that job data, and sets this weighted average as the representative value of the renewable energy ratio requirement value. According to the present invention configured as described above, since the weighted average obtained by weighting the renewable energy ratio of each computing device by the computable amount of that computing device is set as the representative value of the renewable energy ratio of each computing device, and the weighted average obtained by weighting each renewable energy ratio requirement value of the job data by the amount of computation of that job data is set as the representative value of the renewable energy ratio requirement value, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to transmit the renewable energy power supply request information in consideration of the amount of computation required for the computation of the job data and the computable amount of each computing device.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, in renewable energy power supply request processing, when the period in which the representative value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the computing devices is smaller than the representative value of the renewable energy ratio requirement value of each of the job data is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio within the most recent predetermined period, the control unit transmits the renewable energy power supply request information to the computing devices. According to the present invention configured as described above, when it is relatively frequent that the representative value of the renewable energy ratio of the computing device is lower than the representative value of the renewable energy ratio requirement value of the job data, the renewable energy power supply request information can be transmitted to the computing device. Thereby, it is possible to effectively promote an improvement in the renewable energy ratio in the computing device of the vehicle participating in grid computing.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, in the renewable energy power supply request process, when it is predicted that a period in which the representative value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the computing devices is smaller than the representative value of the renewable energy ratio requirement value of each of the job data will continue until after a predetermined period, the renewable energy power supply request information is transmitted to the computing device. According to the present invention configured as described above, when it is predicted that the representative value of the renewable energy ratio of the computing device will be lower than the representative value of the renewable energy ratio requirement value of the job data in the future, the renewable energy power supply request information can be transmitted to the computing device. Thereby, it is possible to effectively promote an improvement in the renewable energy ratio in the computing device of the vehicle participating in grid computing.

[0011] From another perspective, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a management method for a computer to manage grid computing processing in which job data provided from a client server is processed by arithmetic units mounted on a plurality of vehicles, the method including: a storage step of storing, in a storage device, renewable energy ratio information indicating a ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the arithmetic units; a job reception step of receiving, from the client server, one or more pieces of job data and a renewable energy ratio required value indicating a required value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the power consumption used for the calculation of each of the job data; a job allocation step of selecting one or more arithmetic units and allocating the selected arithmetic units to the job data; a grid computing step of distributing the job data to each of the arithmetic units allocated to the job data, receiving calculation result data of the job data from each of the arithmetic units, and transmitting the received calculation result data to the client server; and a renewable energy power supply request step of transmitting, to the arithmetic units, renewable energy power supply request information prompting power supply to the vehicles by power derived from renewable energy when a representative value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the arithmetic units is smaller than a representative value of the renewable energy ratio required value of each of the job data. Also, according to the present invention configured as described above, when the representative value of the renewable energy ratio of each of the arithmetic units is smaller than the representative value of the renewable energy ratio required value of each of the job data, it is possible to transmit, to the arithmetic units, renewable energy power supply request information prompting power supply to the vehicles by power derived from renewable energy. Thereby, it is possible to promote an improvement in the renewable energy ratio in the arithmetic units of the vehicles participating in the grid computing, and it is possible to support the use of renewable energy by the operator of the client server that requested the grid computing processing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the management device and management method of the present invention, by managing grid computing processing in consideration of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power used by the computing device of the vehicle, it is possible to contribute to the utilization of renewable energy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0015] (System) FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of the system 1 of the embodiment. This system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 10, a plurality of user terminals 20, a client server 30, a facility server 40, and a management server 50. These components can communicate with each other via the communication network 5. An arithmetic unit 105 is mounted on each of the plurality of vehicles 10. Further, each vehicle 10 can receive power supply from the charging facility 60 to charge the battery mounted on the vehicle 10 or supply power to the arithmetic unit 105. Note that a plurality of client servers 30 may be provided in the system 1. Similarly, a plurality of facility servers 40 may be provided in the system 1.

[0016] [Grid Computing] As shown in FIG. 2, in the system 1 of the embodiment, grid computing is configured by a plurality of arithmetic units 105, and grid computing processing for causing an available arithmetic unit 105 among the plurality of arithmetic units 105 to process job data is performed.

[0017] When the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in an operating state and the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is utilized. For example, when the vehicle 10 is running, the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is required for running control of the vehicle 10, and the arithmetic unit 105 is in an operating state.

[0018] On the other hand, when the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in a stopped state and the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not utilized. For example, when the vehicle 10 stops and the power of the vehicle 10 is turned off, the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not required and the arithmetic unit 105 is in a stopped state.

[0019] Here, when the computing power of the computing device 105 is not required in the vehicle 10, by providing the computing power of the computing device 105 for grid computing processing, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the computing power of the computing device 105.

[0020] 〔Vehicle〕 The vehicle 10 is owned by a user. The user drives the vehicle 10. In this example, the vehicle 10 is a four-wheel automobile.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes an actuator 11, a sensor 12, an input unit 101, an output unit 102, a communication unit 103, a storage unit 104, and a computing device 105. Further, a battery 106 is mounted on the vehicle 10. The battery 106 is charged by the electric power supplied from the charging facility 60. The electric power stored in the battery 106 is supplied to in-vehicle devices such as the computing device 105. Examples of such a vehicle 10 include an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0022] The actuator 11 includes an actuator for the drive system, an actuator for the steering system, an actuator for the braking system, etc. Examples of the actuator for the drive system include an engine, a transmission, and a motor. Examples of the actuator for the braking system include a brake. Examples of the actuator for the steering system include a steering.

[0023] The sensor 12 acquires various information used for controlling the vehicle 10. Examples of the sensor 12 include an external camera that images the outside of the vehicle, an in-vehicle camera that images the inside of the vehicle, a radar that detects an object outside the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, an accelerator opening sensor, a steering sensor, a brake hydraulic pressure sensor, etc.

[0024] The input unit 101 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 101 include an operation unit that inputs information corresponding to an operation when operated, a camera that inputs an image indicating information, a microphone that inputs a voice indicating information, and the like. Examples of the operation unit include operation buttons and touch sensors of a car navigation device. The information and data input to the input unit 101 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105.

[0025] The output unit 102 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 102 include a display unit that outputs an image indicating information, a speaker that outputs a voice indicating information, and the like. Examples of the display unit include a display of a car navigation device. Examples of the speaker include a speaker of a car navigation device.

[0026] The communication unit 103 transmits and receives information and data. The information and data received by the communication unit 103 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105.

[0027] The storage unit 104 stores information and data.

[0028] The arithmetic unit 105 controls each part of the vehicle 10. In this example, the arithmetic unit 105 controls the actuator 11 according to various information obtained by the sensor 12.

[0029] The arithmetic unit 105 includes a processor, a memory, and the like. Examples of the processor include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the like. The memory stores a program for operating the processor, information and data indicating the processing result of the processor, and the like.

[0030] Note that the number of processors installed in the arithmetic unit 105 may be one or more. Also, the processor installed in the arithmetic unit 105 may be only one of the CPU and the GPU, or both the CPU and the GPU. In this example, the arithmetic unit 105 has both a CPU and a GPU. For example, the arithmetic unit 105 is composed of one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Units).

[0031] In this example, the storage unit 104 stores vehicle information D11, vehicle state information D12, driving history information D13, arithmetic unit information D14, operation history information D15, and renewable energy management information D16.

[0032] 〈Vehicle Information〉 The vehicle information D11 is information about the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle information D11 includes a vehicle ID set for the vehicle 10, vehicle performance information indicating the performance of the vehicle, and the like. The vehicle ID is an example of vehicle identification information for identifying the vehicle 10. The user ID is an example of user identification information for identifying the user.

[0033] 〈Vehicle State Information〉 The vehicle state information D12 indicates the state of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle state information D12 includes vehicle position information, vehicle communication information, vehicle power information, battery remaining amount information, vehicle charging information, and the like. The vehicle position information indicates the position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle position information can be obtained by GPS (Global Positioning System). The vehicle communication information indicates the communication state of the vehicle 10. The vehicle power information indicates the state of the power supply of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle power information indicates the on / off of the ignition power supply, the on / off of the accessory power supply, and the like. The battery remaining amount information indicates the remaining amount of the battery 106 installed in the vehicle 10. The vehicle charging information indicates whether the vehicle 10 is being charged at the charging facility.

[0034] 〈Driving History Information〉 The travel history information D13 is information indicating the travel history of the vehicle 10. For example, the travel history information D13 indicates the position and time of the vehicle 10 in association with each other.

[0035] 〈Computing device information〉 The computing device information D14 is information regarding the computing device 105. For example, the computing device information D14 includes a computing device ID set in the computing device 105, a vehicle ID set in the vehicle 10 on which the computing device 105 is mounted, computing device performance information indicating the performance of the computing device 105, and the like. The computing device ID is an example of computing device identification information for identifying the computing device 105. The performance of the computing device 105 indicated by the computing device performance information includes a computing power (specifically, a maximum computing power) indicating the computing ability of the computing device 105, a ratio between the CPU and the GPU in the computing device 105, and the like. Note that the computing power of the computing device 105 is the amount of data that the computing device 105 can calculate per unit time.

[0036] 〈Operation history information〉 The operation history information D15 is information indicating the operation history of the computing device 105. For example, the operation history information D15 indicates the utilization rate of the computing power of the computing device 105 and the time in association with each other.

[0037] 〈Renewable energy management information〉 The renewable energy management information D16 is information indicating the ratio of the amount of electric power derived from renewable energy (hereinafter, referred to as "renewable energy" as necessary) in the amount of electric power stored in the battery 106. For example, when charging the battery 106 at the charging facility 60, the communication unit 103 receives from the charging facility 60 information indicating whether the electric power supplied from the charging facility 60 is derived from renewable energy. When the charging by the charging facility 60 is completed, the computing device 105 calculates the renewable energy ratio of the battery 106 after the charging is completed based on the information received from the charging facility 60 (that is, whether the charged electric power is derived from renewable energy) and the amount of electric power charged from the charging facility 60 to the battery 106, and the amount of electric power and the renewable energy ratio of the battery 106 before the charging starts. For example, the amount of electric power of the battery 106 before the charging starts is P 0 , and the renewable energy ratio is R 0Let the amount of electric power charged from the charging facility 60 to the battery 106 be P. C Assume that when the charged power is derived from renewable energy, the renewable energy ratio R of the battery 106 after charging completion is calculated as R = (P 0 ×R 0 +P C ) / (P 0 +P C ). Also, when the charged power is not derived from renewable energy, the renewable energy ratio R of the battery 106 after charging completion is calculated as R = (P 0 ×R 0 ) / (P 0 +P C ). The arithmetic unit 105 updates the renewable energy management information D16 based on the calculated renewable energy ratio.

[0038] 〔User Terminal〕 The user terminal 20 is owned by the user. The user operates the user terminal 20 to utilize various functions. Also, the user can carry the user terminal 20 around. Examples of such user terminals 20 include smartphones, tablets, notebook personal computers, and the like.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal 20 includes an input unit 201, an output unit 202, a communication unit 203, a storage unit 204, and a control unit 205.

[0040] The input unit 201 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 201 include an operation unit that inputs information corresponding to an operation when operated, a camera that inputs an image indicating information, a microphone that inputs a voice indicating information, and the like. Examples of the operation unit include operation buttons, touch sensors, and the like. The information input to the input unit 101 is sent to the arithmetic unit 105.

[0041] The output unit 202 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 202 include a display unit that outputs an image indicating information, a speaker that outputs a voice indicating information, and the like.

[0042] The communication unit 203 transmits and receives information and data. The information and data received by the communication unit 203 are sent to the control unit 205.

[0043] The memory unit 204 stores information and data.

[0044] The control unit 205 controls each part of the user terminal 20. The control unit 205 includes a processor, a memory, etc. The memory stores a program for operating the processor, information and data indicating the processing results of the processor, etc.

[0045] In this example, the memory unit 204 stores terminal information D21, terminal state information D22, and schedule information D23.

[0046] 〈Terminal Information〉 The terminal information D21 is information about the user terminal 20. For example, the terminal information D21 includes a user terminal ID set in the user terminal 20, user terminal performance information indicating the performance of the user terminal 20, etc. The user terminal ID is an example of user terminal identification information for identifying the user terminal 20.

[0047] 〈Terminal State Information〉 The terminal state information D22 is information indicating the state of the user terminal 20. The terminal state information D22 includes user terminal position information indicating the position of the user terminal 20, user terminal communication state information indicating the communication state of the user terminal 20, etc.

[0048] 〈Schedule Information〉 The schedule information D23 indicates the action history and action plan of the user who owns the user terminal 20. For example, the schedule information D23 shows the association between the user's position and the stay period (or the scheduled stay period). Note that the schedule information D23 can be obtained by the schedule function installed in the user terminal 20. Specifically, when the user uses the schedule function to input their action history and action plan into the user terminal 20, the schedule information D23 indicating the action history and action plan of that user can be obtained.

[0049] 〔Client Server〕 The client server 30 is owned by the client. The client requests the calculation of job data. Examples of such clients include companies, research institutions, educational institutions, etc.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the client server 30 includes an input unit 301, an output unit 302, a communication unit 303, a storage unit 304, and a control unit 305.

[0051] The input unit 301 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 301 include an operation unit that inputs information corresponding to an operation by being operated, a camera that inputs an image indicating information, a microphone that inputs a voice indicating information, etc. Examples of the operation unit include operation buttons, touch sensors, keyboards, mice, etc. The information and data input to the input unit 301 are sent to the control unit 305.

[0052] The output unit 302 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 302 include a display unit that outputs an image indicating information, a speaker that outputs a voice indicating information, etc.

[0053] The communication unit 303 transmits and receives information and data. The information and data received by the communication unit 303 are sent to the control unit 305.

[0054] The storage unit 304 stores information and data.

[0055] The control unit 305 controls each part of the client server 30. The control unit 305 has a processor, a memory, etc. The memory stores a program for operating the processor, information and data indicating the processing result of the processor, etc.

[0056] In this example, the storage unit 304 stores client information D31, job data D1, and renewable energy ratio requirement information D32.

[0057] 〈Client Information〉 The client information D31 is information regarding the client. The client information D31 includes the client ID set for the client, the client server ID set for the client server 30 owned by the client, the name of the person in charge, the address, the phone number, and the like. The client ID is an example of client identification information for identifying the client. The client server ID is an example of client server identification information for identifying the client server 30.

[0058] 〈Job Data〉 The job data D1 is data corresponding to a job and is data to be processed for the execution of the job.

[0059] Note that the job data D1 can be classified by the type of calculation. Examples of the type of calculation include a CPU-based type of calculation and a GPU-based type of calculation. In the job data D1 of the CPU-based type of calculation, complex calculations with many conditional branches, such as simulation calculations, tend to be required. In the job data D1 of the GPU-based type of calculation, a huge amount of simple calculations, such as image processing and machine learning, tend to be required.

[0060] Also, the job data D1 can be classified by the processing conditions. Examples of the processing conditions include a processing condition that requires constant communication and a processing condition that does not require constant communication. In the job data D1 of the processing condition that requires constant communication, it is required that the arithmetic unit 105 can always communicate in grid computing processing. In the job data D1 of the processing condition that does not require constant communication, it is not required that the arithmetic unit 105 can always communicate in grid computing processing.

[0061] 〈Renewable Energy Ratio Requirement Information〉 The renewable energy ratio requirement information D32 is information indicating a required value (renewable energy ratio required value) of the ratio of the amount of electric power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power consumption used for the calculation of the job data D1. For example, the renewable energy ratio requirement information D32 is represented by a percentage from 0% to 100%.

[0062] <Job Information> Note that job information related to a job may be stored in the storage unit 304. The job information includes job name information indicating the name of the job, job content information explaining the content of the job, job data information related to job data corresponding to the job, job due date information indicating the due date of the job, and the like. The job data information indicates the calculation type, processing conditions, amount of calculation, etc. of the job data.

[0063] 〔Facility Server〕 The facility server 40 is owned by the facility. Users visit the facility. The user can make a reservation to visit the facility. Examples of such facilities include stadiums, theaters, supermarkets, restaurants, accommodation facilities, stores, and the like.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the facility server 40 includes an input unit 401, an output unit 402, a communication unit 403, a storage unit 404, and a control unit 405. The configurations of the input unit 401, output unit 402, communication unit 403, storage unit 404, and control unit 405 of the facility server 40 are the same as those of the input unit 301, output unit 302, communication unit 303, storage unit 304, and control unit 305 of the client server 30.

[0065] In this example, the storage unit 404 stores facility information D41 and facility usage information D42.

[0066] 〈Facility Information〉 The facility information D41 is information related to the facility. The facility information D41 includes a facility ID set for the facility, a facility server ID set for the facility server 40 owned by the facility, facility location information indicating the location (latitude and longitude) of the facility, the name of the person in charge, the address, the telephone number, and the like. The facility ID is an example of facility identification information for identifying the facility. The facility server ID is an example of facility server identification information for identifying the facility server 40.

[0067] 〈Facility Usage Information〉 The facility usage information D42 indicates the usage status (usage history and usage schedule) of the facility. Specifically, the facility usage information D42 indicates the association between the users visiting the facility and the stay period (or the scheduled stay period).

[0068] 〔Management Server〕 The management server 50 manages the operation of the system 1 configured with grid computing. The management server 50 is owned by the operator who operates the system 1. The management server 50 is an example of the "management device" in the present invention and executes the "management method" in the present invention.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the management server 50 includes an input unit 501, an output unit 502, a communication unit 503, a storage unit 504, and a control unit 505. The configurations of the input unit 501, output unit 502, communication unit 503, storage unit 504, and control unit 505 of the management server 50 are the same as those of the input unit 301, output unit 302, communication unit 303, storage unit 304, and control unit 305 of the client server 30. The storage unit 504 and the control unit 505 are examples of the components of a management device that manages grid computing processing.

[0070] In this example, the storage unit 504 stores a user table D51, an arithmetic unit table D52, a client table D53, a job table D54, a resource table D55, a job assignment table D56, job data D1, and calculation result data D2.

[0071] 〈User Table〉 The user table D51 is a table for managing users. In the user table D51, for each user, the user ID set for that user, the vehicle ID set for the vehicle 10 owned by that user, the arithmetic unit ID set for the arithmetic unit 105 owned by that user, the user terminal ID set for the user terminal 20 owned by that user, etc. are registered.

[0072] 〈Arithmetic Unit Table〉 The arithmetic unit table D52 is a table for managing the arithmetic unit 105. In the arithmetic unit table D52, for each arithmetic unit 105, the arithmetic unit ID set for the arithmetic unit 105, the user ID set for the user who owns the arithmetic unit 105, the vehicle ID set for the vehicle 10 on which the arithmetic unit 105 is mounted, etc. are registered.

[0073] In addition, in the arithmetic unit table D52, for each arithmetic unit 105, the performance of the arithmetic unit 105 (such as computing power and the ratio of CPU to GPU), the operating status of the arithmetic unit 105 (operation history and operation schedule), the ratio of renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to the arithmetic unit 105, etc. are registered. In other words, the arithmetic unit table D52 includes operation status information D5 indicating the operation status of each of the plurality of arithmetic units 105, renewable energy ratio information D6 indicating the ratio of renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the plurality of arithmetic units 105, and performance information D7 indicating the performance of each of the plurality of arithmetic units 105. The performance information D7 includes computing power information D8 indicating the computing power of each of the plurality of arithmetic units 105.

[0074] 〈Client table〉 The client table D53 is a table for managing clients. In the client table D53, for each client, the client ID set for the client, the client server ID set for the client server 30 owned by the client, the name of the person in charge of the client, the address, the phone number, etc. are registered.

[0075] 〈Job table〉 The job table D54 is a table for managing jobs requested from clients. In the job table D54, for each job, the reception number set for the job, the client ID set for the client who requested the job, the name and content of the job, etc. are registered. In addition, in the job table D54, for each job, the calculation type and processing conditions of the job data corresponding to the job, the amount of computation required for the calculation of the job data, the due date set for the job, the required value of the renewable energy ratio of the job data, etc. are registered.

[0076] <Resource Table> The resource table D55 is a table for managing the amount of operations (computable amount) and the renewable energy ratio that can be calculated by the computing device 105 in grid computing processing. Specifically, the resource table D55 is a table for managing the results of the operation resource evaluation processing described later. In the resource table D55, for each computing device 105, the computing device ID set for the computing device 105, the predicted result of the amount of operations that can be calculated by the computing device 105 in grid computing processing, the renewable energy ratio in the power used when the computing device 105 executes calculations in grid computing processing, etc. are registered.

[0077] <Job Allocation Table> The job allocation table D56 is a table for managing the results of the job allocation processing described later. In the job allocation table D56, for each job, the reception number set for the job, the job data corresponding to the job, the computing device ID set for the computing device 105 allocated to the job data by the job allocation processing, the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the power consumption used for calculation by all the computing devices 105 allocated to the job data, etc. are registered.

[0078] <Job Data> The job data D1 stored in the storage unit 504 is the job data D1 received by the job reception processing described later.

[0079] <Calculation Result Data> The calculation result data D2 stored in the storage unit 504 is the job data calculated by the grid computing processing described later, and shows the result of the calculation.

[0080] 〔Update of User Table〕 Next, the update of the user table D51 will be described. The user table D51 is updated by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0081] For example, when a new user joins the system 1, the control unit 505 updates the user table D51 by registering the information related to the new user in the user table D51.

[0082] Specifically, the control unit 505 newly sets a user ID for the new user, and associates the "user ID" set for the new user, the "vehicle ID" set for the vehicle 10 owned by the user, the "computing device ID" set for the computing device 105 mounted on the vehicle 10, and the "user terminal ID" set for the user terminal 20 owned by the new user, and registers them in the user table D51.

[0083] Note that it is possible to obtain the "vehicle ID" and "computing device ID" related to the new user through the communication between the vehicle 10 owned by the new user and the management server 50. Also, it is possible to obtain the "user terminal ID" related to the new user through the communication between the user terminal 20 owned by the new user and the management server 50.

[0084] 〔Update of the computing device table〕 Next, the update of the computing device table D52 will be described. The computing device table D52 is updated by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0085] For example, when a new computing device 105 joins the system 1, the control unit 505 updates the computing device table D52 by registering the information related to the new computing device 105 in the computing device table D52.

[0086] Specifically, the control unit 505 associates the "computing device ID" set for the new computing device 105, the "user ID" set for the user who owns the computing device 105, the "vehicle ID" set for the vehicle 10 on which the computing device 105 is mounted, and the "performance", "operating status" and "regenerative energy ratio" of the computing device 105, and registers them in the computing device table D52.

[0087] Note that by communicating between the vehicle 10 equipped with the new arithmetic unit 105 and the management server 50, it is possible to obtain the "arithmetic unit ID", "vehicle ID", "performance", "operation status", and "renewable energy ratio" related to the new arithmetic unit 105. Also, by referring to the user table D51, it is possible to obtain the "user ID" related to the new arithmetic unit 105.

[0088] 〔Periodic update of the arithmetic unit table〕 In addition, the "operation status" and "renewable energy ratio" of the arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52 are periodically updated. In other words, the operation status information D5 and the renewable energy ratio information D6 included in the arithmetic unit table D52 are periodically updated. This periodic update is performed by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0089] 〈First update process〉 For example, based on the "operation history information D15" of the vehicle 10, the "operation status" (in other words, the operation status information D5) of the arithmetic unit 105 in the arithmetic unit table D52 may be periodically updated. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following first update process for each arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52.

[0090] In the first update process, the control unit 505 requests access to the "operation history information D15" from the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic unit 105. The arithmetic unit 105 of the vehicle 10 permits access to the "operation history information D15" in response to the request. The control unit 505 updates the "operation history", which is the past operation status among the "operation status" of the arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52, based on the operation history of the arithmetic unit 105 shown in the operation history information D15.

[0091] 〈Second update process〉 Further, based on the "driving history information D13" of the vehicle 10, the "operating status" (in other words, the operating status information D5) of the arithmetic unit 105 in the arithmetic unit table D52 may be updated periodically. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following second update process for each arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52.

[0092] In the second update process, the control unit 505 requests access to the "driving history information D13" for the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic unit 105. The arithmetic unit 105 of the vehicle 10 permits access to the "driving history information D13" in response to the request. The control unit 505 estimates the operating history of the arithmetic unit 105 based on the driving history of the vehicle 10 shown in the driving history information D13. Next, the control unit 505 updates the "operating history", which is the past operating status among the "operating status" of the arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52, based on the estimated operating history of the arithmetic unit 105.

[0093] 〈Third update process〉 Further, based on the "schedule information D23" of the user terminal 20, the "operating status" (in other words, the operating status information D5) of the arithmetic unit 105 in the arithmetic unit table D52 may be updated periodically. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following third update process for each arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52.

[0094] In the third update process, the control unit 505 requests access to the "schedule information D23" for the user terminal 20 owned by the user who owns the arithmetic unit 105. The control unit 205 of the user terminal 20 permits access to the "schedule information D23" in response to the request. The control unit 505 detects the action status (action history and action plan) related to the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic unit 105 from among the action status (action history and action plan) of the user shown in the schedule information D23.

[0095] For example, from among the behavior history, which is the past behavior situation of the user, a behavior history in which the user was on board vehicle 10 is detected, and from among the behavior plans, which are the future behavior situations of the user, a behavior plan in which the user plans to board vehicle 10 is detected.

[0096] Next, based on the detected behavior situation of the user, the control unit 505 estimates the driving situation (driving history and driving plan) of vehicle 10. Next, based on the estimated driving situation of vehicle 10, the control unit 505 estimates the operating situation (operating history and operating plan) of the arithmetic unit 105. Then, based on the estimated operating situation of the arithmetic unit 105, the control unit 505 updates the "operating situation" of the arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52.

[0097] 〈Fourth update process〉 Also, based on the "facility usage information D42" of the facility server 40, the "operating situation" (in other words, the operating situation information D5) of the arithmetic unit 105 in the arithmetic unit table D52 may be updated periodically. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following fourth update process for each arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52.

[0098] In the fourth update process, the control unit 505 requests the facility server 40 to access the "facility usage information D42". The facility server 40 permits access to the "facility usage information D42" in response to the request. The control unit 505 detects the usage situation (usage history and usage plan) related to vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic unit 105 from among the usage situations (usage history and usage plan) of the facilities shown in the facility usage information D42.

[0099] For example, from among the usage history, which is the past usage situation of the facility, a usage history in which the user was on board vehicle 10 is detected, and from among the usage plans, which are the future usage situations of the facility, a usage plan in which the user plans to board vehicle 10 is detected.

[0100] Next, based on the detected usage status of the facility, the control unit 505 estimates the driving status (driving history and driving plan) of the vehicle 10. Next, based on the estimated driving status of the vehicle 10, the control unit 505 estimates the operating status (operation history and operation plan) of the arithmetic unit 105. Next, based on the estimated operating status of the arithmetic unit 105, the control unit 505 updates the "operating status" of the arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52.

[0101] 〈Fifth Update Process〉 Also, based on the "regenerative energy management information D16" of the vehicle 10, the regenerative energy ratio (in other words, regenerative energy ratio information D6) of the arithmetic unit 105 in the arithmetic unit table D52 may be updated periodically. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following fifth update process for each arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52.

[0102] In the fifth update process, the control unit 505 requests access to the "regenerative energy management information D16" for the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic unit 105. The arithmetic unit 105 of the vehicle 10 permits access to the "regenerative energy management information D16" in response to the request. The control unit 505 updates the "regenerative energy ratio" of the arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52 based on the regenerative energy ratio of the arithmetic unit 105 indicated in the regenerative energy management information D16.

[0103] Also, when the control unit 505 requests access to the "regenerative energy management information D16" for the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 may be receiving power supply from the charging facility 60, and the arithmetic unit 105 may be able to execute calculations using the power supplied from the charging facility 60. At this time, the arithmetic unit 105 of the vehicle 10 responds to the request from the control unit 505 and transmits information indicating that the regenerative energy ratio is 100% if the power supplied from the charging facility 60 is regenerative energy, and 0% if it is not regenerative energy, to the control unit 505 instead of the "regenerative energy management information D16". The control unit 505 updates the "regenerative energy ratio" of the arithmetic unit 105 registered in the arithmetic unit table D52 based on the information received from the arithmetic unit 105 of the vehicle 10.

[0104] 〔Update of Client Table〕 Next, the update of the client table D53 can be described. The client table D53 is updated by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0105] For example, when a new client joins the system 1, the control unit 505 updates the client table D53 by registering information related to the new client in the client table D53.

[0106] Specifically, the control unit 505 newly sets a client ID for the new client, and associates the "client ID" set for the new client, the "client server ID" set for the client server 30 owned by the new client, the "person in charge", "address", and "phone number" of the new client, and registers them in the client table D53.

[0107] Note that through the communication between the client server 30 and the management server 50, it is possible to obtain the "client server ID", "person in charge", "address", and "phone number" related to the new client.

[0108] 〔Processing by Control Unit (Management Method)〕 The control unit 505 performs job reception processing, computing resource evaluation processing, job allocation processing, grid computing processing, and renewable power supply request processing.

[0109] 〔Job Reception Processing (Job Reception Step)〕 Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the job reception processing will be described. In the job reception processing, job data D1 requested for calculation by the client is received. For example, every time the control unit 505 is requested to calculate the job data D1 from the client, the following processing is performed.

[0110] 〈Step S11〉 First, the management server 50 receives a job request from the client. Specifically, the client server 30 sends a job request application to the management server 50 in response to an operation by a person in charge of the client. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 performs the following processing in response to the application.

[0111] The control unit 505 requests the client server 30 to send information necessary for job reception (specifically, client information regarding the client that requests the job and job information regarding the job). In this example, the control unit 505 sends the image data of the job reception screen to the client server 30. The control unit 305 of the client server 30 reproduces the image of the job reception screen from the image data and outputs (displays) the image to the output unit 302 (display unit).

[0112] As shown in FIG. 9, the job reception screen is a screen for inputting information necessary for job reception. On the job reception screen, there are provided a client name input field R101 for inputting the client name, a person in charge name input field R102 for inputting the name of the person in charge of the client, an address input field R104 for inputting the address of the client, a job name input field R111 for inputting the name of the job, a job content input field R112 for inputting an explanation regarding the content of the job, a calculation type input field R113 for inputting the calculation type of the job data corresponding to the job, a processing condition input field R114 for inputting the processing conditions of the job data, an operation amount input field R115 for inputting the operation amount of the job data, a renewable energy ratio required value input field R116 for inputting the required value of the renewable energy ratio of the job, a due date input field R117 for inputting the due date of the job, and a registration button B100.

[0113] The person in charge of the client operates the input unit 301 (operation unit) of the client server 30 to input the necessary information on the job reception screen. As a result, client information regarding the client requesting the job, job information regarding the job, and renewable energy ratio requirement information are input. Then, when the input of this information is completed, the person in charge of the client operates the input unit 301 (operation unit) of the client server 30 to press the registration button B100 on the job reception screen. When the registration button B100 is pressed, the control unit 305 of the client server 30 transmits the information (client information, job information, and renewable energy ratio requirement information) input on the job reception screen to the management server 50. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives the client information, job information, and renewable energy ratio requirement information.

[0114] Alternatively, instead of acquiring the information input on the job reception screen, the control unit 505 may acquire the client information D31, job information, and renewable energy ratio requirement information D32 from the storage unit 304 of the client server 30. In this case, the control unit 305 of the client server 30 transmits the client information D31, job information, and renewable energy ratio requirement information D32 to the management server 50 in response to a request from the control unit 505 of the management server 50. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives the client information D31, job information, and renewable energy ratio requirement information D32.

[0115] Next, the control unit 505 requests the client server 30 to transmit the job data D1 corresponding to the job. The control unit 305 of the client server 30 transmits the job data D1 corresponding to the job to the management server 50 in response to the request. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives the job data D1.

[0116] <Step S12> Next, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 analyzes the job data D1 received in step S11. Specifically, the control unit 505 analyzes the calculation type, processing conditions, amount of calculation, etc. of the job data D1. Then, based on the result of the analysis of the job data D1, the control unit 505 corrects the job information received in step S11.

[0117] Note that if the job information received in step S11 is sufficiently reliable, the process of step S12 may be omitted.

[0118] 〈Step S13〉 Next, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 associates the client information and the renewable energy ratio requirement information received in step S11 with the job information corrected as necessary in step S12 (or the job information received in step S11), and registers them in the job table D54. Also, the control unit 505 stores the job data D1 received in step S11 in the storage unit 504.

[0119] 〔Computing Resource Evaluation Process (Computing Resource Evaluation Step)〕 Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the computing resource evaluation process will be described. In the computing resource evaluation process, based on the computing device table D52 (specifically, the computing power information D8 and the operating status information D5) stored in the storage unit 504, the amount of calculation that the computing device 105 can perform in grid computing processing among a plurality of computing devices 105 is predicted, and the renewable energy ratio of the computing device 105 is obtained. For example, when the computing device table D52 (specifically, at least one of the computing power information D8, the operating status information D5, and the renewable energy ratio information D6) stored in the storage unit 504 is updated, the control unit 505 performs the following process.

[0120] 〈Step S21〉 First, the control unit 505 acquires the "computing power", "operating status", and "renewable energy ratio" of the computing device 105 registered in the computing device table D52. In other words, the control unit 505 acquires the computing power information D8, the operating status information D5, and the renewable energy ratio information D6 included in the computing device table D52.

[0121] 〈Step S22〉 Next, for each computing device 105, the control unit 505 predicts the amount of computation that the computing device 105 can perform in grid computing processing based on the computing power of the computing device 105 indicated in the computing power information D8 and the operating status of the computing device 105 indicated in the operating status information D5. Also, for each computing device 105, the control unit 505 acquires the renewable energy ratio in the grid computing processing of the computing device 105 based on the renewable energy ratio information D6.

[0122] For example, the control unit 505 predicts the trend (pattern) of the change in the utilization rate of the computing power of the computing device 105 from the operating status of the computing device 105 indicated in the operating status information D5. The prediction of the trend of the change in the utilization rate of the computing power of the computing device 105 may be realized by machine learning. Then, based on the trend of the change in the utilization rate of the computing power of the computing device 105, the control unit 505 predicts a period during which there is a margin in the computing power of the computing device 105 (a period during which the utilization rate of the computing power is not 100%), and sets that period as "the period during which the computing power of the computing device 105 can be used for grid computing processing". For example, the control unit 505 sets the period during which the utilization rate of the computing power of the computing device 105 is "30%" as the period during which "70%" of the computing power of the computing device 105 can be used for grid computing processing. Then, based on the temporal change in the available computing power of the computing device 105 in grid computing processing predicted in this way, the control unit 505 predicts the amount of computation (computable amount) that the computing device 105 can perform in a predetermined period (for example, one day) from the current time. The unit of this computable amount is, for example, the number of code blocks of the program constituting the job.

[0123] Further, the control unit 505 obtains the ratio of renewable energy in the power used when the computing device 105 executes calculations in grid computing processing from the ratio of renewable energy of the computing device 105 indicated in the renewable energy ratio information D6.

[0124] <Step S23> Next, for each computing device 105, the control unit 505 registers in the resource table D55 the amount of calculation that the computing device 105 can perform in grid computing processing predicted in step S22, and the ratio of renewable energy in the power used when the computing device 105 executes calculations in grid computing processing obtained in step S22. Thereby, the resource table D55 is updated.

[0125] [Job Allocation Process (Job Allocation Step)] Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the job allocation process will be described. The job allocation process is a process of allocating a computing device 105 available for grid computing processing among a plurality of computing devices 105 to the job data D1 received in the reception process based on the result of the computing resource evaluation process. For example, after completion of the job reception process, the control unit 505 performs the following processes.

[0126] <Step S31> First, the control unit 505 selects a job to be the target of the job allocation process from the jobs registered in the job table D54. For example, the control unit 505 selects the job with the earliest due date from the jobs registered in the job table D54. Then, the control unit 505 selects the job data D1 corresponding to the job to be the target of the job allocation process from the job data D1 stored in the storage unit 504.

[0127] <Step S32> Next, based on the prediction results of the computable amounts of each of the plurality of arithmetic units 105 registered in the resource table D55 and the renewable energy ratio, the control unit 505 selects, from among the plurality of arithmetic units 105, a combination of arithmetic units 105 that can achieve the amount of computation required in the grid computing process for the job data D1 selected in step S31 and the renewable energy ratio required value.

[0128] Specifically, the control unit 505 refers to the job table D54 to obtain the amount of computation required for calculating the job data D1 and the required value of the regenerative energy ratio. Then, it refers to the resource table D55 to obtain the computable amount and the regenerative energy ratio of each computing device 105, and identifies a combination of computing devices 105 that can achieve the amount of computation and the required value of the regenerative energy ratio of the job data D1. For example, assume that the amount of computation required for calculating the job data D1 is 100 code blocks, the required value of the regenerative energy ratio is 50%, and six computing devices 105 (computing device A [computable amount: 20 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio: 50%], computing device B [computable amount: 50 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio: 100%], computing device C [computable amount: 30 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio: 50%], computing device D [computable amount: 30 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio: 0%], computing device E [computable amount: 50 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio: 100%], computing device F [computable amount: 20 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio: 70%]) are registered in the resource table D55. In this case, by selecting computing device A, computing device C, and computing device E, the total computable amount is 20 + 30 + 50 = 100, and the weighted average value of the regenerative energy ratio calculated by weighting the regenerative energy ratio of each computing device 105 by the computable amount is (20×50% + 30×50% + 50×100%) / (20 + 30 + 50) = 75%. That is, it can be seen that by selecting computing device A, computing device C, and computing device E, both the amount of computation required for calculating the job data D1 and the required value of the regenerative energy ratio can be achieved. Therefore, the control unit 505 selects the combination of computing device A, C, and E from the six computing devices 105 registered in the resource table D55. Alternatively, the computing devices 105 may be selected such that the total value of the computable amount is equal to or greater than the amount of computation of the job data D1 from among the computing devices 105 whose individual regenerative energy ratios exceed the required value of the regenerative energy ratio of the job data D1 (for example, computing device B and D may be selected).

[0129] <Step S33> Next, the control unit 505 assigns the arithmetic unit 105 selected in step S31 to the job data D1 selected in step S32. Then, the control unit 505 registers job allocation result information indicating which arithmetic unit 105 is assigned to which job data D1 in the job allocation table D56.

[0130] 〈Step S34〉 Next, the control unit 505 calculates an overall renewable energy ratio indicating the renewable energy ratio in the power consumption used by all the arithmetic units 105 assigned to the job data D1 for the calculation of the job data D1 based on the renewable energy ratio of each selected arithmetic unit 105 and the amount of computation of the job data D1. Specifically, the control unit 505 calculates a weighted average value of the renewable energy ratios by weighting the renewable energy ratio of each selected arithmetic unit 105 by the computable amount, and uses it as the overall renewable energy ratio. For example, when the arithmetic unit A, the arithmetic unit C, and the arithmetic unit E are selected as described above, the overall renewable energy ratio of the job data D1 is calculated as (20×50% + 30×50% + 50×100%) / (20 + 30 + 50) = 75%.

[0131] 〈Step S35〉 Next, the control unit 505 transmits overall renewable energy ratio information representing the overall renewable energy ratio calculated in step S35 to the client server 30 of the client that requested the calculation of the job data D1 selected in step S31.

[0132] 〔Grid Computing Processing〕 Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the grid computing processing will be described. In the grid computing processing, the arithmetic unit 105 assigned to the job data D1 in the job allocation processing processes the job data D1. For example, after the completion of the job allocation processing, the control unit 505 performs the following processing.

[0133] 〈Step S41〉 First, the control unit 505 refers to the job assignment table D56 and distributes the job data D1 to be subjected to grid computing processing to the arithmetic unit 105 assigned to the job data D1 in the job assignment process. Specifically, the control unit 505 transmits a part of the job data D1 to each of the arithmetic units 105 assigned to the job data D1. At this time, the control unit 505 distributes the job data D1 so that the amount of calculation of the part of the job data D1 to be calculated by each arithmetic unit 105 does not exceed the calculable amount of each arithmetic unit 105. As a result, the job data D1 is processed in parallel by the arithmetic unit 105 assigned to the job data D1.

[0134] 〈Step S42〉 Next, when the calculation of the data (a part of the job data D1) transmitted to each arithmetic unit 105 is completed, each arithmetic unit 105 transmits the partial calculation result data obtained by the calculation to the management server 50. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives the partial calculation result data transmitted from the arithmetic unit 105 and stores the partial calculation result data in the storage unit 504.

[0135] 〈Step S43〉 The control unit 505 determines whether or not all of the arithmetic units 105 to which the job data D1 was distributed in step S41 have completed the calculation. If all of the arithmetic units 105 have completed the calculation (step S43: YES), the process of step S44 is performed, and if not (step S43: NO), the process of step S42 is performed.

[0136] 〈Step S44〉 When all of the computing devices 105 have completed their calculations, the control unit 505 combines the partial calculation result data stored in the storage unit 504 to generate calculation result data D2 corresponding to the job data D1 that is the target of the grid computing process (calculation result data D2 indicating the result of the calculation of the job data D1). Then, the control unit 505 transmits the calculation result data D2 corresponding to the job data D1 that is the target of the grid computing process to the client server 30 of the client that requested the calculation of the job data D1.

[0137] 〈Step S45〉 Next, a reward is given to the user who provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for the grid computing process by the operator who operates the system 1. Examples of the reward given to the user include points available in the system 1, virtual currency, discount privileges for products, etc. For example, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 performs a process for giving a reward to the user who provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for the grid computing process. Examples of the process for giving a reward include a process of registering in the user table D51 by associating the "user ID" set for the user with the "points" (or virtual currency) available in the system 1, and a process of transmitting information indicating a discount privilege for a product to the user terminal 20 owned by the user. Note that the information indicating the reward may be registered for each job in the job table D54.

[0138] Also, a reward may be given to the user who provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for the grid computing process from the client. For example, the control unit 305 of the client server 30 may execute a process for giving a reward to the user who provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for the grid computing process.

[0139] 〔Job Progress Confirmation〕 Note that in this example, when the control unit 505 of the management server 50 is requested to confirm the progress of job processing from the client server 30 of the client that requested the job, in response to the request, it transmits the image data of the confirmation screen for confirming the progress of the job processing to the client server 30. The client server 30 reproduces the image of the confirmation screen from the image data and outputs (displays) the image to the output unit 302 (display unit).

[0140] As shown in FIG. 13, on the confirmation screen, there are provided a job name display column R201 for displaying the name of the job, a processing progress display column R202 for displaying the progress of job processing, a calculation start date and time display column R203 for indicating the date and time when the job processing starts, a calculation end date and time display column R204 for indicating the date and time when the job processing ends, and a participating user display column R205 for indicating the user who provides the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 for the grid computing process for the job.

[0141] [Renewable energy power supply request process (renewable energy power supply request step)] Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the renewable energy power supply request process will be described. The renewable energy power supply request process is a process of transmitting, to the arithmetic unit 105, renewable energy power supply request information that prompts the user to supply power to the vehicle 10 with the power derived from renewable energy when the weighted average of the renewable energy ratios of all the arithmetic units 105 is smaller than the weighted average of the renewable energy ratio required values of all the job data D1. For example, the control unit 505 performs the following process at a predetermined time every day.

[0142] <Step S51> First, the control unit 505 refers to the job table D54 and acquires the amount of computation required for calculating each job data D1 and the required value of the regenerative energy ratio. Then, the control unit 505 calculates the weighted average A of the required values of the regenerative energy ratio by weighting the required value of the regenerative energy ratio of each job data D1 by the amount of computation. For example, assume that in the job table D54, the first job "Molecular structure analysis for the development of new materials" (required value of the regenerative energy ratio: 100%, amount of computation: 50 code blocks), the second job "Simulation of urban activity volume" (required value of the regenerative energy ratio: 50%, amount of computation: 100 code blocks), and the third job "Calculation of artificial satellite orbits" (required value of the regenerative energy ratio: 0%, amount of computation: 30 code blocks) are registered. In this case, the weighted average A of the required values of the regenerative energy ratio of all job data D1 is calculated as (50×100% + 100×50% + 30×0%) / (50 + 100 + 30) = 56%.

[0143] <Step S52> Next, the control unit 505 refers to the resource table D55 and acquires the computable amount and the regenerative energy ratio of each computing device 105. Then, the control unit 505 calculates the weighted average B of the regenerative energy ratios of all the computing devices 105 by weighting the regenerative energy ratio of each computing device 105 by the computable amount. For example, assume that in the resource table D55, six computing devices 105 (computing device A [computable amount 20 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio 50%], computing device B [computable amount 50 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio 100%], computing device C [computable amount 30 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio 50%], computing device D [computable amount 30 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio 0%], computing device E [computable amount 50 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio 100%], computing device F [computable amount 20 code blocks, regenerative energy ratio 70%]) are registered. In this case, the weighted average B of the regenerative energy ratios of all the computing devices 105 is calculated as (20×50% + 50×100% + 30×50% + 30×0% + 50×100% + 20×70%) / (20 + 50 + 30 + 30 + 50 + 20) = 70%.

[0144] <Step S53> Next, the control unit 505 refers to the calculation results of the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all job data and the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all arithmetic units 105 within the most recent predetermined period (for example, 7 days), and determines whether the number of days satisfying the condition that the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all job data > the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all arithmetic units 105 (that is, the renewable energy ratio of the arithmetic unit 105 is smaller than the renewable energy ratio required value of the job data) is more than half of the predetermined period.

[0145] 〈Step S54〉 As a result of the determination in step S53, when the number of days satisfying the condition that the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all job data > the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all arithmetic units 105 is more than half of the predetermined period (step S53: YES), the control unit 505 transmits to the arithmetic unit 105 the renewable energy power supply request information for prompting the vehicle 10 to be powered by the power from renewable energy. Note that the transmission of this renewable energy power supply request information is not executed every time the processes of steps S51 to S53 are performed, but is executed at regular intervals (for example, every week). This is because if the renewable energy power supply request information is repeatedly notified in a short period, it may be troublesome for the user.

[0146] When transmitting the renewable energy power supply request information to the computing device 105, the control unit 505 selects, for example, from among the computing devices 105, a computing device 105 that has executed the grid computing process for a relatively long time within the above-described predetermined period and has a relatively low renewable energy ratio, and transmits the renewable energy power supply request information. Alternatively, the control unit 505 may transmit the renewable energy power supply request information to all the computing devices 105. The renewable energy power supply request information includes, for example, the location information of the charging facility 60 using the power derived from renewable energy, the priority use right, the discount coupon for the charging fee, and the like. Further, when the vehicle 10 is supplied with power by the power derived from renewable energy, or when the job data calculation is executed while receiving power supply from the charging facility 60 using the power derived from renewable energy, information indicating that a bonus (for example, points n times the normal time) is given to the computing reward may be included in the renewable energy power supply request information. As an example of the process for giving a bonus, there is a process of registering in the user table D51 by associating the "user ID" set for the user with the bonus to be given when the next calculation is executed.

[0147] 〈Step S55〉 As a result of the determination in step S53, when the number of days in which the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all the job data is greater than the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all the computing devices 105 is less than half of the predetermined period (step S53: NO), the control unit 505 determines whether it is predicted that the number of consecutive days in which the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all the job data is greater than the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all the computing devices 105 will be two or more days by the end of the predetermined period (for example, one month later). For example, the control unit 505 performs a time-series regression analysis on each of the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all the job data and the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all the computing devices 105, and when the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all the computing devices 105 is less than the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all the job data by the end of the predetermined period, it is determined that it is predicted that the number of consecutive days in which the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all the job data is greater than the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all the computing devices 105 will be two or more days (step S55: YES).

[0148] As a result of the determination in step S55, if it is predicted that there will be two or more consecutive days in which the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all job data > the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all arithmetic units 105 is satisfied by a certain period (step S55: YES), the control unit 505 executes the process of step S54, and if not (step S55: NO), the control unit 505 ends the renewable energy power supply request process without executing the process of step S54.

[0149] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. Hereinafter, such modification examples will be explained.

[0150] First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above-described content. By the present invention, it is also possible to solve problems not described above or to achieve effects not described above. Also, it may solve only some of the described problems or achieve only some of the described effects.

[0151] In the above-described embodiment, in the renewable energy power supply request process, as a result of the determination in step S53, if the number of days in which the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio required values of all job data > the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all arithmetic units 105 is less than half of a certain period (step S53: NO), it was explained that the process of step S55 is executed. However, the renewable energy power supply request process may be ended without performing the process of step S55. Also, the process of step S53 may be omitted, and the process of step S55 may be executed after the process of step S52.

[0152] Also, in step S54 of the renewable energy power supply request process, it was explained that the transmission of the renewable energy power supply request information is not executed every time the processes of steps S51 to S53 are performed, but is executed at regular intervals. However, it may be executed every time the processes of steps S51 to S53 are performed.

[0153] 〔Operation and Effect〕 Finally, the operation and effect of the management server 50 according to the present embodiment and the modified example of the present embodiment will be described.

[0154] According to the present embodiment, when the representative value of the respective regenerative energy ratios of the arithmetic units 105 of the management server 50 is smaller than the representative value of the respective regenerative energy ratio required values of the job data D1, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 transmits to the arithmetic units 105 regenerative energy power supply request information that prompts power supply to the vehicle 10 using power derived from renewable energy. Thereby, it is possible to promote an improvement in the regenerative energy ratio in the arithmetic units 105 of the vehicles 10 participating in grid computing, and it is possible to support the use of renewable energy by the operator of the client server 30 that requested the grid computing process.

[0155] Also, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 505 sets the weighted average obtained by weighting the regenerative energy ratio of the arithmetic unit 105 by its respective computable amount as the representative value of the respective regenerative energy ratios of the arithmetic unit 105, and sets the weighted average obtained by weighting each regenerative energy ratio required value of the job data D1 by the computing amount of the job data D1 as the representative value of the regenerative energy ratio required value. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not to transmit the regenerative energy power supply request information in consideration of the computing amount required for the calculation of the job data D1 and the computable amount of each arithmetic unit 105.

[0156] Also, according to the present embodiment, when the period during which the representative value of the regenerative energy ratio of the arithmetic unit 105 is smaller than the representative value of the regenerative energy ratio required value of the job data D1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio within the most recent predetermined period, the control unit 505 transmits the regenerative energy power supply request information to the arithmetic unit. Therefore, when the representative value of the regenerative energy ratio of the arithmetic unit 105 is relatively often lower than the representative value of the regenerative energy ratio required value of the job data D1, it is possible to transmit the regenerative energy power supply request information to the arithmetic unit 105. Thereby, it is possible to effectively promote an improvement in the regenerative energy ratio in the arithmetic units 105 of the vehicles 10 participating in grid computing.

[0157] Also, according to the present embodiment, in the regenerative energy power supply request process, when it is predicted that a period in which the representative value of each regenerative energy ratio of the arithmetic unit 105 is smaller than the representative value of each regenerative energy ratio request value of the job data D1 will continue until a predetermined period, the control unit 505 transmits regenerative energy power supply request information to the arithmetic unit 105. Therefore, when it is predicted that the representative value of the regenerative energy ratio of the arithmetic unit 105 will be lower than the representative value of the regenerative energy ratio request value of the job data D1 in the future, the regenerative energy power supply request information can be transmitted to the arithmetic unit 105. Thereby, it is possible to effectively promote an improvement in the regenerative energy ratio in the arithmetic unit 105 of the vehicle 10 participating in grid computing.

Explanation of Signs

[0158] 1 System 10 Vehicle 105 Arithmetic Unit 106 Battery 20 User Terminal 30 Client Server 40 Facility Server 50 Management Server 501 Input Unit 502 Output Unit 503 Communication Unit 504 Storage Unit 505 Control Unit 60 Charging Facility D1 Job Data D2 Calculation Result Data D6 Regenerative Energy Ratio Information D16 Regenerative Energy Management Information D32 Regenerative Energy Ratio Request Information

Claims

1. A management device that manages a grid computing process in which job data provided from a client server is processed by a computing device mounted on a plurality of vehicles, A storage unit; A control unit, The storage unit stores renewable energy ratio information indicating a ratio of an amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in an amount of electricity supplied to each of the arithmetic devices; The control unit is A job reception process that receives, from the client server, one or more of the job data and a renewable energy ratio request value indicating a request value for a ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumption used in the calculation of each of the job data; a job allocation process for selecting one or more of the arithmetic units and allocating the selected arithmetic units to the job data; the grid computing process distributing job data to each of the computing devices assigned to the job data, receiving calculation result data of the job data from each of the computing devices, and transmitting the received calculation result data to the client server; a renewable energy power supply request process for transmitting, to the arithmetic device, renewable energy power supply request information that prompts the vehicle to be supplied with power derived from renewable energy when a representative value of a ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the arithmetic devices is smaller than a representative value of the renewable energy ratio request value of each of the job data based on the renewable energy ratio information and the renewable energy ratio request value; is configured to run Management device.

2. the storage unit stores a computational amount that each of the computing devices can compute in a grid computing process; The control unit is In the job reception process, a calculation amount required for calculating the job data is received, In the renewable energy power supply request process, a weighted average of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the arithmetic devices, weighted by the amount of computation of the arithmetic devices, is set as a representative value of the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the arithmetic devices, and a weighted average of the renewable energy ratio request value of each of the job data, weighted by the amount of computation of the job data, is set as a representative value of the renewable energy ratio request value. The management device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit transmits the renewable energy power supply request information to the arithmetic device when a period during which a representative value of a ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the arithmetic devices is smaller than a representative value of the renewable energy ratio request value of each of the job data is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage of a most recent predetermined period in the renewable energy power supply request process. The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit transmits the renewable energy power supply request information to the arithmetic device when it is predicted that a period will continue in which a representative value of a ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity supplied to each of the arithmetic devices is smaller than a representative value of the renewable energy ratio request value of each of the job data until a predetermined period has elapsed in the renewable energy power supply request process. The management device according to claim 1 .

5. A management method for managing, by a computer, grid computing processing in which job data provided from a client server is processed by a computing device mounted on a plurality of vehicles, the method comprising the steps of: A storage step of storing renewable energy ratio information indicating a ratio of an amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in an amount of electricity supplied to each of the arithmetic devices in a storage device; A job receiving step of receiving from the client server one or more of the job data and a renewable energy ratio request value indicating a request value of a ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumption used in the calculation of each of the job data; a job allocation step of selecting one or more of the arithmetic units and allocating the selected arithmetic units to the job data; a grid computing step of distributing the job data to each of the computing devices assigned to the job data, receiving calculation result data of the job data from each of the computing devices, and transmitting the received calculation result data to the client server; a renewable energy power supply request step of transmitting, to the arithmetic device, renewable energy power supply request information that prompts the vehicle to be supplied with power derived from renewable energy when a representative value of a ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power supplied to each of the arithmetic devices is smaller than a representative value of the renewable energy ratio request value of each of the job data based on the renewable energy ratio information and the renewable energy ratio request value; A management method having the following features.

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