Grid computing management device and management method

Abstract

To provide a grid computing management device that contributes to usage of renewable energy by taking into consideration a proportion of an amount of electric power originating from renewable energy within an amount of electric power that computing devices of vehicles use for calculation.SOLUTION: In a system 1, a system management server 50 as a type of grid computing management device, causes computing devices 105 installed in a plurality of vehicles 10 to process job data provided from a client 30. Further, overall renewable energy proportion information is acquired that indicates a proportion of an amount of electric power originating from renewable energy within an amount of electric power consumption that all computing devices assigned to the job data use for calculation of the job data, on the basis of a computation amount of the job data processed by each of the computing devices, and renewable energy proportion information, and the overall renewable energy proportion information is transmitted to the client 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including multiple communication devices and a management server that manages grid computing. The management server includes a signal receiving unit, a status determining unit, and a response transmitting unit. The signal receiving unit receives a signal from a communication device indicating that the communication device is able to participate in grid computing. The status determining unit determines whether each of the multiple processing devices has insufficient processing capacity based on the usage status of the computational resources of each of the multiple processing devices. If the processing capacity of at least one of the multiple processing devices is insufficient, the response transmitting unit transmits an instruction to the communication device to participate in grid computing based on the signal. This configuration makes effective use of the computational resources of the multiple communication devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-160661 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the proportion of renewable energy in the amount of power consumed for calculations by communication devices of vehicles participating in grid computing.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a management device and a management method that can contribute to the use of renewable energy by managing grid computing processing taking into account the proportion of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity used for calculations by the vehicle's computing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the management device according to the present invention is a management device that manages grid computing processing in which job data provided from a client server is processed by calculation devices mounted on multiple vehicles, and is equipped with a memory unit and a control unit. The memory unit stores renewable energy ratio information indicating the ratio of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity supplied to each of the calculation devices, and the control unit is configured to execute the following: a job reception process that receives job data from the client server; a job allocation process that selects one or more calculation devices and assigns the selected calculation devices to the job data; a grid computing process that distributes the job data to each of the calculation devices assigned to the job data, receives calculation result data for the job data from each of the calculation devices, and transmits the received calculation result data to the client server; and an overall renewable energy ratio provision process that obtains overall renewable energy ratio information that indicates the ratio of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumed used by all calculation devices assigned to the job data to calculate the job data, based on the calculation volume and renewable energy ratio information of the job data processed by each calculation device, and transmits the overall renewable energy ratio information to the client server.

[0007] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the management device that manages the grid computing processing transmits to the client server overall renewable energy ratio information that indicates the ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumed by all of the arithmetic devices assigned to the job data to calculate the job data. This allows the operator of the client server that provided the job data to be informed of the renewable energy ratio of the electricity used in the grid computing processing, thereby supporting the use of renewable energy by the operator of the client server that requested the grid computing processing.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the memory unit stores the computational capacity that each of the computing devices can calculate in the grid computing process, and the control unit, in the overall renewable energy ratio providing process, sets the overall renewable energy ratio information to a weighted average of the ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity supplied to each of the computing devices assigned to the job data, weighted by the computational capacity of that computing device. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the overall renewable energy ratio information is the weighted average of the renewable energy ratios of each computing device assigned to the job data, weighted by the computational capacity of that computing device.Therefore, the renewable energy ratio taking into account the computational capacity required to calculate the job data and the computational capacity of each computing device can be notified to the client server operator, thereby assisting the client server operator in properly understanding the usage status of renewable energy in grid computing processing.

[0009] In another aspect, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a management method for managing, by a computer, grid computing processing in which job data provided from a client server is processed by calculation devices mounted on a plurality of vehicles, the management method including: a storage step for storing, in a storage device, renewable energy ratio information indicating the ratio of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity supplied to each of the calculation devices; a job reception step for receiving job data from the client server; a job allocation step for selecting one or more calculation devices and assigning the selected calculation devices to the job data; a grid computing step for distributing the job data to each of the calculation devices assigned to the job data, receiving calculation result data for the job data from each of the calculation devices, and transmitting the received calculation result data to the client server; and an overall renewable energy ratio providing step for acquiring, based on the calculation amount and renewable energy ratio information for the job data processed by each calculation device, overall renewable energy ratio information indicating the ratio of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumed by all calculation devices assigned to the job data to calculate the job data, and transmitting the overall renewable energy ratio information to the client server. With the present invention configured in this manner, all computing devices assigned to job data can transmit to the client server overall renewable energy ratio information indicating the ratio of renewable energy-derived electricity in the amount of electricity consumed to calculate the job data. This allows the operator of the client server that provided the job data to be informed of the renewable energy ratio of electricity used in grid computing processing, thereby supporting the use of renewable energy by the operator of the client server that requested the grid computing processing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The management device and management method of the present invention can contribute to the use of renewable energy by managing grid computing processing while taking into account the proportion of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity used for calculations by the vehicle's computing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating grid computing. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a client server configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a facility server. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management server. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a job reception process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image of a job reception screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing for evaluating computing resources; [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a job allocation process. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a grid computing process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image of a confirmation screen. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a renewable energy power supply request process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0013] (system) FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. The 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 a communication network 5. Each of the plurality of vehicles 10 is equipped with a computing device 105. Each vehicle 10 can receive power from a charging facility 60 to charge the battery installed in the vehicle 10 and to supply power to the computing device 105. The system 1 may include a plurality of client servers 30. Similarly, the system 1 may include a plurality of facility servers 40.

[0014] [Grid Computing] As shown in FIG. 2, in the system 1 of the embodiment, grid computing is configured by a plurality of computing devices 105, and grid computing processing is performed in which an available computing device 105 among the plurality of computing devices 105 processes job data.

[0015] When the vehicle 10 needs the computing power of the arithmetic device 105, the arithmetic device 105 enters an operating state and uses the computing power of the arithmetic device 105. For example, when the vehicle 10 is traveling, the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 is required for traveling control of the vehicle 10, and the arithmetic device 105 enters an operating state.

[0016] On the other hand, when the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 becomes unnecessary in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic device 105 enters a stopped state, and the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 is not used. For example, when the vehicle 10 stops and the power supply of the vehicle 10 is turned off, the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 becomes unnecessary, and the arithmetic device 105 enters a stopped state.

[0017] Here, when the computing power of the computing device 105 is not required in the vehicle 10, the computing power of the computing device 105 can be provided for grid computing processing, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the computing power of the computing device 105.

[0018] 〔vehicle〕 The vehicle 10 is owned by a user. The user drives the vehicle 10. In this example, the vehicle 10 is a four-wheeled motor vehicle.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, vehicle 10 includes actuator 11, sensor 12, input unit 101, output unit 102, communication unit 103, storage unit 104, and arithmetic unit 105. Vehicle 10 is also equipped with battery 106. Battery 106 is charged with power supplied from charging facility 60. The power stored in battery 106 is supplied to on-board devices such as arithmetic unit 105. Examples of such vehicles 10 include electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

[0020] The actuators 11 include drive system actuators, steering system actuators, braking system actuators, etc. Examples of drive system actuators include an engine, a transmission, and a motor. Examples of braking system actuators include a brake. Examples of steering system actuators include a steering wheel.

[0021] The sensor 12 acquires various types of information used to control the vehicle 10. Examples of the sensor 12 include an exterior camera that captures images outside the vehicle, an interior camera that captures images inside the vehicle, radar that detects objects outside the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, an accelerator opening sensor, a steering sensor, and a brake oil pressure sensor.

[0022] The input unit 101 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 101 include an operation unit that is operated to input information corresponding to the operation, a camera that inputs an image showing information, and a microphone that inputs audio showing information. 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 calculation device 105.

[0023] The output unit 102 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 102 include a display unit that outputs an image representing information, and a speaker that outputs sound representing information. An example of a display unit is the display of a car navigation device. An example of a speaker is the speaker of a car navigation device.

[0024] The communication unit 103 transmits and receives information and data. The information and data received by the communication unit 103 are sent to the calculation device 105.

[0025] The storage unit 104 stores information and data.

[0026] The arithmetic device 105 controls each part of the vehicle 10. In this example, the arithmetic device 105 controls the actuator 11 in accordance with various pieces of information obtained by the sensor 12.

[0027] The arithmetic device 105 includes a processor, a memory, etc. Examples of the processor include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The memory stores a program for operating the processor, information and data indicating the processing results of the processor, etc.

[0028] The number of processors installed in the arithmetic device 105 may be one or more. The processor installed in the arithmetic device 105 may be either a CPU or a GPU, or both a CPU and a GPU. In this example, the arithmetic device 105 has both a CPU and a GPU. For example, the arithmetic device 105 is configured by one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Units).

[0029] In this example, the storage unit 104 stores vehicle information D11, vehicle state information D12, travel history information D13, arithmetic device information D14, operation history information D15, and renewable energy management information D16.

[0030] <Vehicle Information> The vehicle information D11 is information related to 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, etc. The vehicle ID is an example of vehicle identification information that identifies the vehicle 10. The user ID is an example of user identification information that identifies a user.

[0031] <Vehicle status information> Vehicle status information D12 indicates the status of vehicle 10. For example, vehicle status information D12 includes vehicle location information, vehicle communication information, vehicle power source information, remaining battery capacity information, vehicle charging information, etc. Vehicle location information indicates the location (latitude and longitude) of vehicle 10. For example, vehicle location information can be acquired using a GPS (Global Positioning System). Vehicle communication information indicates the communication status of vehicle 10. Vehicle power source information indicates the power source status of vehicle 10. For example, vehicle power source information indicates whether the ignition power is on or off, whether the accessory power is on or off, etc. Battery remaining capacity information indicates the remaining capacity of battery 106 installed in vehicle 10. Vehicle charging information indicates whether vehicle 10 is being charged at a charging facility.

[0032] <Driving history information> The driving history information D13 is information that indicates the driving history of the vehicle 10. For example, the driving history information D13 indicates the position of the vehicle 10 in association with the time.

[0033] <Calculation device information> The arithmetic device information D14 is information related to the arithmetic device 105. For example, the arithmetic device information D14 includes an arithmetic device ID set in the arithmetic device 105, a vehicle ID set in the vehicle 10 on which the arithmetic device 105 is mounted, arithmetic device performance information indicating the performance of the arithmetic device 105, etc. The arithmetic device ID is an example of arithmetic device identification information for identifying the arithmetic device 105. The performance of the arithmetic device 105 indicated in the arithmetic device performance information includes a calculation capacity indicating the calculation capacity (specifically, the maximum calculation capacity) of the arithmetic device 105, a ratio of the CPU to the GPU in the arithmetic device 105, etc. The calculation capacity of the arithmetic device 105 is the amount of data that the arithmetic device 105 can calculate per unit time.

[0034] <Operation history information> The operation history information D15 is information that indicates the operation history of the arithmetic device 105. For example, the operation history information D15 indicates the utilization rate of the computing capacity of the arithmetic device 105 in association with time.

[0035] <Renewable energy management information> The renewable energy management information D16 is information indicating the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy (hereinafter referred to as "renewable energy" as necessary) in the amount of power stored in the battery 106. For example, when charging the battery 106 at the charging facility 60, the communication unit 103 receives information from the charging facility 60 indicating whether the power supplied from the charging facility 60 is derived from renewable energy. When charging by the charging facility 60 is completed, the calculation device 105 calculates the renewable energy ratio of the battery 106 after charging is completed based on the information received from the charging facility 60 (i.e., whether the charged power is derived from renewable energy or not), the amount of power charged to the battery 106 from the charging facility 60, and the amount of power and renewable energy ratio of the battery 106 before the start of charging. For example, if the amount of power of the battery 106 before the start of charging is P0 and the renewable energy ratio is R0, and the amount of power charged to the battery 106 from the charging facility 60 is P0, the calculation device 105 calculates the renewable energy ratio of the battery 106 after charging is completed. C When the charged power is derived from renewable energy, the renewable energy ratio R of the battery 106 after charging is completed is R=(P0×R0+P C ) / (P0+P C) can be calculated. In addition, if the charged power is not derived from renewable energy, the renewable energy ratio R of the battery 106 after charging is completed can be calculated as follows: R=(P0×R0) / (P0+P C The calculation device 105 updates the renewable energy management information D16 with the calculated renewable energy ratio.

[0036] [User terminal] The user terminal 20 is owned by a user. The user operates the user terminal 20 to use various functions. The user can also carry the user terminal 20. Examples of such user terminals 20 include smartphones, tablets, and notebook personal computers.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The input unit 201 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 201 include an operation unit that is operated to input information corresponding to the operation, a camera that inputs an image showing information, and a microphone that inputs sound showing information. Examples of the operation unit include an operation button and a touch sensor. The information input to the input unit 101 is sent to the arithmetic device 105.

[0039] The output unit 202 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 202 include a display unit that outputs an image representing information, and a speaker that outputs sound representing information.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The storage unit 204 stores information and data.

[0042] The control unit 205 controls each unit of the user terminal 20. The control unit 205 has 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.

[0043] In this example, the storage unit 204 stores terminal information D21, terminal state information D22, and schedule information D23.

[0044] <Device Information> The terminal information D21 is information related to 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 that identifies the user terminal 20.

[0045] <Device status information> The terminal status information D22 is information indicating the status of the user terminal 20. The terminal status information D22 includes user terminal position information indicating the position of the user terminal 20, user terminal communication status information indicating the communication status of the user terminal 20, and the like.

[0046] <Schedule Information> The schedule information D23 indicates the behavior history and behavior schedule of the user who owns the user terminal 20. For example, the schedule information D23 indicates the user's location and the length of stay (or the planned length of stay) in association with each other. The schedule information D23 can be acquired by a schedule function installed in the user terminal 20. Specifically, when a user uses the schedule function to input their own behavior history and behavior schedule into the user terminal 20, the schedule information D23 indicating the user's behavior history and behavior schedule is obtained.

[0047] [Client Server] The client server 30 is owned by a client. The client requests the calculation of job data. Examples of such clients include companies, research institutes, and educational institutions.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The input unit 301 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 301 include an operation unit that is operated to input information corresponding to the operation, a camera that inputs an image representing information, and a microphone that inputs audio representing information. Examples of the operation unit include an operation button, a touch sensor, a keyboard, and a mouse. The information and data input to the input unit 301 are sent to the control unit 305.

[0050] The output unit 302 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 302 include a display unit that outputs an image representing information, and a speaker that outputs sound representing information.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The storage unit 304 stores information and data.

[0053] The control unit 305, which controls each unit of the client server 30, 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.

[0054] In this example, the storage unit 304 stores client information D31, job data D1, and renewable energy ratio request information D32.

[0055] <Client Information> The client information D31 is information about the client. The client information D31 includes a client ID set for the client, a client-server ID set for the client server 30 owned by the client, a person in charge's name, address, telephone number, etc. The client ID is an example of client identification information that identifies the client. The client-server ID is an example of client-server identification information that identifies the client server 30.

[0056] <Job Data> The job data D1 is data corresponding to a job and is processed to execute the job.

[0057] The job data D1 can be classified by calculation type. Examples of calculation types include CPU-based calculation types and GPU-based calculation types. Job data D1 of the CPU-based calculation type tend to require complex calculations with many conditional branches, such as simulation calculations. Job data D1 of the GPU-based calculation type tend to require a huge amount of simple calculations, such as image processing and machine learning.

[0058] Furthermore, the job data D1 can be classified by processing conditions. Examples of processing conditions include processing conditions that require constant communication and processing conditions that do not require constant communication. Job data D1 with processing conditions that require constant communication requires that the arithmetic device 105 be always available for communication in grid computing processing. Job data D1 with processing conditions that do not require constant communication does not require that the arithmetic device 105 be always available for communication in grid computing processing.

[0059] <Renewable energy ratio requirement information> The renewable energy ratio request information D32 is information that indicates a request value (renewable energy ratio request value) for the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power consumption used in the calculation of the job data D1. For example, the renewable energy ratio request information D32 is expressed as a percentage from 0% to 100%.

[0060] <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 the job data corresponding to the job, job deadline information indicating the deadline for the job, etc. The job data information indicates the calculation type, processing conditions, amount of calculation, etc. of the job data.

[0061] [Facility Server] The facility server 40 is owned by a facility. Users visit the facility. Users can make reservations to visit the facility. Examples of such facilities include stadiums, theaters, supermarkets, restaurants, accommodations, and stores.

[0062] 6, facility server 40 includes input unit 401, output unit 402, communication unit 403, storage unit 404, and control unit 405. The configurations of input unit 401, output unit 402, communication unit 403, storage unit 404, and control unit 405 of facility server 40 are the same as the configurations of input unit 301, output unit 302, communication unit 303, storage unit 304, and control unit 305 of client server 30.

[0063] In this example, the storage unit 404 stores facility information D41 and facility usage information D42.

[0064] Facility Information The facility information D41 is information related to a 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 a person in charge, an address, a telephone number, etc. The facility ID is an example of facility identification information that identifies a facility. The facility server ID is an example of facility server identification information that identifies the facility server 40.

[0065] <Facility Usage Information> The facility usage information D42 indicates the usage status (usage history and planned usage) of the facility. Specifically, the facility usage information D42 indicates users who visit the facility and their stay period (or planned stay period) in association with each other.

[0066] [Management Server] The management server 50 manages the operation of the system 1 in which grid computing is configured. 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" of the present invention, and executes the "management method" of the present invention.

[0067] 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 similar to the configurations 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 control unit 505 are examples of components of a management device that manages grid computing processing.

[0068] In this example, the storage unit 504 stores a user table D51, a processing unit table D52, a client table D53, a job table D54, a resource table D55, a job allocation table D56, job data D1, and calculation result data D2.

[0069] <User table> The user table D51 is a table for managing users. For each user, the user table D51 registers a user ID set for the user, a vehicle ID set for the vehicle 10 owned by the user, a calculation device ID set for the calculation device 105 owned by the user, a user terminal ID set for the user terminal 20 owned by the user, and the like.

[0070] <Calculation Unit Table> The arithmetic device table D52 is a table for managing the arithmetic devices 105. In the arithmetic device table D52, for each arithmetic device 105, a arithmetic device ID set in the arithmetic device 105, a user ID set for the user who owns the arithmetic device 105, a vehicle ID set for the vehicle 10 in which the arithmetic device 105 is installed, etc. are registered.

[0071] Furthermore, the arithmetic device table D52 registers, for each arithmetic device 105, the performance of the arithmetic device 105 (computing capacity, CPU / GPU ratio, etc.), the operation status of the arithmetic device 105 (operation history and operation schedule), the renewable energy ratio in the amount of power supplied to the arithmetic device 105, etc. In other words, the arithmetic device table D52 includes operation status information D5 indicating the operation status of each of the multiple arithmetic devices 105, renewable energy ratio information D6 indicating the renewable energy ratio in the amount of power supplied to each of the multiple arithmetic devices 105, and performance information D7 indicating the performance of each of the multiple arithmetic devices 105. The performance information D7 includes computing capacity information D8 indicating the computing capacity of each of the multiple arithmetic devices 105.

[0072] <Client Table> The client table D53 is a table for managing clients. For each client, the client table D53 registers the client ID set for that client, the client server ID set for the client server 30 owned by the client, the name, address, telephone number, etc. of the person in charge of that client.

[0073] <Job Table> The job table D54 is a table for managing jobs requested by clients. For each job, the job table D54 registers the reception number set for that job, the client ID set for the client that requested the job, the name and content of the job, etc. The job table D54 also registers for each job the calculation type and processing conditions of the job data corresponding to that job, the amount of calculation required to calculate the job data, the delivery date set for that job, the renewable energy ratio required value of that job data, etc.

[0074] <Resource Table> The resource table D55 is a table for managing the amount of calculation that the calculation device 105 can calculate (calculation amount) and the renewable energy ratio in grid computing processing. Specifically, the resource table D55 is a table for managing the results of a calculation resource evaluation process, which will be described later. For each calculation device 105, the resource table D55 registers the calculation device ID set for that calculation device 105, the predicted result of the amount of calculation that the calculation device 105 can calculate in grid computing processing, the renewable energy ratio in the power used when the calculation device 105 performs calculations in grid computing processing, and the like.

[0075] <Job Allocation Table> The job allocation table D56 is a table for managing the results of the job allocation process described later. For each job, the job allocation table D56 registers the reception number set for that job, the job data corresponding to that job, the arithmetic device ID set for the arithmetic device 105 assigned to that job data by the job allocation process, the ratio of the amount of power derived from renewable energy in the amount of power consumed for calculation by all the arithmetic devices 105 assigned to that job data, and the like.

[0076] <Job Data> The job data D1 stored in the storage unit 504 is job data D1 accepted by a job acceptance process, which will be described later.

[0077] <Calculation result data> The calculation result data D2 stored in the storage unit 504 is job data calculated by grid computing processing, which will be described later, and indicates the results of that calculation.

[0078] [Update user table] Next, the updating of the user table D51 will be described. The user table D51 is updated by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0079] For example, when a new user joins the system 1, the control unit 505 updates the user table D51 by registering information related to the new user in the user table D51.

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 505 sets a new user ID for the new user, associates the "user ID" set for the new user with the "vehicle ID" set for the vehicle 10 owned by the user, the "computing device ID" set for the computing device 105 installed in 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.

[0081] It is possible to obtain a "vehicle ID" and a "computing device ID" related to the new user through communication between the vehicle 10 owned by the new user and the management server 50. It is also possible to obtain a "user terminal ID" related to the new user through communication between the user terminal 20 owned by the new user and the management server 50.

[0082] [Updating the arithmetic unit table] Next, the update of the arithmetic unit table D52 will be described. The arithmetic unit table D52 is updated by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0083] For example, when a new arithmetic device 105 joins the system 1, the control unit 505 updates the arithmetic device table D52 by registering information related to the new arithmetic device 105 in the arithmetic device table D52.

[0084] Specifically, the control unit 505 associates the "calculation device ID" set in the new calculation device 105, the "user ID" set in the user who owns the calculation device 105, the "vehicle ID" set in the vehicle 10 in which the calculation device 105 is installed, and the "performance," "operation status," and "renewable energy ratio" of the calculation device 105, and registers them in the calculation device table D52.

[0085] It is possible to obtain the "calculation device ID", "vehicle ID", "performance", "operation status", and "renewable energy ratio" related to the new calculation device 105 through communication between the vehicle 10 equipped with the new calculation device 105 and the management server 50. It is also possible to obtain the "user ID" related to the new calculation device 105 by referring to the user table D51.

[0086] [Periodic update of the calculation unit table] Furthermore, the "operation status" and "renewable energy ratio" of the arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52 are periodically updated. In other words, the operation status information D5 and the renewable energy ratio information D6 included in the arithmetic device table D52 are periodically updated. This periodic update is performed by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0087] <First update process> For example, the "operation status" of the arithmetic device 105 in the arithmetic device table D52 (in other words, the operation status information D5) may be periodically updated based on the "operation history information D15" of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following first update process for each arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52.

[0088] In the first update process, the control unit 505 requests the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic device 105 to access the "operation history information D15." In response to the request, the arithmetic device 105 of the vehicle 10 permits access to the "operation history information D15." Based on the operation history of the arithmetic device 105 indicated in the operation history information D15, the control unit 505 updates the "operation history," which is the past operation status, of the "operation status" of the arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52.

[0089] <Second update process> Furthermore, the "operational status" of the arithmetic device 105 in the arithmetic device table D52 (in other words, the operation status information D5) may be periodically updated based on the "travel history information D13" of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following second update process for each arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52.

[0090] In the second update process, the control unit 505 requests the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic device 105 to access the "driving history information D13." In response to the request, the arithmetic device 105 of the vehicle 10 permits access to the "driving history information D13." The control unit 505 estimates the operation history of the arithmetic device 105 based on the driving history of the vehicle 10 indicated in the driving history information D13. Next, the control unit 505 updates the "operation history," which is the past operation status of the "operation status" of the arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52, based on the estimated operation history of the arithmetic device 105.

[0091] <Third update process> Furthermore, the "operation status" of the arithmetic device 105 in the arithmetic device table D52 (in other words, the operation status information D5) may be periodically updated based on the "schedule information D23" of the user terminal 20. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following third update process for each arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52.

[0092] In the third update process, the control unit 505 requests the user terminal 20 owned by the user who owns the arithmetic device 105 to access the "schedule information D23." In response to the request, the control unit 205 of the user terminal 20 permits access to the "schedule information D23." The control unit 505 detects a behavioral situation related to the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic device 105 from the user's behavioral situation (behavior history and behavior plan) shown in the schedule information D23.

[0093] For example, from among the user's behavioral status, the behavioral history, which is the past behavioral status of the user, the behavioral history in which the user has boarded the vehicle 10 is detected, and from among the user's behavioral status, the behavioral schedule, which is the future behavioral status of the user, the behavioral schedule in which the user plans to board the vehicle 10 is detected.

[0094] Next, the control unit 505 estimates the driving status (driving history and driving schedule) of the vehicle 10 based on the detected behavioral status of the user. Next, the control unit 505 estimates the operating status (operating history and operating schedule) of the arithmetic device 105 based on the estimated driving status of the vehicle 10. Then, the control unit 505 updates the "operating status" of the arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52 based on the estimated operating status of the arithmetic device 105.

[0095] <Fourth update process> Furthermore, the "operation status" of the arithmetic device 105 in the arithmetic device table D52 (in other words, operation status information D5) may be periodically updated based on the "facility usage information D42" of the facility server 40. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following fourth update process for each arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52.

[0096] In the fourth update process, the control unit 505 requests the facility server 40 to access the "facility usage information D42." In response to the request, the facility server 40 permits access to the "facility usage information D42." The control unit 505 detects the usage status related to the vehicle 10 equipped with the calculation device 105 from the usage status (usage history and planned use) of the facility indicated in the facility usage information D42.

[0097] For example, from the usage history, which is the past usage status of the facility, usage history in which the user has boarded vehicle 10 is detected, and from the usage schedule, which is the future usage status of the facility, usage schedule in which the user plans to board vehicle 10 is detected.

[0098] Next, the control unit 505 estimates the driving status (driving history and driving schedule) of the vehicle 10 based on the detected usage status of the facility. Next, the control unit 505 estimates the operating status (operating history and operating schedule) of the arithmetic device 105 based on the estimated driving status of the vehicle 10. Next, the control unit 505 updates the "operating status" of the arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52 based on the estimated operating status of the arithmetic device 105.

[0099] <5th update process> Furthermore, the renewable energy ratio of the arithmetic device 105 in the arithmetic device table D52 (in other words, the renewable energy ratio information D6) may be periodically updated based on the "renewable energy management information D16" of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the control unit 505 may execute the following fifth update process for each arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52.

[0100] In the fifth update process, the control unit 505 requests the vehicle 10 equipped with the arithmetic device 105 to access the "renewable energy management information D16." In response to the request, the arithmetic device 105 of the vehicle 10 permits access to the "renewable energy management information D16." The control unit 505 updates the "renewable energy ratio" of the arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52 based on the renewable energy ratio of the arithmetic device 105 indicated in the renewable energy management information D16.

[0101] Furthermore, when the control unit 505 requests the vehicle 10 to access the "renewable energy management information D16", there may be cases where the vehicle 10 is receiving a supply of power from the charging facility 60 and the arithmetic device 105 is able to perform calculations using the power supplied from the charging facility 60. In this case, in response to the request from the control unit 505, the arithmetic device 105 of the vehicle 10 transmits to the control unit 505, in place of the "renewable energy management information D16", information indicating that the renewable energy ratio is 100% if the power supplied from the charging facility 60 is derived from renewable energy, and that the renewable energy ratio is 0% if the power is not derived from renewable energy. The control unit 505 updates the "renewable energy ratio" of the arithmetic device 105 registered in the arithmetic device table D52 based on the information received from the arithmetic device 105 of the vehicle 10.

[0102] [Update client table] Next, the update of the client table D53 will be explained. The client table D53 is updated by the control unit 505 of the management server 50.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Specifically, the control unit 505 sets a new client ID for the new client, associates the "client ID" set for the new client with the "client server ID" set for the client server 30 owned by the new client, and the "person in charge," "address," and "telephone number" of the new client, and registers them in the client table D53.

[0105] By 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 "telephone number" of the new client.

[0106] [Processing by the control unit (management method)] The control unit 505 performs job reception processing, computational resource evaluation processing, job allocation processing, grid computing processing, and renewable energy power supply request processing.

[0107] [Job acceptance process (job acceptance step)] Next, the job reception process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the job reception process, job data D1 for which a calculation is requested by a client is received. For example, the control unit 505 performs the following process each time a calculation of job data D1 is requested by a client.

[0108] <Step S11> First, the management server 50 accepts a job request from a client. Specifically, in response to an operation by a person in charge of the client, the client server 30 transmits a job request application to the management server 50. In response to the application, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 performs the following processing.

[0109] The control unit 505 requests the client server 30 to transmit information required to accept the job (specifically, client information related to the client requesting the job and job information related to the job). In this example, the control unit 505 transmits image data of the job acceptance screen to the client server 30. The control unit 305 of the client server 30 reproduces the image of the job acceptance screen from the image data, and causes the output unit 302 (display unit) to output (display) the image.

[0110] 9, the job reception screen is a screen for inputting information required to receive a job. The job reception screen has 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 client's address, a job name input field R111 for inputting the name of the job, a job content input field R112 for inputting a description of the job content, a calculation type input field R113 for inputting the calculation type of job data corresponding to the job, a processing condition input field R114 for inputting the processing conditions of the job data, a calculation amount input field R115 for inputting the calculation amount of the job data, a renewable energy ratio requirement value input field R116 for inputting the renewable energy ratio requirement value of the job, a delivery date input field R117 for inputting the delivery date of the job, and a register button B100.

[0111] The person in charge of the client operates the input unit 301 (operation unit) of the client server 30 to input necessary information into the job reception screen. As a result, client information about the client requesting the job, job information about the job, and renewable energy ratio request information are input. Then, after completing input of this information, the person in charge of the client operates the input unit 301 (operation unit) of the client server 30 to press a 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 input into the job reception screen (client information, job information, and renewable energy ratio request information) to the management server 50. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives the client information, job information, and renewable energy ratio request information.

[0112] Furthermore, instead of acquiring information input on the job reception screen, the control unit 505 may acquire the client information D31, the job information, and the renewable energy ratio request information D32 from the storage unit 304 of the client server 30. In this case, the control unit 305 of the client server 30 responds to a request from the control unit 505 of the management server 50 and transmits the client information D31, the job information, and the renewable energy ratio request information D32 to the management server 50. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives the client information D31, the job information, and the renewable energy ratio request information D32.

[0113] Next, the control unit 505 requests the client server 30 to transmit job data D1 corresponding to the job. In response to the request, the control unit 305 of the client server 30 transmits the job data D1 corresponding to the job to the management server 50. The control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives the job data D1.

[0114] <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, the control unit 505 modifies the job information received in step S11 based on the results of the analysis of the job data D1.

[0115] If the job information received in step S11 is sufficiently reliable, the process of step S12 may be omitted.

[0116] <Step S13> Next, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 associates the client information and renewable energy ratio request 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. The control unit 505 also stores the job data D1 received in step S11 in the storage unit 504.

[0117] [Computational Resource Evaluation Process (Computational Resource Evaluation Step)] Next, the computing resource evaluation process will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the computing resource evaluation process, the amount of computation that can be performed by a computing device 105 among the plurality of computing devices 105 in grid computing processing is predicted based on the computing device table D52 (specifically, the computing capacity information D8 and the operation status information D5) stored in the storage unit 504, and the renewable energy ratio of the computing device 105 is acquired. For example, when the computing device table D52 (specifically, at least one of the computing capacity information D8, the operation 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.

[0118] <Step S21> First, the control unit 505 acquires the "computing capacity," "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 capacity information D8, operating status information D5, and renewable energy ratio information D6 included in the computing device table D52.

[0119] <Step S22> Next, the control unit 505 predicts, for each of the calculation devices 105, the amount of calculation that the calculation device 105 can perform in the grid computing process, based on the calculation capacity of the calculation device 105 indicated in the calculation capacity information D8 and the operation status of the calculation device 105 indicated in the operation status information D5. Furthermore, for each of the calculation devices 105, the control unit 505 acquires the renewable energy ratio in the grid computing process of the calculation device 105, based on the renewable energy ratio information D6.

[0120] For example, the control unit 505 predicts a trend (pattern) of changes in the utilization rate of the computing device 105's computing capacity based on the operating status of the computing device 105 indicated in the operating status information D5. This prediction of the trend of changes in the utilization rate of the computing device 105's computing capacity may be achieved by machine learning. Then, based on the trend of changes in the utilization rate of the computing capacity of the computing device 105, the control unit 505 predicts a period in which the computing device 105 has spare computing capacity (a period in which the utilization rate of the computing capacity is not 100%) and defines this period as a "period in which the computing capacity of the computing device 105 can be used for grid computing processing." For example, the control unit 505 defines a period in which the utilization rate of the computing capacity of the computing device 105 is "30%" as a period in which "70%" of the computing capacity of the computing device 105 can be used for grid computing processing. Then, based on the predicted temporal change in the computing capacity available for grid computing processing of the computing device 105, the control unit 505 predicts the amount of computation (computable amount) that the computing device 105 can perform in a predetermined period from the present time (e.g., one day). The unit of this computational amount is, for example, the number of code blocks of the programs that make up the job.

[0121] Furthermore, the control unit 505 acquires the renewable energy ratio in the power used when the arithmetic device 105 executes calculations in the grid computing process from the renewable energy ratio of the arithmetic device 105 indicated in the renewable energy ratio information D6.

[0122] <Step S23> Next, the control unit 505 registers, for each arithmetic device 105, the amount of calculation that the arithmetic device 105 can perform in the grid computing process, predicted in step S22, and the renewable energy ratio in the power that the arithmetic device 105 uses when performing calculations in the grid computing process, acquired in step S22, in the resource table D55. This updates the resource table D55.

[0123] [Job allocation process (job allocation step)] Next, the job allocation process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The job allocation process is a process of allocating a computing device 105 available for grid computing processing from among the multiple computing devices 105 to the job data D1 accepted in the acceptance process based on the result of the computing resource evaluation process. For example, after the job acceptance process is completed, the control unit 505 performs the following process.

[0124] <Step S31> First, the control unit 505 selects a job to be subjected to the job allocation process from among the jobs registered in the job table D54. For example, the control unit 505 selects the job with the earliest due date from among the jobs registered in the job table D54. Then, the control unit 505 selects job data D1 corresponding to the job to be subjected to the job allocation process from among the job data D1 stored in the storage unit 504.

[0125] <Step S32> Next, the control unit 505 selects, from among the multiple calculation devices 105, a combination of calculation devices 105 that can achieve the calculation volume and renewable energy ratio requirement value required in the grid computing process for the job data D1 selected in step S31, based on the predicted calculation volume and renewable energy ratio of each of the multiple calculation devices 105 registered in the resource table D55.

[0126] Specifically, the control unit 505 refers to the job table D54 to acquire the computation amount and renewable energy ratio request value required for calculating the job data D1, and then refers to the resource table D55 to acquire the computational amount and renewable energy ratio of each computation device 105, and identifies a combination of computation devices 105 that can achieve the computation amount and renewable energy ratio request value of the job data D1. For example, suppose the amount of calculation required to calculate job data D1 is 100 code blocks, the required renewable energy ratio is 50%, and six calculation devices 105 (calculation device A [calculation amount 20 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 50%], calculation device B [calculation amount 50 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 100%], calculation device C [calculation amount 30 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 50%], calculation device D [calculation amount 30 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 0%], calculation device E [calculation amount 50 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 100%], calculation device F [calculation amount 20 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 70%]) are registered in resource table D55. In this case, by selecting the calculation device A, the calculation device C, and the calculation device E, the total computational capacity is 20 + 30 + 50 = 100, and the weighted average value of the renewable energy ratio calculated by weighting the renewable energy ratio of each calculation device 105 by the computational capacity can be calculated as (20 × 50% + 30 × 50% + 50 × 100%) / (20 + 30 + 50) = 75%. That is, by selecting the calculation device A, the calculation device C, and the calculation device E, it is possible to achieve both the computational capacity required for calculating the job data D1 and the renewable energy ratio request value. Therefore, the control unit 505 selects a combination of the calculation devices A, C, and E from the six calculation devices 105 registered in the resource table D55. Alternatively, from among the calculation devices 105 whose individual renewable energy ratios exceed the renewable energy ratio request value of the job data D1, the control unit 505 may select the calculation devices 105 (for example, the calculation devices B and D) so that the total computational capacity is equal to or greater than the computational capacity of the job data D1.

[0127] <Step S33> Next, the control unit 505 assigns the arithmetic device 105 selected in step S32 to the job data D1 selected in step S31. Then, the control unit 505 registers job assignment result information indicating which arithmetic device 105 is assigned to which job data D1 in the job assignment table D56.

[0128] <Step S34> Next, the control unit 505 calculates an overall renewable energy ratio indicating the renewable energy ratio in the amount of power consumption used by all of the arithmetic devices 105 assigned to the job data D1 to calculate the job data D1, based on the renewable energy ratio of each selected arithmetic device 105 and the computation volume of the job data D1. Specifically, the control unit 505 calculates a weighted average value of the renewable energy ratio by weighting the renewable energy ratio of each selected arithmetic device 105 by the computational volume, and sets this as the overall renewable energy ratio. For example, when arithmetic devices A, C, and 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%.

[0129] <Step S35> Next, the control unit 505 transmits the total renewable energy ratio information, which indicates the total 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.

[0130] [Grid Computing Processing] Next, the grid computing process will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In the grid computing process, the arithmetic device 105 assigned to the job data D1 in the job allocation process processes the job data D1. For example, after the job allocation process is completed, the control unit 505 performs the following process.

[0131] <Step S41> First, the control unit 505 refers to the job allocation table D56 and distributes job data D1 to be subjected to grid computing processing to the arithmetic devices 105 assigned to that job data D1 in the job allocation processing. Specifically, the control unit 505 transmits a portion of the job data D1 to each of the arithmetic devices 105 assigned to that job data D1. At this time, the control unit 505 distributes the job data D1 so that the amount of calculation of the portion of the job data D1 to be calculated by each arithmetic device 105 does not exceed the amount of calculation that each arithmetic device 105 can perform. As a result, the job data D1 is processed in parallel by the arithmetic devices 105 assigned to that job data D1.

[0132] <Step S42> Next, when each of the arithmetic devices 105 completes the calculation of the data (part of the job data D1) transmitted to that arithmetic device 105, it 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 device 105 and stores the partial calculation result data in the memory unit 504.

[0133] <Step S43> The control unit 505 determines whether all of the arithmetic devices 105 to which the job data D1 was distributed in step S41 have completed calculations. If all of the arithmetic devices 105 have completed calculations (step S43: YES), the process of step S44 is performed; if not (step S43: NO), the process of step S42 is performed.

[0134] <Step S44> When all of the arithmetic devices 105 have completed the calculations, the control unit 505 generates calculation result data D2 (calculation result data D2 indicating the results of the calculation of the job data D1) corresponding to the job data D1 that is the target of the grid computing process by combining the partial calculation result data stored in the storage unit 504. 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.

[0135] <Step S45> Next, a reward is granted by the operator of the system 1 to a user who has provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for the grid computing process. Examples of the reward granted to a user include points that can be used in the system 1, virtual currency, and product discount benefits. For example, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 performs a process for granting a reward to a user who has provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for the grid computing process. Examples of the process for granting a reward include a process for registering in the user table D51 a "user ID" set for the user and "points" (or virtual currency) that can be used in the system 1, and a process for transmitting information indicating a product discount benefit 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.

[0136] Furthermore, a reward may be given by the client to a user who has provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for grid computing processing. For example, the control unit 305 of the client server 30 may execute processing for giving a reward to a user who has provided the computing power of the computing device 105 for grid computing processing.

[0137] [Job progress check] In this example, when the control unit 505 of the management server 50 receives a request from the client server 30 of the client that has requested the job to confirm the progress of the job processing, the control unit 505 responds to the request by transmitting image data of a confirmation screen for confirming the progress of the job processing to the client server 30. The client server 30 reproduces an image of the confirmation screen from the image data, and causes the output unit 302 (display unit) to output (display) the image.

[0138] As shown in Figure 13, the confirmation screen has a job name display field R201 that displays the name of the job, a processing progress display field R202 that displays the processing progress of the job, a calculation start date and time display field R203 that indicates the date and time when job processing will start, a calculation end date and time display field R204 that indicates the date and time when job processing will end, and a participating user display field R205 that indicates users who will provide the computing power of the computing device 105 for grid computing processing for the job.

[0139] [Renewable energy power supply request processing (renewable energy power supply request step)] Next, the renewable energy power supply request process will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The renewable energy power supply request process is a process of transmitting renewable energy power supply request information to the calculation device 105, which urges the user to supply power to the vehicle 10 with electricity derived from renewable energy, when the weighted average of the renewable energy ratios of all the calculation devices 105 is smaller than the weighted average of the renewable energy ratio request values of all the job data D1. For example, the control unit 505 performs the following process at a predetermined time every day.

[0140] <Step S51> First, the control unit 505 references the job table D54 and acquires the computational load and renewable energy ratio request value required for calculation of each job data D1. Then, the control unit 505 calculates a weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request value by weighting the renewable energy ratio request value of each job data D1 by the computational load. For example, assume that the job table D54 contains a first job, "Molecular Structure Analysis for New Material Development" (renewable energy ratio request value: 100%, computational load: 50 code blocks), a second job, "Urban Activity Simulation" (renewable energy ratio request value: 50%, computational load: 100 code blocks), and a third job, "Satellite Orbit Calculation" (renewable energy ratio request value: 0%, computational load: 30 code blocks). In this case, the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request value of all job data D1 is calculated as (50 × 100% + 100 × 50% + 30 × 0%) / (50 + 100 + 30) = 56%.

[0141] <Step S52> Next, the control unit 505 refers to the resource table D55 and acquires the computational capacity and renewable energy ratio of each computation device 105. Then, the control unit 505 calculates a weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all computation devices 105 by weighting the renewable energy ratio of each computation device 105 by the computational capacity. For example, it is assumed that six computation devices 105 (computation device A [computational capacity 20 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 50%], computation device B [computational capacity 50 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 100%], computation device C [computational capacity 30 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 50%], computation device D [computational capacity 30 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 0%], computation device E [computational capacity 50 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 100%], and computation device F [computational capacity 20 code blocks, renewable energy ratio 70%]) are registered in the resource table D55. In this case, the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all the calculation devices 105 is calculated as (20×50%+50×100%+30×50%+30×0%+50×100%+20×70%) / (20+50+30+30+50+20)=70%.

[0142] <Step S53> Next, the control unit 505 refers to the calculation results of the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data and the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all calculation devices 105 within the most recent specified period (for example, 7 days), and determines whether the number of days on which the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data > the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all calculation devices 105 is satisfied (i.e., the renewable energy ratio of the calculation device 105 is smaller than the renewable energy ratio request value of the job data) is more than half of the specified period.

[0143] <Step S54> As a result of the determination in step S53, if the number of days during the predetermined period satisfying the condition that the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data is greater than the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all arithmetic devices 105 is more than half (step S53: YES), the control unit 505 transmits to the arithmetic device 105 renewable energy power supply request information that prompts the vehicle 10 to be powered by renewable energy-derived power. Note that this renewable energy power supply request information is not transmitted every time the processing of steps S51 to S53 is performed, but is transmitted at regular intervals (for example, once a week). This is because repeated notification of the renewable energy power supply request information in a short period of time may be bothersome to the user.

[0144] When transmitting the renewable energy power supply request information to the arithmetic devices 105, the control unit 505 selects, for example, from among the arithmetic devices 105, a arithmetic device 105 that has been performing grid computing processing calculations for a relatively long time within the above-mentioned predetermined period and has a relatively low renewable energy ratio, and transmits the renewable energy power supply request information to the arithmetic devices 105. Alternatively, the control unit 505 may transmit the renewable energy power supply request information to all arithmetic devices 105. The renewable energy power supply request information may include, for example, location information of the charging equipment 60 that uses renewable energy-derived power, a priority use right, a discount coupon for the charging fee, and the like. Furthermore, the renewable energy power supply request information may include information to the effect that a bonus (for example, n times the usual number of points) will be added to the calculation remuneration when the vehicle 10 is supplied with renewable energy-derived power or when calculations on job data are performed while receiving power from the charging equipment 60 that uses renewable energy-derived power. An example of a process for awarding a bonus is a process for registering in the user table D51 a "user ID" set for a user and a bonus to be awarded the next time a calculation is performed, in association with each other.

[0145] <Step S55> If the result of the judgment in step S53 is that the number of days in the specified period where the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data is greater than the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all calculation devices 105 is less than half (step S53: NO), the control unit 505 judges whether or not it is predicted that there will be two or more consecutive days where the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data is greater than the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all calculation devices 105 within the specified period (for example, one month). For example, the control unit 505 performs a time series regression analysis on the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data and the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all calculation devices 105, and if the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data of all calculation devices 105 falls below the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data by a predetermined period of time, it determines that there will be two or more consecutive days where the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data > the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all calculation devices 105 is satisfied (step S55: YES).

[0146] As a result of the judgment in step S55, if it is predicted that there will be two or more consecutive days within a predetermined period of time where the weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data is greater than the weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all calculation devices 105 (step S55: YES), the control unit 505 executes the processing of step S54; if not (step S55: NO), the control unit 505 terminates the renewable energy power supply request processing without executing the processing of step S54.

[0147] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of the inventions set forth in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0148] First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and the present invention may solve problems that are not described above or achieve effects that are not described above, or may solve only some of the problems that are described or achieve only some of the effects that are described.

[0149] In the above embodiment, in the renewable energy power supply request process, if the result of the determination in step S53 shows that the number of days satisfying the condition weighted average A of the renewable energy ratio request values of all job data > weighted average B of the renewable energy ratios of all arithmetic devices 105 is less than half of the number of days in the predetermined period (step S53: NO), the renewable energy power supply request process may be terminated without performing the process in step S55. Alternatively, the process in step S53 may be omitted, and the process in step S55 may be performed after the process in step S52.

[0150] Furthermore, in step S54 of the renewable energy power supply request processing, it has been explained that the transmission of renewable energy power supply request information is not performed each time the processing of steps S51 to S53 is performed, but is performed at regular intervals, but it may also be performed each time the processing of steps S51 to S53 is performed.

[0151] [Action and effect] Finally, the effects of the management server 50 according to this embodiment and the modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0152] According to this embodiment, the control unit 505 of the management server 50 acquires overall renewable energy ratio information indicating the ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumed by all of the arithmetic devices 105 assigned to the job data D1 to use in calculating the job data D1, based on the computation volume and renewable energy ratio information of the job data D1 processed by each arithmetic device 105, and transmits the overall renewable energy ratio information to the client server 30. This makes it possible to inform the operator of the client server 30 that provided the job data D1 of the renewable energy ratio of the electricity used in the grid computing process, and to support the use of renewable energy by the operator of the client server 30 that requested the grid computing process.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 505 calculates the weighted average of the ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy to the amount of electricity supplied to each of the calculation devices 105 assigned to the job data D1, weighted by the calculation capacity of that calculation device 105, as the overall renewable energy ratio information. Therefore, the control unit 505 can notify the operator of the client server 30 of the renewable energy ratio that takes into account the amount of calculation required to calculate the job data D1 and the calculation capacity of each calculation device 105, thereby assisting the operator of the client server 30 in properly understanding the usage status of renewable energy in grid computing processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1 System 10 vehicles 105 Arithmetic equipment 106 Battery 20 User terminal 30 Client Server 40 Facility Server 50 Management Server 501 Input section 502 Output section 503 Communications Department 504 Storage section 505 Control Unit 60 Charging equipment D1 Job data D2 Calculation result data D6 Renewable energy ratio information D16 Renewable Energy Management Information D32 Renewable Energy Ratio Requirements

Claims

1. A management device that manages grid computing processing in which job data provided from a client server is processed by computing devices mounted on a plurality of vehicles, A memory 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 a job reception process for receiving the job data from the client server; a job allocation process of 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 arithmetic devices assigned to the job data, receiving calculation result data of the job data from each of the arithmetic devices, and transmitting the received calculation result data to the client server; an overall renewable energy ratio providing process for acquiring overall renewable energy ratio information indicating the ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumed by all of the arithmetic devices assigned to the job data based on the amount of calculation of the job data processed by each of the arithmetic devices and the renewable energy ratio information, and transmitting the overall renewable energy ratio information to the client server; configured to run Management device.

2. the storage unit stores a computational capacity that each of the computing devices can compute in grid computing processing; In the overall renewable energy ratio providing process, the control unit sets, as overall renewable energy ratio information, a weighted average obtained by weighting the ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity supplied to each of the arithmetic devices allocated to the job data by the amount of electricity that can be calculated by the arithmetic device. The management device according to claim 1 .

3. A management method for managing, by a computer, grid computing processing in which job data provided from a client server is processed by computing devices mounted on a plurality of vehicles, the method comprising: a storage step of storing renewable energy ratio information indicating a ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity supplied to each of the arithmetic devices in a storage device; a job receiving step of receiving the job data from the client server; 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 arithmetic devices assigned to the job data, receiving calculation result data of the job data from each of the arithmetic devices, and transmitting the received calculation result data to the client server; an overall renewable energy ratio providing step of acquiring overall renewable energy ratio information indicating a ratio of the amount of electricity derived from renewable energy in the amount of electricity consumed by all of the arithmetic devices assigned to the job data based on the amount of calculation of the job data processed by each of the arithmetic devices and the renewable energy ratio information, and transmitting the overall renewable energy ratio information to the client server; A management method having the following.

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