Support System

Abstract

To provide a support system, a support method, and a program which can support a user so that his / her economic activity is an activity for environmental conservation.SOLUTION: The support system comprises: an acquisition unit which acquires first information being information about trading by a user; a storage unit which stores second information being information with which energy consumed in relation to the trading is associated; a calculation unit which calculates an index indicating a degree of influence on an environment by the trading by the user on the basis of the first information and the second information of the user; and an output unit which outputs the index calculated by the calculation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system Mu Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a demand for a system that promotes environmental protection. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that can widely disseminate the concept of emission credits to general consumers. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that calculates gas emission credit points based on a vehicle's mileage, fuel efficiency, etc., and allows the calculated gas emission credit points to be used to purchase goods or enjoy services. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-127655 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable that such a mechanism for promoting environmental protection be implemented in users' daily economic activities.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a support system that can support users so that their economic activities become activities that protect the environment. M provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method for estimating the degree of environmental impact of a trading transaction made by a user, the method comprising: acquiring purchase information, which is information about a trading transaction made by a user; and calculates the consumption points indicating the reduction of the burden on the environment, and calculates the certification points given to the object in accordance with the certification that the object has reduced the burden on the environment. Points to be given to the user as a calculation unit that calculates the Consumption points and certification Points On the user's device and an output unit that outputs the information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to support users so that their economic activities become activities that protect the environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an environmental protection support system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the environmental protection support system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the environmental protection support system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an environmental protection support system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer system 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management server 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of registered user information 220 according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of conversion information 221 according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of conversion information 221 according to the embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of shared information 222 according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of exchange information 223 according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of exchange information 223 according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Outline of Environmental Protection Support System 1] An overview of an environmental protection support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The environmental protection support system 1 is a system that supports environmental protection by visualizing and notifying the user of the impact that the purchase of a product or service has on the environment. The following describes the purchase of a product or service as an example. However, the present system is not limited to this. In addition to the purchase of a product, any transaction (accounting transaction) such as sales, savings, or donations may be applied as a target of this system.

[0013] First, we will explain the services provided by the environmental protection support system 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the environmental protection support system 1 according to this embodiment. The environmental protection support system 1 proposes an "environmental protection support service." The "environmental protection support service" provides a service that visualizes and notifies users of the impact that products and services purchased by them have on the environment.

[0014] The "environmental protection support service" is provided to the user terminal 10 via the management server 20. For example, a user U who wishes to use the "environmental protection support service" installs an application program (hereinafter referred to as an app) for the "environmental protection support service" provided by the management server 20 on his / her own user terminal 10 and creates an account. This allows the user U to receive the service provided by the app.

[0015] A user U inputs information about products and services purchased daily (hereinafter referred to as purchase information) into the app. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the user U inputs information about products purchased by the user U, such as meat, beverages, and snacks. The product information is information indicating, for example, the product name, the store where the product was purchased, the purchase amount, the number of purchases, etc.

[0016] The method of inputting purchase information into the app may be arbitrary. For example, the user U manually inputs information about the product he or she purchased into the input form of the app as purchase information. The user U may also have the app read the receipt when purchasing a product, etc. This allows the app to obtain information about the product purchased by the user U as purchase information.

[0017] Alternatively, the user U may link the history of fund transfers in his / her own financial account or the history of credit card payments with the app, which allows the app to acquire the history of fund transfers in the user U's financial account or the history of credit card payments as purchase information.

[0018] Furthermore, there may be cases where user U is already using another app and has linked the history of financial accounts and the like with that other app. The other app here may be any application program different from the app related to the "environmental protection support service," such as a household accounting app that records the user's household accounts. In this case, user U may link the app related to the "environmental protection support service" with the other app, thereby allowing the app related to the "environmental protection support service" to acquire the history of fund transfers in user U's financial accounts or the history of credit card payments as purchase information.

[0019] When a financial account is linked, the app can obtain purchase information such as the history of fund transfers in that financial account, including the date and summary of the fund transfer, the payment amount and payee, the amount held, and the balance.

[0020] When a credit card is linked, the app can obtain purchase information such as the history of using the credit card, including the date of use, the name of the store used, the amount used, and a summary.

[0021] Based on the purchase information entered into the app, the management server 20 calculates an index (hereinafter referred to as consumption points) that indicates the degree of impact on the environment of the products and services purchased by the user U. The management server 20 calculates consumption points based on, for example, information about the products.

[0022] For example, consider the case where the object of purchase is a product. In this case, the consumption points corresponding to the product are determined according to the energy used in the process of manufacturing the product and the energy used in the process of distributing the product. For example, if the product is an electrical appliance manufactured by assembling parts, the energy used in the process of manufacturing the product includes transportation energy used when procuring the parts, electrical energy used for driving the line and tools used in assembling the parts, and energy used for maintaining the factory where the parts are assembled and for heating and lighting. For example, the energy used in the process of distributing the product includes transportation energy used when delivering the product to a store or the like, and energy used for heating and lighting in the store where the product is displayed.

[0023] Consider the case where the object of purchase is a service. In this case, the consumption points corresponding to the service are calculated according to the energy used in the process of providing the service. For example, if the service is transportation to a destination by airplane, the energy used in the process of providing the service includes the energy used by the airplane to travel, the energy used for maintenance and inspection of the airplane, etc.

[0024] Furthermore, if a certification mark M is affixed to a product purchased by the user U, the management server 20 may calculate the certification points affixed to the certification mark M. The certification mark M here is, for example, a mark affixed to a product that has been certified as an environmentally friendly product. An environmentally friendly product is, for example, a product that has been designed to reduce the burden on the environment as much as possible during the manufacturing and distribution processes. The certification points are determined based on, for example, the amount of energy saved from the amount of energy that would normally be used during the manufacturing and distribution processes of the product. The certification points may also be determined based on, for example, the emission credits for CO2 (carbon dioxide) or the like purchased by the company that produced the product, or the amount of money donated by the company to tree-planting activities, etc.

[0025] Furthermore, the management server 20 may calculate consumption points based on information indicating the store where the product was purchased and the amount paid to that store, based on the history of fund transfers in the user U's financial account or the payment history of the user U's credit card. For example, the management server 20 may assign a weighted value to the amount paid to the store, and use this weighted value as the consumption points for the product or service purchased at that store. The weighting based on the store is determined, for example, based on whether or not the store sells environmentally friendly products, and if so, the proportion of environmentally friendly products.

[0026] The management server 20 transmits the calculated consumption points to the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 displays the consumption points received from the management server 20 on the screen of the application (see FIG. 2).

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the certification points held by user U can be shared with other users or organizations such as schools and companies via the app. By sharing points, the certification points can be aggregated in organizations such as schools and companies, and points can be exchanged through the organizations such as schools and companies. In the following description, the party requesting the sharing of points will be referred to as the "sharing source," and the party accepting the point sharing will be referred to as the "sharing destination."

[0028] The user U inputs information specifying the organization with which the certified points will be shared, and information indicating the number of points to be shared, into the input form of the app (see FIG. 3). Based on the information input into the app, the management server 20 sets up the points to be shared with the organization with which the user U will share them. The method by which the management server 20 shares the points with the sharing destination will be described in detail later.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user U can exchange points (owned points, certified points) that he or she owns with other users or organizations such as schools or companies via the app.

[0030] In the following explanation, an example of point exchange will be described in which points are exchanged in exchange for money, but this is not limiting. Points may be exchanged not only for money, but also for goods or services. In the following explanation, the party that exchanges points and receives money or the like will be referred to as the "exchange source," and the party that exchanges money or the like and receives points will be referred to as the "exchange destination."

[0031] The user U inputs information specifying the organization with which points will be exchanged, the number of points to be exchanged, etc. into the input form of the app (see FIG. 5). Based on the information input into the app, the management server 20 sets up the exchange of points with the organization with which the user U will be exchanged. The method by which the management server 20 exchanges points with the exchange destination will be described in detail later.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 shows an example in which points are used to visualize the degree of environmental impact of a user's economic activity. However, this is not limiting. It is sufficient if the degree of environmental impact of a user's economic activity can at least be displayed in a manner that is recognizable to the user.

[0033] In FIG. 2, the points held by user U (held points) are displayed as "held points of this month." For example, held points are a value obtained by subtracting consumed points from granted points and adding certified points. Granted points are points granted to a user for a unit period (such as a day, a week, or a month). Consumed points are calculated by the management server 20 and represent the degree of environmental impact of products, etc. purchased by the user. Here, it is assumed that the greater the environmental impact, the greater the value of consumed points. Certified points are the number of certification marks M affixed to products, etc. purchased by the user, calculated by the management server 20.

[0034] Also, in Figure 2, the "breakdown of points consumed" is shown in a pie chart. Category A shown as the breakdown of the pie chart in Figure 2 is, for example, a category of products purchased at stores that handle many products bearing the certification mark M. Category B is, for example, a category of products purchased at stores that do not handle products bearing the certification mark M.

[0035] FIG. 2 also shows a "Message." This message may, for example, display advice from an environmental perspective regarding the purchase the user has made. It may also provide advice based on the user's spending habits, such as advice from a consumer's perspective that promotes environmentally friendly consumption behavior, such as, "Instead of purchasing product P1 (a product with a relatively large number of consumption points), purchase product P2 (a product with a relatively small number of consumption points) and you will save PT points." By displaying such a message, it is possible to suggest more environmentally friendly consumption behavior and support the user's economic activities so that they become activities that protect the environment.

[0036] Generally, when considering purchasing a product or service, factors such as the brand and selling price of the product are taken into consideration. However, the burden on the environment during the manufacturing or distribution process of the product has not been considered. This is because it is not easy for the average user to know the extent to which a product places a burden on the environment during its manufacturing or distribution process.

[0037] To address this issue, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the degree of environmental impact of a product or the like purchased by the user U is displayed as consumption points. This allows the user U to easily know the extent of the environmental impact of the product or service. If the user U knows the environmental impact, the user U can consider the magnitude of the environmental impact when considering purchasing a product or service, and will therefore be able to act to purchase environmentally friendly products or the like. Therefore, the environmental protection support system 1 of this embodiment can support the user's economic activities so that they reduce the environmental impact.

[0038] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, an example of a screen displayed when points are shared is shown.

[0039] In FIG. 3, the certification points held by user U are displayed as the upper limit of the number of points that can be shared. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a "sharer list." The sharer list is, for example, a list of sharing destination organizations registered in advance by the user. For example, if the school that the user's child attends is an organization with which certification points can be shared, the user registers the school as a sharing destination. In the example of FIG. 3, columns for organizations A to C are displayed as sharing destinations.

[0040] The user sets the number of points to be shared in the sharer field and touches the button marked "Share." This causes information related to sharing to be sent from the user terminal 10 to the management server 20. The management server 20 receives the information related to sharing from the user terminal 10 and performs processing to share points with the sharer based on the received information. The information related to sharing here is, for example, information entered on the screen shown in the example of FIG. 3, and is information indicating the sharer and the number of points to be shared.

[0041] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the environmental protection support system 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the flow of processing performed until points are displayed on the user terminal 10, and the flow of processing performed until points are shared.

[0042] The user terminal 10 acquires the purchase information (step S10). For example, the user U inputs the purchase information into the user terminal 10 by performing an input operation according to an input form displayed on the app. Alternatively, the user U has the app read a receipt, so that the purchase information of the user U is input into the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 acquires the input purchase information and transmits the acquired purchase information to the management server 20.

[0043] Here, if user U links the app to the user's credit card, the management server 20 obtains the usage details related to user U's credit card by accessing a server device that handles the usage details of user U's credit card.

[0044] The management server 20 calculates points (consumption points and certified points) based on the purchase information (step S11). The management server 20 updates the registered user information based on the calculated points. The registered user information is registered user information 220, which will be described later, and includes information indicating points held by a user U registered in the app. Here, the management server 20 updates information related to points held by the user U in the registered user information 220 based on the calculated points. The management server 20 transmits information indicating the calculated points to the user terminal 10.

[0045] The user terminal 10 displays the points calculated by the management server 20 on the screen (step S13). For example, the user terminal 10 receives information indicating the consumed points and the certified points from the management server 20, and displays the received information on the screen.

[0046] The user terminal 10 also requests the app to share the certification points (step S14). For example, the user U performs an input operation (sharing operation) to share the certification points according to an input form (for example, the input page shown in FIG. 3) displayed on the app. As a result, information indicating the sharing destination of the certification points, the number of points to be shared, etc. is input to the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 acquires the input information indicating the sharing destination, etc., and transmits the acquired purchase information to the management server 20.

[0047] The management server 20 checks the certification points specified by the user terminal 10 (step S15). For example, the management server 20 verifies that the points have not already been shared with the user's family or the like at the specified sharing destination.

[0048] For example, consider a case where the school attended by a child of a user U calls for cooperation in sharing the certification points held by each household with the school. In such a case, when the user U attempts to share the certification points, it may happen that the child of the user U or other family members have already performed operations to share points using their respective user terminals 10. In such a case, the school may end up sharing more points than the number of points that the family had intended.

[0049] To address this issue, in this embodiment, before sharing points with a sharing destination specified by the user terminal 10, it is confirmed whether or not points have already been shared by family members or the like.

[0050] For example, the management server 20 determines whether or not a family member of the user U has shared points with the same sharing organization within a predetermined period (for example, within one week) prior to the point at which the user U attempted to share points. The method by which the management server 20 determines whether or not there has been such a record will be described later.

[0051] If the management server 20 has received a request to share points from a family member's user terminal 10 between a predetermined period before and the present time, the management server 20 notifies the user's user terminal 10 of that fact. The management server 20 notifies the user terminal 10 of the user U of information indicating, for example, "when, who, and where the points were shared" (hereinafter referred to as confirmation information).

[0052] When the user terminal 10 receives confirmation information from the management server 20, it displays the received confirmation information on the screen. For example, a message such as "Mr. X has already shared Z certified points with organization A on month M, day D. Would you like to share your points this time?" is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 10. User U visually checks the message displayed on the screen, and if he determines, for example, that the points he is trying to share with organization A are duplicates, he responds by canceling the sharing. On the other hand, if he determines that the points he is trying to share with organization A are not duplicates, he responds by saying that he will proceed with the sharing without canceling it. This makes it possible for family members to adjust the number of points to be shared with a specific organization.

[0053] When the management server 20 shares the certification points specified by the user terminal 10, it notifies the sharing destination server 30 of information related to the sharing. The information related to the sharing is, for example, information indicating the user terminal 10 that is the sharing source and information including the number of certification points to be shared.

[0054] The sharing destination server 30 receives the information regarding sharing from the management server 20. Based on the received information regarding sharing, the sharing destination server 30 determines whether or not the points may be shared, and if sharing is permitted, responds that the sharing is permitted (step S16).

[0055] When the management server 20 receives a response from the sharing destination server 30 indicating that sharing is accepted, the management server 20 updates the registered user information 220 based on the shared points (step S17). Specifically, the management server 20 updates the registered user information 220 of the user U who is the sharing source and the registered user information 220 of the sharing destination server 30 who is the sharing destination. The management server 20 notifies the user terminal 10 that sharing has been completed. The user terminal 10 receives the information that sharing has been completed from the management server 20 (step S18).

[0056] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an example of a screen displayed when exchanging points.

[0057] 5, the points held by the user U are displayed as the upper limit of the number of points that can be exchanged. Here, the certified points of the user U may be displayed as the upper limit of the number of points that can be exchanged.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows an example of exchange conditions. The exchange conditions here are the conditions presented by the exchange source when exchanging points, and are composed of fields indicating, for example, the number of points, priorities, and exchange deadline. The number of points is a field for setting the number of points to be exchanged, and it is possible to set, for example, whether to exchange all points or a specified number of points. The priorities is a field for setting the conditions to be prioritized when exchanging points, and it is possible to set, for example, whether to exchange as soon as possible or at the highest possible rate. The exchange deadline is a field for setting the deadline for exchanging points.

[0059] The user sets the number of points to be exchanged, priorities, and the exchange deadline, and touches the button marked "Match." This causes information related to the exchange to be sent from the user terminal 10 to the management server 20. The management server 20 receives the information related to the exchange from the user terminal 10, and performs processing to exchange points with the exchange destination based on the received information. The information related to the exchange here is, for example, information entered on the screen shown in the example of FIG. 5, and is information indicating the number of points to be exchanged, priorities, the exchange deadline, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, matching here refers to linking (matching) an exchange source and an exchange destination. The management server 20, for example, compares the exchange conditions of the user terminal 10, which is the exchange source, with the exchange conditions of the exchange destination server 40, which is the exchange destination, and matches exchange partners whose conditions match each other.

[0061] In this case, the management server 20 may match multiple user terminals 10 with one exchange destination server 40. In cases where the number of points to be exchanged proposed by the user terminal 10 at the exchange source is small and does not reach the lower limit of the number of points to be exchanged proposed by the exchange destination server 40, for example, multiple user terminals 10 can be integrated so that the total number of points each user terminal 10 wishes to exchange meets the lower limit of the number of points to be exchanged proposed by the exchange destination server 40, thereby realizing a point exchange that would not be possible with individual user terminals 10. The following describes the flow of the process by which the management server 20 exchanges points with the exchange destination.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the environmental protection support system 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 shows the flow of processing performed up to the point exchange.

[0063] The exchange destination server 40 sets exchange conditions (step S20). The exchange conditions here are conditions presented by the exchange destination when exchanging points, such as an upper limit on the exchange rate and a lower limit on the number of points to be exchanged. The exchange destination server 40 requests matching from the management server 20 to find an exchange partner who will exchange points according to the set exchange conditions (step S21). The management server 20 receives the exchange conditions from the exchange destination server 40 and stores the received conditions as the exchange destination's conditions (step S22).

[0064] Meanwhile, the user terminal 10-1 sets exchange conditions (step S23). The exchange conditions here are conditions presented by the exchange source when exchanging points, such as the number of points to be exchanged, priorities, and an exchange deadline. The user terminal 10-1 requests matching from the management server 20 to find an exchange partner with whom to exchange points according to the set exchange conditions (step S24).

[0065] In addition, a user terminal 10-k (k is an integer equal to or greater than 2), which is a terminal different from the user terminal 10-1, also sets exchange conditions (step S25). The exchange conditions here are conditions presented by the exchange source when exchanging points, such as the number of points to be exchanged, priorities, and an exchange deadline. The user terminal 10-k requests matching from the management server 20 to find an exchange partner with whom to exchange points according to the set exchange conditions (step S26).

[0066] The management server 20 receives the exchange conditions from each of the user terminals 10-1 and 10-k, and stores the received conditions as the original conditions of the exchange (step S27).

[0067] The management server 20 performs matching based on the term ring conditions of the exchange destination and exchange source (step S28).

[0068] Matching may be performed in any manner. For example, it may be performed based on the priority set in the exchange source. In this case, the management server 20 extracts, from the user terminals 10 that have requested matching, user terminals 10 that prioritize exchanging as quickly as possible. The management server 20 calculates the total number of points to be exchanged that have been set in the extracted user terminals 10. From the exchange destination servers 40 that have requested matching, the management server 20 extracts exchange destination servers 40 whose lower limit of the number of points to be exchanged is below the total value. The management server 20 matches the extracted exchange destination servers 40 with a group of user terminals 10 that prioritize exchanging as quickly as possible.

[0069] When matching is established, the management server 20 notifies each of the user terminal 10 and the exchange destination server 40 of their respective exchange partners. The user terminal 10 and the exchange destination server 40, which have been notified of their respective exchange partners, respond as to whether or not they agree to the exchange (steps S20 to S31). When the management server 20 receives responses from each of the exchange partners indicating that they agree to the exchange, it determines that matching has been established (step S32). When matching is established, the management server 20 updates the registered user information.

[0070] [Configuration of Environmental Protection Support System 1] Next, we will explain the configuration of the environmental protection support system 1. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the environmental protection support system 1. The environmental protection support system 1 includes, for example, a plurality of user terminals 10 (user terminals 10-1 to 10-N, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), a management server 20, a sharing server 30, and an exchange server 40. These components of the environmental protection support system 1 are connected to a wireless or wired communication network NW and can communicate with each other.

[0071] The user terminal 10 is a computer equipped with a computer system 100 (see FIG. 8). For example, the user terminal 10 may be a personal computer, a wearable device, a tablet device, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. The user terminal 10 displays points based on consumption to the user U via an app. For example, the user terminal 10 displays consumption points related to products and services purchased by the user U via the app.

[0072] The management server 20 is a computer that includes the computer system 100. For example, the management server 20 is a server device, a personal computer, etc. The management server 20 calculates consumption points based on the purchase information received from the user terminal 10. The management server 20 notifies the user terminal 10 of the calculated consumption points.

[0073] The sharing destination server 30 is a computer equipped with the computer system 100. For example, the sharing destination server 30 is a server device, a personal computer, etc. The sharing destination server 30 receives a notification from the management server 20 inquiring about point sharing requested by the user terminal 10. The sharing destination server 30 determines whether or not to accept the point sharing. The sharing destination server 30 notifies the management server 20 of the determination result indicating whether or not to accept.

[0074] The exchange destination server 40 is a computer equipped with the computer system 100. For example, the exchange destination server 40 is a server device, a personal computer, or the like. The exchange destination server 40 sets exchange conditions for the exchange destination and requests matching from the management server 20 to find an exchange destination that can receive points under the set conditions. The exchange destination server 40 receives information about the matched exchange destination from the management server 20. The exchange destination server 40 notifies the management server 20 of the determination result indicating whether or not to accept the exchange.

[0075] [Configuration of Computer System 100] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the computer system 100 of each device included in the environmental protection support system 1. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system 100. The computer system 100 includes a communication unit 101, an input unit 102, an output unit 103, a storage unit 104, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 105. These components are connected to each other via a bus B so that they can communicate with each other.

[0076] The communication unit 101 is a communication module such as a communication IC (Integrated Circuit). The input unit 102 is an input module including, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a touchpad, a keyboard, a microphone, a camera, and various other sensors (for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, and a proximity sensor). The input unit 102 may be configured as a touch panel integrated with a display. The output unit 103 is an output module including a display panel, a speaker, a woofer, etc.

[0077] The storage unit 104 is a storage module including, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 104 is not limited to a built-in storage unit, but may also be an external storage module connected via a digital input / output port such as a universal serial bus (USB). The CPU 105 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 104 and controls each component of the computer system 100.

[0078] [Configuration of user terminal 10] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the user terminal 10. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, and a display unit 14.

[0079] The communication unit 11 communicates with the management server 20, the sharing destination server 30, and the exchange destination server 40. In order to protect the user's personal information, the user terminal 10 may be configured not to be able to communicate directly with the sharing destination server 30, and the user terminal 10 and the exchange destination server 40. In this case, the communication unit 11 may be configured to be able to communicate indirectly with the sharing destination server 30 or the exchange destination server 40 via the management server 20.

[0080] The storage unit 12 stores variables, various data, programs, etc. required to realize the functions of the user terminal 10. The storage unit 12 stores, for example, application information 120. The application information 120 is information for realizing an application.

[0081] The control unit 13 controls each component of the user terminal 10. The control unit 13 is realized, for example, by the CPU of the user terminal 10 executing a program pre-stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 13 may also be realized as an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 13 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 130 and a display control unit 131.

[0082] The acquisition unit 130 acquires information about consumption points from the management server 20 via the communication unit 11. The information about consumption points includes, for example, information indicating the points held by the user U, purchase information, consumption points and certified points calculated based on the purchase information, a breakdown of the consumption points, and the points held by the user U after taking into account the consumption points calculated based on the purchase information.

[0083] The display control unit 131 displays the information received from the management server 20 on the display unit 14. The display control unit 131 displays an image such as that shown in the example of Fig. 2 on the display unit 14 based on information indicating the points owned by the user U, the purchase information, the consumed points and certified points calculated based on the purchase information, a breakdown of the consumed points, the consumed points calculated based on the purchase information, and the like.

[0084] The display unit 14 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays an image according to the control of the display control unit 131 .

[0085] [Configuration of management server 20] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the management server 20. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 20. The management server 20 includes, for example, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0086] The communication unit 21 communicates with the user terminal 10, the sharing destination server 30, and the exchange destination server 40.

[0087] The memory unit 22 stores variables, various data, programs, etc. necessary to realize the functions of the management server 20. The memory unit 22 stores, for example, registered user information 220, conversion information 221, shared information 222, and exchange information 223. The registered user information 220 is information about users registered in the app. The conversion information 221 is information used when calculating consumed points from purchase information. The shared information 222 is information used when sharing points. The exchange information 223 is information used when exchanging points.

[0088] The control unit 23 controls each component of the management server 20. The control unit 23 is realized, for example, by the CPU of the management server 20 executing a program stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The control unit 23 may also be realized as an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 23 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 230, a point calculation unit 231, a shared point collating unit 232, a point exchange matching unit 233, and a device control unit 234.

[0089] The acquisition unit 230 acquires the purchase information notified from the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 21. The acquisition unit 230 outputs the acquired purchase information to the point calculation unit 231.

[0090] The point calculation unit 231 calculates consumption points based on the purchase information acquired from the acquisition unit 230. The point calculation unit 231 calculates consumption points for each store or each product, for example, by referring to the conversion information 221. The point calculation unit 231 stores the calculated consumption points in the storage unit 22 as owned points in the registered user information 220.

[0091] When calculating consumption points for each store, the point calculation unit 231 acquires, for example, from the purchase information, the store where the user U purchased the product or the like and the amount paid to that store. The point calculation unit 231 refers to the conversion information 221 based on the acquired store.

[0092] In the conversion information 221, for example, a weighting coefficient is associated with each store (see conversion information 221A in FIG. 12). The weighting coefficient is determined based on the store's degree of environmental friendliness, for example, the proportion of products bearing the certification mark M. For example, if the store is environmentally friendly, the weighting coefficient is set to a value between 0.0 and 1.0. If the store is not environmentally friendly, the weighting coefficient is set to a value of 1.0 or greater.

[0093] For example, the point calculation unit 231 calculates the consumption points by multiplying the amount paid by the user U to a store by a weighting coefficient associated with the store. For example, if the store is environmentally friendly, the consumption points calculated will be a value equal to or less than the amount paid to the store. If the store is not environmentally friendly, the consumption points calculated will be a value equal to or more than the amount paid to the store.

[0094] When calculating consumption points for each product, the point calculation unit 231 acquires, for example, from the purchase information, the product names and purchase quantities of the products purchased by the user U. The point calculation unit 231 refers to the conversion information 221 based on the acquired product names.

[0095] In the conversion information 221, for example, consumption points are associated with each product (see conversion information 221B in FIG. 13). The consumption points are determined based on the degree to which the product is environmentally friendly, for example, the total value of the energy used in manufacturing and distribution. For example, if the product is environmentally friendly, the consumption points are set to a small value. If the product is not environmentally friendly, the consumption points are set to a large value.

[0096] The point calculation unit 231 calculates the consumption point value associated with the product purchased by the user U as the consumption points for that product. For example, if the product is environmentally friendly, a small value is calculated as the consumption points. If the product is not environmentally friendly, a large value is calculated as the consumption points.

[0097] When a certification mark M is affixed to a product purchased by the user U, the point calculation unit 231 may calculate the certification points affixed to the certification mark M. In this case, information indicating whether or not the certification mark M is affixed to the product is included in, for example, the purchase information, and the point calculation unit 231 calculates the certification points based on the purchase information. The point calculation unit 231 stores the calculated certification points in the storage unit 22 as certification points in the registered user information 220.

[0098] The shared point checking unit 232 checks (checks) the points that the user U wants to share with the sharing destination. The shared point checking unit 232 determines whether or not a point sharing request has been made by a family member of the user U within a predetermined period of time prior to the present (for example, within one week). Specifically, the shared point checking unit 232 refers to the registered user information 220 of the user U to identify the family member of the user U. The shared point checking unit 232 refers to the registered user information 220 of the identified family member to acquire a history of point sharing performed by the family member's user terminal 10. Based on the acquired history, the shared point checking unit 232 determines whether or not the family member has shared points with the sharing destination organization.

[0099] Furthermore, when receiving purchase information from the user terminal 10, the shared point matching unit 232 may determine whether or not certification points based on the purchase information have already been held by a family member of the user U. Specifically, the shared point matching unit 232 refers to the registered user information 220 of the user U to identify the family member of the user U. The shared point matching unit 232 refers to the registered user information 220 of the identified family member to acquire a history of certification points awarded by the family member's user terminal 10. Based on the acquired history, the shared point matching unit 232 determines whether or not the family member has shared points with a sharing organization.

[0100] The point exchange matching unit 233 matches exchange destinations with which points can be exchanged under the conditions desired by the user U. For example, the point exchange matching unit 233 extracts, from among the user terminals 10 that have requested matching, user terminals 10 that prioritize exchanging points as quickly as possible. The point exchange matching unit 233 calculates the total number of points to be exchanged that are set for the extracted user terminals 10.

[0101] Meanwhile, the point exchange matching unit 233 extracts, from among the exchange destination servers 40 that have requested matching, exchange destination servers 40 whose lower limit value for the number of points to be exchanged is less than the total value. The point exchange matching unit 233 matches the extracted exchange destination servers 40 with a group of user terminals 10 that prioritizes exchanging points as quickly as possible.

[0102] The point exchange matching unit 233 extracts user terminals 10 that have requested matching and prioritizes exchanging points at the highest possible rate. The point exchange matching unit 233 calculates the total number of points to be exchanged that are set for the extracted user terminals 10.

[0103] Meanwhile, the point exchange matching unit 233 extracts the exchange destination server 40 with the highest exchange rate from among the exchange destination servers 40 that have requested matching. The point exchange matching unit 233 determines whether the lower limit of the number of points to be exchanged, set for the extracted exchange destination server 40, is below the total value. If it is below the total value, the point exchange matching unit 233 matches the extracted exchange destination server 40 with a group of user terminals 10 that prioritizes exchange at the highest possible rate.

[0104] The device control unit 234 performs overall control of the management server 20. For example, the device control unit 234 outputs purchase information received by the communication unit 21 to the acquisition unit 230. The device control unit 234 notifies the user terminal 10 of the consumed points and certified points calculated by the point calculation unit 231 by outputting them to the communication unit 21. The device control unit 234 outputs information related to point sharing received by the communication unit 21 to the shared point matching unit 232. The device control unit 234 outputs information related to point exchange received by the communication unit 21 to the point exchange matching unit 233.

[0105] [Data structure] Next, the configuration of various data used for processing by the environmental protection support system 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of registered user information 220. The registered user information 220 is information about a registered user. The registered user information 220 is created for each user (registered user) registered with the "environmental protection support service." The registered user information 220 includes fields such as a registered user number, family information, date, remarks, awarded points, consumed points, certified points, and owned points. The registered user number stores identification information such as a number that uniquely identifies a registered user. The family information stores information about the family of the registered user identified by the registered user number. The fields for date, remarks, awarded points, consumed points, certified points, and owned points store the history of points owned by the registered user. The example in this diagram shows that awarded points (100,000 points) were awarded on date (YY-4-01). It shows that by using Store A on date (YY-4-05), consumption points (9720 points) were consumed and certified points (9720 points) were returned, resulting in the registered user's total points being (41076 points).It also shows that certified points (1000 points) were shared and awarded to School B on date (YY-4-10), resulting in the registered user's total points being (40076 points).

[0106] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of conversion information 221. In FIG. 12, information used when calculating consumption points for each store is shown as conversion information 221A. Conversion information 221A includes items such as store number, marked product handling ratio, and weighting coefficient. Store number stores identification information such as a number that uniquely identifies the store. Marked product handling ratio stores the ratio at which the store specified by store number handles products bearing certification mark M. Weighting coefficient stores the weighting coefficient of the store specified by store number.

[0107] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of conversion information 221. In FIG. 13, information used when calculating consumption points for each product is shown as conversion information 221B. Conversion information 221B includes items such as product number, manufacturing energy / distribution energy, and consumption points. Product number stores identification information such as a number that uniquely identifies the product. Manufacturing energy / distribution energy stores the total energy used in the manufacturing and distribution process of the product identified by the product number. Consumption points store the consumption points of the product identified by the product number.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the shared information 222. The shared information 222 includes items such as registered user number, shared history 1, shared history 2, etc. The registered user number stores identification information such as a number that uniquely identifies a registered user. The shared history stores a history of points shared by a registered user identified by the registered user number. The shared history includes items such as shared points and shared destination, for example. The shared points store the number of points shared. The shared destination stores information indicating the shared destination with which the points were shared.

[0109] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the exchange information 223. In Fig. 15, information indicating the exchange conditions of the exchange source is shown as exchange information 223A. The exchange information 223A includes items such as exchange source No. and exchange conditions. The exchange source No. stores identification information such as a number that uniquely identifies the exchange source user terminal 10. The exchange conditions store the exchange conditions set in the user terminal 10 identified by the exchange source No.

[0110] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of exchange information 223. In Fig. 16, information indicating the exchange conditions of the exchange destination is shown as exchange information 223B. Exchange information 223B includes items such as exchange destination number and exchange conditions. The exchange destination number stores identification information such as a number that uniquely identifies the exchange destination server 40 of the exchange destination. The exchange conditions store the exchange conditions set in the exchange destination server 40 identified by the exchange destination number.

[0111] [Summary of this embodiment] As described above, the environmental protection support system 1 according to the embodiment includes the acquisition unit 230, the storage unit 22, the point calculation unit 231, and the communication unit 21. The acquisition unit 230 acquires purchase information from the user terminal 10 of the user U. The storage unit 22 stores the conversion information 221. The point calculation unit 231 calculates consumption points based on the purchase information and the conversion information 221. The communication unit 21 transmits the consumption points to the user terminal 10. This allows the environmental protection support system 1 according to the embodiment to present consumption points based on the purchase information of the user U. This makes it possible to support the user's economic activities so that they contribute to environmental protection.

[0112] Here, the purchase information is information related to a sales transaction and is an example of "first information." The conversion information 221 is information associated with the energy consumed in connection with a sales transaction and is an example of "second information." Consumption points are an example of an "index indicating the degree of impact that a user's sales transaction has on the environment." The point calculation unit 231 is an example of a "calculation unit." The communication unit 21 is an example of an "output unit." The sales transaction information as purchase information includes statement data indicating the history of fund transfers at financial institutions such as banks or card companies. The sales transaction information as purchase information also includes information automatically extracted from statement data indicating a purchase history that can be obtained from an EC (Electronic Commerce) site or a POS system such as a cash register in a store.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which detailed data from a financial institution is acquired by linking a financial account and a credit card, and consumption points and the like are calculated based on the payment amount indicated in the acquired detailed data. However, this is not limiting. The environmental protection support system 1 may estimate details of products and / or services that the user likely purchased by combining the detailed data from the financial account with information obtainable by the user terminal 10. Here, the information obtainable by the user terminal 10 refers to information indicating the user's consumption behavior obtained by the user terminal 10, such as user location information indicating the user's behavior history, calendar information, information posted to a social networking service (SNS), household accounting information recorded in a household accounting app, and the like.

[0114] For example, suppose that credit card statement data records the date of purchase, the amount used, and the name of the store used, and the household account book app records that the user has regularly used that store in the past. In this case, the management server 20 extracts from the household account book app the items and amounts regularly purchased at that store in the past, and compares the extracted amounts with the amount used in the credit card statement data. If the difference between the two amounts is within a predetermined amount and the two amounts can be considered to be approximately the same, the management server 20 estimates that the item purchased by the user this time with the credit card is an item that the user has regularly purchased at that store in the past. The management server 20 may then calculate the consumed points by considering the estimated item as the item purchased by the user. Products and services purchased by a user are examples of "items to be bought and sold."

[0115] Alternatively, a program for implementing the functions of the environmental protection support system 1 and the management server 20 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the functions of the environmental protection support system 1 and the management server 20. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or a dedicated line. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code executable on a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that is executable on the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at different times and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be one that realizes part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0116] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the environmental protection support system 1 and management server 20 described above may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each of the above functions may be implemented individually as a processor, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1...Environmental protection support system, 10...User terminal, 20...Management server, 21...Communication unit, 22...Storage unit, 23...Control unit, 220...Registered user information, 221...Conversion information, 222...Shared information, 223...Exchange information, 230...Acquisition unit, 231...Point calculation unit, 232...Shared point verification unit, 233...Point exchange matching unit

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires purchase information, which is information regarding a buying and selling transaction by a user; a calculation unit that calculates consumption points that indicate the degree of environmental impact of the object of the trade transaction made by the user based on the purchase information, and calculates, as points to be awarded to the user, certification points that have been awarded to the object in response to the object being certified as having reduced the burden on the environment; an output unit that outputs the consumption points and the certification points calculated by the calculation unit to a user terminal; A support system comprising:

2. The output unit outputs points including the granted points granted to the user per unit period, the consumed points, and the certified points to the user terminal as points held by the user. The assistance system according to claim 1 .

3. An exchange unit that exchanges the points held by the user with an exchange destination server to which the points are to be exchanged, The exchange unit acquires the number of points to be exchanged as an exchange condition from each of the user terminal as an exchange source and the exchange destination server, and when the number of points to be exchanged presented by the user terminal does not reach the lower limit of the number of points to be exchanged presented by the exchange destination server, the exchange unit adjusts the total number of points that each of the multiple user terminals wishes to exchange to meet the lower limit of the number of points to be exchanged presented by the exchange destination server. The assistance system according to claim 1 .

4. the exchange unit acquires exchange conditions from the user terminal and the exchange destination server, respectively, including a priority item indicating whether to prioritize the exchange time or the exchange rate, and matches the exchange source with an exchange destination server whose acquired exchange conditions match; The assistance system according to claim 3 .

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