Resource Recycling System

Abstract

Promote recycling of used assets and resource circulation. Solution: When the owner of a used asset declares their intention to recycle resources and disposes of it, that information is received by the server and registered in a database. The owner can then select a registered recycler to collect the asset. The recycler separates the used asset into reusable and recyclable items and registers the amount collected and recycled. The server evaluates the entire process and discloses it with a rating. This information can be tracked and confirmed not only by the original owner and recycler, but also by local governments, academic institutions, manufacturers that utilize recycled resources, and others, ensuring the transparency, manageability, evaluation, and traceability of the resource circulation of used assets. Even if the owner disposes of the asset without declaring it, the process from the recycler's collection and registration of the results is the same, resulting in the same level of transparency, manageability, evaluation, and traceability.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a resource circulation system that traces the flow of recycling of used assets such as automobiles. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a used asset, when recycling an automobile, which is a type of transportation equipment, the used asset (automobile) is collected from the owner (consumer, etc.), fluorocarbons are recovered from the used asset (automobile), the used asset (automobile) is then dismantled to recover airbags and other used parts, and the dismantled item is then crushed and metals and shredder dust are separated, with some being recovered, recycled and turned into raw materials as resources, and the remainder being treated and disposed of as industrial waste.

[0003] As described in Patent Document 1, an invention has been disclosed for a method of recycling automobile waste in which accessories are separated from the body of an end-of-life vehicle before it is crushed and processed separately, thereby separating (classifying by material) the residue (shredder dust and other waste materials) into plastics and metals, thereby increasing their value as recyclable resources.

[0004] Approximately 80% of the total weight of automobiles has been recycled, with the remaining 20% ​​disposed of in landfills as shredder dust, but a shortage of final disposal sites has led to a rise in disposal costs, resulting in the problem of used assets (automobiles) being illegally dumped. As described in Patent Document 2, an invention has been disclosed for an automobile recycling management system that uses certification labels that carry visible information and can prevent tampering or counterfeiting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6627142 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-295449 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Because automobiles are manufactured from useful metals such as iron, there has been an increase in cases where used assets (automobiles) are exported overseas, and the rate of domestic recycling is declining, particularly as they are sold at high prices at auctions. In order to prevent future resource outflows and increase the recycling rate, it is necessary to secure used assets (automobiles) taken from owners domestically before they are exported overseas, and to increase the resource recovery and recycling rate.

[0007] The Ministry of the Environment's Basic Plan for Promoting the Creation of a Recycling-Based Society also stipulates that the promotion of resource recovery and strengthening of resource circulation should begin with the domestic market. By showing the actual recovery and recycling rates, it is possible to grasp the amount of recycled resources, and by publicizing the contribution to the environment, it is thought that the evaluation from society will improve.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a resource circulation system that promotes the circulation of resources by recycling used assets such as automobiles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a resource circulation system in which a server manages the resource circulation of used assets in a traceable manner via the Internet, the system including: a registration means for receiving, from an owner terminal, a request from the owner of a used asset to recycle the used asset as a resource when the owner disposes of the used asset, information about the used asset and the owner, and registering the information in a database by the server; a delivery means for receiving, from the owner terminal, a request from the owner to select a recycler registered in advance in the database to collect the used asset, and for the server to instruct a recycler terminal to collect the used asset from the owner; and a delivery means for separating the used assets collected by the recycler and recording the amount and raw materials recovered as recyclable resources. a production means for receiving from the recycling company terminal the amount of resources reproduced as resources and registering the actual results in the database as the recovery rate and production volume of resources derived from the used assets; and a supply means for receiving from the recycling company terminal information on resources recovered or produced from the used assets shipped by the recycling company and allowing the server to understand on the owner terminal that the resources have been recycled and an evaluation of the owner ranked according to the contribution to resource recycling, wherein the server has a recognition means for registering in the database the evaluation of the recycling company ranked according to the resource recovery rate and production volume in order to encourage the owner to recycle resources and displaying this on the owner terminal when selecting the recycling company.

[0010] In addition, in the resource circulation system, the server is characterized by having a tracking means that presents, via the Internet, to users of the resources shipped by the recycler, the process for each separated resource from when the used asset is discarded to when it is shipped as a resource.

[0011] In addition, in the resource circulation system, the server is characterized in that it has an evaluation means for receiving opinions from users of the resources shipped by the recycler via the Internet and reflecting the opinions in the evaluation of the recycler registered in the database.

[0012] In the resource circulation system, the server has a display means for displaying, via the Internet, a list of owners ranked according to their contribution to resource circulation.

[0013] In addition, in the resource circulation system, the used assets are any one of automobiles, railway vehicles, ships, aircraft, spacecraft, industrial machinery, construction machinery, or agricultural machinery including agricultural implements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this invention, by tracking the recycling flow of used assets, the amount of recycled resources can be grasped by showing the actual resource recovery and recovery rates, thereby improving the trust of used asset owners and recyclers in the system. When used asset owners declare that they will recycle resources, recycled resources are secured and the owners are recognized as contributing to the environment, leading to increased social awareness and behavioral change among consumers. Furthermore, the amount of resources scheduled for future recycling is made visible, making it easier for recyclers and recyclable resource users to plan their business. Furthermore, recording and disclosing all of this information raises consumer awareness of recycling, promoting resource circulation and contributing to the creation of a recycling-oriented society. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the device configuration of a resource circulation system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a resource circulation system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall flow of a resource circulation system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a resource circulation system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the composition ratio of materials when recycling an automobile in the resource circulation system of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flow of recycling an automobile in the resource circulation system of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the supply record of circulative resources in the resource circulation system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that components having the same functions will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof may be omitted.

[0017] The resource circulation system of the present invention relates to the recycling of used assets. The used assets are mainly transportation equipment such as automobiles, railway vehicles, ships, aircraft, spacecraft, and other industrial machinery (for example, construction machinery, agricultural machinery including farm equipment, etc.), but all transportation equipment used for transportation and work is applicable. In the embodiment, automobiles are used as an example, but the same applies to other transportation equipment. Note that automobiles also include vehicles such as motorcycles.

[0018] The resource circulation system is a system in which a server manages the resource circulation of used assets in a traceable manner via the Internet, and includes registration means, delivery means, production means, supply means, recognition means, tracking means, evaluation means, display means, etc.

[0019] The registration means receives from the owner terminal, when the owner of the used asset disposes of the used asset, a message to the effect that the used asset will be recycled as a resource, information about the used asset, and information about the owner, and the server registers these in the database.

[0020] The delivery means receives from the owner terminal a request from the owner to select a recycling company from among those registered in advance in the database to take over the used asset, and the server instructs the recycling company terminal to take over the used asset from the owner.

[0021] The production means separates the used assets received by the recycler and receives the amount recovered as recyclable resources and the amount reproduced as raw materials from the recycler terminal, and the server registers the results in the database as the recovery rate and production volume of resources derived from the used assets.

[0022] The supply means receives information from the recycler terminal about the resources recovered or produced from the used assets shipped by the recycler, and the server enables the owner terminal to understand that the resources have been recycled and the owner's evaluation, which is ranked according to the degree of contribution to resource recycling.

[0023] The recognition means is configured such that the server registers in the database an evaluation of the recycling company, which is ranked according to the resource recovery rate and production volume, in order to encourage the owner to recycle resources, and displays the evaluation on the owner's terminal when selecting the recycling company.

[0024] The tracking means allows the server to present, via the Internet, to users of the resources shipped by the recycler, the process from when the used assets are discarded to when they are shipped as resources for each of the separated resources.

[0025] The evaluation means includes an evaluation means for allowing the server to receive opinions from users of the resources shipped by the recycler via the Internet and reflecting the opinions in the evaluation of the recycler registered in the database.

[0026] The display means displays a list of the owners ranked according to their contribution to resource circulation via the Internet. [Example]

[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the device configuration of a resource circulation system. As shown in Fig. 1, resource circulation system 100 is a computer system in which server 120 installed on Internet 110 provides the results in response to requests from terminals such as owner terminal 140, recycler terminal 150, disposal company terminal 160, or consumer terminal 170 accessed via a communication line.

[0028] The Internet 110 is a communication means via a computer information network. The services provided by the resource circulation system 100 may be implemented by building the server 120 side in the Internet 110 environment using cloud computing.

[0029] The server 120 is a computer equipped with a control device such as a CPU, and provides the services of the resource circulation system 100. The server 120 also has storage means such as a memory and a database 130, and records data used in the resource circulation system 100. The database 130 is a collection of data, and the management system provides functions such as data storage and search.

[0030] The terminals are client computers that use application software such as a browser to receive services from the resource circulation system 100, and include mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablet computers. The server 120 receives requests from the terminals, accepts them as input, and transmits the results of processing based on the requests to output to the terminals, so the terminals serve as both an input means and an output means for the server 120.

[0031] Owner terminal 140 is a terminal used by the owner of used asset 180. For example, this may be a dealer who has been provided with a car by the manufacturer, a company or individual consumer who has purchased a car from a dealer, or a used car dealer who has purchased a car from a consumer, and is a terminal possessed by the final owner at the stage of disposing of the car as used asset 180.

[0032] The recycler terminal 150 is a terminal used by a recycler that receives a used asset 180 at the stage of disposal from the final owner of the used asset 180. For example, it is a terminal owned by a collection company, recovery company, dismantling company, crushing company, production company, total utilization company, etc., that collects, recycles, and turns the used asset 180 into raw materials as a resource. Note that one company may be engaged in multiple businesses at once.

[0033] The disposal company terminal 160 is a terminal used by a disposal company that receives the used asset 180 at the stage of being processed as industrial waste from a final disposer or recycler of the used asset 180. For example, it is a terminal owned by a company that incinerates or bury shredder dust (shredded residue) and disposes of the used asset 180 as a final disposal because it cannot be recycled. Note that a recycling company may also be in charge of disposal.

[0034] The consumer terminal 170 is a general terminal used by consumers who want to check the information disclosed to the general public by the resource circulation system 100. Among these, the terminals used by those who have registered with the resource circulation system 100 and are authenticated using a password or the like are the owner terminal 140, the recycler terminal 150, and the disposal company terminal 160.

[0035] Used assets 180 are recycled by recycling companies and delivered to material manufacturers, processing manufacturers, etc. for use in other applications. If these are reproduced as parts for the used assets 180, and the used assets 180 are then handed over to their owners, the resources are circulated. The resource circulation system 100 manages the used assets 180 so that the flow of the circulated resources can be traced.

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the resource recycling system. As shown in Figure 2, the resource recycling system 100 is operated by an NPO (non-profit organization) or the like, and is introduced with the goal of expanding the scale of the environmental business market by strengthening industrial competitiveness and building relationships of trust in order to secure and achieve a stable supply of recyclable resources.

[0037] First, the owner of a used asset 180 declares from the owner terminal 140 that he or she will recycle resources, and then hands over the used asset 180 to a recycler or disposal company, who then reports the results of recovery, regeneration, and materialization of the resource from the recycler terminal 150.

[0038] For example, businesses in the automobile, industrial machinery, railway, shipping, aviation, and space industries can become resource recycling declaration businesses for their used assets 180, conduct resource recycling businesses, and register information on services (source, etc.) and products (industry name, etc.) in the database 130. By declaring resource recycling, businesses can be recognized by society (consumers, etc.), which can lead to increased corporate reputation and trustworthy purchasing, leading to the creation of new business opportunities. It also becomes possible to grasp the expected amount of used assets 180 to be recycled.

[0039] In the case of automobiles, if a car, which is an end-of-life asset 180, must be completely dismantled, it is handed over to a recycling company, but if there is a possibility that it can be reused as a used car, it is handed over to a used car dealer or handed over to a recycling company for dismantling. Even if the owner made a resource recycling declaration when acquiring the vehicle, if the vehicle is handed over to a used car dealer or exporter, the contribution to resource recycling will decrease. While declaring resource recycling is not mandatory, not only does the declaration serve as an incentive, but if compliance with the declaration is recognized by the public, it will become added value, and accumulating such recognition will lead to social trust.

[0040] Companies that take in used assets 180 as recyclable resources or reused parts are registered in advance in the database 130 as recycling companies or industrial waste treatment and disposal companies. The materials and operations that each recycling company targets are recorded. Used assets 180 are taken in from resource circulation declaration companies, and are collected, recycled, and turned into raw materials, and are registered in the database 130 so that information on the recovered resources and production results up to final disposal can be proven.

[0041] The server 120 visualizes the amount of circulable resources by receiving information to certify the origin and performance of the used assets 180 from the recycler terminal 150. By comparing the performance of recyclers, competition among recyclers is generated, and an increase in the amount of collected resources is expected.

[0042] The server 120 calculates the resource recovery rate and production volume of the recycler and registers them in the database 130 to grasp the recycling rate. Based on this, the server 120 certifies the recycler's contribution to resource circulation and notifies the recycler via the terminal 150 of the recycler. The resource circulation system 100 sets certification standards in stages in advance, and if the standards are met, a rating is given. The issuance of a certificate from the resource circulation system 100 proves the credibility of the recycler.

[0043] In addition, since recycling companies may also collect and recycle used assets 180 from companies other than those that have declared resource circulation, they may optionally register such assets in the database 130 and compare the differences in collection rates and production volumes with those of companies that have declared resource circulation.

[0044] In the case of a resource circulation declaration business, the entire process of recycling used assets 180 as resources is registered in the database 130 without any omissions, which becomes a traceability system. The resource circulation system 100 may also publicize its contribution activities through securing recyclable resources and stable supply on a website, etc. By defining and presenting environmental contribution indicators, it becomes possible to create and prove the contribution value.

[0045] Resources collected and recycled from transportation equipment 180 are handed over to recycling resource users such as material manufacturers and processing manufacturers. Securing recycling resources will lead to increased use of recycled materials, more consideration of environmentally friendly designs, and improved competitiveness.

[0046] By providing environmental education to the general public through the Resource Recycling System 100, it will be possible to meet one of the indicators (effort indicators) for the overall picture of a recycling-oriented society, "public awareness and behavior regarding the creation of a recycling-oriented society." It is also possible to share issues with the government, local governments, and academic research institutions, support the formulation of policies, and receive academic evaluation of the system.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the overall flow of the resource circulation system. As shown in Fig. 3, when the resource circulation system 100 is managed as a traceability system by the server 120, information is exchanged between the owner terminal 140 and the recycler terminal 150.

[0048] The server 120 functions as a registration means 200 at the registration (recycling declaration) stage, as a delivery means 300 at the resource delivery stage, as a production means 400 at the production (sorting and processing) stage, as a supply means 500 at the recyclable resource supply stage, and as a recognition means 600 at the information disclosure stage.

[0049] The registration means 200 first transmits a registration request for the circulation declaration made by the resource owner from the owner terminal 140 to the server 120, and the server 120, having received the registration request, registers it in the database 130 as resource information of the resource owner.

[0050] The declaration of circulation includes vehicle inspection certificate information including the owner, vehicle identification number, and vehicle number, image information including the vehicle body and caution plate, and declarant information including the owner's name, address, and telephone number.

[0051] The resource information includes vehicle inspection certificate information, image information, declarant information, vehicle number, registration number assignment and weight information, etc. After the server 120 registers the recycling declaration in the database 130, it returns a message to the owner terminal 140 indicating that the registration has been accepted.

[0052] The delivery means 300 first selects a receiver to whom the resource owner wishes to deliver the used asset 180 from a list of recyclers registered in advance in the database 130, and transmits a pickup request from the owner terminal 140 to the server 120. Upon receiving the pickup request, the server 120 updates the resource information of the resource owner, for example, to in operation / in receipt / ready for production. The server 120 then transmits the pickup request to the recycler terminal 150 of the selected receiver.

[0053] The collection request includes resource (vehicle) information such as a registration number, and a delivery destination designation such as the name of the person who collects the used asset 180. When the person who collects the used asset 180 collects the used asset 180 from the resource owner in response to the collection request, the recycler terminal 150 transmits a collection report to the server 120. The server 120, which receives the collection report, transmits the supply record associated with the collection to the owner terminal 140.

[0054] The recipients include not only the companies that collect the used assets 180 but also recovery companies, dismantling companies, crushing companies, producers, and companies that fully utilize the used assets 180. Multiple companies may be involved until the used assets 180 are collected, recycled, and turned into raw materials (final disposal), and the process is managed as a history by the server 120.

[0055] In the production means 400, first, when a receiver recycles the used asset 180 as a resource, the recycler terminal 150 transmits production information to the server 120, and the server 120, having received the production information, updates the resource information of the resource owner, for example, to "ready for production" or "already produced," and registers the production information of the receiver.

[0056] The production information includes information such as how the used assets 180 were sorted, which ones were targeted for recycling, what materials were turned into raw materials, and the production weight, such as full-use presses (iron), bumpers (polypropylene), and harnesses (copper). If impurities are mixed in with the collected items, the percentage of materials turned into raw materials will decrease. There are individual differences among used assets 180, and the recovery accuracy of each recycler 150 varies depending on the equipment and level of expertise used. Therefore, a high recovery rate is linked to the evaluation of the recycler 150.

[0057] The server 120 calculates the contribution record based on the production information of the receiver and transmits the contribution record to the recycler terminal 150. If the contribution record meets the certification conditions for the rating, it also transmits a message that the rating will be given. For example, the certification conditions may be weighted by the number of processed items.

[0058] First, when the final receiver collects, recycles, and converts the used asset 180 into raw materials as a resource and delivers it to a circulative resource user, the supply means 500 transmits shipping information from the recycler terminal 150 to the server 120. The server 120 receives the shipping information and updates the resource information of the resource owner, for example, to "produced," and registers the receiver's shipping information.

[0059] The shipping information includes the shipping destination, such as the company name, and the shipping weight of the produced materials. The server 120 calculates the contribution record based on the collector's shipping information and transmits it as the circulation record to the recycler terminal 150 and the owner terminal 140. In addition, if the resource owner's circulation record meets the certification conditions for a rating, a message indicating that the rating will be granted is also transmitted to the owner terminal 140. Note that the record can be made known to the owner, etc., by notification or disclosure.

[0060] In the recognition means 600, the server 120 transmits the contribution record of the receiver and the circulation record of the owner via the Internet 110, such as a website. By improving the evaluation of the owner by consumers and the evaluation of the receiver by the owner, it is expected that owners will be encouraged to participate in the resource circulation system 100 and declare their intention to recycle resources, and furthermore, consumer interest in resource circulation will also increase.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the processing flow of the resource circulation system. As shown in Fig. 4, in the resource circulation system 100, a registration means 200 registers a circulation declaration S10, a delivery means 300 takes back used assets S20 and delivers them to a recycler S30, a production means 400 collects, recycles, and turns resources into raw materials S40 and certifies the performance of collection and recycling rates S50, a supply means 500 supplies resources S60 and evaluates resource circulation S70, and a recognition means 600 discloses information S80.

[0062] A resource information table for recording the history of recycling is prepared in advance. The resource information table may have items for recording the recycling status of resources (in operation, in collection, ready for production, produced, etc.) and performance (iron, polypropylene, copper, etc.) using, for example, data for identifying the used asset 180, data for identifying the owner, and data for identifying the receiver as keys.

[0063] In addition, recycling companies are registered in advance. Server 120 accepts input of company information via Internet 110 and records it in a company information table in database 130. The company information table may have items that can record, for example, data that identifies the recycling company as a key, such as business details (collection, recovery, dismantling, crushing, production, electric furnace, etc.), processing details (full-use press, bumpers, harnesses, etc.), and contribution record (rating).

[0064] It is also possible to create master data of materials to be recycled for each used asset 180. A search can be performed by specifying the materials to be recycled and the processing details as search conditions, and a recycler to whom the used asset 180 is to be handed over can be selected from the extracted list.

[0065] In each step, the server 120 accepts input from the owner terminal 140 or the recycler terminal 150 via the Internet 110, and outputs the results of processing by the server 120 to the owner terminal 140 or the recycler terminal 150 via the Internet 110.

[0066] The circulation declaration registration S10 records the owner's circulation declaration entered in the server 120 in the circulation declaration table of the database 130, and outputs a report of registration acceptance to the owner. The circulation declaration table may have items that can record, for example, details about the used asset 180, details about the owner, circulation performance (rating), etc.

[0067] The used asset collection S20 records the owner's collection request input to the server 120 in the resource information table of the database 130, and outputs instructions to the requested collector. The resource information table records the used asset 180, the owner, the collector selected from the recyclers in the trader information table, the recycling status of the resource (collection in progress), etc.

[0068] The delivery to the recycler S30 updates the resource information table in the database 130 based on the collection report from the collection person input to the server 120, and outputs a report to the owner as a supply record. The resource information table may display the recycling status of the resource as "ready for production," etc.

[0069] The resource recovery, recycling, and raw materialization S40 updates the resource information table in the database 130 based on the production information of the receiver input to the server 120, and outputs a report of the produced weight, etc. to the receiver. In the resource information table, the recycling status of the resource is recorded as "produced," and the produced weight, etc. of each resource is recorded. The produced weight may be, for example, the recovery rate of full-use presses, bumpers, harnesses, etc., or the production volume of iron, polypropylene, copper, etc.

[0070] In the performance certification S50 of the recovery rate and recycling rate, the server 120 calculates the contribution performance based on the production weight, rates the receiver according to the result, updates the trader information table in the database 130, and outputs a report of the contribution performance and a rating to the receiver. In the trader information table, it is sufficient to record the rating in the contribution performance.

[0071] The resource supply S60 updates the resource information table in the database 130 with the receiver's shipping information entered into the server 120, and outputs a report of the shipping weight etc. to the receiver. In the resource information table, the recycling status of the resource is set to "supplied" etc., and the shipping weight etc. of each resource is recorded. The shipping weight may be, for example, the shipping record of a fully recycled press (iron), a bumper (polypropylene), a harness (copper), etc.

[0072] In the resource circulation evaluation S70, the server 120 calculates the circulation performance based on the shipping weight, rates the owner according to the result, updates the circulation declaration table in the database 130, and outputs a report of the circulation performance and a notice that a rating has been assigned to the owner. For the circulation declaration table, it is sufficient to record the rating in the circulation performance.

[0073] Resource information is accumulated by repeating the process from taking back used assets (S20) to evaluating resource circulation (S70). Performance can also be measured by the cumulative or average values ​​of production weight and shipping weight, and the ratings of the owner and receiver will change accordingly.

[0074] In the information disclosure S80, the server 120 extracts data from the circulation declaration table, the trader information table, or the resource information table in the database 130, edits the data for screen display or printing, and outputs the edited data.

[0075] For example, there are the owner's rating recorded in the recycling record of the recycling declaration table, the receiver's rating recorded in the contribution record of the vendor information table, the recovery rate and production volume of resources originating from transportation equipment recorded in the production weight and shipping weight of the resource information table, and the process from when transportation equipment is discarded to when it is sorted and shipped as a resource recorded in the resource recycling status of the resource information table.

[0076] Displaying a list of the owner's recycling performance on a website can lead to improved corporate reputation and credibility. It can also be used for advertising and internal indices. The ratings of receivers are effective as selection criteria when owners choose a recycler from a list. Resource information is useful for tracking which transportation equipment shipped resources originate from (determined using the mass balance method), and can also help improve the social reputation of recyclers.

[0077] In addition, if the owner is a resource recycling declaration business, the rating of the receiver may be displayed. If a resource recycling declaration is required for the owner to understand the record of the receiver, this is expected to have the effect of encouraging the owner to make a declaration.

[0078] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the composition ratio of materials when recycling an automobile in a resource circulation system. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the flow when recycling an automobile in a resource circulation system. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the supply record of circulative resources in the resource circulation system.

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, in the case of gasoline-powered vehicles, the main materials to be separated, excluding reusable parts, are iron (dismantled vehicles, discarded engines, and suspension), aluminum (discarded engines and aluminum wheels), plastic and other resins (exterior materials and bumpers), rubber (tires), others (batteries and gasoline), glass (shredded residue), fiber (shredded residue), copper (wire harnesses), and rare metals and other metals (catalysts and electronic devices).

[0080] Of these, dismantled automobiles, bumpers, and harnesses are designated as the separated materials to be recycled. Approximately 70% of an automobile is made up of steel, but the percentage that can be recycled as steel varies depending on the model and condition, as well as the recycling company.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6, if a used asset 180 originates from an automobile, the owner will change as the vehicle is circulated as a used car or reused as a leased car. However, the final owner of the used asset (automobile) at the stage of being recycled as a scrapped vehicle will declare recycling and register the resource 210 (Registering the recycling declaration S10). This ensures a flow for recycling resources. The owner then requests collection of the used asset (automobile) (Collecting the used asset S20), and the recycler will collect the used asset (automobile) (Delivery to recycler S30).

[0082] The recycling company that receives the used asset (automobile) dismantles the used asset (automobile) as a pre-processing step to recover refrigerants, airbags, waste fluids, etc. Then, the pre-processed automobile is sorted 310, and reusable parts are collected for reuse as they are.

[0083] Of the separated items 310, dismantled cars, bumpers, and harnesses are sent for recycling (resource recovery, regeneration, and raw materialization S40). Dismantled cars are compressed and molded 410, and if shredded 440, they are handed over to a shredding company, and the separated residue (shredder dust) after shredding is properly disposed of. Bumpers are shredded and washed 420, and plastic flakes are recycled into raw materials 430. Harnesses are recycled into raw materials as they are 430.

[0084] In the recycling process, the amount of resources recovered and the amount recycled as raw materials are reported (Certification of Recovery Rate and Recycling Rate S50). If the recovery rate and recycling rate are good, the evaluation of the efficiency and quality of the recycling company will improve. Furthermore, by performing a relative evaluation based on a rating, it becomes easier to understand the rank.

[0085] If the pressed dismantled automobiles are to be used in their entirety, they are supplied to an electric furnace manufacturer 510, and the raw materials such as bumpers and harnesses are supplied to material manufacturers and processing manufacturers 520, where they are turned into products (resource supply S60). By supplying resources to manufacturers, resources are circulated.

[0086] When commercializing a product, the amount supplied is reported to the manufacturer (resource circulation evaluation S70). By achieving resource circulation, the owner who declared resource circulation will be evaluated as contributing to the environment (information disclosure S80).

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, for example, suppose bumpers, harnesses, and presses are identified as items to be recycled in a standard automobile, and it is estimated that 17 kg of bumpers, 9 kg of harnesses, and 800 kg of presses can be recovered per vehicle.

[0088] When recycling a bumper, if 95% is recovered, 16.15 kg of resin can be supplied. When recycling a harness, if 96% is recovered, 8.64 kg of copper can be supplied. When recycling a press, if 88% is recovered, 704 kg of iron can be supplied. These percentages are indicators of the recycling rate performance of a recycler.

[0089] In addition, the number of vehicles that have been reproduced as resources and supplied to manufacturers is an indicator of the actual supply performance, and the extent to which the number of vehicles that owners have declared to recycle resources is also an indicator. Furthermore, if it is expected that 10 standard cars can be recycled, it is possible to estimate the amount of recyclable resources in the future as 170 kg of resin from bumpers, 90 kg of copper from harnesses, and 8,000 kg of iron from presses.

[0090] According to this invention, by tracking the flow of resources circulating in the recycling of used assets, the amount of circulated resources can be grasped by showing the actual recovery and recovery rates of resources, thereby improving the trust of used asset owners and recyclers in the system. When used asset owners declare that they will circulate resources, resources to be recycled are secured and the owners are recognized as contributing to the environment, leading to increased social awareness and behavioral change among consumers. In addition, the amount of resources to be recycled in the future is made visible, making it easier for not only recyclers (venous side) but also circulated resource utilization businesses (arterial side) to formulate business plans. This circulation also raises consumer awareness of recycling, promoting resource circulation and contributing to the promotion of a circular economy.

[0091] While resource circulation has become more advanced, the development of systems and infrastructure for establishing regional circulation zones has lagged behind. By building a circular supply chain that circulates everything from raw material procurement to manufacturing, distribution, collection, and recycling, and by introducing and visualizing a system to track these processes, those involved can understand the effectiveness of this.

[0092] Building a circular supply chain will improve social behavior and systems, such as promoting reuse and recycling, designing products to last longer (eco-design), utilizing local resources (regional circular symbiosis), expanding the use of recycled materials, and encouraging companies to invest in and disclose information about resource circulation (ESG / non-financial information disclosure).

[0093] For example, reusing and recycling products and parts leads to a reduction in raw material usage and waste volume. Making products easier to repair and reuse reduces the frequency of disposal and reduces resource consumption. In particular, circulating resources domestically reduces the environmental burden associated with transportation and revitalizes local economies. It reduces the use of new resources and incorporates resource circulation into the market economy. Sustainability efforts can be made visible and converted into social and market value.

[0094] Introducing a tracking system will be effective as part of the infrastructure of a circular economy, as it will enable visualization of resource flows, quality assurance of recycled materials, responsible resource management (responsible procurement), streamline compliance with laws and regulations and collaboration between bases, and provide basic information on carbon footprints and ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) responses.

[0095] In other words, understanding where products and raw materials come from and how they are used and recycled will improve the efficiency of recycling and show the actual situation and waste. Knowing the history of recovered and recycled materials will ensure safety and reliability and promote reuse. It will enable the avoidance of raw materials related to crime, conflict minerals, and environmental destruction, and will enable ethical and sustainable use of raw materials. It will enable legal history management in all countries to which this system applies, such as the Waste Management Act and the Act on Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources. It will be essential for quantitatively evaluating the environmental impact of the entire supply chain.

[0096] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to recycling in industries related to used assets, such as railways, industrial machinery, ships, aviation, and space. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to recycling in industries such as textiles and plastics.

[0097] In the case of railways, railway-related facilities such as tracks and discarded vehicles are collected and processed before dismantling, after which the vehicles are crushed and sorted, and recycled into raw materials such as aluminum, iron, copper, plastic, and glass, which are then supplied to parts manufacturers. As with automobiles, resources can be recycled by recyclers. Furthermore, information identifying the owner and vehicle can be obtained at the time of declaration, and the recycling process can also be tracked.

[0098] In the case of industrial machinery, discarded machinery is collected and processed before being dismantled, and then metals, plastics, glass, etc. are separated and recycled as raw materials. As with automobiles, resources can be circulated by recycling companies, and the recycling process can be tracked by identifying the owner and the machinery.

[0099] In the case of ships, used assets and scrapped ships discarded during shipbuilding are collected, processed before dismantling, and recycled into raw materials such as metals, glass fiber reinforced plastics, etc. As with automobiles, resources can be recycled by recycling companies, and the recycling process can be tracked by identifying the owner and ship.

[0100] In the case of aircraft, they are processed before being dismantled and then separated into metals, plastics, glass, etc. and recycled into raw materials. As with automobiles, resources can be recycled by recycling companies, and the recycling process can be tracked by identifying the owner and aircraft.

[0101] In the case of spacecraft and satellites, used assets generated during the manufacturing process or recovered on Earth can be recycled by recycling companies, just like automobiles, and the recycling process can be tracked by identifying the owner and the hull. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 100: Resource circulation system 110: Internet 120: Server 130: Database 140: Owner terminal 150: Recycler terminal 160: Disposal company terminal 170: Consumer terminals 180: Used assets 200: Registration method 210: Resource registration 300: Delivery means 310: Separation 400: Means of production 410: Compression molding 420: Crushing and cleaning 430: Raw material 440: Shredder 500: Supply means 510: Electric furnace manufacturer 520: Processing manufacturer 600: Cognitive means

Claims

1. A resource circulation system in which a server manages resource circulation of used assets in a traceable manner via the Internet, a registration means for receiving, from an owner terminal, a notice that the used asset will be recycled as a resource when the owner of the used asset disposes of the used asset, as well as information about the used asset and the owner, and registering the information in the database by the server; a delivery means for receiving from the owner terminal a request from the owner to select a recycler from among those registered in advance in the database to collect the used asset, and for the server to instruct the recycler terminal to collect the used asset from the owner; a production means for sorting the used assets received by the recycler, receiving from the recycler terminal the amount of recovered resources as recyclable resources and the amount of recycled resources as raw materials, and for the server to register the results in the database as the recovery rate and production volume of resources derived from the used assets; a supply means for receiving information on resources recovered or produced from the used assets shipped by the recycler from the recycler terminal, and for the server to enable the owner terminal to know that the resources have been recycled and to know an evaluation of the owner that is ranked according to the degree of contribution to resource recycling; The server has a recognition means for registering in the database an evaluation of the recycling company, which is ranked according to the resource recovery rate and production volume, in order to encourage the owner to recycle resources, and for displaying the evaluation on the owner terminal when selecting the recycling company. A resource circulation system characterized by:

2. The server has a tracking means for displaying, via the Internet, to users of the resources shipped by the recycler, the process of each separated resource from the time the used asset is disposed of until it is shipped as a resource.

2. The resource circulation system according to claim 1.

3. The server has an evaluation means for receiving opinions from users of the resources shipped by the recycler via the Internet and reflecting the opinions in the evaluation of the recycler registered in the database.

2. The resource circulation system according to claim 1.

4. The server has a display means for displaying, via the Internet, a list of the owners ranked according to their contribution to resource circulation.

2. The resource circulation system according to claim 1.

5. The used asset is any one of an automobile, a rail vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, a spacecraft, an industrial machine, a construction machine, or an agricultural machine including an agricultural implement; 2. The resource circulation system according to claim 1.

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