Information processing method, program, and information processing device

A performance-based contract mechanism addresses the funding challenge for infrastructure improvement by linking payments to disaster mitigation results, facilitating efficient financing and incentivizing improved infrastructure development.

JP7846705B2Active Publication Date: 2026-04-15SUMITOMO MITSUI CONSTRUCTION CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
SUMITOMO MITSUI CONSTRUCTION CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-11-29
Publication Date
2026-04-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge of funding infrastructure improvement projects is significant due to the high cost and difficulty in collecting funds, despite the economic benefits associated with disaster mitigation and service improvements.

Method used

A performance-based contract mechanism is implemented, where payment is linked to the disaster mitigation results, involving insurance companies, funders, and infrastructure owners, to secure funding for infrastructure development projects.

Benefits of technology

This mechanism enables efficient financing of infrastructure development by ensuring that funders and insurance companies receive a return on their investments through performance-based compensation, incentivizing better infrastructure evaluation and steady project implementation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This information processing method is executed by an information processing device, wherein the information processing method: acquires information about a contract pertaining to an infrastructure maintenance project which promotes the maintenance of an infrastructure, the contract being a first outcome-linked type contract by which payment is performed on the basis of a disaster reduction outcome by the infrastructure, or a disaster insurance contract of the infrastructure; acquires, from a fund provider, fund data pertaining to funds set on the basis of the infrastructure maintenance project; specifies an execution destination of the infrastructure maintenance project when the fund data is acquired; and transmits, to the execution destination, order information pertaining to the infrastructure maintenance project.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, a program, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a countermeasure against disasters, etc. that are expected to occur, the importance of improving infrastructure (hereinafter also referred to as "infrastructure") to suppress damage has been advocated (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the improvement of infrastructure requires a large amount of money, and it is not easy to collect the funds. On the other hand, it has been shown by the calculation results of various evaluation institutions that when the infrastructure is improved, there are economic effects due to infrastructure improvement, for example, disaster reduction effects during disasters, or economic effects due to the activation of the surrounding areas. In addition, there is a result-linked contract in which a higher payment is made for the provision of better services, and effects such as the demonstration of private ingenuity, the trial of new services with expected results, the improvement of existing services, and the promotion of the growth of excellent operators are expected.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention focuses on this result-linked contract and aims to provide a new mechanism for fundraising in infrastructure improvement projects by returning the economic effects due to infrastructure improvement to businesses (such as insurance companies, etc.) or financiers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing method performed by an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention involves acquiring contract information relating to an infrastructure development project for the purpose of developing infrastructure, which is a first-generation-linked contract in which payment is made based on the disaster mitigation results of the infrastructure, or a disaster insurance contract for the infrastructure; acquiring funding data relating to the funds set up based on the infrastructure development project from the funding source; identifying the recipient of the infrastructure development project upon acquiring the funding data; and transmitting order information relating to the infrastructure development project to the recipient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a new mechanism for financing infrastructure development projects can be provided by using performance-based contracts that return the economic results of infrastructure development to the business operator or the funder. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process related to financing and project ordering for one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of payment processing related to an entity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configuration.

[0010] [Embodiment] <System> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes information processing devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 (hereinafter also referred to as "each information processing device 10 to 60"), and each information processing device 10 to 60 can send and receive data from each other via a network N. Information processing devices 60A and 60B are also referred to as information processing device 60 when not distinguishing between them.

[0011] Here, we will explain the outline of a new fundraising mechanism realized by the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the infrastructure includes existing buildings such as existing logistics facilities, factories, and offices. For example, the information processing device 10, which is mainly used by the business operator that owns the infrastructure, receives solutions for business continuity planning (BCP) for companies and organizations in the event of emergencies such as disasters, and disaster insurance (e.g., earthquake insurance) from the information processing device 20, which is mainly used by insurance companies such as non-life insurance companies.

[0012] For example, the information processing device 10 acquires and stores contract information (first contract information) related to a results-based contract (first results-based contract) for building resilience (e.g., seismic reinforcement) for BCP purposes, transmitted from the information processing device 20. The information processing device 10 may also acquire and store contract information (insurance contract information) related to property insurance that includes disaster mitigation results in the insurance premium under the results-based contract.

[0013] Outcome-based contracts include, for example, pay-for-success (PFS) contracts, in which an owner commissions a business to carry out a project, sets performance indicators corresponding to the issues to be solved, and links payments to the achievement or improvement of these performance indicators. In this type of contract, the business commissioned to carry out the project can raise funds from funders (investors, etc.) in exchange for the distribution of future payments (without necessarily having to pay dividends to investors, etc.), while the owner commissioning the project only incurs payments when the effects are realized, thus offering advantages to both the commissioning party and the commissioned party. In the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1, this outcome-based contract is applied to secure funding for infrastructure development (e.g., building reinforcement) by having funds raised, for example, from a fund contracted with an insurance company, to cover the costs of infrastructure development.

[0014] The information processing device 20, primarily used by insurance companies such as non-life insurance companies, provides performance-based contracts and disaster insurance for infrastructure development projects for business continuity planning (BCP). For example, the information processing device 20 transmits first contract information regarding a first performance-based contract for an infrastructure development project and insurance contract information regarding disaster insurance to an information processing device 10 used by the infrastructure owner. The first contract information includes, for example, estimated infrastructure development costs and contract information regarding performance-based contracts based on the economic results of infrastructure development. Furthermore, the recovery of costs related to infrastructure development may be included in the insurance premium for disaster insurance.

[0015] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 requests funding for the infrastructure development project from the source of funding (hereinafter also referred to as the "funding source") to procure or provide funds. The method of request may be through bidding or other means. The information processing device 20 obtains funding data related to the infrastructure development project from the information processing device 40 mainly used by the funding source. Once the information processing device 20 obtains the funding data, it transmits order information related to the ordering of the infrastructure development project to the information processing device 30 mainly used by the construction company or design company that will carry out the infrastructure development project. Also, if the information processing device 20 determines, based on the acquisition of funding data, that the funding data corresponds to the costs of the infrastructure development project, it transmits the funding data related to the infrastructure development project to the information processing device 30 used by the design company or construction company. The design company or construction company receives payment for the development costs and commences the infrastructure development project.

[0016] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 collects insurance premiums from infrastructure owners based on insurance contract information related to disaster insurance and manages compensation data related to the collected insurance premiums. In addition, the information processing device 20 collects performance-based compensation for disaster mitigation in the event of a disaster from infrastructure owners based on the content of the infrastructure development project and the first contract information of the first performance-based contract, and manages compensation data related to the collected performance-based compensation. The information processing device 20 transmits the compensation data related to the collected insurance premiums and performance-based compensation to the information processing device 40 used by the funder. The compensation data includes data indicating the compensation that the funder receives as a return for raising or providing funds for the infrastructure development project.

[0017] The information processing device 30 used by the construction company or design company, etc. (also referred to as the "implementing party") that actually carries out the infrastructure development project, obtains order information from the information processing device 20. The implementing party commences the infrastructure development project once it receives payment for the project costs. Payment for the infrastructure development project costs includes lump-sum payments and installment payments. The information processing device 30 may also receive data from the information processing device 20 indicating that the costs have been paid. The fund data transmitted from the information processing device 20 may also be data indicating that the costs have been paid.

[0018] The information processing apparatus 40 mainly used by the fund provider for the infrastructure improvement project secures the financial resources for the infrastructure improvement project and procures the funds notified by the information processing apparatus 20. The procurement of funds may involve collecting funds from others or appropriating the funds held by itself. When the information processing apparatus 40 procures the necessary funds, it transmits the fund data related to this fund to the information processing apparatus 20. The fund data may be, for example, data related to the transfer of funds. The financial resources based on the fund data of the infrastructure improvement project are appropriately used for the execution of the infrastructure improvement project.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 50 mainly used by the institution that evaluates the infrastructure executes the evaluation process of the maintained infrastructure and calculates the economic results brought by the infrastructure improvement. To inform the owner of the infrastructure of the evaluation results, the information processing apparatus 50 transmits a report (evaluation data) related to the evaluation results to the information processing apparatus 10. Note that the disaster reduction effect by the infrastructure during a disaster may be evaluated by an insurance company. In this case, the information processing apparatus 50 may be the same as the information processing apparatus 20.

[0020] Based on the evaluation results of the infrastructure and the results-linked contract, the information processing apparatus 10 determines the amount to be paid to the operator and the predetermined rights, and executes the reward process to pay the determined amount. By executing the reward process, the information processing apparatus 20 receives the reward data related to the amount (payment amount) of the return for the execution of the infrastructure improvement project for BCP.

[0021] Thereby, it is possible to provide a mechanism that can appropriately pay the insurance company the profit included in the economic results brought by the infrastructure improvement based on the results-linked contract. Furthermore, the operator (such as a fund) that procured the funds for the infrastructure improvement can receive a return for the fund provision by having a part of the insurance premium or the economic results refunded from the insurance company.

[0022] Next, we will describe each information processing device 10-60 and its users. As in the example above, information processing device 10 is one or more information processing devices used by the infrastructure owner. The infrastructure owner may be, for example, a country, a national agency, a government, a local government, a private company, or an individual that owns the infrastructure. The infrastructure includes, for example, existing logistics facilities, factories, offices, and other buildings, as well as structures that would benefit from being strengthened for business continuity planning (BCP).

[0023] The infrastructure owner, for example, receives a proposal for a first outcome-based contract concerning the infrastructure development project from an insurance company. The information processing device 10 then obtains the first contract information concerning the first outcome-based contract from the information processing device 20 and stores the obtained first contract information. The first outcome-based contract concerning the infrastructure development project is, for example, a contract between the infrastructure owner (operator) and an insurance company that is commissioned to carry out the infrastructure development project. This contract includes a provision for the infrastructure owner to pay the insurance company, based on predetermined conditions, at least a portion of the economic benefits from the infrastructure development. At least a portion of the economic benefits from the infrastructure development may be included as part of the insurance premium for disaster insurance.

[0024] The information processing device 20 is one or more information processing devices primarily used by insurance companies, such as non-life insurance companies. For example, if an insurance company enters into an insurance contract with a private company that owns infrastructure regarding disasters in infrastructure development projects, it collects insurance premiums from the private company based on this contract information. Also, if an insurance company enters into a first-stage performance-based contract with a private company that owns infrastructure development projects, it collects performance-based compensation for disaster mitigation from the private company based on this first-stage contract information. Disaster insurance and performance-based contracts may be proposed as a set by the insurance company as a BCP solution.

[0025] For example, the performance-based compensation for disaster mitigation may be set in advance by contract depending on the content of the infrastructure development project. Alternatively, the performance-based compensation for disaster mitigation may be added to the regular insurance premium. Furthermore, if the private business operator is able to continue its business after a disaster occurs, the insurance company may collect a performance-based compensation separate from the aforementioned performance-based compensation for disaster mitigation from the private business operator. The information processing device 20 used by the insurance company acquires funding data related to infrastructure development from the information processing device 40 and transmits order information related to the infrastructure development project to the information processing device 30 used by the company that executes the infrastructure development project. The information processing device 20 used by the insurance company also transmits compensation data related to insurance premiums or performance-based compensation collected from private business operators to the information processing device 40.

[0026] The information processing device 30 is, for example, one or more information processing devices used by an organization that carries out infrastructure development projects. This organization is, for example, a company that carries out building strengthening projects such as seismic reinforcement, vibration isolation reinforcement, and vibration control reinforcement, and includes companies, organizations, or businesses that coordinate infrastructure development projects. The implementing body uses this information processing device 40 to manage the infrastructure development project and carry it out according to a predetermined schedule.

[0027] The information processing device 40 is, for example, one or more information processing devices used by an organization that provides funding for an infrastructure development project. This organization may be, for example, a financial institution such as a bank or investment fund, or a company such as a construction company that carries out the infrastructure development project, and multiple companies may jointly raise funds. The fundraising referred to here includes raising funds from other users other than the business operator using this information system 1, or using the business operator's own funds.

[0028] The information processing device 50 is one or more information processing devices used by designated organizations, etc., to evaluate the economic results of infrastructure development. The designated organizations are, for example, third-party organizations (evaluation organizations) capable of fairly and appropriately evaluating economic results, and include organizations certified by the national government or other government bodies. The designated organizations may also be insurance companies that commission infrastructure development projects. In this case, the information processing device 20 is also used as the information processing device 50. The information processing device 50 evaluates the economic results of infrastructure development, estimates economic benefits, performs infrastructure evaluations according to evaluation items, saves evaluation results, and transmits reports (evaluation data) including evaluation results to the information processing device 10.

[0029] Information processing device 60 is, for example, an information processing device used by others who invest in infrastructure development projects. Others include, for example, investors, and include individuals and companies that support and invest in infrastructure development projects. Others refer to the investment information of the infrastructure development project transmitted by information processing device 40 and decide on the investment amount. Information processing device 60 transmits an investment request, including the investment amount decided by the other party, to information processing device 40. Note that in information processing system 1, if the business operator provides all the necessary funds themselves, information processing device 60 is not necessarily required.

[0030] The information processing devices 10 to 60 described above include, for example, personal computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, and server devices. Each of these may be denoted as the nth information processing device (1 ≤ n ≤ 6) to distinguish them from each other.

[0031] <Structure> Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The processing of each device will be explained below using two specific examples.

[0032] (Specific example 1) In Specific Example 1, we take a project (construction work, etc.) to strengthen buildings, such as seismic reinforcement, vibration isolation reinforcement, and vibration control reinforcement, as an example of an infrastructure development project. Businesses that own existing logistics facilities, factories, and offices consider developing infrastructure to prepare for potential future disasters as part of their Business Continuity Plan (BCP). In this case, they may agree to the construction work to strengthen the buildings proposed by the insurance company and entrust or commission this work to the insurance company. The insurance company receives the funds for this work from the fund and places an order for the strengthening work with a construction company or design company. The insurance company also acquires ownership of the reinforcement equipment (e.g., seismic equipment). The contract period for the first outcome-based contract may, for example, be aligned with the useful life of the depreciable asset of the reinforcement equipment, but may also be determined by agreement between the parties.

[0033] Next, in the event of a disaster, the business operator may request the insurance company to pay insurance benefits based on an estimate of the damage under the disaster insurance, or pay the insurance company at least a portion of the economic value resulting from the disaster mitigation effect based on the first contract information. Disasters include, for example, earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, typhoons, etc. The insurance company will pay the funder a portion of the economic value received from the disaster mitigation effect as a return for the funder's contribution. The funder may also receive a portion of the insurance premiums from the insurance company if the insurance company receives the disaster insurance premiums from the business operator.

[0034] For example, an insurance company may offer disaster insurance with special clauses. These clauses may include, for instance, seismic reinforcement work, installation of seismic reinforcement equipment (with ownership transferring from the insurance company to the business operator after a specified period), and payment of a disaster mitigation performance fee in the event of a disaster. The disaster mitigation performance fee could be, for example, paid by the business operator as an estimated amount within the monthly insurance premium payments, and this amount could be accumulated. The estimated amount could be either variable or fixed. In the event of a disaster, the accumulated amount would be offset against the disaster mitigation results. If the accumulated amount is insufficient, the business operator would be left with a debt, which could be covered by a separate agreement with a credit guarantee company.

[0035] In specific example 1, the information processing device 10 that performs at least a part of the above-described processing includes one or more processing units (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 110, one or more network communication interfaces 120, memory 130, user interface 150, and one or more communication buses 170 for interconnecting these components.

[0036] Memory 130 is, for example, a high-speed random-access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, or other random-access solid-state memory, and may also be a non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk memory devices, optical disk memory devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices, or a non-temporary recording medium.

[0037] Memory 130 stores data used by the information processing system 1. For example, memory 130 stores data related to building resilience projects. Data related to building resilience projects includes, for example, evaluation data including the cost of building resilience projects for buildings owned by the business operator, expected economic results (disaster mitigation results), and first contract information for the first outcome-linked contract of the building resilience project. The first contract information includes at least a portion of the publicly available data, such as the contract period and payment terms.

[0038] Another example of memory 130 may be one or more storage devices located remotely from the CPU 110. In one embodiment, memory 130 stores programs, modules, and data structures, or subsets thereof, executed by the CPU 110.

[0039] The CPU 110 executes a program stored in the memory 130 to configure the control unit 112, acquisition unit 113, infrastructure management unit 114, and transmission unit 115.

[0040] The control unit 112 controls the overall processing related to the building resilience project. The acquisition unit 113 acquires data transmitted from each information processing device. For example, the acquisition unit 113 acquires first contract information based on a first results-linked contract transmitted from the information processing device 20, or acquires evaluation data including evaluation results from infrastructure development transmitted from the information processing device 50. The acquisition unit 113 may also acquire insurance contract information related to disaster insurance transmitted from the information processing device 20.

[0041] The infrastructure management unit 114 manages data related to the building resilience project. For example, the infrastructure management unit 114 stores each acquired data in memory 130 and reads the data from memory 130 as needed.

[0042] Furthermore, the Infrastructure Management Department 114 calculates the payment to be made to the insurance company when the specified conditions of the performance-based contract are met. The specified conditions of the performance-based contract include the occurrence of a disaster, etc.

[0043] The transmitting unit 115 transmits each piece of data to a predetermined information processing device via the network communication interface 120. For example, the transmitting unit 115 transmits information indicating that the user has joined a disaster insurance program or that the user has agreed to a first performance-based contract to the information processing device 20. The transmitting unit 115 also transmits payment data (remuneration data) of the determined payment to the information processing device 20.

[0044] Next, we will describe an information processing device 20 primarily used by insurance companies, such as non-life insurance companies. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 20 includes one or more processing units (CPUs) 210, one or more network communication interfaces 220, memory 230, a user interface 250, and one or more communication buses 270 for interconnecting these components. Each part shown in Figure 3 has the same function as each part with the same name shown in Figure 3 and performs the same processing. Below, we will explain the differences between each part shown in Figure 3 and each part shown in Figure 2.

[0045] Memory 230 stores data used by the information processing system 1. For example, memory 230 stores insurance contract information for insurance contracts related to infrastructure disasters, and data on insurance premiums collected based on insurance contracts. Memory 230 also stores the first contract information for the first outcome-linked contract related to the building resilience project, and data on the remuneration (M1) obtained as a result-based compensation for disaster mitigation based on the first outcome-linked contract. Memory 230 also stores the second contract information for the second outcome-linked contract for the result-based compensation for disaster mitigation based on the first outcome-linked contract, and if a portion of the result-based compensation based on the second contract information, for example, M1 × β%, is set as the result-based compensation for the funding source, it stores data on this remuneration. Memory 230 may also store data on the remuneration if α% of the insurance premiums is set as the remuneration for the funding source. Let α be the first coefficient and β be the second coefficient.

[0046] The CPU 210 executes programs stored in the memory 230 to configure the control unit 212, acquisition unit 213, fund management unit 214, identification unit 215, and transmission unit 216.

[0047] The control unit 212 controls the processing of each part, which will be described later, and executes processing related to the building resilience solution for BCP. The building resilience solution is, for example, when an insurance company receives funding from a fund and the insurance company places an order for a building resilience project with a construction company, etc.

[0048] The acquisition unit 213 acquires insurance contract information related to disaster insurance for buildings. This insurance contract information includes, for example, the contract period and payment terms. The acquisition unit 213 also acquires first contract information for first outcome-linked contracts related to building resilience projects aimed at improving buildings, where payments are made based on the disaster mitigation results achieved through building resilience. The acquisition unit 213 also acquires funding data related to the funds set based on the first contract information from the information processing device 40. In addition, the acquisition unit 213 may acquire insurance contract information for disaster insurance contracts in lieu of or in addition to the first contract information, in which insurance premiums are set considering the disaster mitigation effect of building resilience.

[0049] The fund management unit 214 stores the fund data obtained from the information processing device 40 in the memory 230, associating it with the identification information of the building resilience project. The identification information of the building resilience project includes information that identifies the building resilience project and makes it distinguishable from other projects. This identification information may also be generated by the information processing device 20. The memory 230 stores, associating this identification information, data such as collected insurance premiums, compensation data related to the results of disaster mitigation, and contact information for the project's implementation destination (IP address, email address of person in charge, etc.).

[0050] When the identification unit 215 obtains funding data from the information processing device 40, it identifies the destination of the building reinforcement project based on the building reinforcement project. For example, the identification unit 215 identifies the destination contact information associated with the same identification information as the funding data to be allocated to the financial resources by referring to the memory 230.

[0051] The transmitting unit 216 transmits order information for the building resilience project to the specified recipient. The order information may include construction methods, including building resilience technologies. The transmitting unit 216 may also transmit funding data to the recipient's information processing device 30 indicating that the funds for the building resilience project have been allocated to the project. In this case, the funding data is data indicating that the collected funds have been allocated to the project, such as a notification of completion of the transfer to a designated account. This allows the funds procured for the building resilience project to be allocated to the project's funding, and the recipient can be notified that the allocation of funds has been completed.

[0052] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 is a device used by an insurance company, and the acquisition unit 213 may acquire the first contract information and insurance contract information related to disaster insurance for buildings. This eliminates the need to separately contract for disaster insurance and the first performance-linked contract, and also eliminates the need to separately transmit contract information for each, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the information processing device 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the transmission unit 216 may transmit to the information processing device 40 the second contract information of a second outcome-linked contract, which is a contract relating to a building resilience project and for which payment is made based on the disaster mitigation results of the first outcome-linked contract. In this case, the acquisition unit 213 acquires condition information, including payment conditions (performance-based compensation × β) related to the payment determined based on the second contract information, from the recipient of the second contract information (fund provider). β is, for example, 0.5. This allows the insurance company to have other companies raise funds for the building resilience project and, in return, to establish a system to pay a portion of the performance-based compensation received from the business operator.

[0054] The configuration unit 217 sets the payment of a portion of the insurance premiums received from the building disaster insurance (insurance premium × α) to the party entering into the second performance-linked contract (fund provider) when the second performance-linked contract is concluded between the insurance company and the fund. α is, for example, 0.5. This makes it possible to periodically return returns to the fund even if no disaster occurs.

[0055] Furthermore, the first contract information may include conditional information regarding the conditions under which payments will be made if a disaster occurs during the contract period and the business utilizing the building where the building resilience project was implemented can continue after the disaster. For example, the conditional information may be payment terms calculated in advance based on the economic losses incurred if the building collapses, and should be included in the first contract information.

[0056] Furthermore, the first contract information includes, for example, the contract period and payment terms. Disaster mitigation results include, for example, at least one of the following: The economic value of social and private capital that can be maintained (damage can be avoided) through infrastructure development. For example, the direct damage amount if infrastructure development is not carried out. Specific examples include the economic value of office buildings, facilities, factories, etc. (private capital). • The economic value that can be created by the aforementioned private capital. For example, the amount of secondary damage that would result from the lack of infrastructure development. Specific examples include the rent for office buildings and the economic losses due to the collapse of logistics facilities, as mentioned above. • Value related to environmental protection (or environmental conservation) through infrastructure development (e.g., reduction of CO2 emissions) Other tax breaks and reductions resulting from infrastructure development, etc.

[0057] Furthermore, the first contract information may include the costs related to the infrastructure development project, and the funds to be procured based on these costs may be defined. These funds may include equity capital and bonds, etc. The funding data may include, for example, funding data related to equity capital and funding data related to funds procured from others.

[0058] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 213 may acquire payment data (remuneration data) transmitted by the information processing device 10 when the predetermined conditions included in the first performance-based contract are met.

[0059] Furthermore, if the first contract information of the first results-linked contract includes the contract period and an amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, the setting unit 217 may set a third coefficient (hereinafter also referred to as "γ") that will be applied to the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results if damage occurs to the infrastructure during the contract period, based at least on the contract period and the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results. For example, the setting unit 217 may set the third coefficient lower the higher the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results or the longer the contract period.

[0060] This makes it possible to appropriately set the payment amount in the event of a disaster based on the terms of the first performance-based contract. Furthermore, if multiple disasters occur within the specified contract period (for example, around 20 years), multiple payments may be required.

[0061] The acquisition unit 213 may acquire probability data regarding the probability of damage occurring from a predetermined database. For example, the acquisition unit 213 may acquire probability data indicating the probability of disaster occurrence published by an organization that studies disaster occurrence from a database of such an organization. If the references to a predetermined database are registered in advance, the acquisition unit 213 may identify the database from the reference as needed and acquire the probability data.

[0062] In this case, the setting unit 217 may set the first to third coefficients based on the acquired probability data. For example, the setting unit 217 may set the first to third coefficients using a predetermined calculation formula, taking into account the probability data, the contract period, the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, and the maintenance costs.

[0063] Furthermore, the setting unit 217 may set a calculation formula that uses the first to third coefficients as parameters so that the payment amount calculated using the set first to third coefficients is greater than or equal to the funds procured. Alternatively, the setting unit 217 may perform a simulation based on past cases and set appropriate first to third coefficients from a calculation formula that uses the first to third coefficients as parameters. Alternatively, the setting unit 217 may set appropriate first to third coefficients using a machine learning model that determines appropriate first to third coefficients from probability data of multiple cases, the contract period, the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, and the maintenance costs.

[0064] This makes it possible to more appropriately set payment (remuneration) in the event of a disaster, based on the terms of the performance-based contract and the probability of the disaster occurring. For example, using the probability of occurrence can improve the appropriateness of setting payment amounts.

[0065] Next, we will describe the information processing device 30, which is primarily used by businesses undertaking building reinforcement projects. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 30 includes one or more processing units (CPUs) 310, one or more network communication interfaces 320, memory 330, a user interface 350, and one or more communication buses 370 for interconnecting these components. Each part shown in Figure 4 has the same function and performs the same processing as each part with the same name shown in Figure 2. The differences between each part shown in Figure 4 and each part shown in Figure 2 will be described below.

[0066] Memory 330 stores data used by the information processing system 1. For example, memory 330 stores progress related to the building resilience project and data related to the funding of the building resilience project.

[0067] The CPU 310 executes programs stored in the memory 330 to configure the control unit 312, acquisition unit 313, fund management unit 314, and progress management unit 315.

[0068] The control unit 312 controls the processing of each part, which will be described later, and executes processing related to the execution of the building reinforcement project.

[0069] The acquisition unit 313 acquires order information related to the building reinforcement project from the information processing device 20. The order information includes information such as construction methods, delivery dates, and costs for reinforcing the building. The acquisition unit 313 may also acquire financial data related to the building reinforcement project from the information processing device 20.

[0070] The Fund Management Department 314 manages the financial resources based on the funding data for the building reinforcement project. The Fund Management Department 314 may also manage the costs of equipment and materials used in construction work related to the building reinforcement project.

[0071] Progress Management Department 315 manages the progress of the building reinforcement project. For example, Progress Management Department 315 manages the progress of the construction work and ensures that the current status of the construction is understood.

[0072] Next, we will describe the information processing device 40 used by companies investing in building resilience projects. As shown in Figure 5, the information processing device 40 includes one or more processing units (CPUs) 410, one or more network communication interfaces 420, memory 430, a user interface 450, and one or more communication buses 470 for interconnecting these components. Each part shown in Figure 5 has the same function and performs the same processing as the parts with the same names shown in Figure 2. The differences between each part shown in Figure 5 and the parts shown in Figure 2 will be described below.

[0073] Memory 430 stores data used by the information processing system 1. For example, memory 430 stores financial data related to the costs of infrastructure development projects.

[0074] The CPU 410 executes a program stored in the memory 430 to configure the control unit 412, acquisition unit 413, fund management unit 414, and transmission unit 415.

[0075] The control unit 412 controls the processing of each part, which will be described later, and executes processing related to investment in infrastructure development projects.

[0076] The acquisition unit 413 acquires investment information on building resilience projects, for example, which is publicly available on web pages. The investment information includes, for example, the details of the building resilience project and the desired conditions of companies regarding investment in the building resilience project (e.g., investment amount, period for raising funds, etc.).

[0077] The fund management unit 414 acquires fund data related to investments, corresponding to the investment amount set according to the investment information acquired by the acquisition unit 413, based on the actions of investors, etc. The investment amount (funds) may be derived from funds held by the fund provider, etc.

[0078] The transmitting unit 415 transmits the fund data acquired by the fund management unit 414 to the insurance company. In this case, the fund provider receives fund data relating to a portion of the insurance premiums that the insurance company collects from businesses that have contracted disaster insurance for the building, as a reward for securing funding for the building resilience project. In addition, in the event of a disaster, a portion of the performance-based compensation due to the disaster mitigation effect may be returned to the fund provider.

[0079] As described above, embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the building resilience project in Specific Example 1. According to Specific Example 1, a BCP solution can be provided that is beneficial to businesses that own or will own buildings, insurance companies, and funding providers.

[0080] The benefit for businesses is that by paying insurance premiums, they can receive seismic reinforcement and other construction work free of charge. Another benefit for businesses is that by participating in the building strengthening project, they can avoid economic losses due to business continuity planning (BCP). Furthermore, once the contract period for the building strengthening project has expired, businesses can take possession of the project's equipment from the insurance company free of charge.

[0081] Insurance companies can offer disaster insurance in conjunction with building resilience projects for business continuity planning (BCP). Furthermore, insurance companies can significantly reduce their own cost burden by receiving investment from other companies for the building resilience projects. They can also receive regular insurance premiums and performance-based compensation for disaster mitigation. Additionally, insurance companies may receive separate performance-based compensation from businesses for business continuity after a disaster. This compensation should be calculated based on the economic losses incurred due to the inability to continue operations, and it is advisable to stipulate the receipt of this separate performance-based compensation in advance.

[0082] Funds and other sources of funding can periodically receive a portion of insurance premiums from insurance companies, and in the event of a disaster, they can also receive a portion of their performance-based compensation for disaster mitigation from insurance companies.

[0083] (Specific example 2) In Specific Example 2, the infrastructure development project is the same as in Specific Example 1, a building resilience project, but the funding source, such as a fund, can receive subsidies by applying for the prescribed subsidies from the government, etc.

[0084] For example, the fund management unit 414 of the information processing device 40 will apply to the national or local government for subsidies related to greenhouse gas reduction if there is a subsidy program for greenhouse gas reduction. In this case, the fund management unit 414 may acquire funding data related to the subsidy based on the greenhouse gas reduction effect certified by an evaluation body after the disaster has occurred.

[0085] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 213 of the information processing device 20 may receive contract information regarding the receipt of at least a portion of the subsidies based on greenhouse gas reductions applied for by the funders of the infrastructure development project. In this case, the insurance company may also receive a portion of the subsidies received by the fund.

[0086] As mentioned above, in Specific Example 2, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced through disaster mitigation. If there are subsidies available to companies that support projects involving greenhouse gas reduction, the funding provider can apply for those subsidies. The data flow and processing of each information processing device in Specific Example 2 are the same as those in Specific Example 1.

[0087] As explained above in the examples 1 and 2, both utilize performance-based contracts. Therefore, insurance companies are expected to effectively use the funds they have raised and build better infrastructure in order to increase performance-based compensation based on the evaluation of the infrastructure. If better infrastructure is built, the infrastructure owners will also be able to benefit from the economic advantages of the infrastructure. In other words, by applying performance-based contracts, insurance companies are given an incentive to improve the evaluation of the infrastructure and increase payments (compensation), while infrastructure owners can increase the likelihood that their infrastructure development projects will be steadily implemented, thus supporting the planning of infrastructure development projects.

[0088] <Operation Description> Next, we will describe the operations related to the fundraising and ordering processes of the information processing system 1. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the fundraising and project ordering processes according to one embodiment of the present invention. The processes shown in Figure 6 can be similarly applied to specific examples 1 and 2.

[0089] In step S102, the control unit 212 of the information processing device 20 and the control unit 112 of the information processing device 10 share insurance contract information for infrastructure disaster insurance, and an insurance contract is concluded between the business operator that owns or will own the infrastructure and the insurance company.

[0090] In step S104, the transmission unit 115 of the information processing device 10 transmits insurance premium payment data related to disaster insurance contracts for infrastructure development projects to the information processing device 20. Insurance premium payments are made periodically in step S104.

[0091] In step S106, the control unit 212 of the information processing device 20 and the control unit 112 of the information processing device 10 share the first contract information for the first outcome-based contract related to the infrastructure development project, and the first outcome-based contract related to the infrastructure development project is concluded between the insurance company undertaking the infrastructure development project and the operator owning the infrastructure. The first outcome-based contract may be included in the insurance contract information, and insurance premiums that take performance-based compensation into account may be set. In this case, step S106 is unnecessary. The order of the processes in steps S102 to S106 does not matter.

[0092] In step S108, the fund management unit 214 of the information processing device 20 determines the amount of investment to be received, taking into account the development costs necessary for the infrastructure development project, and the transmission unit 216 transmits investment information, including the investment amount, investment conditions, and return information, to an information processing device 40 used by another party.

[0093] In step S110, the fund management unit 414 of the information processing device 40 procures the necessary funds for the infrastructure development project based on investment information and transmits the fund data to the information processing device 20. The fund management unit 214 of the information processing device 10 associates the acquired fund data with the identification information of the infrastructure development project.

[0094] In step S112, the identification unit 215 of the information processing device 20 identifies the destination of the infrastructure development project. The destination of the infrastructure development project is stored in the memory 230 in association with the identification information of the infrastructure development project.

[0095] In step S114, the transmission unit 216 of the information processing device 20 transmits financial data (e.g., paid data) relating to the procured funds to the information processing device 30 that is the execution destination.

[0096] In step S116, the transmission unit 216 of the information processing device 20 transmits the order information for the infrastructure development project to the information processing device 30 that will execute the project. The order of steps S114 and S116 does not matter.

[0097] Through the above process, applying performance-based contracts provides insurance companies with an incentive to increase the evaluation of infrastructure and thus increase payouts, while also increasing the likelihood that infrastructure development projects will be steadily implemented for infrastructure owners and businesses, thereby supporting the planning of infrastructure development projects.

[0098] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of payment processing according to one embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in Figure 7 can be similarly applied to specific examples 1 and 2.

[0099] In step S202, the information processing device 50 used by the evaluation agency evaluates the economic impact of the infrastructure. The economic impact may be an estimated amount. The evaluation agency may be an insurance company.

[0100] In step S204, the information processing device 50 transmits evaluation data, including the evaluation results, to the information processing device 10 used by the infrastructure owner.

[0101] In step S206, the infrastructure management unit 114 of the information processing device 10 calculates the payment amount by referring to the first contract information of the first outcome-linked contract, based on the economic results included in the evaluation results. For example, the payment amount is calculated using the first coefficient for the amount corresponding to the economic results.

[0102] In step S208, the infrastructure management unit 114 of the information processing device 10 executes the process of paying the calculated payment to the insurance company. For example, the infrastructure management unit 114 executes the process of transferring the payment to a designated bank. The transmission unit 115 of the information processing device 10 transmits payment data (remuneration data) related to the payment to the information processing device 20. The payment data is, for example, data indicating that the payment of the payment has been completed.

[0103] In step S210, the acquisition unit 213 of the information processing device 20 acquires payment data, and the fund management unit 214 manages this payment based on the payment data. The fund management unit 214, if necessary, executes payment processing to the fund provider at a predetermined timing in step S212 and beyond.

[0104] In step S212, the fund management unit 214 of the information processing device 20 calculates the payment to the fund provider (second payment) by referring to the second contract information, based on the payment amount (first payment) calculated by referring to the first contract information. For example, the fund management unit 214 calculates the second payment by multiplying the first payment by a predetermined coefficient.

[0105] In step S214, the fund management unit 214 of the information processing device 20 executes the process of paying the calculated second payment to the fund provider (fund, etc.). For example, the fund management unit 214 executes the process of transferring the payment to a designated bank. The transmission unit 216 of the information processing device 20 transmits payment data (reward data) related to the second payment to the information processing device 40. The payment data is, for example, data indicating that the payment of the payment has been completed.

[0106] Through the above process, a third-party evaluation body will assess the economic impact of the infrastructure at a predetermined time. Based on the evaluation results, the infrastructure owner will determine the payment amount that represents the return on investment for the infrastructure development project, and the insurance company will be able to receive the payment.

[0107] Furthermore, by including payment setting conditions and other details in the contract information of performance-based contracts, payment processing can be carried out smoothly after the evaluation process is completed, thereby improving system efficiency. In addition, since the information processing device 20 has payment setting conditions, it is possible to easily verify whether the payment is correct once the evaluation results are obtained, eliminating the need to repeat the verification process and improving the processing efficiency of the verification process.

[0108] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are also included. That is, any design modifications made to each embodiment by a person skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the elements and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., of each embodiment are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, each embodiment is illustrative, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible, and these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the ordering process to the implementer of the infrastructure development project may be carried out by the fund. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1... Information processing system, 10-60... Information processing device, 110... CPU, 112... Control unit, 113... Acquisition unit, 114... Infrastructure management unit, 115... Transmission unit, 130... Memory, 210... CPU, 212... Control unit, 213... Acquisition unit, 214... Fund management unit, 215... Identification unit, 216... Transmission unit, 217... Setting unit, 230... Memory, 310... CPU, 312... Control unit, 313... Acquisition unit, 314... Fund management unit, 315... Progress management unit, 330... Memory, 410... CPU, 412... Control unit, 413... Acquisition unit, 414... Fund management unit, 415... Transmission unit.

Claims

1. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, The system acquires contract information relating to a first outcome-linked contract for an infrastructure development project aimed at improving infrastructure, in which payment is made based on the disaster mitigation results of the said infrastructure, and contract information relating to a disaster insurance contract for the said infrastructure. The second contract information of the second outcome-based contract, which is paid based on the disaster mitigation results of the first outcome-based contract, is transmitted to the funder. The funder receives conditional information from the aforementioned funder, including payment terms for the payment determined based on the second contract information. This involves setting the first coefficient, the second coefficient, and the third coefficient, The first coefficient is a coefficient applied to the insurance premium when a portion of the insurance premium received under the disaster insurance contract is paid to the fund provider, The second coefficient is a coefficient applied to the performance-based compensation when a portion of the performance-based compensation based on the second contract information is paid to the funding source. The third coefficient is a coefficient that, if the first contract information of the first performance-based contract includes the contract period and the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, is applied to the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, at least based on the contract period and the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, if damage occurs to the infrastructure during the contract period. The set first coefficient is included in the insurance contract information, the set second coefficient is included in the first contract information, and the set third coefficient is included in the first contract information. Funding data relating to the funds set up based on the aforementioned infrastructure development project is obtained from the aforementioned funding provider. Upon obtaining the aforementioned financial data, the destination for the infrastructure development project is identified. The execution destination will be sent the order information regarding the infrastructure development project. Information processing methods.

2. The aforementioned information processing device is a device used by an insurance company. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein obtaining the aforementioned contract information includes obtaining first contract information relating to the first performance-based contract and insurance contract information relating to the disaster insurance contract.

3. The above setting means This includes setting the first to third coefficients using a machine learning model that calculates the first to third coefficients from probability data showing the probability of disaster occurrence published by an institution that studies disaster occurrence in multiple cases, the contract period, the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, and the maintenance costs. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned information processing device further, If the aforementioned second performance-based contract is concluded, it is stipulated that a portion of the insurance premiums received under the infrastructure disaster insurance contract will be paid to the aforementioned funder. The information processing method according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned contract information includes conditional information regarding the conditions under which payment will be made if a disaster occurs during the contract period and the business using the infrastructure can continue after the disaster. The information processing method according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned information processing device further, The system receives grant contract information from the aforementioned funder that enables the receipt of at least a portion of the grants based on greenhouse gas reductions applied for by the aforementioned funder. The information processing method according to claim 1.

7. In an information processing device, The system acquires contract information relating to a first outcome-linked contract for an infrastructure development project aimed at improving infrastructure, in which payment is made based on the disaster mitigation results of the said infrastructure, and contract information relating to a disaster insurance contract for the said infrastructure. The second contract information of the second outcome-based contract, which is paid based on the disaster mitigation results of the first outcome-based contract, is transmitted to the funder. The funder receives conditional information from the aforementioned funder, including payment terms for the payment determined based on the second contract information. This involves setting the first coefficient, the second coefficient, and the third coefficient, The first coefficient is a coefficient applied to the insurance premium when a portion of the insurance premium received under the disaster insurance contract is paid to the fund provider, The second coefficient is a coefficient applied to the performance-based compensation when a portion of the performance-based compensation based on the second contract information is paid to the funding source. The third coefficient is a coefficient that, if the first contract information of the first performance-based contract includes the contract period and the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, is applied to the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, at least based on the contract period and the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, if damage occurs to the infrastructure during the contract period. The set first coefficient is included in the insurance contract information, the set second coefficient is included in the first contract information, and the set third coefficient is included in the first contract information. Funding data relating to the funds set up based on the aforementioned infrastructure development project is obtained from the aforementioned funding provider. Upon obtaining the aforementioned financial data, the destination for the infrastructure development project is identified. The execution destination will be sent the order information regarding the infrastructure development project. A program that makes something happen.

8. The system acquires contract information relating to a first outcome-linked contract for an infrastructure development project aimed at improving infrastructure, in which payment is made based on the disaster mitigation results of the said infrastructure, and contract information relating to a disaster insurance contract for the said infrastructure. A first acquisition unit acquires financial data related to the funds set up based on the aforementioned infrastructure development project from the funding source, A first transmission unit transmits to the fund provider the second contract information of the second outcome-based contract, which is paid based on the disaster mitigation results of the first outcome-based contract, A second acquisition unit receives condition information from the aforementioned funding source, including payment terms for the payment determined based on the second contract information, A setting unit for setting the first coefficient, the second coefficient, and the third coefficient, The first coefficient is a coefficient applied to the insurance premium when a portion of the insurance premium received under the disaster insurance contract is paid to the fund provider, The second coefficient is a coefficient applied to the performance-based compensation when a portion of the performance-based compensation based on the second contract information is paid to the funding source. The third coefficient is a coefficient that, if the first contract information of the first performance-based contract includes the contract period and the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, is applied to the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, at least based on the contract period and the amount equivalent to the disaster mitigation results, if damage occurs to the infrastructure during the contract period. A setting unit that includes the set first coefficient in the insurance contract information, the set second coefficient in the first contract information, and the set third coefficient in the first contract information, Upon obtaining the aforementioned financial data, an identification unit identifies the destination of the infrastructure development project, A second transmission unit that transmits order information regarding the infrastructure development project to the aforementioned execution destination, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    JP2018169952A