Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

An information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program are provided that promote improvement in users' environmental awareness. [Solution] In an information processing system in which an information processing device, a plurality of user terminals, and a database are configured to be able to communicate via telecommunications lines and which derives a user's environmental contribution, the processor 23 of the information processing device comprises an acquisition unit 231 that acquires behavioral information regarding the user's behavior, a derivation unit 232 that derives the user's environmental contribution, which is correlated with greenhouse gas emissions, based on the acquired behavioral information and reference information regarding greenhouse gas emissions caused by the behavior, and an output unit 233 that outputs an environmental indicator that can grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution and a target environmental contribution, which is a predetermined target value.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional technique in which a consumer can easily obtain his / her own environmental household account book in which carbon dioxide emissions are also recorded in an ordinary household account book without performing a cumbersome operation of inputting purchased goods one by one into the system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 only discloses improving work efficiency. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in promoting the improvement of users' environmental awareness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided. In this information processing system, a processor capable of executing a program is provided so that the following steps are performed. In the acquisition step, action information regarding the user's actions is acquired. In the derivation step, based on the acquired action information and reference information regarding the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the actions, the user's environmental contribution degree is derived. Here, the environmental contribution degree is correlated with the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and in the output step, an environmental indicator capable of grasping the difference between the derived environmental contribution degree and a target environmental contribution degree, which is a predetermined target value, is output.

[0006] Such an information processing system can promote an improvement in individuals' environmental awareness. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of Information Processing System 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of user terminal 3. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the functional components of the processor 23. [Figure 5] This is an activity diagram showing an example of the information processing flow performed in Information Processing System 1. [Figure 6] This is an activity diagram showing an example of the process flow for deriving environmental contribution. [Figure 7] This is an activity diagram showing an example of the process flow for deriving environmental coefficients. [Figure 8] This is an example of the first image IM1 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 9] This is an example of the second image IM2 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 10] This is an example of the third image IM3 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 11] This is an example of the fourth image IM4 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 12] This is an example of the fifth image IM5 displayed on the display unit 34. [Figure 13] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 14] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 15] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 16] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 17] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 18] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 19] This is a reference diagram. [Figure 20] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 21] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 22] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 23] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 24] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 25] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 26] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 27] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 28] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 29] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 30] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 31] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 32] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 33] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 34] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 35] It is a reference diagram. [Figure 36] It is a reference diagram.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic matters shown in the embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

[0009] By the way, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium that can be read by a computer, may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its function is realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0010] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "part" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in a broad sense, and the information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, various types of information are handled in this embodiment, and these types of information can be represented, for example, by the physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, the high or low values ​​of signal values ​​as a set of binary bits composed of 0s or 1s, or by quantum superposition (so-called qubits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in a broad sense.

[0011] Furthermore, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by combining at least a suitable combination of circuits, circuits, processors, and memory. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (for example, simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

[0012] 1. Hardware Configuration This section describes the hardware configuration.

[0013] <Information Processing System 1> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 comprises an information processing device 2, a user terminal 3, and a database DB1. The information processing device 2, the user terminal 3, and the database DB1 are configured to communicate with each other via a telecommunications line. In one embodiment, the information processing system 1 consists of one or more devices or components. For example, if it consists only of the information processing device 2, then the information processing system 1 can be the information processing device 2. These components will be described below.

[0014] <Database DB1> Database DB1 stores various types of information. For example, database DB1 stores reference information IF1. Reference information IF1 contains information about greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases may include, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), etc.

[0015] Reference information IF1 includes the correspondence between user behavior and greenhouse gas emissions. This correspondence includes, for example, the correspondence between products purchased by the user and the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to those products per unit quantity or unit price. It also includes the greenhouse gas emissions per unit distance traveled using a certain mode of transportation. Furthermore, it includes the correspondence between product identification codes and product category names, and the greenhouse gas emissions for each product identification code. A product identification code is, for example, a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). A GTIN is a product identification code that individually identifies which product belongs to which business. GTINs may include JAN codes (i.e., GTIN-8 and GTIN-13) and product codes for collective packaging (GTIN-14), etc. In the following description, GTIN will be used as the product identification code. In this embodiment, database DB1 stores the greenhouse gas emissions per unit price for each product identification code. Note that "product" is not limited to tangible goods but may include intangible goods. For example, goods include all objects that can be the subject of commercial transactions, such as movable property, immovable property, electronic information goods, provision of services, and bonds such as stocks.

[0016] Reference information IF1 includes information on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from an action. Reference information IF1 may also include information on emissions based on the means of purchasing the goods. This information could include, for example, coefficients for greenhouse gas emissions based on the source of the goods, or coefficients for greenhouse gas emissions based on the means of distribution. These coefficients could be used, for example, to adjust greenhouse gas emissions based on the means of purchasing the goods.

[0017] Reference information IF1 may include information on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from an action, specifically information on emissions according to the manner in which a product is consumed. Emissions according to the manner in which a product is consumed can be expressed, for example, as a coefficient set according to the intended use of the product or the manner in which the product is disposed of. For the sake of explanation, when information on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from an action is expressed as a coefficient, that coefficient will be called the environmental coefficient. The environmental coefficient is an example of the correspondence between a certain action and the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from that action. The environmental coefficient can also be said to be a parameter that reflects the environmental and social aspects of a business operator's business activities.

[0018] <Information Processing Device 2> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a processor 23, and these components are electrically connected within the information processing device 2 via a communication bus 20. Each component will be described in more detail.

[0019] The communication unit 21 preferably uses wired communication methods such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt®, and wired LAN network communication, but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, and Bluetooth® communication as needed. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of these multiple communication methods. That is, the information processing device 2 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 21 and the network.

[0020] The memory unit 22 stores various types of information as defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the information processing device 2 executed by the processor 23, or as memory such as random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 22 stores various programs and variables related to the information processing device 2 executed by the processor 23.

[0021] The processor 23 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the information processing device 2. The processor 23 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The processor 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2 by reading predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 22 can be concretely realized by the processor 23, which is an example of hardware, and executed as each functional unit included in the processor 23. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the processor 23 is not limited to being a single unit, and may be implemented with multiple processors 23 for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0022] <User Terminal 3> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 comprises a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a processor 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35, and these components are electrically connected within the user terminal 3 via a communication bus 30. The descriptions of the communication unit 31, storage unit 32, and processor 33 are the same as the descriptions of each part in the information processing device 2, so they are omitted here.

[0023] The display unit 34 may be included in the user terminal 3 housing or it may be an external component. The display unit 34 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by the user. This is preferably done by using different display devices such as a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic EL display, and plasma display, depending on the type of user terminal 3.

[0024] The input unit 35 may be included in the casing of the user terminal 3 or it may be an external component. For example, the input unit 35 may be integrated with the display unit 34 and implemented as a touch panel. If it is a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. Of course, instead of a touch panel, a switch button, mouse, QWERTY keyboard, etc., may be used. In other words, the input unit 35 receives operation input made by the user. This input is transferred as a command signal to the processor 33 via the communication bus 30, and the processor 33 can execute predetermined controls and calculations as needed.

[0025] 2. Functional configuration of the information processing device 2 Figure 4 shows an example of the functional components of the processor 23. As shown in Figure 4, the processor 23 includes an acquisition unit 231, a derivation unit 232, and an output unit 233.

[0026] The acquisition unit 231 is configured to acquire information from the user terminal 3 or other devices. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 231 is configured to acquire various types of information by reading various types of information stored in the storage area, which is at least a part of the memory unit 22, and writing the read information to the work area, which is at least a part of the memory unit 22. The storage area is, for example, the area of ​​the memory unit 22 that functions as a storage device such as an SSD. The work area is, for example, the area that functions as memory such as RAM.

[0027] The derivation unit 232 is configured to derive various types of information based on the results obtained by the acquisition unit 231.

[0028] The output unit 233 is configured to output various types of information. This information can be presented to the user via the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3 or other devices. In such cases, for example, the output unit 233 controls the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3 to display visual information such as screens, images including still images or videos, icons, and messages. The output unit 233 may generate only rendering information for displaying the visual information on the user terminal 3. The output unit 233 may also present the outputted information to the user without going through the user terminal 3 or other devices.

[0029] 3. Regarding information processing This section describes an example of information processing performed in the aforementioned information processing system 1. Note that this information processing may include arbitrary exception handling not shown in the diagram. Exception handling includes interrupting the information processing or omitting individual processes. The selections or inputs performed in this information processing may be based on user operation or performed automatically without user operation.

[0030] 3.1. Overview of Information Processing First, let's explain the overview of the information processing. Figure 5 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of information processing performed in Information Processing System 1. This information processing is performed, for example, to output greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to products that a user purchases or has already purchased, in a predetermined format.

[0031] [Activity A101] First, in Activity A101, User Terminal 3 receives input from the user in the Activity Information IF2. Activity Information IF2 is information about the user's actions. Activity Information IF2 includes, for example, the category of the action, the number of times, frequency, and duration of actions within each category. The category of the action defines the type of user action, such as the user's movement, purchase of goods, or enjoyment of entertainment. If Activity Information IF2 includes information about the purchase of goods, it further includes Product Information IF3.

[0032] <Product information IF3> Product Information IF3 displays information about the product purchased by the user. Product Information IF3 includes at least a GTIN. More specifically, Product Information IF3 includes at least the product category to which the product belongs. A product category is, for example, a classification included in Reference Information IF1. Product Information IF3 in this embodiment includes quantitative information about the product, such as its price, weight, volume, quantity, and quality. The product in question may be more than one. Product quality includes information such as the place of production, place of sale, usage history (e.g., new, nearly new, used, etc.), and time elapsed since production. In particular, if the product is food (e.g., fresh food), product quality may include information such as the raw materials, place of origin, place of sale, expiration date, best-before date, processing method, and storage method. Product Information IF3 in this embodiment includes at least Source Information IF31 regarding the origin of the product. The origin of the product refers to various businesses related to the product, such as the product manufacturer and the product seller. Source information IF31 includes, for example, a designated ID that identifies the business operator and the industry to which the business operator belongs.

[0033] Product information IF3 can be read from sources such as product images and the URL of the product purchase site. It can also be read from credit card statements, electronic receipts, and printed receipts. For example, when a product purchase is processed using a POS system, the POS system reads the code or tag associated with the product. The POS system outputs the reading result as an electronic receipt or a printed receipt. User terminal 3 reads product information IF3 from this electronic receipt or printed receipt. Product information IF3 can also be considered information related to the user's purchase history.

[0034] Product Information IF3 includes information about the means by which the user purchased the product. Purchase means include payment methods, distribution methods, and choice of product origin. Payment methods include, for example, whether or not it was cashless payment, and if cashless payment, which payment service provider was used. Payment methods also include information such as the store where payment was made (e.g., physical store or online shop), the distance and means of transportation from the registered location to the physical store where payment was made, and whether or not self-checkout was used. Distribution methods include the packaging and transportation methods of the product. Packaging methods include, for example, the type and quantity of packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, the type and quantity of cushioning materials included in the packaging materials, and the delivery method of the product, such as bulk delivery or individual delivery. Choice of product origin includes which manufacturer's product to purchase and which retailer to purchase the product through. Specifically, choice of product origin refers to which e-commerce site to purchase the product through when purchasing a product through an e-commerce site. Behavioral Information IF2 is entered, for example, as responses to questionnaires to the user or as a record of the user's behavior, such as Product Information IF3.

[0035] [Activity A102] Next, the process proceeds to activity A102, where the processor 23, as the acquisition unit 231, acquires the behavior information IF2 acquired by the user terminal 3 and the reference information IF1 stored in the database DB1. In this embodiment, the processor 23 also acquires at least the user's product information IF3 as the behavior information IF2. The processor 23 may also generate the product information IF3 from the information output from the user terminal 3. In other words, the acquisition of information by the processor 23 includes the generation of information by the processor 23 itself.

[0036] [Activity A103] Next, the process proceeds to activity A103, where the processor 23, as a derivation unit 232, derives the user's environmental contribution score EC1 based on the acquired behavior information IF2 and reference information IF1. The environmental contribution score EC1 is correlated with greenhouse gas emissions. More specifically, the processor 23 derives the environmental contribution score EC1 based at least on product information IF3 and reference information IF1, which is set according to the products included in product information IF3. The environmental contribution score EC1 is linked to user information corresponding to the user. The environmental contribution score EC1 fluctuates at least as the user reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental contribution score EC1 can function as a score indicating the user's contribution to the environment. The environmental contribution score EC1 further fluctuates if greenhouse gas emissions increase due to the user's actions. The environmental contribution score EC1 may be expressed, for example, as greenhouse gas emissions caused by the user's actions. Details of the derivation process for the environmental contribution score EC1 will be described later.

[0037] [Activity A104] Next, the process proceeds to activity A104, where the processor 23 outputs an environmental indicator 4 as an output unit 233, based at least on the derived environmental contribution EC1 and a predetermined target value, the target environmental contribution TEC1. The environmental indicator 4 is configured to allow visual understanding of the environmental contribution EC1. Details of the environmental indicator 4 will be described later. The target environmental contribution TEC1 can be set arbitrarily, and can be any value, such as an offsetting target value for greenhouse gas emissions caused by user behavior, a target value determined based on predetermined environmental standards, or an upper limit for user groups classified by status such as region and age. Examples of predetermined environmental standards include the 1.5°C target, agreements made by international agreements, and targets set by government agencies.

[0038] [Activity A105] Next, the process proceeds to activity A105, and the user terminal 3 displays the outputted environmental contribution EC1 as an image that the user can manipulate on the display unit 34. Subsequently, the information processing system 1 terminates information processing in response to user operations on the user terminal 3. The specific form of the environmental indicator 4 and the image on which the environmental indicator 4 is displayed will be described later.

[0039] [Activity A106] Next, the process proceeds to activity A106, and the processor 23 further outputs offset information IF5. Offset information IF5 includes information on offset means that can offset greenhouse gas emissions. Offset means include information on the purchase method that has a relatively large reduction in greenhouse gas emissions among multiple purchase methods when there are multiple purchase methods for a product. Offset means also include offset programs that the user can purchase. An offset program is a program that can offset greenhouse gas emissions, such as a afforestation project or an investment in carbon-neutral products. Offset means are also called offset products. In this embodiment, the processor 23 outputs offset information IF5 in a manner that allows reference to the environmental indicator 4. The specific manner of output will be described later along with the environmental indicator 4.

[0040] [Activity A107] After the processing of activity A106 is completed, the process proceeds to activity A107, and the user terminal 3 displays the output offset information IF5, for example, the offset means, on the display unit 34.

[0041] [Activity A108] After the offset information IF5 is displayed by the processing of activity A107, the user terminal 3 receives a purchase command for the offset means from the user. The input purchase command is sent to the processor 23.

[0042] [Activity A109] When the processor 23 receives an input purchase command, it associates reward information IF6 with the user according to the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. Reward information IF6 is information that grants a predetermined right to the user linked to the user information. Preferably, reward information IF6 can be treated as currency in a predetermined market. Reward information IF6 may include any form, such as information exchangeable for currency issued by a government, points or coupons issued by a predetermined organization, digital assets such as virtual currency or crypto assets, or information exchangeable for predetermined goods or services. By linking such reward information IF6 to the user information, the user can exercise the right granted through the reward information IF6. Since such reward information IF6 is granted by selecting a purchase method that can reduce environmental impact, it functions as an incentive to encourage users to make choices that reduce their environmental burden. This linking of user information and reward information IF6 further promotes the improvement of the user's environmental awareness.

[0043] After the processing of activity A108, information processing ends. If no purchase order is received, the processor 23 omits the processing of activity A108.

[0044] 3.2. An example of a process for deriving environmental contribution. Next, we will explain the process flow for deriving the environmental contribution score in Activity A103. Figure 6 is an activity diagram showing an example of the process flow for deriving the environmental contribution score. The process described in this section is, for example, one that derives the environmental contribution score using product information IF3.

[0045] [Activity A201] In Activity A201, Processor 23 associates the price of a product with the GTIN of that product based on Product Information IF3. If Product Information IF3 contains information about multiple products, Processor 23 associates the price and GTIN of each of the multiple products. [Activity A202] Next, the process proceeds to activity A202, where processor 23 converts the product's GTIN into a product category based on the acquired product information IF3 and reference information IF1.

[0046] [Activity A203] Next, the process proceeds to activity A203, where processor 23 derives greenhouse gas emissions per unit amount for each GTIN, based on the acquired GTIN or converted product category and the amount of products associated with that product category, by referring to the greenhouse gas emissions per unit amount for each GTIN contained in reference information IF1. Based on the derived greenhouse gas emissions per product, processor 23 can obtain various emission information IF4. For example, processor 23 can obtain greenhouse gas emissions per product category by summing the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to products in the same category. Furthermore, processor 23 can obtain greenhouse gas emissions per product source by classifying the derived greenhouse gas emissions per product using source information IF31 contained in the GTIN.

[0047] [Activity A204] Next, the process proceeds to activity A204, where processor 23 determines the environmental coefficient of the purchased product based on the acquired product information IF3 and the environmental coefficient included in reference information IF1. The method for determining the environmental coefficient of a product will be described later.

[0048] [Activity A205] Next, the process proceeds to activity A205, where processor 23 derives the environmental contribution based on the derived greenhouse gas emissions for each product and the determined environmental coefficient. For example, processor 23 derives the environmental contribution by applying corrections such as multiplying the greenhouse gas emissions for each product by the determined environmental coefficient.

[0049] 3.3. An example of a process for determining the environmental coefficient Next, we will explain the process for deriving the environmental coefficient performed in Activity A204 and determining the environmental coefficient for the product. Figure 7 is an activity diagram showing an example of the process for deriving the environmental coefficient. The process described in this section is determined, for example, depending on the business operator indicating the origin of the product.

[0050] [Activity A301] First, in Activity A301, Processor 23 obtains information on one or more target businesses. Target businesses are those whose environmental coefficients are to be derived. Target businesses may include all businesses registered with public institutions, or only those registered in a predetermined information source such as Database DB1. Information on target businesses includes information on the location of information dissemination media such as publications and web pages that represent the business of the target business. For example, information on target businesses may include the domain name corresponding to the target business, the URL of the homepage, the corporate name of the target business, and its abbreviation. Information on target businesses may also include information on the business of the target business, such as the industry, business type, and business scale. This makes it easy to compare the environmental contribution of target businesses according to their business.

[0051] [Activity A302] Next, the process proceeds to activity A302, where processor 23 collects emission information IF4 for each target business based on the acquired information about the target business. Emission information IF4 includes information about greenhouse gas emissions from the target business's business activities. Emission information IF4 includes, for example, greenhouse gas emissions from the target business's business activities and information about environmental contribution activities that offset such emissions. Emission information IF4 includes self-information and third-party information. Self-information is information disseminated by the target business itself. Self-information includes, for example, press releases, blogs, and advertisements by the target business. Third-party information is information disseminated by entities other than the target business. Third-party information includes, for example, reports showing the financial status of the target business, official reports issued by public institutions such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and articles and blogs posted by newspaper reporters or individuals. The form of this information is preferably document data containing textual information about greenhouse gas emissions, but it may also be image information such as photographs or document images. The collection method for emission information IF4 may involve any publicly known method, such as web scraping or crawling using information about the target businesses. The collected emission information IF4 is classified by target business.

[0052] [Activity A303] Next, the process proceeds to activity A303, where processor 23 derives an environmental coefficient for each target business from the collected emission information IF4. Here, an example of how to derive the environmental coefficient is explained.

[0053] The processor 23 first classifies the collected emission information IF4 according to predetermined classification conditions. These classification conditions are set according to the reliability of the emission information IF4. For example, the classification conditions include a first classification condition set according to the source of the emission information IF4 and a second classification condition set according to the format of the emission information IF4. The first classification condition includes, for example, whether the source of the emission information IF4 is the target business operator itself, whether the source of the emission information IF4 is a predetermined media organization, etc. The second classification condition includes whether the emission information IF4 contains text information, whether it contains numerical information, whether it is image information, whether it is in PDF or HTML format, whether it is in tabular format, etc.

[0054] Next, the processor 23 derives an evaluation score for each classified emission information IF4 based on predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria include, for example, whether or not it contains predetermined keywords, whether or not statistical information such as the number, frequency, and distribution of keywords included in one emission information IF4 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and whether or not numerical information exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined criteria can be any criteria that suggest a correlation between the business of the target business operator and the greenhouse gas emissions from that business. The processor 23 may derive an evaluation score based on whether or not the criteria have been met, or it may derive an evaluation score according to the degree to which the criteria have been met. In this embodiment, the processor 23 weights the environmental score for each collected emission information IF4 according to the classification of the emission information IF4 and derives the sum of the environmental scores as an environmental coefficient.

[0055] It should be noted that environmental coefficients are essentially relative values ​​between businesses. In this case, the environmental coefficient may be standardized based on the greenhouse gas emissions of the target business disclosed through public institutions such as national and local governments. The standardization constant used in such standardization can also be used to standardize environmental coefficients of target businesses whose greenhouse gas emissions are not disclosed through public institutions such as national and local governments. Furthermore, processor 23 may standardize the derived environmental coefficient to be consistent with a reference environmental contribution equivalent to an environmental coefficient derived by other methods, such as the Orlando Index. In this case, processor 23 standardizes the derived environmental contribution by comparing the average value of the environmental contribution of target businesses in the same industry with the Orlando Index. This makes it possible to quantitatively evaluate the extent to which greenhouse gases are emitted by the business activities of target businesses whose greenhouse gas emissions are not directly disclosed. The environmental coefficient derived in this way may be used as the environmental contribution of the target business. This makes it possible to evaluate the environmental contribution not only of an individual but also of a group of businesses, etc.

[0056] The processor 23 may output the derived environmental coefficient as reference information IF1 to the database DB1, and may construct or update the reference information IF1 stored in the database DB1. The reference information IF1 may link the environmental contribution with the target business operator. This can increase the reliability of the reference information IF1. In addition, if a database DB1 already stores environmental coefficients as reference information IF1, the processor 23 may obtain the environmental coefficient of the target business operator from the database DB1 instead of deriving the environmental coefficient.

[0057] The processor 23 determines an environmental coefficient for a product based on the product source information IF31 and the derived environmental contribution of the target business. For example, the processor 23 determines an environmental coefficient for each business involved in the product by comparing the businesses involved in the product, such as the product manufacturer, product transporter, and product distributor included in the product information IF3, with the target business. Then, the processor 23 assigns a predetermined weight to the environmental coefficient for each business involved in the product to determine a first environmental coefficient for the product.

[0058] The processor 23 may also determine the environmental coefficient for a product after comparing the reference environmental coefficient with the first environmental coefficient for the product based on predetermined determination conditions. The determination conditions can be set as appropriate, for example, depending on the magnitude of the two environmental coefficients, the user's attributes, the attributes of the businesses involved with the product, etc. Determining the environmental coefficient for a product based on this comparison can also be considered a correction of the reference environmental coefficient.

[0059] 4. Regarding the image displayed on the display unit 34 through information processing. This section describes an example of an image displayed on the display unit 34 as a result of the information processing described in Section 3. By viewing this image, the user can understand their own environmental contribution. In this embodiment, the environmental contribution EC1 is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions offset by the user, and the target environmental contribution TEC1 indicates the amount of offset required to achieve the 1.5°C target for greenhouse gas emissions caused by the user's actions. The following description will focus on the case where the greenhouse gas is mainly carbon dioxide.

[0060] 4.1. About the first image IM1 Figure 8 shows an example of the first image IM1 displayed on the display unit 34. The first image IM1 includes the environmental indicator 4 and the display area R1.

[0061] <Environmental Indicator 4> The environmental indicator 4 is configured to grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. If the derived environmental contribution EC1 can be classified by category of action, the environmental indicator 4 may be configured to grasp the contribution of action to the environmental contribution EC1 for each category of action. If the derived environmental contribution EC1 can be classified by time series of actions, the environmental indicator 4 is configured to grasp the environmental contribution EC1 for each predetermined period. The predetermined period can be any, for example, one month, one year, or the entire period. The environmental indicator 4 is configured to particularly allow the above difference to be grasped visually. The environmental indicator 4 comprises a first environmental indicator 5 and a second environmental indicator 6, and is configured to grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1.

[0062] <First Environmental Indicator 5> The first environmental indicator 5 is configured to grasp the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 of the user's overall behavioral information and the target environmental contribution TEC1 relative to that environmental contribution EC1. The position of the first environmental indicator 5 is arbitrary, but for example, it is placed at the top of the first image IM1. This makes it easier for the user's gaze to be drawn to the first environmental indicator 5. The first environmental indicator 5 comprises a total area 51, a first visual area 52, and a target icon 53.

[0063] <Total area 51> The Total area 51 displays the total environmental contribution EC1. The Total area 51 also displays the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions attributable to user actions.

[0064] <First Visual Domain 52> The first visual area 52 is configured in an arc shape. Accordingly, the first visual area 52 is configured to allow the ratio of the environmental contribution EC1 to the target environmental contribution TEC1 to be grasped as an orientation with respect to a predetermined reference position. The predetermined reference position can be arbitrarily set, such as near the center of the curvature circle of the arc-shaped first visual area 52. In this embodiment, the first visual area 52 is configured in a semicircular arc shape.

[0065] The first visual area 52 of this embodiment is positioned around the total area 51. Furthermore, the reference position of the first visual area 52 is located within the total area 51. More specifically, the reference position of the first visual area 52 substantially coincides with the symmetrical position of the total area 51. This improves user visibility. The first visual area 52 comprises a first sub-area 521 and a second sub-area 522.

[0066] <First subregion 521, second subregion 522> The first sub-region 521 visually displays the difference, for example, the ratio, between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. The second sub-region 522 displays the leeway for the environmental contribution EC1 relative to the target environmental contribution TEC1. The display manner of the first sub-region 521 differs from that of the second sub-region 522. Display manners include, for example, any elements that are visible to the user, such as color, outline, and shape. In this embodiment, the color of the first sub-region 521 differs from that of the second sub-region 522. This creates a first boundary B1 between the first sub-region 521 and the second sub-region 522. As the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1 increases, the area occupied by the first sub-region 521 in the first visual region 52 continuously expands. Conversely, as the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1 increases, the area occupied by the first sub-region 521 decreases. Consequently, the first boundary B1 between the first sub-region 521 and the second sub-region 522 shifts clockwise in orientation relative to the reference position. In this way, the first visual region 52 is configured to allow the ratio of environmental contribution EC1 to target environmental contribution TEC1 to be determined from at least the position of the first boundary B1.

[0067] The display mode of the first sub-region 521 may change according to the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. For example, the color of the first sub-region 521 may change as the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1 decreases. Specifically, as the difference decreases, the color of the first sub-region 521 changes from cool colors to warm colors, such as blue, yellow, and red. This makes it easier to give the user a sense of urgency as the margin of error for the offset amount decreases. Note that the display mode of the first sub-region 521 and the display mode of the second sub-region 522 are arbitrary, as long as the first boundary B1 is visible.

[0068] <Target Icon 53> The target icon 53 is an icon that indicates a predetermined value in the first visual area 52. Specifically, the target icon 53 indicates the target environmental contribution TEC1. In this embodiment, the target icon 53 indicates the offset amount required by the user to achieve the 1.5°C target as the environmental contribution EC1. The value indicated by the target icon 53 is arbitrary as long as it is comparable to the value displayed in the total area 51, but it may be a predetermined constant value or a variable value, for example. For example, the predetermined value is the average value of the environmental contribution EC1 of multiple users with certain attributes. This makes it possible for the user to understand their own greenhouse gas emissions based on an objective comparison with other users. User attributes may include, for example, place of residence, age, and gender. The target icon 53 is configured to be viewable in the first visual area 52. This makes it easier for the user to understand the correspondence between the first visual area 52 and the environmental contribution EC1. The target icon 53 is arranged, for example, along the first visual area 52. In detail, the target icon 53 is positioned along the outer edge of the first visual area 52. This suppresses the reduction in visibility of the first visual area 52 caused by the placement of the target icon 53.

[0069] <Second Environmental Indicator 6> The second environmental indicator 6 is configured to allow users to understand the contribution of their actions to the environmental contribution score EC1 for each category of user actions. Examples of action categories include purchasing goods, using infrastructure such as electricity and water, and travel. Action categories may include categories based on the type of goods, etc. In this embodiment, the second environmental indicator 6 is configured to allow users to understand the emissions for each category of goods purchased by the user as emission information IF4. Examples of product categories include gourmet food, apparel, drugstores, supermarkets, and liquor stores. Product categories may also include categories of goods where the percentage of emissions is less than a predetermined percentage (for example, "other"). Such product categories may be pre-set, or they may be automatically generated by any system such as the information processing device 2 or user terminal 3 based on reference information IF1 and source information IF31. For each of the above action categories, and more specifically for each product category, the second environmental indicator 6 includes a category total area 61, a second visual area 62, and a location icon 63.

[0070] <Total category area: 61> The category total area 61 displays information regarding the total contribution of each category's actions to the environmental contribution score EC1. In this embodiment, the category total area 61 displays the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to products belonging to the same product category among the products purchased by the user. The category total area 61 may also display symbols indicating the category, such as the category name or an icon representing the category.

[0071] <Second Visual Domain 62> Each of the second visual areas 62 is an indicator that visually represents the contribution of an action belonging to a certain category to the environmental contribution score EC1. The second visual areas 62 in this embodiment are linearly arranged. Furthermore, each of the multiple second visual areas 62 is arranged approximately parallel to the others. This reduces the display area of ​​the second environmental indicator 6 within the first image IM1, thereby improving the ability to view multiple second environmental indicators 6 at a glance. The category total area 61 in this embodiment includes a first category sub-area 621 and a second category sub-area 622.

[0072] <First category subregion 621, second category subregion 622> The first category sub-area 621 visually displays the ratio of the total contribution of each category's actions to a predetermined display upper limit of the environmental contribution score EC1. The second category sub-area 622 shows the leeway for the total contribution of each category's actions to the display upper limit. The display manner of the first category sub-area 621 differs from that of the second category sub-area 622. Display manners include, for example, any elements that are visible to the user, such as color, outline, and shape. In this embodiment, the color of the first category sub-area 621 differs from that of the second category sub-area 622. This creates a second boundary B2 between the first category sub-area 621 and the second category sub-area 622. The user can visually grasp the information shown in the category total area 61 from the position of the second boundary B2 in the second visual area 62.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second environmental indicator 6 is configured to allow users to understand the contribution of their actions to the environmental contribution score EC1 for each category based on the color corresponding to the category of user action. Specifically, the first category portion area 621 of the second environmental indicator 6 corresponding to different categories is displayed in the color corresponding to each category. This makes it easier to understand the correspondence between the displayed content and the category.

[0074] <Location Icon 63> The location icon 63 is an icon that indicates a predetermined value in the second visual area 62. The predetermined value can be any value as long as it is comparable to the value displayed in the category total area 61, and may be a fixed value or a variable value, for example. For example, the predetermined value may be the average value of the environmental contribution EC1 of multiple users with certain attributes. This allows users to understand their own greenhouse gas emissions based on an objective comparison with other users. User attributes may include, for example, place of residence, age, and gender.

[0075] <Display area R1> Display area R1 displays optional information regarding the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. Specifically, this information is displayed in display area R1 as text or numerical values. Examples of information displayed in display area R1 include the numerical values ​​of the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1 themselves, a numerical value representing the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1, and the conditions for achieving the target environmental contribution TEC1. In this embodiment, display area R1 displays the significance of the target environmental contribution TEC1, the offset amount required to achieve the target environmental contribution TEC1, the offset amount required to offset all greenhouse gas emissions caused by the user's actions, the current user's offset amount, and the current user's greenhouse gas emissions. Display area R1 is displayed between the first environmental indicator 5 and the second environmental indicator 6. Users are likely to move their gaze to the second environmental indicator 6 to check the details after getting an overall picture of their greenhouse gas emissions from the first environmental indicator 5. In this scenario, the user will see the content displayed in display area R1 as their gaze shifts. As a result, the frequency with which they become aware of the significance of contributing to the environment increases, thereby promoting improved environmental awareness.

[0076] 4.2. Regarding the second image IM2 Figure 9 shows an example of the second image IM2 displayed on the display unit 34. The second image IM2 is configured to be accessible by the user operating the user terminal 3 while the first image IM1 is displayed. The second image IM2 displays an offset operation area 7 instead of the second environment indicator 6 of the first image IM1. The explanation of the common features between the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 is omitted by assigning the same component number in the figure.

[0077] <Offset operation area 7> The offset operation area 7 is a UI that presents offset information IF5 for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions in response to user input. The offset operation area 7 includes one or more offset information display areas 71.

[0078] <Offset information display area 71> One of the offset information display areas 71 is configured to display the offset method included in the offset information IF5. This offset information display area 71 displays purchase information for the offset method, such as the content of the offset method, the amount of offset by the offset method, the purchase price of the offset method, and the sales method of the offset method, such as a lump-sum purchase or subscription service. Another offset information display area 71 is configured to allow users to transition to an e-commerce site where carbon-neutral products can be purchased, depending on the user's actions.

[0079] The offset operation area 7 is displayed below the first environmental indicator 5 and the display area R1 within the second image IM2. In this embodiment, the offset operation area 7 is displayed in the position where the second environmental indicator 6 was displayed in the first image IM1. This ensures that when the user transitions from the first image IM1 to the second image IM2 after checking the details of the environmental contribution EC1 using the second environmental indicator 6, the offset operation area 7 is displayed in a position that is easily visible to the user. Therefore, the frequency with which the offset operation area 7 is viewed increases, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will access the offset program. Consequently, this promotes increased environmental awareness among users.

[0080] 4.3. About the third image IM3 Figure 10 shows an example of the third image IM3 displayed on the display unit 34. The third image IM3 can be considered a modified version of the first image IM1 and the second image IM2. Note that for points common to the first image IM1 and the second image IM2, explanations may be omitted by assigning a common component number.

[0081] The third image IM3 comprises an offset operation area 7, a third environmental indicator 8 as an environmental indicator 4, and an emissions display area 9. The function of the offset operation area 7 is the same as that of the second image IM2.

[0082] <Third Environmental Indicator 8> The third environmental indicator 8 includes a total area 81, a third visual information 82, and a category display area M1. <Total area 81> The total area 81 is located in the center of the third environmental indicator 8. The total area 81 displays the environmental contribution EC1. In this embodiment, the total area 81 displays the total greenhouse gas emissions for each product or product category as the environmental contribution EC1. This total may be the total greenhouse gas emissions over a predetermined period, such as one month or one year. This total may also be the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to each product included in a single purchase history, or the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to each product included in multiple purchase histories. The total area 81 in this embodiment has a symmetrical shape with respect to a certain center of rotation. In detail, the outer edge of the total area 81 is circular.

[0083] <Third Visual Information 82> The third visual information 82, like the first visual area 52, is configured to allow users to grasp the ratio of environmental contribution EC1 to target environmental contribution TEC1 as an orientation relative to a predetermined reference position. The third visual information 82 is arranged around the total area 81. More specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged in an arc centered on a reference position contained within the total area 81. More specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged along a circular arc surrounding the total area 81. More specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged in a circular shape. More specifically, the third visual information 82 is arranged concentrically with the total area 81. This allows users to grasp the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions for each product category as an orientation relative to a certain reference point in the third visual information 82. Therefore, it becomes easier for users to grasp the contribution of each category to greenhouse gas emissions.

[0084] The third visual information 82 is configured to display the contribution of each predetermined category to the total greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the third visual information 82 functions as the second visual area 62. The predetermined category can be any category related to the attributes of the product, such as product category, product origin category, or product price range. In this embodiment, the product category is adopted as the predetermined category.

[0085] The third visual information 82 comprises at least one third category sub-region 83. Each of the third category sub-regions 83 corresponds to the respective contribution of the category. The display manner of the third category sub-region 83 is determined according to the category's contribution to the total greenhouse gas emissions and the differences in contributions between other categories. For example, the size of the third category sub-region 83 increases as the ratio of the corresponding category's contribution to the total greenhouse gas emissions increases. Therefore, the user can visually grasp the breakdown of each category's contribution to the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the product from the size of the third category sub-region 83. Each of the third category sub-regions 83 is displayed in a different display manner from the others. For example, each of the third category sub-regions 83 is displayed in a different color, with a different outline, with a different thickness, etc. This makes it easy to distinguish each of the third category sub-regions 83.

[0086] Furthermore, one of the third category sub-regions 83 may, like the second sub-region 522, indicate the leeway for the environmental contribution EC1 relative to the target environmental contribution TEC1. Also, the third category sub-regions 83 other than the said third category sub-region 83 may, like the first sub-region 521, visually show the difference, for example, the ratio, between the environmental contribution EC1 and the target environmental contribution TEC1. In this way, the third visual information 82 is configured to allow users to grasp the difference between the environmental contribution EC1 of the entire user behavior information and the target environmental contribution TEC1 relative to that environmental contribution EC1, just like the first visual region 52. Therefore, the third environmental indicator 8 can combine the functions of the first environmental indicator 5 and the second environmental indicator 6. In other words, the first environmental indicator 5 and the second environmental indicator 6 are not limited to being separate entities, but may be configured as a single unit.

[0087] <Category display area M1> The category display area M1 is an area that shows a classification corresponding to an area included in the third visual information 82. For example, an icon corresponding to the classification is displayed in the category display area M1. In this embodiment, the category display area M1 displays icons for products corresponding to each product category. Product categories can be arbitrarily set, such as gourmet food, apparel, drugstores, supermarkets, and liquor stores. Product categories may also include product categories whose emission rate is less than a predetermined percentage (for example, "other"). Such product categories may be pre-set or automatically generated by any system such as the information processing device 2 or user terminal 3 based on reference information IF1 and source information IF31. The category display area M1 is arranged in a manner that allows its correspondence with the areas included in the third visual information 82 to be understood. For example, the category display area M1 is arranged to overlap with a corresponding area included in the third visual information 82.

[0088] <Emissions display area 9> The emissions display area 9 is configured to display greenhouse gas emissions for each category. The emissions display area 9 includes areas corresponding to the categories displayed in the environmental indicator 4. The emissions display area 9 includes a category unit area 91 and a product unit area 92.

[0089] <Category Unit Area 91> The category unit area 91 displays the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to products included in a single category. The category unit area 91 includes an icon representing that category. This icon corresponds to the icon displayed in the category display area M1. In this embodiment, this icon is identical to the icon displayed in the category display area M1.

[0090] <Product Unit Area 92> The product unit area 92 individually displays the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to each product within a single category. This allows the third environmental indicator 8 to output to the user terminal 3 in a manner that allows it to refer to at least a portion of the product information IF3. The product unit area 92 may also display attributes of the product purchased, such as the product price, quantity, and purchase date and timestamp. The product unit area 92 may be configured to be switchable between displaying and not displaying in response to user interaction with the emissions display area 9.

[0091] In this embodiment, the offset operation area 7 is displayed between the third environmental indicator 8 and the emissions display area 9. This positional relationship ensures that the offset operation area 7 is visible to the user as they move their gaze from the third environmental indicator 8 to the emissions display area 9 to check the details after visually understanding greenhouse gas emissions. This increases the frequency with which the user views the offset operation area 7, thereby increasing the likelihood of the user accessing the offset program. Consequently, this promotes increased environmental awareness among users.

[0092] 4.4. About the fourth image IM4 Figure 11 shows an example of the fourth image IM4 displayed on the display unit 34. The fourth image IM4 displays greenhouse gas emissions for each source of the product, which are emission information IF4. The greenhouse gas emissions for each source of the product can also be said to be greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the source of the product. The fourth image IM4 can also be said to correspond to the emission display area 9 of the first image IM1, which is set based on the source of the product. Note that the display of the first image IM1 and the display of the second image IM2 may be configured to be switchable between each other.

[0093] The fourth image IM4 includes one or more source unit areas 10. Each source unit area 10 displays greenhouse gas emissions from the source of the product, in other words, from the business associated with the product, as emission information IF4. The display manner of the source unit area 10 is arbitrary, but for example, the order in which sources are displayed is determined according to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the source unit area 10 prioritizes displaying information from sources with low greenhouse gas emissions. This prioritizes the display of information from environmentally conscious sources, thereby promoting improved environmental awareness among businesses providing the products. In this embodiment, the source unit area 10 displays the sales businesses A to D as sources, and the amount of greenhouse gas reduction caused by the products sold by A to D. This reduction is displayed as the difference from the highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions among the products sold by A to D. The source unit area 10 displays the sources with the largest differences from top to bottom. Note that this reduction may also be displayed as a reduction per unit price. Furthermore, the source unit area 10 may display greenhouse gas emissions in place of, or in addition to, the reduction amount.

[0094] 4.5. About the fifth image, IM5 Figure 12 shows an example of a fifth image IM5 displayed on the display unit 34. For example, the fifth image IM5 can be accessed from the second image IM2 or the third image IM3 by operating the offset operation area 7. <Purchase means presentation area 11> The fifth image, IM5, includes a purchase method presentation area 11. The purchase method presentation area 11 is configured to allow the user to understand the means of purchasing a certain product and the amount of greenhouse gas reduction achieved by purchasing the product using that means. In the fifth image IM5 of this embodiment, four purchase methods are displayed as "Purchase N" (where N is a natural number from 1 to 4). The amount of greenhouse gas emissions achieved by purchasing the product using each purchase method corresponds to the offset information IF5 displayed in this embodiment. The display order of the purchase methods is arbitrary, but it is preferable to prioritize the display of those with a large amount of greenhouse gas reduction. For example, in the purchase method presentation area 11, those with a large amount of greenhouse gas reduction are displayed from top to bottom in order of priority. This increases the likelihood that the user will select a purchase method with a large amount of greenhouse gas reduction. The purchase method presentation area 11 is configured to allow the user to understand the predicted impact on the environment of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by the above-mentioned reductionable purchase methods. In this embodiment, the correspondence between the amount of greenhouse gas reduction and the temperature increase indicating global warming is displayed. This makes it easier for users to understand the significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore makes it easier for them to choose purchasing methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions of their own volition. Consequently, it further promotes increased environmental awareness among users.

[0095] Furthermore, the content displayed in the fourth image IM4 and the fifth image IM5 may be incorporated into parts of the first image IM1, the second image IM2, and the third image IM3, respectively.

[0096] 5. Others The shape of the first visual area 52 is not limited to an arc shape; any shape can be adopted, such as a straight line, a disc shape, or a three-dimensional shape.

[0097] The specific form of the environmental indicator 4 is not limited to that of the above embodiment; for example, it may consist only of the first environmental indicator 5.

[0098] The components of each of the above images IM1 to IM5 can be used in combination as appropriate. For example, the first image IM1 or the second image IM2 may include a category display area M1 included in the third image IM3. This category display area M1 may be displayed, for example, around the first visual area 52, or superimposed on the first visual area 52.

[0099] The reading of product information IF3 may be performed using the user terminal 3 instead of the POS system. Furthermore, the product information IF3 contained within it may be read from the product image, the URL of the product purchase site, etc. Also, the information processing device 2 is not limited to acquiring various information via the user terminal 3. For example, the information processing device 2 may acquire information directly from a system other than the user terminal 3, such as a POS system.

[0100] The correspondence between greenhouse gas emissions and environmental contribution EC1 included in the reference information IF1, and the action coefficient in the above embodiment, are not limited to numerical values ​​such as scalar quantities, but can be defined in any form such as vector quantities, tensor quantities, functions, etc.

[0101] In the above embodiment, if the product information IF3 does not include source information IF31 such as a GTIN, the processor 23 may identify the source information IF31 based on the product information IF3. This identification process can be incorporated, for example, into the processing of activity A103. For example, if the product information includes textual information such as the product name and the name of the company that sells the product, the processor 23 can identify the source of the product based on the textual information included in the product information IF3. Also, if the product information includes image information such as an image or photograph of the product, the processor 23 can identify the source information IF31 of the product using image recognition technology on the image information. Specifically, the processor 23 uses image recognition technology to identify an area indicating a product and extracts feature quantities related to the product from the shape of the object contained within that area, the text attached to the object, etc. Based on the extracted feature quantities, the processor 23 identifies source information IF31 related to the origin of the product, such as the product name, product code, and the name of the company that sells the product. As another example, if product information IF3 includes the file name of the data source, a URL or domain name indicating the location of product information IF3, the processor 23 may identify source information IF31 based on this information. The processor 23 can then identify source information IF31 using reference information IF1, which stores the correspondence between this information and the source in advance.

[0102] For example, in activity A103 shown in Figure 6, the processor 23 derives emission information IF4 regarding greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the source, based on the acquired behavioral information IF2, particularly product information IF3, the identified source information IF31, and reference information IF1 regarding greenhouse gas emissions. Next, the processor 23 uses the emission information IF4 regarding greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the source of the product to determine the environmental coefficient and derive the environmental contribution. The use of the derived results is arbitrary, but for example, the display unit 34 displays images IM1 to IM5 based on the derived results of the processor 23.

[0103] Furthermore, the identification of source information IF31 and the derivation of discharge information IF4 may be performed by the processor 23 of the information processing device 2, by a device other than the information processing device 2, or by another device not included in the information processing system 1. In addition, the processor 23 may treat the identified source information IF31 as information included in product information IF3 and perform information processing.

[0104] The above embodiment may be used for processing before or after the purchase of a product. When the above embodiment is used for processing before the purchase of a product, for example, during the consideration stage of purchasing a product, it can encourage the selection of purchase methods that can reduce emissions. When the above embodiment is used for processing after the purchase of a product, the user can understand the greenhouse gas emissions generated by past product purchases.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the greenhouse gas was mainly carbon dioxide, but it is not limited to this and can be applied to any greenhouse gas. For example, if reference information IF1 includes data that converts greenhouse gas emissions to carbon dioxide emissions, the processor 23 may refer to this data and convert the emissions of multiple types of greenhouse gases to carbon dioxide emissions to derive the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the product. Alternatively, the processor 23 may output the emissions for each type of greenhouse gas as emission information IF4.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the various information output from the processor 23, such as discharge information IF4 and offset information IF5, is not limited to what is presented to the user via the display unit 34. For example, the processor 23 may output discharge information IF4 and offset information IF5 to the database DB1. Based on the outputted reference information IF1 and discharge information IF4, the database DB1 may update the information stored in the database DB1, such as reference information IF1, or generate a new dataset different from reference information IF1. Furthermore, the processor 23 may output various information to any system not included in the information processing system 1. In other words, the use and destination of the various information output from the processor 23 are arbitrary.

[0107] Furthermore, it should be noted that each screen of the service provided by the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is highly aesthetically pleasing. Figures 13 to 36 are reference diagrams. These example screens have the function of displaying greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide) caused by the user's actions, and the amount of greenhouse gas offset by the user. The semicircular objects displayed in the example screens of Figures 13 to 34 are distinctive features that evoke a sense of aesthetics. The semicircular objects correspond to the first environmental indicator 5 (more specifically, the first visual area 52) in the above embodiment. Near the center of the semicircular objects, greenhouse gas emissions caused by the user's actions are displayed. Near the outer edge of the semicircular objects, a first triangular object is adjacent. The first triangular object is positioned to correspond to the target value of the offset amount, for example, the offset amount to achieve a 1.5°C target.

[0108] As the offset amount increases, the semicircular object changes from a gray-only colored area to a colored area colored with a color other than gray, starting from the left end and moving clockwise. The color of the colored area is determined based on the proportion of the colored area occupied by the arc-shaped object and the positional relationship between the boundary between the colored and uncolored areas and the first triangular object. If the boundary is located counterclockwise within the semicircular object relative to the first triangular object, the color of the colored area will be equivalent to yellow, indicating that the offset amount is less than the target. If the boundary is located counterclockwise within the semicircular object relative to the first triangular object, the color of the colored area will be equivalent to yellow, indicating that the offset amount is less than the target. If the boundary is located clockwise within the semicircular object relative to the first triangular object, the color of the colored area will be equivalent to blue, indicating that the offset amount target has been achieved. If the colored area occupies the entire arc-shaped object, the colored area will be a gradient blue, indicating that all emissions have been offset. The gradient blue color becomes darker the further away you are from the left edge of the semi-circular object, moving clockwise.

[0109] The linear objects extending horizontally, as shown in the screen examples in Figures 19, 25-29, and 34, are also distinctive features that contribute to the aesthetic appeal. These linear objects correspond to the second environmental indicator 6 (more specifically, the second visual area 62) in the above embodiment. The linear objects change from a gray state to a different color from gray, moving from left to right, as greenhouse gas emissions increase for each category of user behavior. A second triangular object is placed adjacent to the linear objects. The second triangular object is positioned to correspond to the average greenhouse gas emissions for that category in a given population (e.g., Japanese users).

[0110] If the right edge of the colored area of ​​a linear object is significantly to the left of the position of the second triangular object, that is, if the greenhouse gas emissions in that category are below the average value mentioned above, the color of the colored area of ​​the linear object is green. As emissions increase, if the right edge of the colored area of ​​the linear object approaches the left vicinity of the second triangular object, the color of the colored area changes from green to yellow. If the right edge of the colored area of ​​the linear object is located to the right of the second triangular object, the color of the colored area changes from yellow to red. The parts where the semi-circular objects and the linear objects are combined in a viewable manner are also distinctive and aesthetically pleasing.

[0111] The three vertically extending bar-shaped objects displayed in the example screens of Figures 35 and 36 are also distinctive features that contribute to the aesthetic appeal. The left bar-shaped object lengthens as greenhouse gas emissions increase due to user behavior. The middle bar-shaped object lengthens as greenhouse gas emissions increase due to the behavior of a first population (e.g., Japanese users). The right bar-shaped object lengthens as greenhouse gas emissions increase due to the behavior of a second population (e.g., users worldwide) that is different from the first population.

[0112] The above-mentioned information processing system 1, etc., may be provided in any of the following embodiments.

[0113] (1) An information processing system comprising a processor capable of executing a program so as to perform the following steps: an acquisition step in which behavioral information relating to the user's actions is acquired; a derivation step in which the user's environmental contribution is derived based on the acquired behavioral information and reference information relating to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the actions, wherein the environmental contribution is correlated with the greenhouse gas emissions; and an output step in which an environmental indicator is output that allows the user to grasp the difference between the derived environmental contribution and a predetermined target value, which is the target environmental contribution.

[0114] With this configuration, users can visually understand the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their own actions as environmental indicators corresponding to their target environmental contribution. This makes it easier to intuitively grasp environmental contributions compared to simply outputting them as text or numbers, thus promoting increased individual environmental awareness.

[0115] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, the acquisition step acquires the behavior information including the category of the behavior, and the output step outputs the environmental indicator that allows the contribution of the behavior to the environmental contribution to each category of the behavior.

[0116] This configuration makes it easier for users to understand which categories of their actions are impacting the environment through their environmental contribution ratings for each category. Therefore, it can promote a further improvement in users' environmental awareness.

[0117] (3) The information processing system described in (2) above outputs an environmental indicator that allows the contribution of the action to the environmental contribution to each category based on the color corresponding to the category.

[0118] This configuration makes it easier for users to clearly understand the environmental contribution of each category.

[0119] (4) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the output step outputs the environmental indicator having an arc-shaped visual area, wherein the visual area is configured to allow the ratio of the environmental contribution to the target environmental contribution to be grasped as an orientation with respect to a predetermined reference position.

[0120] With this configuration, the ratio can be perceived as direction within the visual domain. Therefore, the visibility of the environmental indicator is improved compared to when the ratio is represented only linearly.

[0121] (5) In the information processing system described in (4) above, the output step outputs the environmental indicator having a target icon that indicates the target environmental contribution.

[0122] With this configuration, users can understand the ratio based on the position of the icons. Therefore, the visibility of the environmental indicator is improved.

[0123] (6) In the information processing system described in (4) or (5) above, the output step outputs an environmental indicator having a total area surrounding the visual area, wherein the total area displays information corresponding to the environmental contribution.

[0124] With this configuration, users can grasp the environmental contribution of each category in the visual domain while simultaneously understanding information corresponding to that environmental contribution in the total domain. Therefore, it becomes easier to clearly grasp the significance of environmental contributions, further promoting an improvement in users' environmental awareness.

[0125] (7) In an information processing system described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the output step outputs an environmental indicator that allows the degree of environmental contribution to be grasped for each predetermined period.

[0126] With this configuration, users can understand the trend of their environmental contribution over time from the environmental indicators. Therefore, users can understand the relationship between their actions and greenhouse gas emissions over time, which can further improve their environmental awareness.

[0127] (8) In an information processing system described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the acquisition step further acquires at least product information relating to the product purchased by the user as the behavioral information; the derivation step derives the environmental contribution based at least on the product information and the reference information set according to the product included in the product information; and the output step outputs the environmental indicator in a manner that allows reference to at least a part of the product information.

[0128] This configuration makes it easy to understand the relationship between a user's product information and their environmental contribution through environmental indicators. Therefore, users can more easily realize how their purchasing behavior impacts the environment, thereby raising their environmental awareness.

[0129] (9) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the output step further outputs information regarding offset means capable of offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, in a manner that allows reference to the environmental indicator.

[0130] With this configuration, users can understand the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their own actions through environmental indicators, while also having quick access to information on offsetting measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, active participation by users in activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is encouraged, and environmental awareness is promoted.

[0131] (10) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (9) above, the reward step further associates reward information with user information corresponding to the user, in accordance with the difference between the environmental contribution and the target environmental contribution, wherein the reward information is such that it can be handled as currency in a predetermined trading market.

[0132] With this configuration, reward information can function as an incentive to encourage users to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, users are more likely to choose actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and further improvements in environmental awareness are promoted.

[0133] (11) An information processing method comprising each step of an information processing system described in any one of (1) to (10) above.

[0134] (12) An information processing program that causes a computer to perform each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (10) above. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0135] Furthermore, please also consider the following points.

[0136] In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that humans are the cause of global warming and that it will have devastating consequences. The increase in GHGs (greenhouse gases), including CO2, is having a significant impact on the business world. (The following explanation will use CO2 as a representative greenhouse gas, but this interpretation can be extended to other greenhouse gases as well.)

[0137] In other words, the increase in CO2, such as rising greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and soil destruction due to human activities, leads to an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, which in turn creates climate change risks such as rising sea surface temperatures, rising sea levels, rising air temperatures, and changes in weather patterns. These risks have led to increased payments in the financial and insurance industries, infrastructure damage, rising prices, decreased food supply, and revisions to construction design standards. While corporate evaluation has previously focused on increasing customer and economic value through corporate activities, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) evaluation is becoming increasingly important, and this includes climate change mitigation measures such as supplying climate change-resistant products and carbon offsetting.

[0138] In this context, it is crucial to consider how businesses and individuals can participate in addressing climate change.

[0139] Methods for achieving this include visualizing CO2 emissions from corporate and individual activities, reducing negative CO2 emissions, and offsetting the remaining CO2 emissions.

[0140] For example, regarding means of visualizing and reducing emissions, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-3472 discloses a technical concept for understanding CO2 emissions in multiple departments within a company by apportioning them by electricity consumption, thereby promoting activities such as emission reduction within the company.

[0141] Furthermore, the technology concept of displaying household CO2 emissions without requiring consumers to manually input data has been disclosed, providing an incentive for individuals to reduce their emissions.

[0142] However, these prior arts are fragmented, and there is a need for a comprehensive method for visualizing and reducing CO2 emissions.

[0143] Furthermore, regarding CO2 emission offsetting, Patent Document 3 discloses an idea for a carbon offset system in which funds for purchasing greenhouse gas emission rights are designated as donations to so-called "offset providers" and included in the price of goods and services, allowing customers to review whether or not to pay the donation when paying for the transaction. However, there is a need for broader offsetting ideas.

[0144] Thus, while fragmented ideas for visualizing CO2 emissions, reducing them, and offsetting them have been disclosed as responses to climate change, comprehensive and effective solutions that contribute to carbon neutrality have not been disclosed.

[0145] In view of these prior art problems, the present invention relates to a method, system, and program for responding to climate change, and a recording medium on which the program is stored, and in particular, aims to provide a method, system, and program that contributes to achieving carbon neutrality, and a recording medium on which the program is stored.

[0146] To solve the above problems, the first aspect of the present invention provides a climate change response method comprising a GHG emission calculation step of calculating the amount of GHG emitted by a company from a database of the company's activities, and a GHG emission display step of displaying the calculated amount of GHG.

[0147] Here, databases related to corporate activities include environmental reports, Scope 3 calculations, GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards reporting, and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), but are not limited to these; any database published by a company is acceptable.

[0148] Furthermore, GHG stands for Greenhouse Gas, and currently includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), but it is not limited to these and may include additional gases.

[0149] Alternatively, climate change response methods could be limited to specific gases (e.g., CO2) among these GHGs.

[0150] This approach allows for the collection and visualization of GHG emission data from companies on a broader scale than before, facilitating the creation of environmental reports and reduction activities within those companies, and enabling the provision of information to business partners and individuals (consumers).

[0151] A second aspect of the present invention may be characterized by having a GHG reduction proposal step, in which the GHG emissions disclosed in the database or calculated from the database are proposed to reduce GHG emissions in the actions of a company or an individual, as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0152] For example, for individuals, it is suitable to provide an action platform that visualizes the impact of climate change on each person and brings about changes in their daily behavior, purchasing, and decision-making.

[0153] A third aspect of the present invention may be characterized by having a GHG offset proposal step, in which GHG emissions disclosed in or calculated from the database are used to offset GHGs generated by the actions of a company or individual, as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0154] Specifically, a credit card-based step for climate change mitigation would be ideal. To encourage further reductions in CO2 emissions, the card would offer a way to offset the CO2 equivalent of the purchase price and the impact on the planet. This would allow users to choose between directly offsetting the emissions generated by the transaction or saving and acting to adjust their finances for the planet and create a positive impact.

[0155] Alternatively, you could enable participation in UNFCCC-certified offset projects, or use climate change-responsive savings accounts where 0.4% of the interest is returned to the economy and 0.1% to the planet.

[0156] Furthermore, a Carbon Accounting Calculator may be introduced that allows for the consistent execution of the steps from the first to the third aspect within the company. This is a carbon accounting tool that can collect, calculate, manage, report, and offset the CO2 emissions of business activities.

[0157] The background to this is that it is very difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and unlisted companies, which are not large corporations, to prepare environmental reports. However, when doing business with large corporations or borrowing money from financial institutions, it is necessary to make their activities transparent, including their emissions under SCOPE 1, 2, and 3.

[0158] Furthermore, the calculation method on the Ministry of the Environment's website is very difficult to use, and there is a risk that accurate reporting may not be possible.

[0159] On the other hand, large corporations also find it difficult to collect these reports in various formats, and financial institutions that want to use them for lending also have to put in a great deal of effort to gather information on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

[0160] As a solution, it would be desirable to have a service that allows users to easily create a simplified environmental report along with their accounting report by simply using API integration and answering a short questionnaire, and that can automatically calculate based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of the Environment.

[0161] Ideally, the reports should be able to be integrated via API and easily linked to the target SCOPE3, and preferably imported into Salesforce, freee, and other similar systems.

[0162] Furthermore, as a scoring system, it is desirable to be able to view scores, similar to standard scores, from various perspectives in order to objectively assess the company's activities, and to be able to track their changes over time. It is also desirable to be able to create lending criteria and transaction criteria based on these scores.

[0163] Furthermore, it is preferable that the data be immutable, and that a system be in place to record the history of any changes made. Ideally, a blockchain mechanism should be used to ensure that the entire history is recorded, making it impossible to lie.

[0164] Furthermore, it would be desirable to allow updates to the calculation logic, enabling further score improvements through API integration in cases where a company is performing better than its competitors. For example, by analyzing payment transactions to see if environmentally friendly energy is being used, if employee overtime hours have decreased based on attendance records, if the number of business trips has decreased through expense analysis, or if transportation costs have decreased through car lease probe data integration, it would be possible to analyze these aspects over time and provide advice on how to reduce them in a way that suits the company's business model.

[0165] Furthermore, as an offset platform, it is preferable to propose an offset plan and control the contract in order to achieve carbon neutrality or carbon negativity.

[0166] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the climate change response system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a GHG emission calculation unit that calculates the amount of GHG emitted by a company from a database of the company's activities, and a GHG emission display unit that displays the calculated amount of GHG.

[0167] A fifth aspect of the present invention may be characterized by having a GHG reduction proposal unit that proposes GHG reductions in the actions of companies or individuals using GHG emissions disclosed in or calculated from the database, as described in the fourth aspect above.

[0168] Furthermore, as a sixth aspect of the present invention, the invention may be characterized by having a GHG offset proposal unit that makes proposals for offsetting GHGs generated by the actions of companies or individuals using GHG emissions disclosed in or calculated from the database, as described in the fourth aspect above.

[0169] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the climate change response program according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a computer functions as a GHG emission calculation unit that calculates the amount of GHG emitted by a company from a database of the company's activities, and as a GHG emission display unit that displays the calculated amount of GHG.

[0170] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the recording medium according to the eighth aspect of the present invention may be a recording medium on which the climate change response program of the seventh aspect is stored.

[0171] According to the present invention, a method and system that comprehensively and effectively contributes to carbon neutrality as a response to climate change can be realized.

[0172] Each aspect of the present invention provides methods for visualizing and reducing CO2 emissions in response to climate change, and therefore has great potential for industrial application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0173] 1: Information Processing System 2: Information Processing Device 3: User terminal 4: Environmental Indicators 5: First environmental indicator 6: Second environmental indicator 7: Offset operation area 8: Third environmental indicator 9: Emission display area 10: Source Unit Area 11:Purchase means presentation area 20: Communications bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Processor 30: Communications bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Processor 34: Display section 35: Input section 51 :Total area 52: First visual region 53: Target Icon 61: Total Category Area 62: Second visual region 63: Location Icon 71: Offset information display area 81 :Total area 82: The third visual information 83: Third Category Subregion 91: Category Unit Area 92: Product Unit Area 231: Acquisition Department 232: Derivation part 233: Output section 521: First subregion 522: Second subregion 621: First category subregion 622: Second category subregion A101: Activity A102: Activity A103: Activity A104: Activity A105: Activity A106: Activity A107: Activity A108: Activity A109: Activity A201: Activity A202: Activity A203: Activity A204: Activity A205: Activity A301: Activity A302: Activity A303: Activity B1: First boundary B2: Second boundary DB1: Database EC1: Environmental contribution IF1: Reference Information IF2: Behavioral Information IF3:Product information IF31: Source Information IF4: Emission Information IF5: Offset Information IF6: Bonus Information IM1: First image IM2: Second image IM3: Third image IM4: The fourth image IM5: Fifth image M1: Category display area R1:Display area TEC1: Target environmental contribution

Claims

1. An information processing system, A processor capable of executing a program is provided so that each of the following steps is performed: In the acquisition step, behavioral information about the user's actions is acquired. In the derivation step, the user's environmental contribution is derived based on the acquired behavioral information and reference information regarding greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the behavior. Here, the environmental contribution is correlated with the emissions of greenhouse gases. In the output step, an environmental indicator is output that allows the derived environmental contribution, or quantitative information calculated from said environmental contribution, to be grasped as a visual graphic. The output step further outputs information regarding offset means capable of offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, in a manner that allows reference to the environmental indicator.

2. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The acquisition step involves acquiring the behavior information, which includes the category of the behavior. In the output step, the environmental indicators are output that allow the contribution of the actions to the environmental contribution to each category of the actions.

3. In the information processing system described in claim 2, The system outputs an environmental indicator that allows users to understand the contribution of the aforementioned actions to the aforementioned environmental contribution, based on the color corresponding to the category.

4. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the output step, the environmental indicator having an arc-shaped visual area is output, wherein the visual area is configured to allow the ratio of the environmental contribution to a predetermined target value, which is the target environmental contribution, to be grasped as an orientation with respect to a predetermined reference position.

5. In the information processing system described in claim 4, The output step outputs the environmental indicator, which includes a target icon indicating the target environmental contribution.

6. In the information processing system described in claim 4, In the output step, an environmental indicator is output, which includes a total area surrounding the visual area, where the total area displays information corresponding to the environmental contribution.

7. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The output step outputs the environmental indicator that allows the degree of environmental contribution to be grasped for each predetermined period.

8. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the acquisition step, as behavioral information, at least product information relating to the product purchased by the user is acquired. In the derivation step, the environmental contribution is derived based at least on the product information and the reference information set according to the product included in the product information. The output step involves outputting the environmental indicator in a manner that allows reference to at least a portion of the product information.

9. In the information processing system described in claim 1, Furthermore, in the reward step, reward information is linked to user information corresponding to the user, according to the difference between the environmental contribution level and a predetermined target value, the target environmental contribution level, and here, the reward information is something that can be handled as currency in a predetermined trading market.

10. Information processing method, A method comprising each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. It is an information processing program, A device that causes a computer to perform each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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