Intermediary server, trading system, intermediary method, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: in order to supply the same amount of electric power at the same time, a supply amount (production) needs to be adjusted to a demand amount (consumption); electric power companies and retailers excessively generate electric power and buy electric power to achieve the above-mentioned goals, but the cost for such excessive operations may cause an increase in the price of an asset, such as an electricity bill and generate an asset, such as unused and unnecessary electric power.SOLUTION: When a mediation server 5a does not have the ownership of an asset produced in accordance with a necessary type of production method (S122; NO), a mediation server 5b transfers the ownership of the asset to the mediation server 5a based on a request from the mediation server 5a (S126; YES) to bring about an effect that an increase in the price of the asset and generation of an unused and unnecessary asset can be prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intermediary server, a trading system, an intermediary method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, power generated by renewable energy has attracted attention. This power is produced by using resources that are renewable energy such as sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, heat in the atmosphere, etc. Power generation using renewable energy emits almost no CO2, which causes global warming, compared to power generation using fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas. Therefore, among the resources used for power production, renewable energy is an environmentally friendly energy resource. By operating factories and the like using such environmentally friendly green power, corporate value can be improved. Also, there is a method of using blockchain for trading power produced by renewable energy and the like (see Patent Document 1). Blockchain is called a distributed ledger, and by linking multiple ledgers showing the trading history of assets such as power by a plurality of nodes (computers), it is possible to prevent tampering of the trading history data.

[0003] Also, in order to realize stable use of power, it is necessary to adjust the consumed power and the produced power to be the same in real time (simultaneous and equal amount). In order to realize the simultaneous and equal amount of power, generally, the balance between demand and supply is maintained by means such as "adjusting the supply amount (production amount) to the demand amount (consumption amount)" and "adjusting the demand amount (consumption amount) to the supply amount (production amount)". The latter is called demand response, and it is a method of maintaining the balance between demand and supply by suppressing the planned power consumption by saving, and acting in the market as if the consumer had generated power himself / herself.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] However, the former is achieved by power companies and retailers generating or purchasing excessive amounts of electricity, which raises concerns that the excessive operating costs may lead to soaring prices for assets such as electricity, or result in wasted electricity and other assets that are not being used. . [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 relates to a blockchain network. A specific type of production method An intermediary server that mediates transactions concerning an asset between the provider of the asset and the user of the asset by requesting a change in the ownership of the asset, and which has a blockchain network The aforementioned Another intermediary server capable of requesting a change in asset ownership has sent a message indicating that the intermediary managing the said intermediary server is the owner. The aforementioned A receiving means for receiving a first change request to change the ownership of an asset from the intermediary to another intermediary managing the other intermediary server, and based on the receiving means receiving the first change request, the intermediary becomes the owner with respect to the blockchain network. The aforementioned The system includes a transmission means for transmitting a second change request to change the ownership of an asset from the intermediary to the other intermediary, and the transmission means is When the blockchain network receives confirmation that the processing of the second change request has been successful, This intermediary server is characterized by sending a response to the aforementioned other intermediary server indicating that the changes have been completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As explained above, the present invention has the effect of suppressing the soaring costs of assets and the generation of unused, wasteful assets. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the trading system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a smart meter. [Figure 4] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the intermediary server. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of the trading system, specifically for smartphones and smart meters. [Figure 6] This is a functional block diagram of the intermediary server and nodes within the trading system. [Figure 7A] This is a conceptual diagram showing the user management table. [Figure 7B] This is a conceptual diagram showing the provider management table. [Figure 8A] This is a conceptual diagram of the transaction details management table. [Figure 8B] This is a conceptual diagram of the transaction history management table. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram showing the registration process for intermediaries. [Figure 10A] This diagram shows an example of the intermediary registration screen. [Figure 10B] This diagram shows an example of the intermediary registration screen. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing the registration process for asset transaction details. [Figure 12A] This diagram shows an example of the transaction details registration screen before input and selection. [Figure 12B] This diagram shows an example of the transaction details registration screen after input and selection. [Figure 13] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of setting the ownership of the assets provided by the provider to the intermediary. [Figure 14] This is a conceptual diagram of transaction information and asset information. [Figure 15] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the process by which an intermediary sets the ownership of an asset they are mediating as being transferred to the user. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the determination process of the type of production method. [Figure 17] It is a sequence diagram showing the transfer process of the ownership of assets produced by a specific type of production method between an intermediary server and a predetermined intermediary server other than the self-server. [Figure 18] It is a conceptual diagram of the transition of transaction information and asset information in the process of S149. [Figure 19] It is a conceptual diagram of the transition of transaction information and asset information in the process of step S92. [Figure 20] It is a sequence diagram showing the intermediary process of the asset production method certificate.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 〔Outline of System Configuration〕 First, the outline of the configuration of the trading system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the trading system according to this embodiment. Here, the case of handling electric power as an example of an asset will be described. Note that the ownership of the asset and the type of the production method of the asset are managed by the asset information described later.

[0011] <Explanation of Each Party> As shown in FIG. 1, there are a power producer Aa, a power producer Ab, a power consumer Ca, intermediaries Da, Db, and a certification authority E.

[0012] The producer Aa is an example of a provider and is a business operator that produces electric power from sunlight as an example of renewable energy used for the production of electric power produced by renewable energy (referred to as "green power" in Japan). The producer Ab is an example of a provider and is a business operator that produces electric power from oil as an example of fossil fuel. Note that providers include combinations that purchase assets from each producer and resell them.

[0013] Consumer Ca is an example of a user, a business that consumes electricity provided by producers Aa and Ab. Note that users also include those who acquire ownership of assets such as real estate, where the asset is not consumed like electricity.

[0014] Intermediaries Da and Db are companies that act as intermediaries in transactions involving ownership of electricity.

[0015] Certification body E is a public institution such as a national or local government body that certifies the type of electricity production method. Types of electricity production methods include methods that utilize solar energy, solar thermal energy, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, heat from the atmosphere, or nuclear power. Of these, solar energy, solar thermal energy, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, and heat from the atmosphere belong to the broad category of renewable energy. Petroleum, coal, and liquefied natural gas belong to the broad category of fossil fuels. Electricity generation using renewable energy emits almost no CO2, which is a cause of global warming, compared to electricity generation using fossil fuels, so renewable energy is an environmentally friendly energy source. In this embodiment, solar energy, solar thermal energy, wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, hydropower, or heat from the atmosphere are used as renewable energy. Petroleum, coal, or liquefied natural gas are used as fossil fuels.

[0016] Furthermore, intermediary Da sends the application to certification body E by mail, receives the production method certificate from certification body E, and then acts as an intermediary by sending the production method certificate to consumer Ca by mail. The production method certificate includes, for example, the rate of renewable energy utilization. This allows consumer Ca to use the production method certificate to determine their company's renewable energy utilization rate (CO2 reduction rate) and apply for public subsidies based on the use of renewable energy.

[0017] There may be one or more producers. There may be multiple consumers and intermediaries. There may also be three or more intermediaries.

[0018] <Power transmission and distribution network> Substation Bx is the nearest substation to producers Aa and Ab, and substation By is the nearest substation to consumer Ca. Substations Bx, By, and transmission and distribution lines constitute the transmission and distribution network. A power transmission and distribution network 10 is constructed. Electricity supplied by producers Aa and Ab is provided to consumers Ca via the transmission and distribution network 10.

[0019] <Data communication network> Producer Aa has a smartphone 2a, a smart meter 3a, and a power generation device 4a. Producer Ab has a smartphone 2b, a smart meter 3b, and a power generation device 4b. Consumer Ca has a smartphone 2c, a smart meter 3c, and an electrical device 8. Intermediary Da manages the intermediary server 5a. This intermediary Da is a corporation or an individual (e.g., a president, director, IT administrator, or other employee). Intermediary Db manages the intermediary server 5b. This intermediary Db is a corporation or an individual (e.g., a president, director, IT administrator, or other employee).

[0020] The number of smartphones may be two or four or more, depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereafter, the collective name for each smartphone 2a, 2b, 2c will be "Smartphone 2". Similarly, the number of smart meters 3a, 3b, 3c may be two or four or more, depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereafter, the collective name for each smart meter 3a, 3b, 3c will be "Smart Meter 3". The number of power generators 4a and 4b may be one or three or more, depending on the number of producers. Hereafter, the collective name for each power generator 4a and 4b will be "Power Generator 4". Hereafter, the collective name for each smart meter 3a, 3b, 3c will be "Smart Meter 3". The number of power generators 4a and 4b may be one or three or more, depending on the number of producers. Hereafter, the collective name for each power generator 4a and 4b will be "Power Generator 4". Hereafter, the collective name for each intermediary server 5a and 5b will be "Intermediary Server 5". The number of intermediary servers 5a and 5b may be two or three or more, depending on the number of intermediaries. Intermediary D is a collective term for intermediaries Da and Db. Intermediary server 5 may be constructed by a single computer or by multiple computers. The number of electrical devices 8 may be two or more, depending on the number of consumers.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the Tracking System 1, which serves as a data communication network, is constructed from multiple smartphones 2a, 2b, 2c, multiple smart meters 3a, 3b, 3c, multiple power generators 4a, 4b, intermediary servers 5a, 5b, and nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d such as computers. Furthermore, the blockchain network 90 is constructed from nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The blockchain network 90 is constructed within a communication network 100 such as the internet. The communication network 100 is constructed from the internet, mobile communication networks, LANs (Local Area Networks), etc. Note that the communication network 100 may include not only wired communication but also wireless communication networks such as mobile communication systems (4G, 5G, 6G, etc.) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). Also, while there are actually many nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, only four are shown here due to space limitations. Nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are each managed by different companies or entities. In some cases, the intermediary Da may be among these different companies. Hereafter, nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d will be collectively referred to as Node 9.

[0022] Next, we will describe the terminals and equipment of producers Aa and Ab, and consumer Ca.

[0023] (Terminals and equipment of producer Aa) Smartphone 2a can communicate data with smart meter 3a using short-range wireless technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Smartphone 2a can also communicate data with intermediary server 5 via communication network 100.

[0024] The smart meter 3a can communicate data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. The smart meter 3a also measures the amount of electricity supplied by the power generation device 4a at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further processes such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of electricity and other assets supplied and the owner.

[0025] The power generation device 4a is a device that generates electricity using sunlight.

[0026] (Terminals and equipment of producer Ab) Smartphone 2b can communicate data with smart meter 3b using near-field wireless technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth®. Smartphone 2b can also communicate data with intermediary server 5 via communication network 100.

[0027] The smart meter 3b can communicate data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. The smart meter 3b also measures the amount of electricity supplied by the power generation device 4b at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further processes such as requesting the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to generate asset information indicating the amount of electricity supplied and the owner.

[0028] The power generation device 4b is a device that generates electricity using petroleum.

[0029] (Consumer Ca's terminals and devices) Smartphone 2c can communicate data with smart meter 3c using short-range wireless technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth®. Smartphone 2c can also communicate data with intermediary server 5 via communication network 100.

[0030] The smart meter 3c can communicate data with the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. The smart meter 3c also measures the amount of electricity used by the electrical device 8 at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes) and transmits usage information, such as the amount of electricity used and the usage time, to the intermediary server 5 via the communication network 100. In this embodiment, the intermediary server 5 accesses the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c, so the smart meter 3c does not need to access the blockchain network 90. ​​The intermediary server 5 stores the consumer Ca certificate necessary for the smart meter 3c to access the blockchain in the storage unit 5000 in order to access the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the smart meter 3c.

[0031] The electrical device 8 is a device that is driven using electricity provided by consumers Aa and Ab.

[0032] (Intermediary server for intermediary Da) The intermediary server 5 handles the mediation of asset-related transactions, such as the transfer of asset information between asset providers (e.g., electricity) and asset users. Therefore, the intermediary server 5 can communicate data with each smartphone 2 and each smart meter 3 via the communication network 100. Furthermore, the intermediary server 5 can access node 9 of the blockchain network 90 and communicate data with node 9.

[0033] (supplement) Smartphones 2a and 2b are examples of communication terminals provided by the provider. Smartphone 2c is an example of a communication terminal used by the user. Communication terminals also include smartwatches, PCs, smart glasses, etc. Smart meter 3 is an example of a measurement terminal.

[0034] [Hardware configuration] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of smartphone 2, smart meter 3, intermediary server 5, and node 9 using Figures 2 to 4.

[0035] <Smartphone Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. As shown in Figure 2, smartphone 2 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, EEPROM 204, CMOS sensor 205, image sensor I / F 206, accelerometer / compass sensor 207, media I / F 209, and GPS receiver 211.

[0036] Of these, the CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the smartphone 2. The ROM 202 stores programs used to drive the CPU 201, such as the CPU 201 and IPL. The RAM 203 is used as the work area for the CPU 201. The EEPROM 204 reads or writes various data, such as smartphone programs, according to the control of the CPU 201. The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 205 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject (mainly a self-portrait) according to the control of the CPU 201 to obtain image data. Note that it may be an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor instead of a CMOS sensor. The image sensor I / F 206 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 205. The acceleration / direction sensor 207 is a type of sensor such as an electronic magnetic compass, gyrocompass, or acceleration sensor that detects the Earth's magnetic field. The media I / F 209 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to or from the recording medium 208, such as flash memory. The GPS receiver 211 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0037] Furthermore, the smartphone 2 is equipped with a long-range communication circuit 212, a CMOS sensor 213, an image sensor interface 214, a microphone 215, a speaker 216, an audio input / output interface 217, a display 218, an external device connection interface 219, a short-range communication circuit 220, an antenna 220a for the short-range communication circuit 220, and a touch panel 221.

[0038] Of these, the long-distance communication circuit 212 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the communication network 100. The CMOS sensor 213 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data according to the control of the CPU 201. The image sensor interface 214 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 213. The microphone 215 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into electrical signals. The speaker 216 is a built-in circuit that converts electrical signals into physical vibrations to produce sounds such as music and speech. The sound input / output interface 217 is a circuit that processes the input and output of sound signals between the microphone 215 and the speaker 216 according to the control of the CPU 201. The display 218 is a type of display means such as liquid crystal or organic EL (electroluminescence) that displays images of the subject and various icons. The external device connection interface 219 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-distance communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 221 is a type of input method that allows the user to operate the smartphone 2 by pressing the display 218.

[0039] Furthermore, smartphone 2 is equipped with a bus line 210. The bus line 210 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component, such as the CPU 201 shown in Figure 2.

[0040] <Smart meter hardware configuration> Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the smart meter. As shown in Figure 3, the smart meter 3 is equipped with a computer and includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, NVRAM 304, display 306, measurement sensor 307, switch 308, network I / F 309, keypad 311, touch panel 312, short-range communication circuit 220, and antenna 220a of the short-range communication circuit 220.

[0041] Of these components, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the smart meter 3. The ROM 302 stores programs used to drive the CPU 301, such as the IPL. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 304 is a non-volatile memory that stores and reads various data such as programs. The display 306 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images.

[0042] The measuring sensor 307 measures the power supplied or used. The switch 308 turns the circuit on (closes) or off (opens) to allow or stop electricity from flowing.

[0043] The network interface 309 is an interface for data communication using a communication network 100, such as the Internet, including the blockchain network 90. ​​The keypad 311 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting or selecting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The short-range communication circuit 320 is a communication circuit that realizes short-range wireless technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The bus line 310 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in Figure 3.

[0044] <Hardware configuration of the intermediary server> Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the intermediary server. Each hardware component of the intermediary server 5 is indicated by a code in the 500 series. As shown in Figure 4, the intermediary server 5 is built by a computer and includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0045] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire intermediary server 5. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as IPL. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and printers. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The bus line 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in Figure 4.

[0046] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving the cursor. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, but may also be DVD-R or Blu-ray Disc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0047] <Node Hardware Configuration> Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the node. Each hardware component of node 9 is indicated by a 900-series code in parentheses. As shown in Figure 4, node 9 is built by a computer and has a configuration similar to that of intermediary server 5, as shown in Figure 4; therefore, a description of each hardware component is omitted.

[0048] [Functional Configuration] Next, using Figures 5 through 8, the functional configuration of each terminal and device that make up the trading system 1 will be explained. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the smartphone and smart meter within the trading system.

[0049] <Smartphone 2a Functional Configuration> As shown in Figure 5, the smartphone 2a has a transmitting / receiving unit 21a, a receiving unit 22a, a display control unit 24a, a communication unit 28a, and a storage / reading unit 29a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 2 operating according to instructions from the CPU 201 that follow a smartphone program deployed from the EEPROM 204 onto the RAM 203.

[0050] Furthermore, the smartphone 2a has a storage unit 2000a constructed from ROM 202, RAM 203, and EEPROM 204 as shown in Figure 2.

[0051] (Functional configuration of Smartphone 2a) The transmitting / receiving unit 21a of the smartphone 2a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 201 on the long-distance communication circuit 212, and transmits and receives various data (or information) with other devices (for example, the intermediary server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0052] The reception unit 22a is primarily implemented by the processing performed by the CPU 201 on the touch panel 221, and accepts various selections or inputs from the user.

[0053] The display control unit 24a is primarily implemented by the CPU 201 and displays various images on the display 218. The display control unit 24a also includes a web browser function.

[0054] The communication unit 28a is primarily implemented by the processing performed by the CPU 201 on the short-range communication circuit 220, and communicates various data with the smart meter 3a's communication unit 38a, which will be described later. In the case of wired communication, data is communicated by connecting the smart meter 3a and the communication cable.

[0055] The memory and read processing unit 29a is mainly implemented by the CPU 201 and stores various data (or information) in the memory unit 2000a and reads various data (or information) from the memory unit 2000a.

[0056] <Smartphone 2c Functional Configuration> As shown in Figure 5, the smartphone 2c has a transmitting / receiving unit 21c, a receiving unit 22c, a display control unit 24c, a communication unit 28c, and a storage / reading unit 29c. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 2 operating according to instructions from the CPU 201 that follow a smartphone program deployed from the EEPROM 204 onto the RAM 203.

[0057] Furthermore, the smartphone 2c has a storage unit 2000c constructed from ROM 202, RAM 203, and EEPROM 204, as shown in Figure 2.

[0058] Note that the components of smartphone 2c (transmitting / receiving unit 21c, receiving unit 22c, display control unit 24c, communication unit 28c, and storage / reading unit 29c) have the same functions as the components of smartphone 2a (transmitting / receiving unit 21a, receiving unit 22a, display control unit 24a, communication unit 28a, and storage / reading unit 29a), so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0059] Smartphone 2b, like smartphone 2c, has the same parts as smartphone 2a, but it is omitted from Figure 5 as it will not be explained in the processing described later.

[0060] <Functional Configuration of Smart Meter 3a> As shown in Figure 5, the smart meter 3a includes a transmitting / receiving unit 31a, a measuring unit 33a, a display control unit 34a, a communication unit 38a, and a storage / reading unit 39a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 301 in accordance with a smart meter program deployed from NVRAM 304 onto RAM 303.

[0061] Furthermore, the smart meter 3a has a storage unit 3000a constructed from a ROM 302, RAM 303, and NVRAM 304, as shown in Figure 3.

[0062] (Functional configuration of smart meter 3a) The transmitting and receiving unit 31a of the smart meter 3a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 with respect to the network I / F 309, and transmits and receives various data (or information) with other devices (e.g., the intermediary server 5) via the communication network 100.

[0063] The measurement unit 33a is mainly implemented by the processing of the measurement sensor 307 by the CPU 301, and measures the amount of electricity supplied by the power generation device 4a.

[0064] The display control unit 34a is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301 and displays various images on the display 306.

[0065] The communication unit 38a is primarily implemented by the processing performed by the CPU 301 on the short-range communication circuit 320, and communicates various data with the communication unit 28a of the smart meter 2a. In the case of wired communication, data is communicated by connecting the smart meter 3a with a communication cable.

[0066] The memory and read processing unit 39a is mainly implemented by the CPU 301 and stores various data (or information) in the memory unit 3000a and reads various data (or information) from the memory unit 3000a.

[0067] <Functional Configuration of Smart Meter 3c> As shown in Figure 5, the smart meter 3c has a transmitting / receiving unit 31c, a measuring unit 33c, a display control unit 34c, a communication unit 38c, and a storage / reading unit 39c. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 3 operating according to instructions from the CPU 301 in accordance with a smart meter program deployed from NVRAM 304 onto RAM 303.

[0068] Furthermore, the smart meter 3a has a storage unit 3000c constructed from a ROM 302, RAM 303, and NVRAM 304, as shown in Figure 3.

[0069] Note that the components of the smart meter 3c (transmitting / receiving unit 31c, measurement unit 33c, display control unit 34c, communication unit 38c, and storage / reading unit 39c) have the same functions as the components of the smart meter 3a (transmitting / receiving unit 31a, measurement unit 33a, display control unit 34a, communication unit 38a, and storage / reading unit 39a), so their descriptions are omitted.

[0070] Furthermore, smart meter 3b, like smart meter 3c, has the same parts as smart meter 3a, but it is omitted in Figure 5 as it will not be explained in the processing described later.

[0071] <Functional Configuration of Intermediary Server 5a> Due to space limitations, the functional block diagrams of the intermediary servers 5a and 5b are shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram of the intermediary server and node functions within the trading system. As shown in Figure 6, the intermediary server 5a has a transmitting / receiving unit 51a, a determination unit 53a, a display control unit 54a, a judgment unit 55a, a creation unit 58a, and a storage / reading unit 59a. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 being deployed from HD 504 onto RAM 503 and operated by instructions from CPU 501 according to a program for the intermediary server.

[0072] Furthermore, the intermediary server 5a has a storage unit 5000a constructed from the ROM 502 and HD 504 shown in Figure 4.

[0073] (User management table) Figure 7A is a conceptual diagram showing the user management table. The user management table is a table used by the intermediary Da to manage each user, such as electricity consumers. The storage unit 5000a has a user management DB 5001a constructed, which consists of the user management table shown in Figure 7A. In this user management table, user ID, user name, user address (or residence), and selectable provider ID are associated and managed.

[0074] Of these, the User ID is an example of user identification information used to identify the user of an asset, such as a consumer of electricity (Ca). The Selectable Provider ID is an example of provider identification information used to identify the producers and other providers that the user indicated by the User ID can select. For example, if the user's address is in Tokyo, the selectable providers are limited to those with addresses in Tokyo and the surrounding areas.

[0075] (Provider Management Table) Figure 7B is a conceptual diagram showing the provider management table. The provider management table is a table used by the intermediary Da to manage each provider, such as electricity producers. The storage unit 5000a has a provider management DB 5002a built on it, which is composed of the provider management table shown in Figure 7B. In this provider management table, provider ID, provider name, type of production method for assets such as electricity by the provider, and available quantity are associated and managed.

[0076] Of these, the provider ID is an example of provider identification information used to identify asset providers such as electricity producers. The type of production method indicates the type of energy used in the production of the asset. As mentioned above, the type of production method includes methods that utilize solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, petroleum, coal, and liquefied natural gas. The type of production method may also be indicated by a broad category such as renewable energy or fossil fuels. The amount that can be provided is the amount of assets that a provider such as a producer can provide over a certain period (or time), for example, the amount of electricity (kWh).

[0077] (Transaction details management table) Figure 8A is a conceptual diagram showing the transaction details management table. The transaction details management table is a table for managing the transaction details of assets set by users such as consumer Ca. The storage unit 5000a has a transaction details management DB 5003a constructed, which consists of the transaction details management table shown in Figure 8A. This transaction details management table manages transaction details information, specifically, the user ID, start date of use, end date of use, planned usage amount, renewable energy utilization rate, provider ID, provider name, and type of production method are associated and managed. Note that item names such as user ID that are the same as in Figures 7A and 7B have the same meaning.

[0078] Of these, the start date of use indicates the date on which the user, such as consumer Ca, begins using the asset, such as electricity. The end date of use indicates the date on which the user ends using the asset, such as electricity. The planned usage amount is the amount of asset that the user plans to use for a certain period (or a certain time), for example, the amount of electricity (kWh). The renewable energy utilization rate indicates the percentage (%) of the assets, such as electricity, used by the user, such as consumer Ca, that are produced using renewable energy such as solar power.

[0079] (Transaction history management table) Figure 8B is a conceptual diagram showing the transaction history management table. The transaction history management table is a table for managing the transaction history of transactions that the intermediary server 5a has mediated for assets acquired from providers such as producers, for each user. The memory unit 5000a has a transaction history management DB 5004a constructed, which consists of the transaction history management table shown in Figure 8B. This transaction history management table manages transaction history information, specifically the date and time of mediation, transaction volume, type of production method, and total transaction volume for various production methods, all of which are managed in association with each other. The type of (energy) resource used to produce the asset is, in other words, the "type of production method" that produces the asset using a predetermined type of resource. For example, if the asset is electricity, the "type of production method" indicates a "power generation method" such as solar power. In addition, while the use of solar power and oil is shown as various production methods here, it is not limited to these, and production methods using wind, coal, etc. may also be managed. Furthermore, a broad classification of production methods indicating renewable energy and fossil fuels may also be managed.

[0080] In the transaction history information, item names that are the same as those in Figures 7A and 7B, such as User ID, have the same meaning. The Intermediation Date and Time indicates the date and time when the intermediary server 5a intermediaries the ownership of an asset by assigning the ownership of the asset acquired from a provider such as a producer to a user such as a consumer Ca. The Transaction Volume indicates the transaction volume of the asset acquired by the intermediary server 5a from the provider and for which the transaction is intermediary to the user, and is shown, for example, in terms of electricity (kWh). The Total Transaction Volume indicates the total amount of assets produced by a specific type of production method that have been allocated to users such as consumer Ca over a certain period (or time), and is shown, for example, in terms of total electricity (kWh). The intermediary server 5a determines the type of production method of the asset to be allocated to users such as consumer Ca by referring to the transaction history management DB 5004a. For example, if consumer Ca has set the percentage of electricity produced using renewable energy to 40, the intermediary server 5a refers to the total transaction volume in the transaction history management DB 5004a to determine the type of production method of the asset to be provided to consumer Ca next.

[0081] Note that the planned usage shown in Figure 8A (for example, 20 kWh) is the planned usage per hour. Therefore, if asset information is transferred every 30 minutes, the transaction volume will be half of the planned usage (for example). For example, it would be 10kWh.

[0082] Furthermore, while solar power and petroleum are shown as examples of various production methods, the system is not limited to these; production methods utilizing wind power, coal, etc., may also be managed. Additionally, broad categories such as renewable energy and fossil fuels may be managed.

[0083] Furthermore, the types of production methods also include the types of asset production processes. The types of asset production processes refer to cases where the process by which an asset, such as electricity, is produced differs. For example, even when using the same resource, the sun, there are methods of producing electricity using sunlight and methods of producing electricity using solar heat. Another example of asset production process types is methods of producing electricity using turbines and methods of producing electricity without using turbines.

[0084] (Functional configuration of intermediary server 5a) Next, the functional configuration of the intermediary server 5a will be explained in detail using Figure 6. The transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501 to the network I / F 509, and transmits and receives various data (or information) with other terminals (for example, smartphones 2a and 2c) via the communication network 100. The transmitting / receiving unit 51a also acts as a receiving unit that receives transaction details from the smartphone 2c, as described later.

[0085] The decision unit 53a, which is implemented by the CPU 501, determines asset information indicating ownership of assets to be transferred to the user (for which it mediates transactions). For example, the decision unit 53a determines asset information related to assets produced by a specific type of production method for which it mediates transactions to users such as consumer Ca, based on the "transaction history of assets produced by users using a predetermined type of production method" managed in the transaction history management DB 5004a, and the "renewable energy utilization rate" pre-managed in the transaction content management DB 5003a. Specifically, if consumer Ca has set the renewable energy utilization rate to 40%, the decision unit 53a refers to the total transaction volume in the transaction history management DB 5004a and decides to change the owner of the asset information related to assets produced by renewable energy from intermediary Da, which manages the intermediary server 5a, to consumer Ca, so as to bring the utilization rate closer to 40%.

[0086] The display control unit 54a is mainly implemented by the CPU 501 and either displays various images on the display 506 or displays various images on the display 218 of the smartphone 2 via the communication network 100. In this case, the smartphone 2 displays the various images using the web browser function of the display control unit 24 of the smartphone 2. Note that the display control unit 24 is a collective term for display control units 24a and 24c.

[0087] The decision unit 55a is implemented by the CPU 501 and performs various decisions.

[0088] The creation unit 58a is implemented by the processing of the CPU 501 and, based on transaction information and asset information, creates an application form for intermediary D to submit to certification authority E. This application form is created in a prescribed format for applying for a production method certificate to prove the type of production method of an asset.

[0089] The memory / read unit 59a is mainly implemented by the CPU 501, and stores various data (or information) in the memory unit 5000a and reads various data (or information) from the memory unit 5000.

[0090] <Functional configuration of intermediary server 5b> As shown in Figure 6, the intermediary server 5b includes a transmitting / receiving unit 51b, a determination unit 53b, a display control unit 54b, a judgment unit 55b, a creation unit 58b, and a storage / reading unit 59b. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 being deployed from HD 504 onto RAM 503 and operated by instructions from CPU 501 according to a program for the intermediary server.

[0091] Furthermore, the intermediary server 5b has a storage unit 5000b constructed from the ROM 502 and HD 504 shown in Figure 4. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 being deployed from HD 504 onto RAM 503 and operated by instructions from CPU 501 according to a program for the intermediary server.

[0092] Furthermore, the intermediary server 5b has a storage unit 5000b constructed from the ROM 502 and HD 504 shown in Figure 4.

[0093] Furthermore, since each part of the intermediary server 5b (transmit / receive unit 51b, determination unit 53b, display control unit 54b, judgment unit 55b, creation unit 58b, and storage / reading unit 59b) has the same functions as each part of the intermediary server 5a (transmit / receive unit 51a, determination unit 53a, display control unit 54a, judgment unit 55a, creation unit 58a, and storage / reading unit 59a), their descriptions are omitted. In addition, the storage unit 5000b of the intermediary server 5b has the user management DB 5001b, provider management DB 5002b, transaction content management DB 5003b, and transaction history management DB 5004b built into it, but since they are built with the same items (columns) as the user management DB 5001a, provider management DB 5002a, transaction content management DB 5003a, and transaction history management DB 5004a of the intermediary server 5a, their descriptions are omitted.

[0094] <Node 9 Functional Configuration> As shown in Figure 6, node 9 includes a transmit / receive unit 91, a verification unit 93, a decision unit 95, a transaction processing unit 96, an asset processing unit 97, and a storage / reading unit 99. Each of these units is a function or means realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 being deployed from HD 904 onto RAM 903 and operated by instructions from CPU 901 according to a program for the node.

[0095] Furthermore, node 9 has a storage unit 9000 constructed from ROM 902 and HD 904, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 illustrates a state where transaction information is linked together like a chain. Asset information generated based on the transaction information is also stored. Each transaction information and each asset information is held by each node.

[0096] (Functional configuration of each node) Next, the functional configuration of node 9 will be explained in detail using Figure 6. The transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901 to the network I / F 909, and transmits and receives various data (or information) with other nodes of the blockchain network 90 within the communication network 100. The transmitting / receiving unit 91 also transmits and receives various data (or information) with the transmitting / receiving unit 31a of the smart meter 3a and the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5. Although the smartphone 3b is not shown in Figure 6, in reality, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 also transmits and receives various data (or information) with the smart meter 3b.

[0097] The verification unit 93 is implemented by the processing of CPU 901 and verifies the certificate and provided information. Certificate verification is performed to determine whether the certificate belongs to the person who has been pre-registered on node 9. This is the process of determining whether or not the information provided is valid. The verification of the provided information is the process of determining whether or not all of the predetermined format and content (for example, whether the provider is entered, whether the time of provision is entered, etc.) has been entered.

[0098] The decision unit 95 is implemented by the CPU 901 and performs various decisions.

[0099] The transaction processing unit 96 is implemented by the CPU 901 and performs processing such as generating transaction information that indicates the transaction used to generate asset information and storing it in the storage unit 9000.

[0100] The asset processing unit 97 is implemented by the CPU 901 and performs processing such as generating asset information and storing it in the storage unit 9000 according to the transaction information.

[0101] The memory / read unit 99 is mainly implemented by the CPU 901, and stores various data (or information) in the memory unit 9000 and reads various data (or information) from the memory unit 9000.

[0102] [Processing or operation] Next, the processing or operation of this embodiment will be described using Figures 9 to 20.

[0103] <Intermediary registration process> First, we will explain the intermediary registration process using Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the intermediary registration process. Figure 10A shows an example of the intermediary registration screen, and Figure 10B shows an example of the intermediary registration completion screen. Here, we will explain the case where producer Aa registers intermediary Da from among multiple intermediaries. Note that producer Aa has already entered into a contract with intermediary Da, and as described later, producer Aa can select intermediary Da. In addition, an application for intermediary registration is pre-installed on smartphone 2a. This application manages the intermediary ID, intermediary name, and IP address of the intermediary server owned by the intermediary, which are associated with each intermediary to identify them.

[0104] As shown in Figure 9, in the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a displays the intermediary registration screen shown in Figure 10A on the display 218 (S21). This intermediary registration screen displays a pull-down menu showing the names of various intermediaries for selecting a specific intermediary. At the bottom of the intermediary registration screen, there are "OK" buttons to confirm the intermediary name selected in the pull-down menu, and "CANCEL" buttons to cancel the selection.

[0105] Then, when producer Aa selects a desired intermediary name from several intermediary names and presses the "OK" button, the reception unit 22a accepts the intermediary selection (S22). Here, we will explain the case where intermediary Da is selected.

[0106] After the reception unit 22a accepts the selection, the communication unit 28a transmits intermediary information to the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a via short-range wireless communication (S23). This intermediary information includes an intermediary ID to identify the selected intermediary, and the IP address of the intermediary server owned by the selected intermediary. As a result, the communication unit 38a of the smart meter 3a receives the intermediary information.

[0107] Next, in the smart meter 3a, the memory / reading unit 39a registers the intermediary information in the memory unit 3000a. Then, the communication unit 38a sends a message to the smartphone 2a indicating that registration is complete. The recording completion information is transmitted. As a result, the communication unit 28a of the smartphone 2a receives the registration completion information.

[0108] Next, on the smartphone 2a, the display control unit 24a displays a registration completion screen on the display 218, as shown in Figure 10B. This registration completion screen displays a comment indicating that the intermediary's registration is complete. This registration completion screen also displays an "OK" button, which is pressed to close the screen. When producer Aa presses this button, the registration completion screen is closed.

[0109] The registration process for the intermediary is now complete.

[0110] <Transaction details registration process> Next, we will explain the process of registering asset transaction details using Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the process of registering asset transaction details. Figure 12A shows an example of the transaction details registration screen before input and selection, and Figure 12B shows an example of the transaction details registration screen after input and selection. Here, we will explain the case in which consumer Ca registers the transaction details of electricity as an asset to the intermediary server 5 using smartphone 2c.

[0111] As shown in Figure 11, the transmitting / receiving unit 21c of the smartphone 2c sends a request to the intermediary server 5a via the communication network 100 to display the transaction details registration screen (S41). This display request includes a user ID to identify the consumer Ca, who is the requesting user. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a receives the display request. Note that the user ID is an example of user identification information. User identification information also includes My Number, which is a number designated by local governments, etc., as an individual identification number in Japan, and telephone numbers of individuals or companies.

[0112] Next, in the intermediary server 5a, the storage / reading unit 59a searches the user management DB 5001a (see Figure 7A) using the user ID received in step S41 as a search key, and reads all corresponding selectable provider IDs (S42). Furthermore, the storage / reading unit 59a searches the provider management DB 5002a using each provider ID read in step S42 as a check key, and reads the corresponding information (provider name, type of production method information, available quantity) (S43). Then, the display control unit 54a uses the information read in step S43 to create a transaction details registration screen as shown in Figure 12(a) (S44). As a result, the display control unit 24c uses the web browser function to display the transaction details registration screen shown in Figure 12A, created by the intermediary server 5a, on the smartphone 2c's display 218 (S45). This transaction details registration screen displays various input fields (the usage period of the asset (in this case, electricity), the asset's end date, the planned amount of asset usage, and the renewable energy utilization rate), as well as multiple checkboxes for selecting the asset provider. At the bottom of the transaction details registration screen, there is an "OK" button to confirm the transaction details entered in the input fields and checked in the checkboxes, and a "CANCEL" button to cancel the transaction without confirming it.

[0113] Here, consumer Ca operates the touch panel of smartphone 2c to enter the desired values ​​in each input field, and then checks the checkbox for the desired provider and presses the "OK" button, at which point the reception unit 22c accepts the input and selection of the transaction details (S46). The renewable energy utilization rate indicates the percentage of renewable energy used in the production of the electricity that consumer Ca wishes to obtain.

[0114] In this scenario, consumer Ca selects producer Aa, who uses solar energy to produce electricity. However, since electricity is not available at night, producer Ab, who uses oil to produce electricity, is selected as an alternative energy source. The renewable energy utilization rate is set at 40%.

[0115] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 21c of the smartphone 2c transmits transaction details information indicating the input and selected content to the intermediary server 5a via the communication network 100 (S47). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a accepts the transaction details by receiving the transaction details information.

[0116] Next, the intermediary server 5a manages the transaction details by storing the transaction details information received in step S47 together with the user ID received in step S41 in the transaction details management DB 5003a (see Figure 8(a)) using the storage / reading unit 59a (S48).

[0117] The transaction details registration process is now complete.

[0118] <Process to set the asset owner as an intermediary> Next, we will explain the process of setting the owner of an asset provided by a provider to the intermediary, using Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process of setting the owner of an asset provided by a provider to the intermediary. Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram of transaction information and asset information. Here, we will explain the case where producer Aa's smart meter 3a sets the owner of the asset to the intermediary for node 9a.

[0119] As shown in Figure 13, the measurement unit 33a measures the power supplied from the power generator 4a to the power transmission and distribution network 10 (S61). The transmitting / receiving unit 31a of the smart meter 3a then sends a request for asset information generation to node 9a of the blockchain network 90 once every predetermined time (for example, every 30 minutes) (S62). This request includes an electronic certificate proving that producer Aa is the provider, and the provided information, so that producer Aa's smartphone 2a can access the blockchain network 90. ​​The provided information includes the provider, the date and time of provision, the (tradable) quantity, the type of production method, and the owner of the asset. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9a receives the request for asset information generation (S62). This provided information is the information used to generate the transaction information shown in Figure 14. The content of this provided information is predetermined by a blockchain smart contract (automation of contract).

[0120] Next, the verification unit 93 of node 9 verifies the certificate and provided information received in step S62 (S63). The case where the verification result is satisfactory will be described next.

[0121] Next, the transaction processing unit 96 uses the provided information received in step S62 to generate transaction information as shown in Figure 14 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S64). In this case, the transaction processing unit 96 assigns a transaction ID and sets the transaction type. The transaction information includes the transaction ID, transaction type information, and provided information (information on the provider, date and time of provision, (tradable) quantity, production method, and owner).

[0122] Of these, the Transaction ID is an example of unique identification information used to identify transaction information. The Transaction Type is information indicating the type of processing performed on the asset information. In Figure 14, since the Transaction Type is asset information generation, the Asset Processing Unit 97 generates the asset information. The Provider is information indicating the provider of the asset. The Provision Date and Time is information indicating the date and time the asset was provided by the provider. Yes. (Tradable) quantity is information indicating the amount of electricity, etc., that the provider can trade within a specified period. Production method type is information indicating the type of production method shown in Figure 8(b). Owner is information indicating the owner of the asset, such as ownership of the asset.

[0123] Next, the asset processing unit 97 generates the asset information shown in Figure 14 according to the transaction information shown in Figure 14 and stores it in the storage unit 9000 (S65). In this case, the asset processing unit 97 sets the provision information (provider, provision date and time, (tradable) quantity, production method, and owner information) within the transaction information, as well as the expiration date of the transaction and the transaction status of the asset information. The expiration date of the transaction is set, for example, one month after the provision date. The transaction status is information indicating whether or not the asset information has been traded (assigned or not) to the user by the intermediary server 5. In Figure 14, it is set to "Not yet," indicating that the asset information has not been traded (assigned) to the user, that is, the intermediary has not yet provided the asset information to the user.

[0124] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 distributes the transaction information generated in step S64 as a block to multiple other nodes of the blockchain network 90 (S66). Each of the other nodes then verifies the block, adds it to the chain of blocks already stored at that node, and, according to the transaction information, generates asset information in the same manner as in step S65 and stores it in their respective storage units. Note that multiple transaction information can be stored in a single block.

[0125] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 sends a response to the request in step S62 to the smart meter 3a (S67). This response indicates whether the generation of asset information was successful or unsuccessful. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 31a of the smart meter 3a receives the response.

[0126] Next, in the smart meter 3a, the memory / reading unit 39a stores the response content in the memory unit 3000a.

[0127] As a result, asset information indicating details such as the asset owner being set as intermediary Da is managed on the blockchain network, and the process of providing asset information from the provider to the intermediary is completed.

[0128] <Process of providing asset information from the intermediary to the user> Next, Figures 15 to 19 will be used to explain the process by which the intermediary sets the owner of the asset being mediated as the user. Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the process by which the intermediary sets the owner of the asset being mediated as the user.

[0129] First, the transmitting / receiving unit 31c of consumer Ca's smart meter 3c transmits usage information regarding electricity as an asset via the communication network 100 once every predetermined time (for example, every 30 minutes) (S81). This usage information includes information indicating the usage status of electricity as an asset, a user ID to identify consumer Ca as the user, the amount of electricity used as an asset, and the usage time of electricity as an asset. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a receives the usage information. Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a sends a request to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 for all asset information owned by intermediary Da, who manages the intermediary server 5a (S82). This request includes an electronic certificate to prove that the intermediary server 5a managed by intermediary Da is a server that can access the blockchain network 90, and information indicating intermediary Da as the owner. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 receives the request for all asset information.

[0130] Next, at node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies the certificate received in step S82 (S83). Certificate verification is the process of determining whether the received certificate is a certificate of a server that has been pre-registered at node 9. The following describes the case where the verification result is satisfactory.

[0131] The memory / read unit 99 of node 9 reads all asset information managed by the owner as intermediary Da who manages the intermediary server 5a (S84). Then, the transmit / receive unit 91 transmits all the asset information read in step S84 to the intermediary server 5a (S85). As a result, the transmit / receive unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a receives all the asset information. This allows the intermediary server 5a to receive asset information that can be assigned to users and whose owner is intermediary Da. Next, the storage and reading unit 59a of the intermediary server 5a searches the transaction details management DB 5003a using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key, and reads the corresponding transaction details information (S86). Furthermore, the storage and reading unit 59a searches the transaction history management DB 5004a using the user ID received in step S81 as a search key, and reads the corresponding total transaction amounts (S87). In the case of Figure 8B, the total transaction amounts read are 20 (kWh) as the total transaction amount of electricity produced by solar power, and 160 (kWh) as the total transaction amount of electricity produced by oil.

[0132] Next, the determination unit 53a determines the type of production method for the asset related to the asset information to be transferred to consumer Ca as the user, based on the transaction details information read in step S86 and the total transaction volume read in step S87 (S88).

[0133] (Decision-making process for the type of production method) Here, the process of step S88 will be explained in detail using Figures 16 to 18. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the type of production method. Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing the process of transferring ownership of an asset produced by a specific type of production method between an intermediary server and a predetermined intermediary server other than the local server.

[0134] As shown in Figure 16, the determination unit 53a determines the type of production method for the asset (electricity) related to the asset information to be transferred to consumer Ca as a user, based on the transaction details information read in step S86 and the total transaction volume read in step S87 (S121). For example, if the type of production method is indicated as "solar power" and "oil" in the transaction details information, the latest total transaction volume is "20" for solar power and "160" for oil. Therefore, the determination unit 53 determines the type of production method to be "solar power" in order to bring it closer to the renewable energy rate of "40".

[0135] Next, the determination unit 55a determines whether the asset information received in step S85 contains specific asset information that (1) has a transaction status set to "Not yet," (2) has the type of production method determined in step S121 set, and (3) has the same amount of tradable quantity as the usage amount received in step S81 (S122). If the determination unit 55a determines that it contains such asset information (S122; YES), the decision unit 53a maintains the decision result from step S121 (S123). This completes the detailed processing of step S88 shown in Figure 16.

[0136] On the other hand, if in step S122 the determination unit 55a determines that it is not included (NO), then the determination unit 55a further determines whether it has sent a request (first change request) to all intermediary servers other than its own server (intermediary server 5a) to change the owner of the asset information from a predetermined intermediary on a predetermined intermediary server other than its own server to intermediary Da of intermediary server 5a (S124). If in step S124 the determination unit 55a determines that it has not sent the first change request to all intermediary servers other than its own server (intermediary server 5a) (NO), then, as shown in Figure 17, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a sends a change request to intermediary server 5b, which is an example of an intermediary server other than its own server (intermediary server 5a), as the owner of the specific asset produced by the above production method cannot be changed from the original owner (S125). Specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a sends a request (an example of a first change request) to change the owner of an asset of the same type produced by the same specific type of production method as the asset produced by the same specific type of production method determined in step S121, from intermediary Db of the intermediary server 5b to intermediary Da of the intermediary server 5a. This request includes information indicating the type of production method determined in step S121, the tradable quantity based on the planned usage amount read in step S86, and the owner (intermediary Da) to whom the transfer will be made. The information indicating the owner (intermediary Da) may be the owner's name or an owner ID to identify the owner (intermediary Da). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51b of the intermediary server 5b receives this request.

[0137] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51b of the intermediary server 5b sends a request to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 for all asset information owned by intermediary Db (S142). This request includes an electronic certificate proving that the intermediary server 5b managed by intermediary Db is a server that can access the blockchain network 90, and information indicating that intermediary Db is the owner. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 receives the request for all asset information.

[0138] Next, at node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies the certificate received in step S142 (S142). Certificate verification is the process of determining whether the received certificate is a certificate of a server that has been pre-registered at node 9. Next, we will explain the case where the verification result is satisfactory.

[0139] The memory / read unit 99 of node 9 reads all asset information managed by the owner as intermediary Db of intermediary server 5b (S144). Then, the transmit / receive unit 91 transmits all the asset information read in step S144 to intermediary server 5b (S145). As a result, the transmit / receive unit 51b of intermediary server 5b receives all the asset information.

[0140] Next, the decision unit 55b of the intermediary server 5b determines whether any of the asset information received in step S145 contains any specific asset information that (1) has a transaction status set to "Not yet," (2) has the type of production method requested in step S125 set, and (3) has the tradable quantity requested in step S125 set. For example, if step S125 requests asset information that has a production method for electricity using solar power set, the decision unit 55b of the intermediary server 5b determines whether there is any asset information where the type of production method is set to "solar power." If, among the multiple asset information received in step S145, only asset information with a tradable quantity less than the tradable quantity requested in step S125 is set, the decision unit 55b determines whether there are multiple specific asset information that satisfy the tradable quantity requested in step S125. The case where there is specific asset information with the requested type of production method set will be explained next.

[0141] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51b of the intermediary server 5b sends a change request (second change request) to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 to change the owner of the specific asset information that was determined in step 146 from intermediary Db of intermediary server 5b to intermediary Da of intermediary server 5a (S147). This change request in step S147 includes an asset ID to identify the specific asset information that was determined in step S146. The change request in step S147 also includes information indicating the new owner (intermediary Da).

[0142] Next, in node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies each piece of information (asset ID, owner) received in step S147 (S148). This verification is a process to determine whether each piece of information is in a predetermined format and content. The following describes the case where the verification result is satisfactory.

[0143] Next, node 9 generates transaction information and modifies (or generates) asset information based on the change request in step S147 (S149).

[0144] Here, the process of step S149 will be explained in detail using Figure 18. Figure 18 is a conceptual diagram of the transition of transaction information and asset information in the process of step S149. Note that Figure 19 explains the process starting from a state where the first asset information, whose owner is intermediary Db and whose production method is solar power, is managed on the blockchain network 90, as the first transaction information and first asset information have already been generated.

[0145] The transaction processing unit 96 generates second transaction information and adds a block containing the second transaction information to the chain of blocks containing the first transaction stored in the storage unit 9000, as shown in Figure 18. Then, the asset processing unit 97 modifies the contents of the first asset information according to the second transaction information, as shown in Figure 18. This second transaction information includes a unique transaction ID and the transaction type, which is "asset information transaction". The second transaction information also includes the date and time of the mediation of the asset information transaction, the new owner after the mediation (mediator Da), the asset ID to identify the asset information to be transferred (transacted), and the (tradable) quantity of the asset (in this case, electricity).

[0146] Then, the asset processing unit 97 makes changes to the first asset information as shown in Figure 18. Specifically, the asset processing unit 97 changes the owner in the first asset information from "Intermediary Db" to "Intermediary Da". In this case, the asset information has not been transferred to the end consumer Ca or other user, and it can still be transferred in the future, so the transaction status in the first asset information remains "Pending".

[0147] Next, returning to Figure 17, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 sends a response to the request in step S147 to the mediating server 5b (S150). This response indicates whether the processing of the request in step S147 was successful or unsuccessful. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51b of the mediating server 5b receives the response.

[0148] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51b of the intermediary server 5b sends a response to the intermediary server 5a for the request in step S125 (S151). Here, if the transmitting / receiving unit 51b received a response indicating "success" in step S150, the transmitting / receiving unit 51b sends to the intermediary server 5a, as the response content shown in step S151, information indicating "change completed" along with an asset ID to identify the asset information whose change has been completed. Also, if the transmitting / receiving unit 51b received a response indicating "failure" in step S150, the transmitting / receiving unit 51b sends to the intermediary server 5a, as the response content shown in step S151, information indicating "change not possible". The transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a receives a response from the intermediary server 5b. In addition, if it is determined in the process of step S146 that there is no asset information requested by the intermediary server 5a, information indicating that it is "not modifiable" is sent in step S151.

[0149] Next, returning to Figure 16, the determination unit 55a, in response to the request in step S125 in step S151, determines whether the ownership of the asset produced by the type of production method requested in step S125 has been changed from a predetermined intermediary other than intermediary Da to intermediary Da of intermediary server 5a (S126). If it is determined in step S126 that the asset has been transferred (YES), the process proceeds to step S123, and the asset information transferred from a predetermined intermediary server Db or the like other than the local server is assigned.

[0150] On the other hand, if it is determined that the transfer did not occur in step S126 (or if it is determined that the transfer did not occur), then the process proceeds to step S124.

[0151] Furthermore, in step S124, if the determination unit 55a determines that the first change request has been sent to all intermediary servers other than its own server that can be queried (YES), the decision unit 53a re-determines a specific type of production method from among the types of production methods managed by all asset information received in step S85 (S127). In this case, since intermediary server 5a has not received asset information related to assets such as electricity produced using solar power from intermediary server 5b, etc., in the processing of mediating this transaction, intermediary server 5a will transfer ownership of asset information related to assets such as electricity produced using oil, etc. Since transaction mediation is performed once every 30 minutes, it is possible that after 30 minutes, intermediary server 5a may receive ownership of asset information related to assets such as electricity produced using solar power from intermediary server 5b, etc. This completes the detailed processing of step S88 shown in Figure 16.

[0152] Next, returning to Figure 15, the storage / reading unit 59a adds the contents processed in step S88 to the transaction history management DB 5004a by storing them (S89). As a result, for example, the storage / reading unit 59a adds a record to the transaction history management DB 5004 (see Figure 8B) indicating the mediation date and time "2020.1.1 9:00-9:30", the transaction amount "10", and for example, the type of production method "solar" and the total transaction amount by solar power "30".

[0153] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a sends a request to change asset information (third change request) to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S90). This change request includes an asset ID for identifying asset information relating to a specific asset produced by a specific type of production method determined in step S88, from among the asset information received in step S85. The change request in step S90 also includes information indicating the new owner (consumer Ca). This information indicating the new owner may be the user ID received in step S81 or the owner's name. If there are multiple assets produced by a specific type of production method determined in step 88, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a sends a change request for specific asset information relating to the asset whose expiration date is closest to the current date and time from among these multiple assets.

[0154] Next, in node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies each piece of information (asset ID, owner) received in step S90 (S91). This verification is a process to determine whether each piece of information is in a predetermined format and content. The following describes the case where the verification result is satisfactory.

[0155] Next, node 9 generates transaction information and modifies (or generates) asset information based on the change request in step S90 (S92).

[0156] Here, the process of step S92 will be explained in detail using Figure 19. Figure 19 is a conceptual diagram of the transition of transaction information and asset information in the process of step S92. The first transaction information and first asset information on the left side of Figure 18 are the same as the transaction information and asset information in Figure 14, respectively. Here, we will explain the case in which, after the smart meter 3a sets the asset owner to intermediary Da (generation of first asset information based on first transaction information), the intermediary server 5 changes the asset owner to consumer Ca (change of first asset information based on second transaction information), and intermediary Da mediates the transaction of asset information (asset ownership).

[0157] In step S92, the transaction processing unit 96 generates second transaction information as shown in Figure 19. This second transaction information includes a unique transaction ID and the transaction type, which is "asset information transaction". The second transaction information also includes the date and time of the mediation of the asset information transaction, the new owner after the mediation, the asset ID to identify the asset information to be transferred, and the amount of asset (in this case, electricity) used that was received in step S90.

[0158] The asset processing unit 97 then makes the changes to the first asset information as shown in Figure 19. The asset processing unit 97 changes the "(tradable) quantity" to "(used) quantity" in the first asset information and changes the owner from "intermediary Da" to "consumer Ca". Furthermore, the asset processing unit 97 changes the transaction status in the first asset information from "pending" to "completed". Asset information whose transaction status has been changed to "completed" will be excluded from future transactions. Therefore, the transaction processing unit 96 will not include asset information whose transaction status is set to "completed" as a transaction type for "asset information transaction". In other words, asset information that has been excluded from transactions will not be transferred again.

[0159] With the above steps completed, the process in step S92 is finished.

[0160] Next, returning to Figure 15, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 sends a response to the request in step S90 to the mediating server 5 (S93). This response indicates whether the processing of the request in step S90 was successful or unsuccessful. As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the mediating server 5 receives the response.

[0161] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51a of the intermediary server 5a sends a response to the smart meter 3c for the transmission in step S81 (S94). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 31c of the smart meter 3c receives the response from the intermediary server 5a. The content of this response indicates the content of the response received in step S93 (success or failure) and is managed and displayed by the smart meter 3c. Also, if the intermediary server 5a receives a response from the intermediary server 5b indicating that the change is complete in the processing of step S151, a response indicating that it is successful is also sent in step S94.

[0162] <Intermediary processing of production method certificates> Next, we will explain the mediation process for obtaining asset production method certificates using Figure 20. Figure 20 is a sequence diagram showing the mediation process for obtaining asset production method certificates. Consumer Ca requests that mediator Da obtain a production method certificate from certification body E to prove that the type of electricity consumed is produced using renewable energy such as solar power. This will be explained below.

[0163] As shown in Figure 20, when consumer Ca operates smartphone 2c, the transmitting / receiving unit 21c transmits a request for a production method certificate for the asset via the communication network 100 (S201). The transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 then receives the request. This request includes a user ID to identify the user as consumer Ca, and transaction period information indicating the period for which the asset is being traded. That is, consumer Ca requests a production method certificate for a specific transaction period, for example, from January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020.

[0164] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 sends a request for transaction information and asset information to node 9 of the blockchain network 90 (S202). This request includes the certificate of the intermediary server 5, the user as the owner (in this case, consumer Ca), and transaction period information. The transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 then receives the request. The certificate of the intermediary server 5 is the same as the one sent in step S82 above. The transaction period information is the transaction period information received in step S121.

[0165] Next, at node 9, the verification unit 93 verifies the certificate received in step S122 (S203). Certificate verification is the process of determining whether the received certificate is a certificate of a server that has been pre-registered at node 9. The following describes the case where the verification result is satisfactory.

[0166] Next, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out transaction information and asset information in which consumer Ca is set as the owner within a predetermined transaction period indicated by the transaction period information received in step S202 (S204). In this case, the storage / reading unit 99 reads out specific transaction information in which the mediation date and time included within the above transaction period is indicated and the new owner is indicated as consumer Ca. The storage / reading unit 99 also reads out asset information based on the asset ID indicated in the specific transaction information that it has read out.

[0167] Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of node 9 transmits the requested transaction information and asset information to the intermediary server 5 (S205). As a result, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the intermediary server 5 receives the transaction information and asset information.

[0168] Next, in the intermediary server 5, the creation unit 58 creates an application form for the intermediary to submit to the certification authority E based on the transaction information and asset information received in step S205 (S206). This application form is used to apply for a production method certificate to prove the type of production method of the asset.

[0169] Next, as shown in Figure 1, intermediary Da sends the application form created in step S206 to certification authority E by mail or other means (S1). Certification authority E then creates a production method certificate for assets certifying that 40% of the electricity consumed by consumer Ca was produced by renewable energy such as solar power, and sends it to intermediary Da by mail or other means (S2). Intermediary Da then sends the production method certificate to consumer Ca by mail or other means (S3). Certification authority E may, if necessary, obtain transaction information and asset information from blockchain network 90 and verify the contents before issuing the production method certificate.

[0170] With the above steps completed, the mediation process for the production method certificate by intermediary Da is finished. As a result, consumer Ca can use the production method certificate to enhance their company's image or to apply for government subsidies for using renewable energy.

[0171] [Main effects of the embodiment] As explained above, according to this embodiment, if the intermediary server 5a does not have ownership of an asset produced by the required type of production method (S122; NO), it can acquire ownership of the asset produced by the specific type of production method requested by the smart meter 3c from the intermediary server 5b (S126; YES), thereby suppressing the soaring of asset fees and the generation of unused, wasteful assets.

[0172] Furthermore, since the quality of assets such as electricity provided to users is constant, even if the type of asset production method is unknown, Node 9 of the blockchain network 90 manages asset information that indicates the type of asset production method and the asset owner, as well as the transaction information used to generate this asset information, thereby ensuring that the type of production method can be verified without fraud.

[0173] Furthermore, in order to ensure stable use of electricity, it is necessary to adjust the amount of electricity consumed and produced in real time (simultaneous and equal supply). However, because blockchain is a distributed ledger, it takes a certain amount of time to verify the consistency of each ledger information via the network, making it unsuitable for applications such as immediate trading of assets that require real-time processing. In contrast, in this embodiment, the intermediary server 5 sends a change request to the blockchain network 90 to change the owner indicated in the asset information managed on the blockchain network 90 from the original owner to the user (consumer Ca), not at the time when consumer Ca starts using the asset such as electricity, but after consumer Ca has used the asset (S89). This kind of post-payment-like processing has the effect of enabling blockchain-based asset ownership management even for applications such as immediate trading of assets that require real-time processing. Moreover, because the intermediary server 5 changes the asset information managed on the blockchain network 90 on behalf of the provider (producer Aa, etc.) and user (consumer Ca, etc.), the provider (producer Aa, etc.) and user (consumer Ca, etc.) can trade electricity without worrying about changes to the asset information.

[0174] Furthermore, by changing the ownership of specific types of asset production methods, intermediary server 5 can also be used for purposes such as the immediate trading of assets like electricity produced using renewable energy such as solar power.

[0175] 〔others〕 In the above embodiment, the asset information includes information indicating the owner of the asset, but in some cases, it may be possible to omit information indicating the owner. For example, if the user is also a producer and is self-sufficient, there is no need to transfer the asset to another person (another company), so it is sufficient to prove the type of production method.

[0176] Furthermore, while electricity was shown as an example of an asset in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this, and includes both physically existing (or actually existing) assets and assets that do not physically (or actually exist), as described below.

[0177] Examples of physically existing (or actually existing) assets include food products such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, or processed foods. If the asset is grains, vegetables, or fruits, the asset information includes supplementary information such as whether or not pesticides were used, or information indicating the producer or place of production. If the asset is meat, the asset information includes supplementary information such as whether or not the animal was raised using genetically modified crops, or information indicating the producer or place of production. If the asset is seafood such as fish or shellfish, the asset information includes supplementary information such as whether or not it is wild-caught or farmed, or information indicating the producer (fisherman) or production area (fishing area). If the asset is processed food, the asset information includes supplementary information such as information indicating allergens, whether or not it was processed using genetically modified crops, or information indicating the processor or location of the processing plant.

[0178] Furthermore, assets that exist physically (or in reality) include real estate such as land and buildings, and movable property such as goods or the quantity of goods. When the asset is real estate, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership. When the asset is movable property, the asset information is incidental information such as ownership.

[0179] On the other hand, assets that do not physically (or actually exist) include tokens (cryptocurrencies) or the quantity of tokens, carbon emission rights, intellectual property rights and other rights, and contracts. If the asset is a token, the asset information is ancillary information such as ownership. If the asset is a carbon emission right, the asset information is ancillary information such as ownership. If the asset is an intellectual property right or other right, the asset information is ancillary information such as the owner of the right, the transferee of the right, and the licensee. If the asset is a contract, the asset information is ancillary information such as the contract terms and the status of performance. Note that treaties, agreements, promises, memoranda, memos, etc., are treated similarly to contracts.

[0180] Furthermore, in cases such as deferred payment processing, assets include not only electricity, but also gas, tap water, telephone services, etc. In the case of gas, tap water, and telephone services, the asset information is supplementary information such as ownership.

[0181] Each component, such as CPU201, 301, 501, 901, etc., may be a single unit or multiple units.

[0182] Furthermore, each of the functions in the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this embodiment includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), SOCs (System on a chip), GPUs, and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the above-described functions.

[0183] Furthermore, the power generation device 4a(4b) may be equipped with a device or function that is a smart meter 3a(3b). Also, the electrical device 8 may be equipped with a device or function that is a smart meter 3c.

[0184] Furthermore, each of the above programs may be distributed by recording it on a recording medium such as a DVD.

[0185] Furthermore, in communication between smartphone 2 (or smart meter 3), intermediary server 5, and each node 9, other servers or the like may relay the data. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0186] 1. Trading System 2. Smartphone (an example of a communication device) 3. Smart meter (an example of a measurement terminal) 4. Power generation equipment 5a Intermediary Server (An example of another intermediary server) 5b Intermediary server (own server) 8. Electrical equipment 9 nodes 10 Power transmission and distribution network 51 Transmitting / receiving unit (reception unit) 53 Decision Section 90 Blockchain Networks 91 Transmitter / Receiver 95 Judgment Department 96 Transaction Processing Unit 97 Asset Processing Unit 100 Communication Networks 5001 User management DB 5002 Provider management DB 5003 Transaction Details Management DB 5004 Transaction History Management DB

Claims

1. An intermediary server that mediates transactions concerning a specific asset between a provider of the asset and a user of the asset by requesting a change of ownership of the specific asset produced by a specific type of production method from the blockchain network, Receiving means for receiving a first change request transmitted by another intermediary server capable of requesting a change in the ownership of the asset to the blockchain network, for changing the ownership of the asset, which is currently owned by the intermediary managing the intermediary server, from the intermediary to another intermediary managing the other intermediary server, A transmitting means, based on the receiving means receiving the first change request, transmits a second change request to the blockchain network to change the owner of the asset, which is owned by the intermediary, from the intermediary to the other intermediary. It has, The intermediary server is characterized in that, when the transmitting means receives from the blockchain network that the processing of the second change request has been successful, it transmits a response to the other intermediary server indicating that the change has been completed.

2. The first change request includes information indicating the planned usage amount of the asset, The system further includes a means for determining whether, among the assets owned by the aforementioned intermediary, there are any assets that meet the planned usage amount. The intermediary server according to feature 1.

3. The intermediary server according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting means transmits a response to the other intermediary server indicating that the change has been completed in response to the first change request.

4. The intermediary server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the aforementioned asset is electricity.

5. The intermediary server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned other intermediary servers, A trading system characterized by being constructed by [a specific method / system].

6. An intermediary method performed by an intermediary server that mediates transactions concerning an asset between a provider of the asset and a user of the asset, by requesting a change in ownership of a specific asset produced by a specific type of production method from the blockchain network, A receiving step of receiving a first change request sent by another intermediary server capable of requesting a change of ownership of the asset to the blockchain network, to change the ownership of the asset, which is currently owned by the intermediary managing the intermediary server, from the intermediary to another intermediary managing the other intermediary server, A transmission step, based on the receipt of the first change request in the receiving step, transmits a second change request to the blockchain network to change the owner of the asset, which is owned by the intermediary, from the intermediary to the other intermediary. Execute, The mediation method is characterized in that the transmission step includes a process of sending a response to the other mediating server indicating that the change has been completed when the blockchain network receives confirmation that the processing of the second change request has been successful.

7. A program that causes a computer to execute the mediation method described in claim 6.

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