Information processing method and information processing system

Abstract

Provided is an information processing method to be executed by an information processing system for managing information on energy consumption, the information processing method comprising: storing, into a first distributed ledger, first transaction data indicating transfer of first value information from a first user to a second user, the first value information being obtained by evaluating first energy consumption by the first user on a first evaluation scale (S11); and storing, into a second distributed ledger, second transaction data indicating transfer of second value information from the second user to the first user, the second value information being obtained by evaluating the first energy consumption on a second evaluation scale different from the first evaluation scale (S12).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Devices for controlling, evaluating, or certifying the supply and demand of green power have been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the evaluation criteria for green power are not limited to one, and there may be multiple. When there are multiple evaluation criteria, there is a problem that it is difficult to evaluate green power. In addition, it is also useful to include other energies as evaluation targets in addition to electricity.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing method and the like for appropriately performing an evaluation related to energy consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing system that manages information related to energy consumption, and stores first transaction data indicating transfer of first value information obtained by evaluating first energy consumption by a first user using a first evaluation criterion from the first user to a second user in a first distributed ledger, and stores second transaction data indicating transfer of second value information obtained by evaluating the first energy consumption using a second evaluation criterion different from the first evaluation criterion from the second user to the first user in a second distributed ledger.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The information processing method of the present invention can appropriately evaluate energy consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the information processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing a first example of the server configuration in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing a second example of the server configuration in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing a third example of the server configuration in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of value information in the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of value information in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of value information in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a first flowchart showing the processes performed by the information processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a first sequence diagram showing the detailed processing performed by the information processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a second sequence diagram showing the detailed processing performed by the information processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a second flowchart showing the processes performed by the information processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a third sequence diagram showing the detailed processing executed by the information processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a fourth sequence diagram showing the detailed processing executed by the information processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a sequence diagram showing the detailed processing executed by the information processing system in a modification example of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of a blockchain. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of transaction data.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (Findings on which the present invention is based) The present inventor has found that the following problems occur with respect to the technology related to green power described in the "Background Art" section.

[0011] The evaluation criteria for green power are not limited to one, and there may be a plurality of them. For example, as systems or mechanisms related to the evaluation and certification of green power, there are J-Credit, green power certification, and non-fossil certification. For example, in J-Credit, the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions reduction can be used as an evaluation criterion for energy consumption. Also, in green power certification or non-fossil certification, the amount of electricity generated using renewable energy (also referred to as "renewable energy generation amount") can be used as an evaluation criterion for energy consumption.

[0012] Thus, when there are a plurality of evaluation criteria for green power, there is a problem that it is difficult to evaluate green power. For example, it is difficult to simply compare value information evaluated by different evaluation criteria (for example, simply compare the amount of CO2 emissions reduction and the renewable energy generation amount).

[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing method and the like for appropriately performing an evaluation regarding energy consumption.

[0014] Hereinafter, the invention obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be exemplified, and the effects and the like obtained from the invention will be explained.

[0015] (1) An information processing method executed by an information processing system that manages information related to energy consumption, the method comprising: storing first transaction data indicating transfer of first value information obtained by evaluating first energy consumption by a first user using a first evaluation scale from the first user to a second user in a first distributed ledger; and storing second transaction data indicating transfer of second value information obtained by evaluating the first energy consumption using a second evaluation scale different from the first evaluation scale from the second user to the first user in a second distributed ledger.

[0016] According to the above aspect, the information processing system can manage information related to first energy consumption by a first user in a distributed ledger, and can also manage, in a separate distributed ledger, value information (second value information) obtained by evaluating the first energy consumption using an evaluation scale different from the evaluation scale of the original value information (first value information). In other words, the information processing system can manage first energy consumption in a distributed ledger while changing the evaluation scale of the first energy consumption. First, the information processing system according to the above aspect manages information related to first energy consumption by transferring information between a distributed ledger that manages using the evaluation scale before conversion and a distributed ledger that manages using the evaluation scale after conversion, so that it is possible to suppress tampering while the information related to first energy consumption is published. Also, if it is impossible to change the evaluation scale of the first energy consumption, it is difficult to compare value information evaluated using different evaluation scales, and it becomes difficult to utilize the value information. As a result, for example, the evaluation regarding energy consumption may not be appropriately made. Since the information processing system according to the above aspect can change the evaluation scale of the first energy consumption, it can appropriately evaluate the energy consumption. Thus, the information processing system according to the above aspect can appropriately evaluate the energy consumption.

[0017] (2) When storing the second transaction data in the second distributed ledger, the information processing method according to (1) is characterized by determining whether other transaction data indicating the transfer of the first energy consumption related to the second transaction data to be stored is already stored in the second distributed ledger, and if it is determined that the other transaction data is already stored in the second distributed ledger, the storage of the second transaction data in the second distributed ledger is suppressed.

[0018] According to the above embodiment, when the evaluation scale for primary energy consumption is changed, it is possible to suppress the duplication of management of the same primary energy consumption, or in other words, to suppress duplicate management of energy consumption. If multiple management systems using different evaluation scales for the same primary energy consumption coexist, it is possible that the management of the same primary energy consumption may overlap. Therefore, the information processing system according to the above embodiment can perform evaluations related to energy consumption more appropriately while suppressing duplicate management of energy consumption.

[0019] (3) The information processing method according to (1) or (2), wherein when storing the first transaction data in the first distributed ledger, the first transaction data is stored in the first distributed ledger in a confidential state, and the first transaction data includes program code for releasing the confidential state using predetermined key information; when storing the second transaction data in the second distributed ledger, the second transaction data is stored in the second distributed ledger in a confidential state, and the second transaction data includes program code for releasing the confidential state using the key information; the confidential state of the second transaction data is released by storing the third transaction data including the key information in the second distributed ledger; and the confidential state of the first transaction data is released by storing the fourth transaction data including the key information in the first distributed ledger.

[0020] According to the above embodiment, when converting the evaluation scale for first energy consumption, information is transferred in a confidential state between a distributed ledger managing information using the evaluation scale before conversion and a distributed ledger managing information using the evaluation scale after conversion, and then the confidential state is released using key information. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of fraudulent gains or losses regarding evaluation information, for example, if the transfer of information is interrupted midway. Therefore, the information processing system according to the above embodiment can perform evaluations regarding energy consumption more appropriately while suppressing the occurrence of fraud related to the conversion of information regarding energy consumption.

[0021] (4) The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising: storing in a third distributed ledger a fifth transaction data indicating that a third value information, obtained by evaluating the second energy consumption by a third user using a third evaluation scale different from both the first and second evaluation scales, is transferred from the third user to the second user; and storing in a second distributed ledger a sixth transaction data indicating that a fourth value information, obtained by evaluating the second energy consumption using the second evaluation scale, is transferred from the second user to the third user.

[0022] According to the above embodiment, the information processing system can manage information regarding the second energy consumption by a third user in a distributed ledger, and can also manage the second energy consumption as value information (second value information) evaluated using a different evaluation scale than the original value information (third value information) in a separate distributed ledger. In other words, the information processing system can manage the second energy consumption in a distributed ledger in common with the first energy consumption, while changing the evaluation scale for the second energy consumption. This allows the first and second energy consumption to be evaluated using a common evaluation scale, and the evaluation of energy consumption can be made appropriately. Therefore, the information processing system in the above embodiment can make evaluations of energy consumption more appropriate.

[0023] (5) The second value information is equivalent to the first value information, and the information processing method is one of the methods described in (1) to (4).

[0024] According to the above embodiment, primary value information relating to primary energy consumption can be easily converted into secondary value information equivalent to primary value information and managed in a distributed ledger. Therefore, the information processing system according to the above embodiment can perform evaluations of energy consumption more easily and appropriately.

[0025] (6) The second value information is obtained by multiplying the first value information by a conversion rate, using the information processing method described in any of (1) to (4).

[0026] According to the above embodiment, primary value information relating to primary energy consumption can be easily converted into secondary value information obtained by multiplying the primary value information by a conversion rate, and managed in a distributed ledger. Therefore, the information processing system according to the above embodiment can perform evaluations of energy consumption more easily and appropriately.

[0027] (7) The first distributed ledger is a private distributed ledger, and the second distributed ledger is a public distributed ledger. The information processing method described in any of (1) to (6).

[0028] According to the above embodiment, a private distributed ledger is used as the first distributed ledger, and a public distributed ledger is used as the second distributed ledger. Information stored in the private distributed ledger is accessible only to a limited number of users, while information stored in the public distributed ledger is accessible to all users connected to the internet. In this situation, in order for the first user to make information about first energy consumption accessible to more users, it is advantageous to change the distributed ledger in which information about first energy consumption is stored from the first distributed ledger to the second distributed ledger. This increases the motivation for the first user to convert from first-value information to second-value information, thereby promoting the conversion from first-value information to second-value information. This further promotes the appropriateness of the evaluation of energy consumption. Therefore, the information processing system according to the above embodiment can perform evaluations of energy consumption more appropriately.

[0029] (8) The information processing method according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first value information is information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced or the amount of renewable energy generated related to the first energy consumption, and the second value information is information in which the first energy consumption is evaluated using a standard evaluation scale for energy consumption.

[0030] According to the above embodiment, the information processing system can manage information indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced or renewable energy generation related to the first user's first energy consumption in a distributed ledger, and can also convert the first energy consumption into information evaluated using a standard evaluation scale and manage it in a separate distributed ledger. As a result, the information processing system can publish the first energy consumption as information evaluated using a standard evaluation scale, while also managing it while suppressing tampering. Therefore, the information processing system according to the above embodiment can appropriately evaluate energy consumption.

[0031] (9) An information processing system for managing information relating to energy consumption, wherein first transaction data indicating the transfer of first value information, which evaluates the first energy consumption by a first user using a first evaluation scale, from the first user to a second user is stored in a first distributed ledger, and second transaction data indicating the transfer of second value information, which evaluates the first energy consumption using a second evaluation scale different from the first evaluation scale, from the second user to the first user is stored in a second distributed ledger.

[0032] According to the above embodiment, the same effects as the above-described information processing system are achieved.

[0033] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, device, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium.

[0034] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept will be described as optional components.

[0036] (Embodiment) In this embodiment, we will describe an information processing method for appropriately evaluating energy consumption.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes ledger networks 10, 20, and 30. The ledger networks 10, 20, and 30 are directly or indirectly connected to network N and can communicate with each other via network N.

[0039] Furthermore, terminals 41, 42, or 43 are connected to the information processing system 1 via network N. Terminals 41, 42, or 43 may or may not be included in the information processing system 1.

[0040] Network N may consist of any communication lines or networks, including, for example, the Internet, a mobile phone carrier network, an Internet provider access network, or a public access network.

[0041] The ledger network 10 is a P2P network that stores and manages a distributed ledger. The distributed ledger managed by the ledger network 10 is a distributed ledger for managing value information that evaluates energy consumption using a primary evaluation criterion. The distributed ledger managed by the ledger network 10 may be a private distributed ledger. The primary evaluation criterion is, for example, the amount of CO2 emission reduction, and this case will be explained as an example.

[0042] The ledger network 10 includes servers 10A, 10B, and 10C (also referred to as servers 10A, etc.) as nodes in a P2P network. Servers 10A, etc. will be explained in detail later. Note that the number of servers 10A, etc. provided by the ledger network 10 is not limited to three, and may be more.

[0043] Ledger Network 20 is a P2P network that stores and manages a distributed ledger. The distributed ledger managed by Ledger Network 20 is a distributed ledger for managing value information that evaluates energy consumption using a second evaluation metric. The second evaluation metric is a different evaluation metric from the first evaluation metric. The distributed ledger managed by Ledger Network 20 may be a public distributed ledger. The second evaluation metric is, for example, a standard evaluation metric (also called a standard evaluation metric) for energy consumption, and this will be explained as an example.

[0044] The ledger network 20 includes servers 20A, 20B, and 20C (also referred to as servers 20A, etc.) as nodes in the P2P network. Servers 20A, etc. will be explained in detail later. Note that the number of servers 20A, etc. provided by the ledger network 20 is not limited to three, and may be more.

[0045] The ledger network 30 is a P2P network that stores and manages a distributed ledger. The distributed ledger managed by the ledger network 30 is a distributed ledger for managing value information that evaluates energy consumption using a third evaluation metric. The third evaluation metric is an evaluation metric that is different from both the first and second evaluation metrics. The distributed ledger managed by the ledger network 30 may be a private distributed ledger. The third evaluation metric is, for example, renewable energy generation, and this case will be explained as an example.

[0046] The ledger network 30 includes servers 30A, 30B, and 30C (also referred to as servers 30A, etc.) as nodes in a P2P network. Servers 30A, etc. will be explained in detail later. Note that the number of servers 30A, etc. provided by the ledger network 30 is not limited to three, but may be more.

[0047] Terminal 41 is used by the first user who evaluates energy consumption in terms of CO2 emission reduction, and operates based on operations performed by the first user. Terminal 41 generates transaction data to be stored in the distributed ledger. The first user may be, for example, a company, but is not limited to this; it may also be a group of one or more people or an organization to which one or more people belong. Terminal 41 stores the value information related to the first user's energy consumption in the distributed ledger managed by the ledger network 10. In addition, Terminal 41 collaborates with Terminal 42 to convert the value information related to the first user's energy consumption into value information (also called environmental value) evaluated using a standard evaluation scale.

[0048] Terminal 42 is used by a second user who manages the standard evaluation scale, and operates based on operations performed by the second user. Terminal 42 works in cooperation with Terminal 41 to convert the value information related to the first user's energy consumption into environmental value. At this time, Terminal 42 may convert the value information related to the first user's energy consumption into an environmental value equivalent to that value information (see Equation 1). In this case, the environmental value is equivalent to the value information related to the first user's energy consumption.

[0049] Environmental value = C × (Value information related to the first user's energy consumption) (Equation 1)

[0050] In (Equation 1), C is a constant for converting value information related to the first user's energy consumption into an environmental value equivalent to that environmental value. For example, it is a constant for converting units of environmental value into units of environmental value.

[0051] Furthermore, terminal 42 may convert the value information related to the first user's energy consumption into an environmental value obtained by multiplying the value information by a predetermined conversion rate (see Equation 2). In this case, the environmental value is the value obtained by multiplying the value information related to the first user's energy consumption by a predetermined conversion rate.

[0052] Environmental value = R × C × (Value information related to the first user's energy consumption) (Equation 2)

[0053] In (Equation 2), R represents a predetermined conversion rate. For example, if the measurement accuracy of the value information related to the first user's energy consumption is relatively low, or if the standard for the value information related to the first user's energy consumption is relatively old, R may be set to a value less than 1. It can also be said that (Equation 1) is obtained when R is set to 1 in (Equation 2).

[0054] Furthermore, terminal 42 collaborates with terminal 43 to convert the value information related to the third user's energy consumption into value information evaluated using a standard evaluation scale. The value information obtained by evaluating the value information related to the third user's energy consumption using a standard evaluation scale may be equivalent to the value information related to the first user's energy consumption, as in the case of the first user, or it may be a value obtained by multiplying the value information related to the third user's energy consumption by a predetermined conversion rate.

[0055] Terminal 43 is a terminal used by a third-party user who evaluates energy consumption in terms of renewable energy generation, and operates based on operations performed by the third-party user. Terminal 43 is a terminal device that generates transaction data to be stored in a distributed ledger. The third-party user may be, for example, a company, but is not limited to this; it may also be a group of one or more people or an organization to which one or more people belong. Terminal 43 stores the value information related to the third-party user's energy consumption in a distributed ledger managed by the ledger network 30. In addition, Terminal 43 works in cooperation with Terminal 42 to convert the value information related to the third-party user's energy consumption into value information evaluated using a standard evaluation scale.

[0056] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a first example of the server configuration in this embodiment, and specifically, it is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 10A.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, server 10A comprises a processing unit 11, a ledger storage unit 12, and an execution unit 13. Hereafter, server 10A will be used as a representative example of servers such as server 10A. Servers 10B and 10C each have the same functions as server 10A.

[0058] The processing unit 11 is a functional unit that performs processing related to transaction data. The processing unit 11 can be realized by the processor (e.g., CPU (Central Processing Unit)) of the server 20A executing a program using memory.

[0059] The processing unit 11 retrieves transaction data and executes a process to store the retrieved transaction data in the distributed ledger 51.

[0060] When the processing unit 11 stores new transaction data in the distributed ledger 51, it stores the new transaction data in the ledger storage unit 12 in a manner appropriate to the type of distributed ledger 51. The processing unit 11 also sends and receives communication data with the ledger storage units 12 of other servers, such as server 10A, and causes the other servers to store the transaction data in their ledger storage units 12 as well. For example, if the distributed ledger 51 is a blockchain, the processing unit 11 generates a block containing the new transaction data, reaches an agreement among the servers, such as server 10A, regarding the generated block using a consensus algorithm, and then stores the block in the ledger storage unit 12.

[0061] The transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 51 by the processing unit 11 includes transaction data A1, which contains value information that evaluates the energy consumption of the first user in terms of CO2 emission reduction, and transaction data A2 (also called the first transaction data) which indicates that the above value information is being transferred from the first user to the second user. Furthermore, if transaction data A2 is stored in the distributed ledger 51 in a confidential state, the transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 51 by the processing unit 11 also includes transaction data A5 (also called the fourth transaction data) which contains key information for unlocking that confidential state.

[0062] The ledger storage unit 12 is a storage unit that stores the distributed ledger 51. The distributed ledger 51 stored in the ledger storage unit 12 stores one or more transaction data and is managed in a way that makes tampering difficult using characteristics such as hash values ​​(described later). The ledger storage unit 12 stores the transaction data provided by the processing unit 11 in the distributed ledger 51. The transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 51 is managed in a way that prevents tampering, based on the characteristic that it is difficult to tamper with the information recorded in the distributed ledger 51.

[0063] Note that the distributed ledger 51 is, for example, a blockchain, and this will be explained as an example, but it is also possible to adopt other types of distributed ledgers (e.g., IOTA or hash graph). Furthermore, the distributed ledger may or may not execute a consensus algorithm (e.g., PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance), PoW (Proof of Work), or PoS (Proof of Stake)) when storing new data. Hyperledger fabric is an example of a distributed ledger technology that does not execute a consensus algorithm.

[0064] The execution unit 13 is a functional unit that executes processing according to program code (commonly also called contract code) when transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 51, which is stored in the ledger storage unit 12, contains program code. The execution unit 13 can be realized by the processor (e.g., CPU) of the server 10A executing a program using memory. The execution unit 13 executes processing by smart contract according to the program code contained in the transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 51.

[0065] Specifically, when transaction data A2 is stored in the distributed ledger 51 in a confidential state, the execution unit 13 determines whether to approve transaction data A5, which includes key information, using that key information when transaction data A5 is stored in the distributed ledger 51. If it determines to approve, it executes a process to release the confidential state of transaction data A2.

[0066] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a second example of the server configuration in this embodiment, and specifically, it is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 20A.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, server 20A comprises a processing unit 21, a ledger storage unit 22, and an execution unit 23. Hereafter, server 20A will be used as a representative example of servers such as server 20A. Servers 20B and 20C each have the same functions as server 20A.

[0068] The processing unit 21 is a functional unit that performs processing related to transaction data. The processing unit 21 can be realized by the processor (e.g., CPU (Central Processing Unit)) of the server 20A executing a program using memory.

[0069] The processing unit 21 retrieves transaction data and executes a process to store the retrieved transaction data in the distributed ledger 52. The explanation of the process by which the processing unit 21 stores transaction data in the distributed ledger 52 is the same as the explanation for the processing unit 11 of the server 10A, etc., so it will be omitted here.

[0070] The transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 52 by the processing unit 21 includes transaction data A3 (also called second transaction data) indicating the transfer of value information (second value information) obtained by evaluating the first user's first energy consumption using a standard evaluation scale, from the second user to the first user.

[0071] Furthermore, if transaction data A3 is stored in the distributed ledger 52 by the processing unit 21, the transaction data includes transaction data A4 (also called third transaction data) which contains key information for releasing the confidential state.

[0072] Furthermore, the transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 52 by the processing unit 21 includes transaction data B3 (also called sixth transaction data) indicating the transfer of value information (third value information) obtained by evaluating the third user's second energy consumption using a third evaluation metric, from the second user to the third user.

[0073] Furthermore, if transaction data B3 is stored in the distributed ledger 52 by the processing unit 21, the transaction data B4 includes key information for releasing the confidential state.

[0074] The ledger storage unit 22 is a storage unit that stores the distributed ledger 52. The description of the distributed ledger 52 stored in the ledger storage unit 22 is the same as the description of the distributed ledger 51 of the server 10A, etc., so it will be omitted here.

[0075] The execution unit 23 is a functional unit that executes processing according to program code when transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 52, which is stored in the ledger storage unit 22, contains program code. The explanation of how the execution unit 23 performs processing according to program code is the same as the explanation for the execution unit 13 of the server 10A, etc., so it will be omitted here.

[0076] Specifically, when transaction data A3 is stored in the distributed ledger 52 in a confidential state, the execution unit 23 determines whether to approve transaction data A4, which includes key information, using that key information when transaction data A4 is stored in the distributed ledger 52. If it determines to approve, it executes a process to release the confidential state of transaction data A3.

[0077] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a third example of the server configuration in this embodiment, and specifically, it is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 30A.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, server 30A comprises a processing unit 31, a ledger storage unit 32, and an execution unit 33. Hereafter, server 30A will be used as a representative example of servers such as server 30A. Servers 30B and 30C each have the same functions as server 30A.

[0079] The processing unit 31 is a functional unit that performs processing related to transaction data. The processing unit 21 can be realized by the processor (e.g., CPU (Central Processing Unit)) of the server 20A executing a program using memory.

[0080] The processing unit 31 retrieves transaction data and executes a process to store the retrieved transaction data in the distributed ledger 53. The explanation of the process by which the processing unit 31 stores transaction data in the distributed ledger 53 is the same as the explanation for the processing unit 11 of the server 10A, etc., so it will be omitted here.

[0081] The transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 53 by the processing unit 31 includes transaction data B1, which contains value information that evaluates the energy consumption of the third user in terms of renewable energy generation, and transaction data B2 (also called fifth transaction data), which indicates that the above value information is being transferred from the third user to the second user. Furthermore, if transaction data B2 is stored in the distributed ledger 53 in a confidential state, the transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 53 by the processing unit 31 also includes transaction data B5 (also called sixth transaction data), which contains key information for unlocking that confidential state.

[0082] The ledger storage unit 32 is a storage unit that stores the distributed ledger 53. The description of the distributed ledger 53 stored in the ledger storage unit 32 is the same as the description of the distributed ledger 51 of the server 10A, etc., so it will be omitted here.

[0083] The execution unit 33 is a functional unit that executes processing according to program code when transaction data stored in the distributed ledger 53, which is stored in the ledger storage unit 32, contains program code. The explanation of how the execution unit 33 performs processing according to program code is the same as the explanation for the execution unit 13 of the server 10A, etc., so it will be omitted here.

[0084] Specifically, when transaction data B2 is stored in the distributed ledger 53 in a confidential state, the execution unit 33 determines whether to approve transaction data B5, which includes key information, using that key information when transaction data B5 is stored in the distributed ledger 53. If it determines to approve, it executes a process to release the confidential state of transaction data B2.

[0085] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of value information in this embodiment.

[0086] The value information shown in Figure 5 is the value information of the first user, and is the value information when CO2 emission reduction amount is used as the evaluation metric. The value information shown in Figure 5 is an example of the value information included in transaction data A1 stored in the distributed ledger 51.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5, the value information includes the amount of CO2 emissions reduced, the equipment ID, and the period.

[0088] The CO2 emission reduction amount is a value that indicates the amount of CO2 emission reduction achieved by the first user. The CO2 emission reduction amount can be calculated, for example, by multiplying the difference in power consumption obtained by subtracting the power consumption of a conventional device of the same type as the device in question, but without functions or structures related to CO2 emission reduction, when operating for the same amount of time, by the CO2 emission factor (CO2 emissions per unit of energy). The CO2 emission reduction amount is expressed in units of tons, for example.

[0089] The equipment ID is the identification information of the equipment that contributed to the reduction of CO2 emissions. The equipment ID may include, for example, the equipment's unique identification information (e.g., serial number). The equipment ID may also include the identification information of the equipment's manufacturer.

[0090] The period indicates the timeframe during which the CO2 emission reduction was achieved. The period is shown, for example, in the format of year, month, and day.

[0091] The value information shown in Figure 5 indicates that the equipment with equipment ID P0001, owned by the first user, reduced (in other words, suppressed) CO2 emissions by A[t] during the period from January to December 2020.

[0092] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of value information in this embodiment.

[0093] The value information shown in Figure 6 is the value information of a third-party user, and is the value information when renewable energy generation amount is used as the evaluation metric. The value information shown in Figure 6 is an example of the value information included in transaction data B1 stored in the distributed ledger 53.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, the value information includes renewable energy generation amount, equipment ID, and period.

[0095] Renewable energy generation is a value that indicates the amount of renewable energy generated by a third-party user. Renewable energy generation is the amount of electricity generated by the equipment using renewable energy. Renewable energy generation is expressed in units such as kWh.

[0096] The equipment ID is identification information for equipment that contributed to the generation of renewable energy. The equipment ID may include, for example, the equipment's unique identification information (e.g., serial number). The equipment ID may also include identification information for the equipment's manufacturer.

[0097] The period is information indicating the period during which renewable energy generation occurred. The period is shown, for example, in the format of year, month, and day.

[0098] The value information shown in Figure 6 indicates that a device with device ID Q00305, owned by a third-party user, generated B [kWh] of electricity using renewable energy during the period from April to June 2020.

[0099] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of value information in this embodiment.

[0100] The value information shown in Figure 7 is the value information of the first and third users, and is value information (also called environmental value) based on a standard evaluation scale as the evaluation criterion.

[0101] The value information shown in Figure 7 is an example of value information obtained by transforming the value information shown in transaction data A1 stored in distributed ledger 51 or transaction data B1 stored in distributed ledger 53 into a value information expressed on a standard evaluation scale.

[0102] As shown in Figure 7, the value information includes environmental value, equipment ID, and time period.

[0103] Environmental value is a value obtained by converting the amount of CO2 emission reduction achieved by the first user, or the amount of renewable energy generation achieved by the third user, into environmental value based on a standard evaluation scale. The unit of environmental value is arbitrary.

[0104] The device ID and period are the same as the information of the same name shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, respectively.

[0105] The value information shown in the upper part of Figure 7 indicates that the equipment with equipment ID P0001, owned by the first user, achieved an environmental value of SA during the period from January to December 2020.

[0106] Furthermore, the value information shown in the lower part of Figure 7 indicates that the equipment with equipment ID Q00305, owned by a third-party user, achieved environmental value SB during the period from April to June 2020.

[0107] The processing of the information processing system 1, configured as described above, will be explained below.

[0108] Figure 8 is a first flowchart showing the processing performed by the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 8 is the process of converting the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user and the amount of renewable energy generated by the third user into environmental value and managing them in a distributed ledger.

[0109] In step S11, terminal 41 stores the amount of CO2 emission reduction of the first user in the distributed ledger 51.

[0110] In step S12, terminals 41 and 42 convert the amount of CO2 emission reduction of the first user stored in the distributed ledger 51 in step S11 into environmental value and store it in the distributed ledger 52.

[0111] In step S13, terminal 43 stores the renewable energy generation amount of the third user in the distributed ledger 53.

[0112] In step S14, terminals 43 and 42 convert the renewable energy generation amount of the third user stored in the distributed ledger 53 in step S13 into environmental value and store it in the distributed ledger 52.

[0113] The details of the process shown in Figure 8 will be explained below.

[0114] Figure 9 is a first sequence diagram showing the detailed processing performed by the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. Note that the processing in steps S101 to S102, described later, corresponds to step S11 (see Figure 8), and the processing in steps S111 to S128, described later, corresponds to step S12 (see Figure 8). Here, we will explain the process of storing transaction data in a confidential state in a distributed ledger and then releasing the confidential state.

[0115] In step S101, terminal 41 generates transaction data A1 that includes the CO2 emission reduction amount of the first user. At this time, terminal 41 obtains the CO2 emission reduction amount by calculating it using, for example, the operating time obtained from the log information of the equipment owned by the first user, and generates transaction data including the obtained CO2 emission reduction amount as transaction data A1. Terminal 41 transmits the generated transaction data A1 to server 10A or the like.

[0116] In step S102, the server 10A, etc., receives the transaction data A1 sent in step S101 and stores it in the distributed ledger 51.

[0117] In step S111, terminal 41 generates key information. This key information is used to unlock the confidentiality of transaction data A2 and A3 (described later). Terminal 41 generates key information, for example, by generating a random byte and obtaining the hash value of the generated byte as the key information.

[0118] In step S112, terminal 41 generates transaction data A2 indicating that the CO2 emission reduction amount of the first user is to be transferred from the first user to the second user. Transaction data A2 further includes contract code for decrypting the transaction data A2 using key information if the transaction data A2 is stored in the distributed ledger 51 in a confidential state. Terminal 41 sends the generated transaction data A2 to server 10A, etc. Server 10A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data A2.

[0119] In step S113, the server 10A, etc., stores the transaction data A2 received in step S112 in the distributed ledger 51. At this time, the server 10A, etc., stores the transaction data A2 in the distributed ledger 51 in a confidential state. The contents of the confidential transaction data A2 are managed in such a way that they cannot be read. The same applies to subsequent confidential transaction data.

[0120] In step S114, terminal 41 transmits the key information generated in step S111 to terminal 42. Terminal 42 receives the transmitted key information. The transmission and reception of the key information may be by any method, for example, by email.

[0121] In step S115, terminal 42 generates transaction data A3 indicating that it will convert the CO2 emission reduction amount of the first user into environmental value and transfer that environmental value from the second user to the first user. Transaction data A3 further includes contract code for decrypting transaction data A3 using key information if transaction data A3 is stored in the distributed ledger 52 in a confidential state. Terminal 42 sends the generated transaction data A3 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data A3.

[0122] In step S116, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data A3 received in step S115 in the distributed ledger 52. At this time, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data A3 in the distributed ledger 52 in a confidential state.

[0123] In step S121, terminal 41 generates transaction data A4 containing the key information created in step S111. Terminal 41 sends the generated transaction data A4 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data A4.

[0124] In step S122, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data A4 received in step S121 in the distributed ledger 52. By storing the transaction data A4 in the distributed ledger 52, the server 20A, etc., executes the contract code contained in the transaction data A3, thereby enabling the processing in steps S123 and S124.

[0125] In step S123, the server 20A, etc., executes a process to determine whether or not to approve transaction data A4 (also called the approval / rejection determination process). In the above process, the server 20A, etc., determines to approve transaction data A4 if the key information contained in transaction data A4 received in step S121 matches the key information generated in step S111. If the server 20A, etc., determines to approve transaction data A4, it executes step S124.

[0126] In step S124, the server 20A, etc., removes the confidentiality status from transaction data A3, which was stored in the distributed ledger 52 in step S116. The contents of transaction data A3, once the confidentiality status has been removed, are managed in such a way that they can be read. The same applies to subsequent transaction data once the confidentiality status has been removed.

[0127] In step S125, terminal 42 generates transaction data A5 containing the key information received in step S114. Terminal 42 sends the generated transaction data A5 to server 10A, etc. Server 10A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data A5.

[0128] In step S126, the server 10A, etc., stores the transaction data A5 received in step S125 in the distributed ledger 51. By storing the transaction data A5 in the distributed ledger 51, the server 10A, etc., executes the contract code contained in the transaction data A5, thereby enabling the processing in steps S127 and S128.

[0129] In step S127, the server 10A, etc., executes a process to determine whether or not to approve transaction data A5 (also called the approval / rejection determination process). In the above process, the server 10A, etc., determines to approve transaction data A5 if the key information contained in transaction data A5 received in step S125 matches the key information generated in step S111. If the server 10A, etc. determines to approve transaction data A5, it executes step S128.

[0130] In step S128, the server 10A, etc., releases the confidentiality status of the transaction data A2 stored in the distributed ledger 51 in step S113.

[0131] Furthermore, when terminal 42 stores transaction data A3 in the distributed ledger 52 (step S116), or when it releases the confidential status of transaction data A3 stored in the distributed ledger 52 (step S124), it may be configured to eliminate duplicate management of evaluation information (i.e., CO2 emission reduction amount) that evaluates the same energy consumption. Specifically, terminal 42 may determine whether other transaction data indicating the transfer of the first energy consumption related to the second transaction data to be stored is already stored in the distributed ledger 52, and if it determines that other transaction data is already stored in the distributed ledger 52, it may suppress storing the second transaction data in the distributed ledger 52.

[0132] Figure 10 is a second sequence diagram showing the detailed processing performed by the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. Note that the processing in steps S141 to S142, described later, corresponds to step S13 (see Figure 8), and the processing in steps S151 to S168, described later, corresponds to step S14 (see Figure 8). Here, we will explain the process of storing transaction data in a confidential state in a distributed ledger and then releasing the confidential state.

[0133] In step S141, terminal 43 generates transaction data B1 including the renewable energy generation amount of the third user. At this time, terminal 43 obtains the renewable energy generation amount by, for example, using the operating time obtained from the log information of the renewable energy generation equipment owned by the third user, and generates transaction data including the obtained renewable energy generation amount as transaction data B1. Terminal 43 transmits the generated transaction data B1 to server 30A, etc.

[0134] In step S142, the server 30A, etc., receives the transaction data B1 sent in step S141 and stores it in the distributed ledger 53.

[0135] In step S151, terminal 43 generates key information. This key information is used to unlock the confidentiality of transaction data B2 and B3 (described later). The key information is generated in the same manner as the key information generated by terminal 41 in step S111 (see Figure 9), and the content of the key information may be the same as or different from the key information generated by terminal 41.

[0136] In step S152, terminal 43 generates transaction data B2 indicating that the renewable energy generation amount of the third user is to be transferred from the third user to the second user. Transaction data B2 further includes contract code for decrypting the transaction data B2 using key information if the transaction data B2 is stored in the distributed ledger 53 in a confidential state. Terminal 43 sends the generated transaction data B2 to server 30A, etc. Server 30A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data B2.

[0137] In step S153, the server 30A, etc., receives the transaction data B2 received in step S152 and stores it in the distributed ledger 53. At this time, the server 30A, etc., stores the transaction data B2 in the distributed ledger 53 in a confidential state.

[0138] In step S154, terminal 43 transmits the key information generated in step S151 to terminal 42. Terminal 42 receives the transmitted key information.

[0139] In step S155, terminal 42 generates transaction data B3 indicating that it will convert the renewable energy generation amount of the third user into environmental value and transfer that environmental value from the second user to the third user. Transaction data B3 further includes contract code for decrypting the transaction data B3 using key information if the transaction data B3 is stored in the distributed ledger 53 in a confidential state. Terminal 43 sends the generated transaction data B3 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data B3.

[0140] In step S156, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data B3 received in step S155 in the distributed ledger 52. At this time, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data B3 in the distributed ledger 52 in a confidential state.

[0141] In step S161, terminal 43 generates transaction data B4 containing the key information created in step S151. Terminal 43 sends the generated transaction data B4 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data B4.

[0142] In step S162, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data B4 received in step S161 in the distributed ledger 52. By storing the transaction data B4 in the distributed ledger 52, the server 20A, etc., executes the contract code contained in the transaction data B3, thereby enabling the processing in steps S163 and S164.

[0143] In step S163, the server 20A, etc., executes a process to determine whether or not to approve transaction data B4 (also called the approval / rejection determination process). In the above process, the server 20A, etc., determines to approve transaction data B4 if the key information contained in transaction data B4 received in step S161 matches the key information generated in step S151. If the server 20A, etc., determines to approve transaction data B4, it executes step S164.

[0144] In step S164, the server 20A, etc., releases the confidentiality status of the transaction data B3 stored in the distributed ledger 52 in step S156.

[0145] In step S165, terminal 42 generates transaction data B5 containing the key information received in step S154. Terminal 42 sends the generated transaction data B5 to server 30A, etc. Server 30A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data B5.

[0146] In step S166, the server 30A, etc., stores the transaction data A5 received in step S165 in the distributed ledger 53. By storing the transaction data B5 in the distributed ledger 53, the server 30A, etc., executes the contract code contained in the transaction data B5, thereby enabling the processing in steps S167 and S168.

[0147] In step S167, the server 30A, etc., executes a process to determine whether or not to approve transaction data B5 (also called the approval / rejection determination process). In the above process, the server 30A, etc., determines to approve transaction data B5 if the key information contained in transaction data B5 received in step S165 matches the key information generated in step S151. If the server 30A, etc., determines to approve transaction data B5, it executes step S168.

[0148] In step S168, the server 30A, etc., releases the confidentiality status of the transaction data B2 stored in the distributed ledger 53 in step S153.

[0149] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the information processing system 1 converts the CO2 emission reduction amount of the first user and the renewable energy generation amount of the third user into environmental values ​​and stores them in the distributed ledger 52. Since the environmental values ​​stored in the distributed ledger 52 can be accessed from other devices, for example, a user who wants to access the environmental values ​​of each user can access the distributed ledger 52 to understand the environmental values ​​of both the first and third users. Therefore, the information processing system 1 can appropriately evaluate energy consumption.

[0150] The following sections describe technologies for managing conversion rules to convert CO2 emission reductions or renewable energy generation into environmental value.

[0151] Figure 11 is a second flowchart showing the processing performed by the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 11 is the process of managing conversion rules for converting the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the first user or the amount of renewable energy generated by the third user into environmental value using a distributed ledger.

[0152] First, assume that at the time step S21 is executed, several candidate conversion rules have been published, and the first and third users are aware of these candidates. The candidates for the conversion rules differ from one another, for example, in their conversion rates from CO2 emission reductions or renewable energy generation to environmental value. By executing the series of processes shown in Figure 11, one of the candidates is determined to be the conversion rule.

[0153] In step S21, the information processing system 1 determines the conversion rule by voting.

[0154] In step S22, the information processing system 1 shares the conversion rules determined in step S21 among the servers within the information processing system 1 (more specifically, server 10A, server 20A, and server 30A).

[0155] The details of the process shown in Figure 11 will be explained below.

[0156] Figure 12 is a third sequence diagram showing the detailed processing performed by the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 12 is the same as the processing included in step S21 of Figure 11.

[0157] In step S201, terminal 42 generates transaction data C1, which includes the contract code for the vote counting process. The vote counting process includes adding 1 to the number of votes for the target included in the received transaction data when it receives transaction data containing the voting contract code (specifically, transaction data C2 and C3 described later). Transaction data C1 also includes the contract code for determining the conversion rule based on the results of the vote counting process when a predetermined voting period has ended. Terminal 41 sends the generated transaction data C1 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data C1.

[0158] In step S202, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data C1 received in step S201 in the distributed ledger 52.

[0159] In step S211, terminal 41 generates voting transaction data C2. Transaction data C2 includes information indicating the first user's vote among multiple candidates for the conversion rule. Terminal 41 sends the generated transaction data C2 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transaction data C2.

[0160] In step S212, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data C2 received in step S211 in the distributed ledger 52. By storing the transaction data C2 in the distributed ledger 52, the server 20A, etc., executes the contract code contained in the transaction data C1, thereby enabling the processing in step S213.

[0161] In step S213, the server 20A, etc., performs the vote counting process. In the counting process, the server 20A, etc., adds 1 to the number of votes for the target party included in the transaction data C2 received in step S212.

[0162] In step S211A, terminal 43 generates voting transaction data C3. Transaction data C3 includes information indicating the third user's vote among multiple candidates for the conversion rule. Terminal 43 sends the generated transaction data C3 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives transaction data C3.

[0163] Upon receiving the transaction data C3, the server 20A, etc., stores the received transaction data C3 in the distributed ledger 52 and performs the vote counting process, similar to steps S212 and S213 (steps S212A and S213A).

[0164] Assume that the voting period ends after the processing in step S213A has been executed.

[0165] In step S214, the server 20A, etc., determines the conversion rule using the results of the tabulation process (steps S213 and S213A) performed during the voting period. More specifically, the server 20A, etc., determines the candidate who received the most votes during the voting period as the conversion rule.

[0166] Figure 13 is a fourth sequence diagram showing the detailed processing performed by the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 13 is the processing included in step S22 of Figure 11.

[0167] In step S221, terminal 41 generates key information. This key information is used to unlock the confidentiality of transaction data D2 and D3 (described later).

[0168] In step S222, terminal 41 generates transaction data D1 indicating that it will transfer information from the first user to the second user, indicating that the first user has agreed to the conversion rules determined in step S21 of Figure 11 (more specifically, step S214 of Figure 12). Transaction data D1 further includes contract code for decrypting transaction data D1 using key information if transaction data D1 is stored in the distributed ledger 51 in a confidential state. Terminal 41 sends the generated transaction data D1 to server 10A, etc. Server 10A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data D1.

[0169] In step S223, the server 10A, etc., stores the transaction data D1 received in step S222 in the distributed ledger 51. At this time, the server 10A, etc., stores the transaction data D1 in the distributed ledger 51 in a confidential state.

[0170] In step S224, terminal 41 transmits the key information generated in step S221 to terminal 42. Terminal 42 receives the transmitted key information. The transmission and reception of the key information may be by any method, for example, by email.

[0171] In step S225, terminal 42 generates transaction data D2 indicating that the conversion rule determined in step S214 (see Figure 12) is to be transferred from the second user to the first user. Transaction data D2 further includes contract code for decrypting the transaction data D2 using key information if the transaction data D2 is stored in the distributed ledger 52 in a confidential state. Terminal 42 sends the generated transaction data D2 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data D2.

[0172] In step S226, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data D2 received in step S225 in the distributed ledger 52. At this time, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data D2 in the distributed ledger 52 in a confidential state.

[0173] In step S231, terminal 41 generates transaction data D3 containing the key information created in step S221. Terminal 41 sends the generated transaction data D3 to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data D3.

[0174] In step S232, the server 20A, etc., stores the transaction data D3 received in step S231 in the distributed ledger 52. By storing the transaction data D3 in the distributed ledger 52, the server 20A, etc., executes the contract code contained in the transaction data D2, thereby enabling the processing in steps S233 and S234.

[0175] In step S233, the server 20A, etc., executes a process to determine whether or not to approve transaction data D3 (also called the approval / rejection determination process). In the above process, the server 20A, etc., determines to approve transaction data D3 if the key information contained in transaction data D3 received in step S231 matches the key information generated in step S221. If the server 20A, etc., determines to approve transaction data D3, it executes step S234.

[0176] In step S234, the server 20A, etc., releases the confidentiality status of the transaction data D2 stored in the distributed ledger 52 in step S226.

[0177] In step S235, terminal 42 generates transaction data D4 containing the key information received in step S224. Terminal 42 sends the generated transaction data D4 to server 10A, etc. Server 10A, etc. receives the transmitted transaction data D4.

[0178] In step S236, the server 10A, etc., stores the transaction data D4 received in step S235 in the distributed ledger 51. By storing the transaction data D4 in the distributed ledger 51, the server 10A, etc., executes the contract code contained in the transaction data D4, thereby enabling the processing in steps S237 and S238.

[0179] In step S237, the server 10A, etc., executes a process to determine whether or not to approve transaction data D4 (also called the approval / rejection determination process). In the above process, the server 10A, etc., determines to approve transaction data D4 if the key information contained in transaction data D4 received in step S235 matches the key information generated in step S221. If the server 10A, etc., determines to approve transaction data D4, it executes step S238.

[0180] In step S238, the server 10A, etc., releases the confidentiality status of the transaction data D1 stored in the distributed ledger 51 in step S223.

[0181] The information processing system 1 can appropriately evaluate energy consumption through the processes shown in Figures 11 to 13.

[0182] (Modified example of the embodiment) Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the detailed processing performed by the information processing system in this modified example. This modified example describes the process of storing transaction data in a distributed ledger without keeping it confidential.

[0183] In step S1, terminal 41 generates first transaction data indicating that it will transfer first value information, which evaluates the first energy consumption by the first user using a first evaluation metric, from the first user to the second user, and transmits it to server 10A, etc. Server 10A, etc. receives the transmitted first transaction data. The first transaction data corresponds to, for example, transaction data A2 in the above embodiment.

[0184] In step S2, the server 10A, etc., stores the first transaction data received in step S1 in the first distributed ledger.

[0185] In step S3, terminal 42 generates second transaction data indicating that it will transfer second value information, which is obtained by evaluating the first energy consumption using a second evaluation scale different from the first evaluation scale, from the second user to the first user, and sends it to server 20A, etc. Server 20A, etc. receives the transmitted second transaction data. The second transaction data corresponds to, for example, transaction data A3 in the above embodiment.

[0186] In step S4, the server 20A, etc., stores the second transaction data received in step S3 in the second distributed ledger.

[0187] The series of processes shown in Figure 15 allows the information processing system to appropriately evaluate energy consumption.

[0188] (supplement) The distributed ledger in the above embodiment or modified example will be explained in more detail below. Here, blockchain will be explained as an example of a distributed ledger, but the same principles apply to other distributed ledgers.

[0189] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the data structure of a blockchain.

[0190] A blockchain is a chain of blocks, which are the units of data recording. Each block contains multiple transaction data and the hash value of the previous block. Specifically, block B2 contains the hash value of the previous block, B1. Then, the hash value calculated from the multiple transaction data contained in block B2 and the hash value of block B1 is included in block B3 as the hash value of block B2. In this way, by including the contents of the previous block as a hash value and linking the blocks in a chain, tampering with the recorded transaction data is effectively prevented.

[0191] If past transaction data is altered, the hash value of the block will be different from the original value. To make the tampered block appear legitimate, all subsequent blocks would have to be rebuilt, a process that is practically extremely difficult. This property is used to guarantee the tamper-proof nature of blockchain.

[0192] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of transaction data.

[0193] The transaction data shown in Figure 16 includes a transaction body P1 and a digital signature P2. The transaction body P1 is the data itself contained within the transaction data. The digital signature P2 is generated by signing the hash value of the transaction body P1 with the signing key of the creator of the transaction data, or more specifically, by encrypting it with the creator's private key.

[0194] Transaction data is virtually impossible to tamper with because it has a digital signature P2. This prevents alteration of the transaction body itself.

[0195] In the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that implements the server etc. in the above embodiment is the following program.

[0196] In other words, this program causes a computer to execute an information processing method performed by an information processing system that manages information about energy consumption. This method involves storing first transaction data in a first distributed ledger indicating the transfer of first value information, which evaluates the first energy consumption by a first user using a first evaluation scale, from the first user to a second user, and storing second transaction data in a second distributed ledger indicating the transfer of second value information, which evaluates the first energy consumption using a second evaluation scale different from the first evaluation scale, from the second user to the first user.

[0197] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments of one or more embodiments of an information processing system, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may be applied to these embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments. [Industrial applicability]

[0198] This invention can be used in systems that perform evaluations related to energy consumption. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0199] 1. Information Processing System 10, 20, 30 Ledger Network 10A, 10B, 10C, 20A, 20B, 20C, 30A, 30B, 30C Servers 11, 21, 31 Processing Units 12, 22, 32 Ledger storage unit 13, 23, 33 Execution Department Terminals 41, 42, and 43 51, 52, 53 Distributed Ledger Blocks B0, B1, B2, and B3 N Network P1 Transaction Body P2 Digital Signature

Claims

1. An information processing method performed by an information processing system that manages information related to energy consumption, The first transaction data, which indicates the transfer of first value information—evaluated by the first user's first energy consumption using the first evaluation metric—from the first user to the second user, is stored in the first distributed ledger. The second transaction data, which indicates the transfer of second value information—obtained by evaluating the first energy consumption using a second evaluation metric different from the first evaluation metric—from the second user to the first user, is stored in the second distributed ledger. Information processing methods.

2. When storing the second transaction data in the second distributed ledger, Determine whether other transaction data indicating the transfer of the first energy consumption related to the second transaction data to be stored is already stored in the second distributed ledger. If it is determined that the aforementioned other transaction data is already stored in the second distributed ledger, the storage of the second transaction data in the second distributed ledger is suppressed. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. When storing the first transaction data in the first distributed ledger, the first transaction data is stored in the first distributed ledger in a confidential state. The aforementioned first transaction data includes: The program code includes a program for decrypting the confidential state using predetermined key information. When storing the second transaction data in the second distributed ledger, the second transaction data is stored in the second distributed ledger in a confidential state. The aforementioned second transaction data includes: The program code includes a program code for decrypting the confidential state using the aforementioned key information. The confidentiality state of the second transaction data is released by storing the third transaction data, which includes the aforementioned key information, in the second distributed ledger. The confidentiality state of the first transaction data is released by storing the fourth transaction data, which includes the aforementioned key information, in the first distributed ledger. The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned information processing method further, A fifth transaction data indicating the transfer of third value information, which evaluates the second energy consumption by a third user using a third evaluation scale different from both the first and second evaluation scales, from the third user to the second user is stored in the third distributed ledger. The second distributed ledger stores sixth transaction data indicating the transfer of fourth value information, which evaluates the second energy consumption using the second evaluation scale, from the second user to the third user. The information processing method according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned second value information is equivalent to the aforementioned first value information. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second value information is obtained by multiplying the first value information by the conversion rate. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned first distributed ledger is a private distributed ledger, The aforementioned second distributed ledger is a public distributed ledger. The information processing method according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned first value information is information indicating the amount of CO2 emission reduction or renewable energy generation related to the aforementioned first energy consumption, The aforementioned second value information is information obtained by evaluating the aforementioned first energy consumption using a standard evaluation scale for energy consumption. The information processing method according to claim 1.

9. An information processing system for managing information related to energy consumption, The first transaction data, which indicates the transfer of first value information—evaluated by the first user's first energy consumption using the first evaluation metric—from the first user to the second user, is stored in the first distributed ledger. The second transaction data, which indicates the transfer of second value information—obtained by evaluating the first energy consumption using a second evaluation metric different from the first evaluation metric—from the second user to the first user, is stored in the second distributed ledger. Information processing system.

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