Information processing system

Abstract

We provide an information processing system that can calculate values ​​related to carbon dioxide emissions at the distribution and purchasing stages of products. [Solution] The system comprises a calculation unit that calculates at least one of the following for a given product: the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the distribution stage and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the purchase stage; and an output unit that outputs the amount of carbon dioxide emissions calculated by the calculation unit, linked to the product. The calculation unit may also calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage for a given product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an environmental load evaluation device that calculates and outputs the amount of environmentally loaded substances discharged throughout the life cycle of a product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for consumers who purchase products to handle the amount of environmentally loaded substances discharged, for example, to reflect this in their consumption behavior. More specifically, Patent Document 1 does not disclose calculating values related to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the distribution and purchase stages of products that are easy for users to handle and use.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system or the like that can calculate a value related to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the distribution and purchase stages of products.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect, a calculation unit that calculates at least one of the amount of carbon dioxide emission load in the distribution stage and the amount of carbon dioxide emission load in the purchase stage for a single product; an output unit that associates and outputs the amount of carbon dioxide emission load calculated by the calculation unit with the single product; An information processing system is provided that includes the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one respect, the present invention makes it possible to calculate values ​​related to carbon dioxide emissions during the distribution and purchasing stages of a product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of an information processing system configured with a server and a user's mobile device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the movement path of the goods. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the process of sending product information from the server to the user's mobile device. [Figure 4A] This flowchart shows the process of sending location information of a manufacturing plant from a server to a user's mobile device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the process for calculating the carbon dioxide emission load during the manufacturing and distribution stages on a user's mobile device. [Figure 5A] This flowchart shows the process for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions at the purchasing stage on a user's mobile device. [Figure 5B] This flowchart shows the process for calculating the total load on a user's mobile device. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a screen display showing the carbon dioxide emission load associated with a specific product being purchased. [Figure 6A] This diagram illustrates a screen display that shows the predicted carbon dioxide emission load for similar products prior to purchasing them. [Figure 6B] This diagram shows an example of selecting products inside store X. [Figure 6C] This diagram shows an example of selecting a store to purchase a product. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the typical route a product takes when using an online shopping site. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This disclosure follows the concept of carbon footprint and considers not only carbon dioxide but also all so-called greenhouse gases (GHGs). On the other hand, in terms of quantification, by converting greenhouse gases into carbon dioxide equivalents, it is possible to provide information that is easy for users to handle and use when purchasing products. For example, the information processing system of this disclosure can be used as a tool for users to compare the results of environmentally conscious corporate efforts. This makes it possible for consumers to choose products and purchasing behaviors that have a lower environmental impact, and it is possible to improve the environment through changes in consumer behavior.

[0010] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the information processing system in this embodiment, and Figure 2 shows an example of an information processing system configured with a server and a user's mobile terminal.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 10 of this embodiment includes a calculation unit 11 that calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions load for a single product, an output unit 12 that outputs the calculation results from the calculation unit, and a storage unit 13 that stores various data.

[0012] In the example shown in Figure 2, the information processing system 10 consists of a server 3 (computer) with a predetermined program implemented on it, and a user's mobile terminal 4 (computer) that can connect to the server 3. In this case, any element constituting the information processing system 10 can be assigned to either the server 3 or the mobile terminal 4. Furthermore, the configuration shown in Figure 2 is just one example; for example, the information processing system 10 may be composed only of the user's terminal device (including the mobile terminal 4).

[0013] Next, the operation of the information processing system 10 will be described.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the movement route of a product.

[0015] In the example of FIG. 3, the product manufactured at the manufacturing factory 61 is transported to and displayed at the retail store 62 via the route 51. A user (consumer) who purchases the product travels back and forth between the home 63 and the retail store 62 via the route 52 (outbound route) and the route 53 (return route). One of the features of the information processing system 10 of this embodiment is that it calculates the movement of the product and the movement of the user along the routes 51, 52, and 53, and reflects them in the load amount (carbon dioxide emission amount) of carbon dioxide emissions associated with the product.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of transmitting product information from the server to the user's mobile terminal. Here, the case where the product is food is exemplified, but the present disclosure is applicable to any product.

[0017] In step S102 of FIG. 4, the server 3 determines whether the JAN code transmitted from the user's mobile terminal 4 has been received, and waits for an affirmative determination before proceeding to step S104.

[0018] Here, the JAN code is a number (code) for identifying a product, and the product can be uniquely specified by the JAN code. Usually, the JAN code is printed on the product (such as the packaging of the product).

[0019] In step S104, the server 3 specifies the product indicated by the received JAN code.

[0020] In step S106, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions at the manufacturing stage of the specified product is acquired. The amount of carbon dioxide emissions is, for example, the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged at the manufacturing stage of the product. The amount of carbon dioxide emissions at the manufacturing stage can be provided by, for example, the manufacturer of the product and stored in advance in the server 三 as data associated with the product.

[0021] In step S108, server 3 sends the identified product (step S104) and the acquired carbon dioxide emissions (step S106) to the user's mobile terminal 4, and then terminates the process.

[0022] Figure 4A is a flowchart showing the process of sending location information of a manufacturing plant from a server to a user's mobile device.

[0023] In step S122 of Figure 4A, the server 3 determines whether the manufacturer-specific code (information identifying the manufacturer) transmitted from the user's mobile terminal 4 has been received and associated with the JAN code. After confirming this determination, the server proceeds to step S124.

[0024] Here, the manufacturer's code is a code used to identify the manufacturing plant or other place where the product was made, and when combined with the JAN code, it makes it possible to uniquely identify the manufacturer of the product. Typically, the manufacturer's code is printed on the product (such as the product packaging). If the product is not food, other symbols, numbers, or other information can be used to identify the manufacturer instead of the manufacturer's code.

[0025] In step S124, server 3 obtains the location information of the manufacturing plant indicated by the manufacturing plant unique code. Here, the location information of the manufacturing plant can be stored in server 3 in advance, associated with the manufacturing plant.

[0026] In step S126, server 3 transmits the acquired manufacturing plant location information (step S124) to the user's mobile terminal 4 and terminates the process.

[0027] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process for calculating the carbon dioxide emission load during the manufacturing and distribution stages on a user's mobile device.

[0028] In step S202 of Figure 5, the mobile terminal 4 performs the JAN code reading process. Here, the user can read the JAN code by taking a picture of the product's JAN code with the camera on the mobile terminal 4.

[0029] In step S204, the mobile terminal 4 transmits the scanned JAN code (step S202) to the server 3. The transmitted JAN code is received by the server 3, and the product is identified (step S104).

[0030] In step S206, the mobile terminal 4 receives the product (step S108) sent from the server 3.

[0031] In step S208, the mobile terminal 4 receives the carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage (step S108) transmitted from the server 3.

[0032] In step S210, the mobile terminal 4 performs the process of acquiring the manufacturer's unique code. Here, for example, the user can input the manufacturer's unique code into the mobile terminal 4, or the user can take a picture of the product's manufacturer's unique code with the camera on the mobile terminal 4, thereby acquiring the manufacturer's unique code.

[0033] In step S212, the mobile terminal 4 transmits the acquired factory-specific code to the server 3. The transmitted factory-specific code is received by the server 3, and the location information of the factory is obtained (step S124).

[0034] In step S214, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) receives the location information of the manufacturing plant transmitted from the server 3 (step S126).

[0035] In step S216, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) acquires location information of the retail store where the product was purchased. Here, for example, the location information of the retail store can be acquired by the user inputting information that identifies the location of the retail store, or, if the user is at the retail store, based on the current location information of the mobile terminal 4.

[0036] In step S218, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage and stores it in the storage unit 13.

[0037] Here, the carbon dioxide emission load at the manufacturing stage is calculated based on the received carbon dioxide emissions at the manufacturing stage (step S208). This load may be calculated, for example, by converting the received carbon dioxide emissions at the manufacturing stage to a value corresponding to the carbon dioxide emissions per unit weight of the product to be purchased, if the received carbon dioxide emissions at the manufacturing stage are per unit weight of the product (e.g., food). Alternatively, the load may be calculated by multiplying the carbon dioxide emissions by a predetermined coefficient.

[0038] In step S220, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the distribution stage, stores it in the storage unit 13, and terminates the process.

[0039] Here, based on the received location information of the manufacturing plant (step S214) and the acquired location information of the retail store (step S216), the amount of carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the transportation of goods from the manufacturing plant to the retail store is calculated. For example, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions at the distribution stage may be calculated based on the distance of the route 51 (Figure 3) from the location of the manufacturing plant to the location of the retail store. Alternatively, the calculation method may be switched depending on the attributes of the route 51, such as whether it is by land or air, or the attributes of the means of transportation, such as whether it is by truck or rail.

[0040] Furthermore, the carbon dioxide emission load during the distribution stage is calculated as the amount corresponding to the transportation of the corresponding product. Therefore, for example, if other products are transported simultaneously by truck, a portion of the carbon dioxide emissions emitted during the movement from the manufacturing plant 61 to the retail store 62 (Figure 3) is allocated to the carbon dioxide emission load for the corresponding product. However, since it is usually difficult to grasp the detailed conditions during transportation, the allocation rate for the carbon dioxide emission load may be calculated uniformly according to the volume and weight of the product.

[0041] Figure 5A is a flowchart showing the process by which the user's mobile device calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions at the purchasing stage.

[0042] In step S222 of Figure 5A, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) obtains the routes 52 and 53 (Figure 3) that the user takes when purchasing a product. Here, for example, the user may input information about routes 52 and 53 (e.g., the distance of the routes) to the mobile terminal 4. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 4 may obtain the routes 52 and 53 that the user actually took based on the location information history and map information acquired by the mobile terminal 4.

[0043] In step S224, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) obtains the means of transportation used by the user when traveling along routes 52 and 53, such as walking, the user's car, or public transport. Here, for example, the user may input the means of transportation into the mobile terminal 4. Alternatively, if routes 52 and 53 are obtained based on the location information history acquired by the mobile terminal 4, the means of transportation may be determined based on the roads and travel speed that make up routes 52 and 53.

[0044] In step S226, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions at the purchasing stage based on the acquired routes 52 and 53 (step S222) and the acquired means of transportation (step S224), and stores it in the storage unit 13.

[0045] Here, for example, the carbon dioxide emission load or carbon dioxide emission can be calculated by multiplying the acquired distances of routes 52 and 53 by a coefficient corresponding to the acquired mode of transportation. For example, if the mode of transportation is walking, a relatively low load will be calculated, and if the mode of transportation is the user's car, a relatively high load will be calculated. Alternatively, instead of the distances of routes 52 and 53, the travel distance converted based on the straight-line distance on the map (distance between the coordinates of two points) and the coefficient may be used. Furthermore, the load may be calculated based on the distances of routes 52 and 53, the converted travel distance, the average moving speed in the area, and the carbon dioxide emission intensity (e.g., carbon dioxide emissions per unit distance at different speeds).

[0046] Furthermore, the carbon dioxide emission load at the purchasing stage is calculated as the amount corresponding to the transportation of the corresponding product, similar to the distribution stage. Therefore, for example, if other products are purchased at the same time at retail store 62, the carbon dioxide emissions required for the movement of the distance (or converted travel distance) of routes 52 and 53 are distributed among the multiple products. In other words, a portion of the carbon dioxide emissions required for the movement of routes 52 and 53 is allocated to the carbon dioxide emission load for the corresponding product. For example, the load may be calculated based on the value obtained by dividing the total carbon dioxide emissions by the number of products purchased simultaneously at retail store 62.

[0047] Figure 5B is a flowchart showing the process for calculating the total load on a user's mobile device. This process calculates the total load corresponding to the specific product being purchased, i.e., the sum of the carbon dioxide emissions at the manufacturing, distribution, and purchasing stages.

[0048] In step S242 of Figure 5B, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) obtains the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage, which was stored in step 218, from the storage unit 13.

[0049] In step S244, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) obtains the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the distribution stage, which was stored in step 220, from the storage unit 13.

[0050] In step S246, the calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) obtains the amount of carbon dioxide emissions at the purchasing stage, which was stored in step 226, from the storage unit 13.

[0051] In step S248, the carbon dioxide emission load during the manufacturing stage (step S242), the carbon dioxide emission load during the distribution stage (step S244), and the carbon dioxide emission load during the purchasing stage (step S246) are totaled. The calculation unit 11 (mobile terminal 4) then stores this total value as the total load in the storage unit 13 and terminates the process.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates a screen display showing the carbon dioxide emission load for a specific product being purchased.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 6, the output unit 12 displays the carbon dioxide emission load at the manufacturing, distribution, and purchasing stages, as well as the total load, on the screen 40 of the mobile terminal 4, associated with the purchased product.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 6, the product name is displayed in area 41a of the screen 40 of the mobile terminal 4, the JAN code is displayed in area 41b of the screen 40, and the manufacturer's unique code is displayed in area 42 of the screen 40. In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage is displayed in area 43a of the screen 40, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the distribution stage is displayed in area 43b of the screen 40, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the purchasing stage is displayed in area 43c of the screen 40. Furthermore, the total amount of emissions is displayed in area 44 of the screen 40.

[0055] Furthermore, by operating button 45 displayed on screen 40, the carbon dioxide emission load at the manufacturing, distribution, and purchasing stages, as well as the total load, for the next product will be displayed in the same manner.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment, for a given product, at least one of the carbon dioxide emission loads during the distribution stage and the carbon dioxide emission loads during the purchase stage is calculated, and the calculated carbon dioxide emission loads are output in association with the product. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the carbon dioxide emission load including the distribution stage or the purchase stage. For example, it can motivate users to choose walking rather than driving when going to a retail store. It can also provide users with useful information when selecting products.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the distribution stage and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the purchase stage are calculated based on the manner in which the goods move, that is, the manner in which they move during the distribution stage and the manner in which they move during the purchase stage. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during the distribution stage and the purchase stage can be calculated accurately.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output unit 12 can output the amount of carbon dioxide emissions (including the total amount) based on the user's actual purchasing behavior for a single product. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions related to the product actually purchased can be correctly recognized.

[0059] Furthermore, the output unit 12 can also output the amount of carbon dioxide emissions (including the total amount) based on hypothetical purchasing behavior set by the user. That is, the calculation unit 11 can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions based on hypothetical or assumed information input by the user, and the output unit 12 can output the calculation results from the calculation unit 11. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be predicted with high accuracy prior to purchasing a product. Therefore, the prediction results can be effectively used in selecting products or choosing means of transportation when purchasing.

[0060] The output unit 12 may output the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in a manner that allows for comparison between multiple individual units of a single product, or in a manner that allows for comparison with other similar products. Figure 6A illustrates a screen display that shows the predicted carbon dioxide emission load for similar products prior to purchasing them.

[0061] In the example in Figure 6A, the product names of similar products A to C are displayed in areas 46a to 46c, and the total carbon dioxide emission load (predicted value) for each product is displayed in areas 47a to 47c. Users can select products to purchase while referring to this information. In Figure 6A, the total carbon dioxide emission load is displayed as a representative value for each of products A to C, but the carbon dioxide emission load at the manufacturing, distribution, and purchase stages may also be displayed for each of products A to C.

[0062] Figure 6B shows an example of selecting products inside store X. In Figure 6B (and similarly in Figure 6C), “***” represents some numerical value.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 6B, the user reads information from the packaging of two similar products (e.g., instant noodles) A ​​and B displayed in store X, and displays the results of a load comparison on screen 40 of the mobile terminal 4. Screen 40 displays the load at the manufacturing stage, the distribution stage, the purchase stage, and the total load for each of the products A and B. In this case, for example, if the manufacturers of products A and B are different, the loads at the manufacturing and distribution stages will be different, while the load at the purchase stage will be the same. The user can refer to the total load column for each of the products A and B and select the product with the lower total load.

[0064] Figure 6C shows an example of selecting a store to purchase a product.

[0065] If the user made a comparison at store B as shown in Figure 6B, then, as shown in Figure 6C, screen 40 can display the workload at the manufacturing stage, the workload at the distribution stage, the workload at the purchasing stage, and the overall workload when purchasing product A at both store X and store Y. This allows the user to compare the overall workload when purchasing the same product A at store X and at store Y. In this case, the workload at the manufacturing stage will be the same, but the workload at the distribution stage and the purchasing stage will differ. If stores X and Y are close to each other, the user can choose to walk or cycle as their mode of transportation at the purchasing stage, making the difference in overall workload negligible. Also, if both the store and the user's home are easily accessible by train or bus, even if the distance is long, the user can reduce the workload at the purchasing stage associated with travel by using the bus or train instead of their own car.

[0066] In this way, users can make choices about products and stores to purchase them from while considering the overall burden (carbon dioxide emissions) associated with consumption.

[0067] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 11 can update the carbon dioxide emission load during the manufacturing stage periodically or irregularly. For example, carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage may change due to changes in the manufacturing process. In such cases, the data on carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage in the server 3 may be updated, and the carbon dioxide emission load during the manufacturing stage calculated by the calculation unit 11 may be updated accordingly. This ensures that the carbon dioxide emission load during the manufacturing stage is always calculated correctly and can also incentivize product manufacturers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing stage.

[0068] The output unit 12 can also output the amount of carbon dioxide emissions for a single product in a manner that allows for comparison among multiple users. For example, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions calculated on the mobile terminals 4 of multiple users can be transferred to the server 3 and managed by the server 3. In this case, one user can understand the amount of carbon dioxide emissions for a single product or similar product they are considering purchasing, while comparing it with the history of carbon dioxide emissions from other users. Therefore, the actual carbon dioxide emissions from other users can be useful information for reference when purchasing products.

[0069] Furthermore, the output unit 12 may output the user's own carbon dioxide emission load history stored in the storage unit 13. This allows the user to evaluate their current state, for example, the current value of the carbon dioxide emission load related to a specific product they purchased, by comparing it with past performance. This can, for example, increase the user's motivation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

[0070] Figure 7 illustrates the typical route a product takes when using an online shopping site.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, when purchasing goods through an online shopping site, for example, the goods are moved from the manufacturing plant 61 to the online shopping site's warehouse 64 via route 54, and then delivered to the user's home 63 via route 55. In such cases, by associating route 54 with the distribution stage and route 55 with the purchase stage, the process can be handled in the same way as when the goods movement routes shown in Figure 3 are applied. Therefore, for example, when purchasing goods, users can choose whether to use an online shopping site or go to a store to make a purchase, using the total load as a guideline.

[0072] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 3 servers 4 Mobile devices 10 Information Processing Systems 11 Calculation Section 12 Output section 13 Storage section

Images